Y cable or splitter box?

D

DNN

Well-known member
I'm planning on buying a Sound Devices 302 and want to output the left and right channel at line level to my C100 and simultaneously to a recorder as a backup. I'd send a mixed down signal to my b-cam through the ta3 output. I was thinking of buying a y-cable and splitting the XLR outputs. But I heard that this setup can sometimes introduce some ground loop hum and db loss. Should I buy a Sescom y-cable with the built in transformer or an Art splitter with a transformer isolated output? Or is this something that I shouldn't worry about? This would be processed, post preamp output. As many as three mics would be connected directly to the mixer. Thanks for any advice.
 
Transformer mic splitters can usually eliminate ground loops. A simple 'Y' cables would not, unless there's a ground can be lifted. Even then, transformers plus a ground lift is best. If all the devices are battery powered, or all plugged into the same the same AC outlet, ground loops are usually not an issue.
 
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Thanks for the reply. So if I'm working full battery power on all devices, no problem using a Y cable. But if plugged in, best to use a transformer. By the way, this is the Sescom Y cable that I was thinking to keep fewer devices out of my bag. It's got a transformer built in. I guess I trust Sescom more than I do Art, which has always seemed low end. But I guess this is a passive role so doesn't influence the sound quality. It does seem funny to attach a $50 box to a professional level mixer.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...LL9grr6_r4CFZNffgod_Y4AbQ&is=REG&Q=&A=details
 
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Remember that the SD 302 has an additional output ("TAPE OUT/MIX OUT") I would make a cable to use between that output and your camcorder.
Are you using the big handle accessory with the XLR inputs? Assuming you are using the camera audio as secondary/backup/sync and not as the primary track?

If all the equipment is battery operated, it is unlikely that you will need transformer isolation.

That Sescom Y-cable is for digital signals, not for analog audio. The transformer will likely make a hash out of your audio. NOT RECOMMENDED.
 
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The line running to my A-cam will be the sound that I use. I want to put the SD's better limiter and pre's in front of the A-cam as well as have more easily accessible dials and meters. The C100 actually has good pre's but the controls are not convenient and can introduce camera shake when adjusting levels. Especially when using longer lenses. This situation I'm talking about would be in cases where I'm in a fixed position at an event and might have access to AC power. I'm using the recorder for backup. The tape out will be going to my B-cam for use as a scratch track. I know that line would be unbalanced. Would it make any difference to use a short ta3 to XLR and then a balanced XLR to XLR cable for the rest of the run? The B-cam would typically be about 10 to 15 feet away. Thanks Richard.
 
Thanks for that. You look far more organized than I am. That's pretty cheap for four channels.
 
"Would it make any difference to use a short ta3 to XLR and then a balanced XLR to XLR cable for the rest of the run? The B-cam would typically be about 10 to 15 feet away"
- In this case, I would not worry about an unbalanced 10-15' cable run for a sync/scratch track. Your better off sending the XLR output to the primary recording device, assuming it's also +4dB.
 
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If a simple splitter works then it will be fine but an isolating box will be more flexible if you have to interface with other units.

I have a couple of the ART boxes and they seem to do the job well.
 
GaryNattrass said:
If a simple splitter works then it will be fine but an isolating box will be more flexible if you have to interface with other units.

I have a couple of the ART boxes and they seem to do the job well.
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Thanks, that's good to know since those are really cheap in price. I do take feeds from boards at events at times. That's usually pretty unpredictable so it's nice to be prepared.
 
'Y' splits will work fine for what your trying to do..... but they do drop the level to each camera a few db (easy to send tone when every thing is connected, set the levels eveything will be OK)

Are you doing a "stereo" mix / split tracks or Mono? If you are doing mono then you will have 4 outputs by using both the XLR and TA3 outs.

A couple of times a year I do sound for 'School Teacher Training' shooting on 2 but ocassionally 3 cameras. and normally 2 radio mics and a lecturn mic.
My normal setup (on ALL cameras) is Camera top mic into Ch1 on 'auto gain' and Ch2 is fed line level from the mixer on 'manual gain'. The radio mics and lecturn are all mixed to just one channel (Ch2) to enable rapid turn around in post production. The post mix is Ch2 full level and a little 25% ish of Ch1 to add some room noise to match the pictures.
 
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