The Radial ProMS2 is a high performance mic splitter that accepts a balanced microphone signal and sends it to three outputs simultaneously. As a passive device, there is no need for power - you merely plug in and the ProMS2 automatically springs to life to deliver pristine audio without artefact or color.
The magic inside the ProMS2 is a premium Eclipse ET-MS10 transformer. This features a nickel laminated core that delivers a wide frequency response and exceptional signal handling with virtually zero distortion at all frequencies. And with better than 115dB of common mode noise rejection, you can rest assured that hum and buzz caused by ground loops and stray DC currents will be kept at a minimum. To shield against stray magnetic fields, the transformer is doubly protected with an integral MuMETALr can plus a rugged external steel enclosure. This is augmented with RF filtering and a 100% discrete signal path to ensure optimal signal flow.
As with all Radial products, construction begins with a rugged 14-gauge steel for maximum durability. A unique book-end design creates a recessed zone around the switches and connectors to protect against the harsh environment of concert touring. An internal I-beam frame makes it virtually impossible to torque the PC board which could otherwise compromise the sensitive solder joints. The innovative design has the unique advantage of allowing up to 8 units to be rack-mounted using the Radial J-Rak. Typical applications include splitting a signal in the studio to feed more than one preamp, feeding a stage mic to more than one mixing console, or even splitting the signal from a live stage to supply a broadcast feed.
The Radial ProMS2 is a great sounding problem solver that lets you split microphone and DI signals with ease and confidence.
Making connections
As with all electronic equipment, make sure you turn levels down or turn components off before making connections. This will help avoid damage from turn-on transients that could otherwise harm more sensitive devices such as loudspeakers.
Connect your microphone to the XLR female INPUT and the XLR male DIRECT OUTPUT to your main mixing console. This connection allows 48V DC phantom power to be sent from the main mixer back, should you be using a condenser microphone or active direct box. Test at a low volume to make sure signal is passing.
Next, connect the ISOLATED XLR male output to your second mixer. Because this output is transformer isolated, it will block DC voltage from passing through the ProMS2 which could cause noise. Depending on the setup, you may want to use the transformer isolated output to either feed your monitors or your recording system. The advantage with an isolated output is greater immunity to noise when connecting more than two consoles together. Test this output to make sure signal is passing.
The third DIRECT-2 output is an XLR out with a ground lift switch. This 'auxiliary output' is used an alternate when sending the signal to a third mixer. This is often used to feed a broadcast truck as these are generally equipped with transformer isolated inputs.
Using the ground lift
Both the isolated and direct-2 outputs are equipped with ground lift switches. Should you encounter hum or buzz, simply depress the switch to find the setting that is most quiet. Lifting the ground also stops phantom power from flowing. This eliminates the chance of having two consoles attempting to supply 48 volts to the same microphone.
Using the pad
Occasionally, you may encounter an extra hot source device such as the balanced line level output of a video playback machine that may need to be connected to your PA system. These high output devices can overload the mic bridging transformer. If you hear distortion, simply depress the -30dB pad. This will reduce the input sensitivity going to the transformer and solve the problem. Keep in mind that the output from the ProMS2 is mic level and should be connected to the mic input of a mixer.