Splitters - WARNING Noobie question :)

hotpickups

I've been told that a splitter or something like a SUM to MONO device is a powered device i.e. Active one doesn't need to have a phase switch. Is that true? Doesn't seem correct to me ... but I am a novice about these things LOL

ICBM

You can have active or passive ones. Whether it needs a phase switch depends on what you're trying to split or sum, into what.

There's also the question of whether it needs a ground lift switch...

hotpickups

ICBM said:

You can have active or passive ones. Whether it needs a phase switch depends on what you're trying to split or sum, into what.

There's also the question of whether it needs a ground lift switch...

Split the signal into two amps @ICBM . Are their other scenarios except for a wet dry amp set up etc? On my sum to mono splitter it does have a ground lift and a phase switch, not that I've had to use them yet though. I ask as I've seen some splitters not having either of these and thought it would be quite rudimentary?

ICBM

hotpickups said:

Split the signal into two amps @ICBM . Are their other scenarios except for a wet dry amp set up etc?

Two amps - amp and DI - parallel FX chains.

You will need the option of ground lift and phase with two amps, to be sure it won't cause trouble - although sometimes it will be fine without. Amp and DI, probably not necessary since any decent DI box will have ground lift, some have phase, and most desks also have phase. Parallel FX chains - depends.

hotpickups said:

On my sum to mono splitter it does have a ground lift and a phase switch, not that I've had to use them yet though. I ask as I've seen some splitters not having either of these and thought it would be quite rudimentary?

Is your sum to mono active or passive? If it's passive you can probably use it backwards as a splitter. It's likely to be transformer-based and they work in either direction. If it's active, you can't.

hotpickups

It's active the one I have @ICBM i.e. needs power to it 

ICBM

hotpickups said:

It's active the one I have @ICBM i.e. needs power to it 

Bugger…

Although, you can still use it to fix phase or ground-loop issues if you simply use it in *one* of the signal paths, after a simple splitter like a stereo/dual-output pedal.

hotpickups

ICBM said:

hotpickups said:

It's active the one I have @ICBM i.e. needs power to it 

Bugger…

Although, you can still use it to fix phase or ground-loop issues if you simply use it in *one* of the signal paths, after a simple splitter like a stereo/dual-output pedal.

Bugger? That's good isn't it @ICBM ? For my use I.e. Stereo set up?

ICBM

Maybe. What exactly are you linking to what?

hotpickups

ICBM said:

Maybe. What exactly are you linking to what?

My lazy j20 and my RD Dualist which is a 30 watt valve amp 

ICBM

hotpickups said:

ICBM said:

Maybe. What exactly are you linking to what?

My lazy j20 and my RD Dualist which is a 30 watt valve amp 

Just from the guitar?

hotpickups

ICBM said:

hotpickups said:

ICBM said:

Maybe. What exactly are you linking to what?

My lazy j20 and my RD Dualist which is a 30 watt valve amp 

Just from the guitar?

Well through my timeline and möbius mainly 

ICBM

hotpickups said:

Well through my timeline and möbius mainly 

That should be easy. Connect the last pedal to both amps using the stereo outputs. If you get hum or a phase problem, put the sum to mono box between the pedal and one amp (probably doesn't matter which one but you can try either) using the input with the ground lift and phase switches.

hotpickups

ICBM said:

hotpickups said:

Well through my timeline and möbius mainly 

That should be easy. Connect the last pedal to both amps using the stereo outputs. If you get hum or a phase problem, put the sum to mono box between the pedal and one amp (probably doesn't matter which one but you can try either) using the input with the ground lift and phase switches.

Wel I got the box so I can easily switch from one amp or two depending on the venue

Gassage

What you really want to do is put the mobius in the loop of the TL and then from the TL out to stereo.

hotpickups

Gassage said:

What you really want to do is put the mobius in the loop of the TL and then from the TL out to stereo.

I think that's what I've done james 

ICBM

hotpickups said:

Wel I got the box so I can easily switch from one amp or two depending on the venue

Ah - I remember now , it's because these pedals don't have a mono output option if you're using stereo inputs.

So for one amp, use the sum to mono box as normal between the pedal and whichever amp you're using. For two amps, use it as above in the event of phase/ground problems - if you don't get any, you don't need to. That should cover all the options I think, no need for any extra kit.

hotpickups

ICBM said:

hotpickups said:

Wel I got the box so I can easily switch from one amp or two depending on the venue

Ah - I remember now , it's because these pedals don't have a mono output option if you're using stereo inputs.

So for one amp, use the sum to mono box as normal between the pedal and whichever amp you're using. For two amps, use it as above in the event of phase/ground problems - if you don't get any, you don't need to. That should cover all the options I think, no need for any extra kit.

Yep that's it. That's why I got it  

I just wondered why some Sum to Mono boxes don't have the phase or ground lift switches included. I thought it would be quite standard for the possible eventuality

ICBM

Probably because unless you're going to use them for more complex routing, it isn't necessary. eg if you're just going to combine typical stereo outputs from one device into mono, there will never be phase or ground issues. Having them just lets you use it for other more odd stuff .