Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of the Radial ProMS2 mic
splitter. This simple yet extremely handy device will likely
fi
nd its way into all
types of applications such as splitting mic signals and distributing signals
throughout your audio system.
We have purposely written this manual to be short, as most users will likely
be familiar with the ProMS2’s microphone splitting applications. We do sug-
gest that you take a moment to read through this document to familiarize
yourself with the features that are built in. For more detailed information,
please visit the FAQ section on the Radial website. This is also where we
post questions and answers that come from users after the product is re-
leased. If you do not
fi
nd an answer, we invite you to send us an email at
[email protected] and we will do our best to answer your query in short
order.
Introduction
The ProMS2 is a balanced microphone splitter that distributes the mic signal
and sends it to three outputs. Splitting microphone signals is most common
in sound reinforcement when the on-stage microphones must feed two mix-
ing consoles such as a house PA and a monitor console. Other applications
include splitting a mic signal in the studio to feed more than one preamp or
splitting the signal to feed a live broadcast or recording truck.
Live: to house, monitor and recording mixers.
Studio: splitting a mic to feed two preamps.
Signal Flow
Following the block diagram below, the ProMS2
fi
rst routes the input to a
-30dB attenuator PAD that allows the ProMS2 to be used with line-level
sources. Next, the signal is divided three ways between the DIRECT-1 thru-
put, DIRECT-2 output with ground lift and transformer ISOLATED output
(also with ground lift).
+48V PHANTOM
MICROPHONE
ISOLATED OUT
DIRECT OUT-2
DIRECT OUT-1
The DIRECT-1 output is a parallel thru-put that allows 48V phantom power
from the mixing console to feed back to a condenser mic or active direct box.
The DIRECT-2 output is identical to the DIRECT-1 thru-put, except that it is
equipped with a separate ground LIFT switch to help reduce ground loop noise.
The DIRECT-2 output can be used to send a balanced, mic-level signal to an
alternate device such as a recording system.
The ISOLATED output is used to feed a second mixing console and employs
a high performance Eclipse mic bridging transformer to eliminate the hum and
buzz caused by ground loops. Ground loops are commonly encountered when
connecting two audio systems together and can be heard as hum or buzz in the
audio system. The ISOLATED output breaks the ground loop between equipment
and allows a second system to operate without noise.
Connecting the ProMS2
Before connecting the ProMS2 make sure the sound system is turned off and
all levels are set to zero. This will avoid any connection transients that could
cause damage to speakers. Con
fi
rm that the PAD and LIFT buttons are set to
their outward position. The ProMS2 is completely passive and does not require
a power supply to work.
Using balanced XLR cables, connect the output of a microphone or direct box
to the ProMS2 INPUT. Next, connect the DIRECT-1 output to your primary mix-
ing console. If you are using a condenser microphone or active direct box, turn
on the phantom power. It’s important to note that the mixing console supplying
+48V phantom power must be connected to the DIRECT-1 thru-put XLR jack.
The other outputs, DIRECT-2 and ISOLATED, should not be used to pass phan-
tom power back to the mic or direct box.
Turn on your audio system and test the signal at a low volume to ensure the
ProMS2 is properly connected and the microphone is working. After the primary
mixing console is working, connect the ISOLATED output to your second mix-
ing console such as a monitor or recording system. Test the second system to
ensure all is working well.
The ISOLATED output is equipped with a ground LIFT switch that decouples the
signal ground. If you hear hum or buzz after connecting the ISOLATED output
depress the LIFT switch to eliminate the noise.
The DIRECT-1 output connects to the mixer that will supply phantom power to condenser mics and ac-
tive DI’s. The ISOLATED output connects to your second audio system and prevents ground loop noise
between systems
+48V PHANTOM
PRIMARY SYSTEM
SECOND SYSTEM
ISOLATED
DIRECT-1
J-RAK 8
The optional J-RAK 8 is a 19” rack chassis that lets you mount up to eight
Radial devices in a neat 2RU rackmount package. The DI’s and splitters
can be mounted with either the input side or output side facing the front.
Ideal for creating high-density groups of direct boxes and mic splitters for
the studio or live touring.
J-RAK 4
The optional J-RAK 4 is a 19” rackmount chassis that lets you package
four Radial devices in one rack space (1RU). Like the J-RAK 8, the DI’s
and splitters can be mounted with either the input side or output side facing
the front.
J-CLAMP
The optional J-CLAMP lets you
mount a single Radial device to
virtually any surface. It’s perfect for
hiding away a mic splitter or direct
box in a rack or podium or under
a table.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
ProMS2
®
Microphone Splitter
ProMS2
®
Microphone Splitter
ProMS2
®
Microphone Splitter
Using the Direct-2 output
To make the ProMS2 as
fl
exible as possible, the DIRECT-2 output allows
you to split the signal to a third destination. It also features a ground LIFT
switch that can be effective at reducing noise caused by ground loops. If
you hear hum or buzz after connecting the DIRECT-2 output try depressing
the LIFT switch.
Using with line level source
The ProMS2 can also be used to split a ba4dB line-level source by
engaging the -30dB PAD at the input. This attenuates the signal from line-level
devices to match microphone signals and make them compatible with the
preamp input of mixing consoles. An application for the PAD would include
sub-mixing where the output of one console is fed into the input of another.
