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I have a small home-studio that shares space with our bands practice space. When we practice, we are plugged into the mixer for the PA. When we want to record, we have to take time to unplug from the mixer and plugin to the preamps in the studio (Seventh Circle, ART Digital MPA).

My question is this: Is it possible to make a split cable to plug into the output of the preamps , then run one output into the recording console and one output into the PA mixer? Would this have any negative effect on sound quality for recording? (it is a cheap Alesis 12R mixer...) Could it damage equipment? Are there any other issues with doing this?

I'm pretty sure I know how to actually make the split cable (handy with a sodering iron), but I just wanted to ask if this idea is electronically and sonically sound.

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Kev Wed, 12/28/2005 - 22:30

I think you can

but before I make a fool of myself tell me exactly what mic-pres you have and the two desks you will interface with and which inputs you will use.

I'm guessing that the Mic-pres are 600 ohm outout ready
and
the cheap Alesis 12R mixer on line input is bridging (high imp)
and
the recording mixer ?? ... (hope it is high imp)

then it may work a treat ...

BUT
you need to be aware of ground loops and Phantom powers clashing.

you need to research and experiment carefully

anonymous Thu, 12/29/2005 - 11:18

The mic pres are Seventh Circle A12 and N72, and an ART Digital MPA. The mixer is an Alesis 12R. The recording console is an 002.

So from what I have gathered so far, I should use a transformer isolated splitter box. I assume it is better to get a box that runs a direct signal through one output and the transformer isolated signal through the other output? Then I could hook up the "pure" signal to the recording board and the isolated signal to the mixer for rehearsal. Also, should I split the signal right from the mic or after the nicer mic pre?

Kev Thu, 12/29/2005 - 13:15

I've just done a google on the Alesis 12R
it's a Mic mixer but it does have " 12 balanced TRS line inputs "
(and Phantom power switch - even though phantom is not on the line inputs)
I can't find the spec for input imp
but
First I'd be trying a direct wired y cord but with the addition of two earth lifts.
Both the 002 and the Alesis 12R are relatively high imp inputs
and
the Seventh Circle has grunt to drive 600 or less

I'll have to look up some specs on the ART Digital MPA.

there is a good chance the simple solution will be cool.
make sure phantom IS OFF and I don't see how any thing will get hurt
also the erth lifts will remove the ground return of any phantom.