SPLITMix4

Important Safety Instructions – Read First

Warning Symbols

Uninsulated Dangerous Voltage

This symbol [warning-symbol] alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure, which may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

Operating and Maintenance Instructions

This symbol [warning-symbol] alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.

General Safety Guidelines

Read Instructions: Retain safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings printed here and on the equipment. Follow the operating instructions printed in this user guide.

Do Not Open: There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer any service work to qualified technical personnel only.

Grounding: Only connect the unit to equipment with properly grounded mains power. Do not defeat the grounding and polarization means of the power cord plug of the connected equipment. Do not remove or tamper with the ground connection on the power cord of the connected equipment.

Environment: Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat, and vibration when operating and storing. Avoid tobacco ash, drink spillage, and smoke, especially that associated with smoke machines.

Handling: Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate padding if you need to ship the unit. To avoid injury to yourself or damage to the equipment, take care when lifting, moving, or carrying the unit.

Servicing: Refer servicing to qualified technical personnel.

Installation: Install the unit in accordance with the instructions printed in the user guide.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing Applied Research and Technology's SPLITMIX4. The SPLITMix4 is a fully passive hybrid mixer that offers a wide variety of configurations. It can mix 4 stereo input channels down to 1 stereo output, split a stereo input signal to distribute to 4 stereo output channels, or combine these configurations for a wide range of applications. You can even configure the SPLITMIX4 as 4 stereo input channels through 4 independent level attenuators to 4 stereo output channels.

Independent stereo level controls are provided on each channel. All 1/4-inch connections are stereo TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve), and all channel connections feature intelligent switching to allow for a wide variety of configurations. Plugging into a mix input channel removes it from the splitter bus, and plugging into a splitter output channel removes it from the mix bus. Stereo or mono operation is determined by the type of 1/4-inch plug and cabling used.

The fully passive design of the SPLITMix4 has no active circuitry to add noise or distortion, and virtually any signal level can be handled. The Level attenuators cover a wide range and offer over 90dB of attenuation and channel isolation. The SPLITMix4 is designed primarily as a line-level device with medium input and output impedances. While low-impedance microphones, speakers, headphones, and high-impedance instrument pickups may require an additional amplifier, any other audio equipment should work well with the SPLITMix4.

Applications

The following chart illustrates 9 ways to configure the SPLITMix4 for a wide range of applications. Stereo keyboards are shown as the source, but any line-level signal will work. Stereo powered speakers are shown as the load, but the outputs will function correctly into a mixer, HiFi system, computer, or instrument amplifier. All connections can be stereo or mono.

Application Chart Descriptions

Figure 1: Traditional Mixer

4-in, 1-out mixer with separate level control for each channel.

Figure 2: Distribution Mixer

1-in, 4-out "distribution mixer" configuration, where each output channel can control different audio zones.

Figure 3: Mixed Inputs, Split Outputs

Channels 3 and 4 mix 2 sources into 1 output, while Channels 1 and 2 provide 2 outputs from the splitter input source.

Figure 4: Mixed Inputs, Pass-Thru Output

Channels 2, 3, and 4 mix 3 sources into 1 output, while Channel 1 input passes through level control to Channel 1 output.

Figure 5: Splitter Input, Pass-Thru Output

Splitter input feeds Channels 2, 3, and 4 outputs, while Channel 1 input passes through level control to Channel 1 output.

Figure 6: External Processor Integration

Channels 3 and 4 sources are mixed and fed to an external processor. The processor's output is then split to Channels 1 and 2 outputs.

Figure 7: Mixed Inputs, Independent Outputs

Channels 3 and 4 mix 2 sources into 1 output, while Channels 1 and 2 inputs feed Channels 1 and 2 outputs with independent level controls.

Figure 8: Splitter Input, Independent Outputs

Splitter input feeds Channels 3 and 4 outputs, while Channels 1 and 2 inputs feed Channels 1 and 2 outputs with independent level controls.

Figure 9: Independent Inputs and Outputs

4 independent signal sources feed 4 independent outputs with separate level controls on each channel.

Front and Rear Unit Layout

Front Panel: Features four rotary knobs labeled ONE, TWO, THREE, and FOUR, each with a level indicator from 0 to 10. The ARTcessories logo is prominently displayed.

Rear Panel: Equipped with 1/4-inch TRS stereo jacks. The top row is labeled "Splitter" with four OUTPUT jacks. The bottom row is labeled "Mixer" with four INPUT jacks. Text indicates "All jacks are Stereo/Mono Tip, Ring, Sleeve". The unit also features a CE mark and is designed and developed in the USA by APPLIED RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY, Made in China.

Specifications

Warranty Information

Limited Warranty (USA only)

Applied Research and Technology will provide warranty and service for this unit in accordance with the following warrants: Applied Research and Technology (ART) warrants to the original purchaser that this product and the components thereof will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from the date of purchase. Applied Research and Technology will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective product or component parts upon prepaid delivery to the factory service department or authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase date in the form of a valid sales receipt.

Exclusions

This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs. This warranty is void if the serial number is altered, defaced, or removed. ART reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured. ART shall not be liable for any consequential damages, including without limitation damages resulting from loss of use. Some states do not allow limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other rights, which vary, from state to state. The warranty terms listed above are only valid within the United States of America. For units purchased outside the United States, an authorized distributor of Applied Research and Technology will provide service. For information on warranty and service policies outside of the U.S., please contact your local distributor.

For Your Reference

Please fill in the following information for your reference:

Date of purchase: _________________________

Purchased from: _________________________

Service

The following information is provided in the unlikely event that your unit requires service.

1. Troubleshooting: Be sure that the unit is the cause of the problem. Check to make sure that the unit has power supplied, that all cables are connected correctly, and that the cables themselves are in working condition. You may want to consult your dealer for assistance in troubleshooting or testing your particular configuration.
2. Return Authorization: If you believe that the ART unit is at fault, go to www.artproaudio.com. Select "Support", then "Return Authorization Request" to request a return authorization number.
3. Packaging for Service: If you are returning the unit for service, pack the unit in its original carton or a reasonable substitute. The original packaging may not be suitable as a shipping carton, so consider putting the packaged unit in another box for shipping. Print the RA number clearly on the outside of the shipping box. Print your return shipping address on the outside of the box.
4. Included Documentation: Include with your unit: a note with the RA number and your contact information, including a return shipping address (we cannot ship to a P.O. box) and a daytime phone number, and a description of the problem, preferably attached to the top of the unit. Also include a copy of your purchase receipt.