The LEHLE P-SPLIT III is a passive signal splitter designed for high-fidelity signal routing and hum elimination. It is engineered to split signals without technical compromises, ensuring maximum musical fidelity. The device is built with high-quality components and robust construction, manufactured and tested in Germany for long-term reliability.
Function Description:
The core of the LEHLE P-SPLIT III is the high-end LEHLE TRANSFORMER HZ, which provides galvanic isolation between its two outputs. This isolation effectively eliminates ground loops, which are a common cause of background noise when multiple electronic devices are connected. The transformer is specifically designed to handle both high-impedance and low-impedance signals with uncompromising sound quality.
The primary function of the P-SPLIT III is to split an input signal into two outputs: a direct output (DIR) and an isolated output (ISO). The input signal is always present on both the ISO and DIR outputs, as the unit operates entirely passively without semiconductors or active components in the signal path. This passive design ensures that the original signal remains unaltered.
The P-SPLIT III can be used in various applications:
- Splitter for two amplifiers: It allows an instrument (e.g., electric guitar or bass with passive magnetic pickups) to be connected to two amplifiers simultaneously. This setup is often favored by musicians for achieving a powerful and "big" sound.
- Compact passive DI box: By utilizing the balanced signal output from the ISO output, the P-SPLIT III can function as a high-quality DI box for various signal types. A TRS/XLR adapter may be needed for XLR inputs. This is particularly effective with instruments that have active pickups or when a buffer (like the LEHLE SUNDAY DRIVER II) is placed before the P-SPLIT III's input.
- Line isolator for hum loops: When two electronic devices connected to each other cause background noise due to ground loops, inserting the P-SPLIT III between them, using its ISO output, galvanically isolates the devices, eliminating the hum.
- Recording splitter: It enables recording both the amplified signal and the dry (unprocessed) signal from an instrument simultaneously. The dry signal can then be routed to a real amplifier or a digital emulator for editing during mixing.
- Reamplification box: After recording a dry signal, the P-SPLIT III can be used to feed this signal through an amplifier during mixing, preventing ground loops and undesirable noise. The LEHLE TRANSFORMER HZ ensures galvanic isolation for both balanced and unbalanced signals from a sound card or DAW.
- Balanced/unbalanced signal converter: For connecting units with only balanced inputs/outputs to those with only unbalanced inputs/outputs, the P-SPLIT III can convert signals while maintaining ground isolation.
- Passive summing box for stereo signals: In setups with a complex stereo signal but only one amplifier, the P-SPLIT III can passively sum a stereo signal into a mono signal. It can also sum and isolate line signals from devices like CD players or laptops to a mono monitor speaker without creating ground loops. Best results are achieved when summing two signals from the same device (e.g., a stereo signal) due to impedance matching.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Weight: 375 g
- Dimensions: Length 3.55", Width 3.6", Overall height 1.45"
- Max Level: +20 dBu (THD < 1%, 50 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.003% (0 dBu, 1 kHz)
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 100 kHz -0.1/ +0.4 dB (source 600 Ω, load 1 MΩ)
- Input impedance (transformer load impedance): min. 2 MΩ at 2 kHz
Usage Features:
- Input Socket (1): Connects the instrument or output from an effects unit or DAW.
- Output Socket DIR (2): Direct output for connecting an amplifier or effects unit. The input signal and its ground are present directly on this socket.
- Phase Inverter Switch (3): Gold-plated contacts allow flipping the signal phase at the ISO output by 180°. This helps prevent phase cancellations that can result in a "thin" sound when splitting signals to two amps.
- Ground Lift Switch (4): Connects or disconnects the ground conductors of the DIR and ISO outputs. This switch helps minimize noise depending on the connected units and their power supplies.
- ISO Output (5): Provides an input signal isolated by the LEHLE TRANSFORMER HZ. It can output balanced or unbalanced signals regardless of the input signal type.
- Passive Operation: The P-SPLIT III requires no power supply to perform all its functions.
- High-Impedance Signal Handling: It is designed to split high-impedance signals to high-impedance inputs effectively. For low-impedance inputs, a preamp or buffer may be needed in the signal path to convert the high-impedance signal to low-impedance.
- Cable Length Considerations: For passive splitting of high-impedance signals, short, high-quality cables are recommended. Long cable routings (over 10m) from passive guitars to the splitter and then to amps can cause audible sound losses. For longer distances, especially with unbalanced setups, using a buffer like the LEHLE SUNDAY DRIVER II to convert to a balanced signal is advised, allowing cable runs of up to 100m.
Maintenance Features:
- Mounting: The P-SPLIT III can be mounted to a pedalboard using the optional LEHLE Mounting Kit V3 (order number 100981). This involves undoing four housing screws with a 2.5 mm Allen Key, detaching the cover, fixing the device base to a base plate with screws, washers, and spacers, then reattaching the cover and tightening the screws.
- Alternative Mounting: For flexible solutions, 3M Dual Lock™ is recommended instead of Velcro for stability. Users are advised to note the serial number on the bottom of the pedal before covering it for support purposes.
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