Klark Teknik DN1248 Plus 3U 12-Channel Microphone Splitter
A fixture on high level concert touring and outside broadcast events, DN1248PLS-DP is a road-proven and reliable microphone signal splitting solution which has been used for mixing and recording important live events for posterity for well over a decade. DN1248PLS-DP provides a four-way output split from each of its 12 input channels, which feature Midas Heritage microphone preamplifiers with +48 V phantom power and independent gain switching. A console-style Solo Bus and integrated headphone amplifier is provided for monitoring input signals, an essential aid for system set-up and confirming signal integrity.
As standard, DN1248PLS-DP features two electronically-balanced outputs for connection to Front of House and monitor position mixing consoles and two transformer-balanced outputs, ideally suited for connection to third party recording and outside broadcast equipment. DN1248PLS-DP is fitted with dual redundant power supplies as standard. Optionally, all outputs may be transformer-balanced as a factory option (DN1248PLS-FM).
Award-Winning Midas Heritage Microphone Preamplifier
The Midas microphone preamplifier is considered by leading live sound and recording engineers to be the very essence of the famous Midas sound. Decades of design experience paired with the finest choice of premium-grade components lead to the acclaimed warmth and depth - bringing out subtle ambience, maintaining spatial positioning and more effectively capturing a precise sound image. The acclaimed sound of the award-winning Midas microphone preamplifier has inspired generations of live sound engineers to their best work, creating sonic panoramas that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Since pristine sound always begins with the microphone preamplifier, the first point where the signal enters the console, DN1248PLS-DP features Midas Heritage microphone preamplifiers, which faithfully reproduce every sonic detail so no part of a performance will ever be missed. Transparent and pristine sound, low noise and high common-mode rejection are all hallmarks of this classic design.
Over the years many mix engineers have found this robust and overload-tolerant design takes on a whole new dimension of sound when driven hard, the crystal-clear audiophile reproduction giving way to just the right combination of harmonics, a warm and organic sound heard by millions of concert goers and recorded for posterity on countless live albums over the years.
Solo Bus with Integrated Headphone Amplifier
DN1248PLS-DP features a console-style Solo Bus which allows monitoring of the incoming signals at source using the integrated headphone monitoring amplifier. The Solo Bus also features both input and output connectors, allowing the bus to be cascaded between multiple units, so that all channels can be monitored from a single unit's headphone amplifier. Each channel is equipped with an illuminated Solo switch which features dual modes of operation - channels may be selected on either an additive or an exclusive basis. A 6-segment LED bar graph meter is provided to provide a clear indication of the channel, or channels, being monitored, and a level control is also provided for the headphone amplifier.
Comprehensive Channel Control
In addition to the dual-mode Solo switch, each input channel also features illuminated switches for +48 V phantom power and earth lift, allowing for 'at a glance' status display, even at wide distances and viewing angles. Independent +30 dB and -15 dB gain switches are provided for each channel, which may also be used in combination for +15 dB gain. Each channel also has individual LED metering for signal present and clipping indication.
Flexible Connections
DN1248PLS-DP is configured for both the requirements of PA rental companies and outside broadcasters, with front and rear panel connections designed for the convenience of both. The rear panel connections are designed to meet the cable looming requirements of rental companies, and feature a duplicate set of the input connections plus two electronically-balanced splitter outputs, intended for connection to Front of House and monitor consoles. These outputs are servo-balanced and have high-drive capability to cope with long cable runs. One set of electronically-balanced outputs is also duplicated on the front panel for added convenience.
Two sets of transformer balanced-outputs are provided on the front panel of DN1248PLS-DP to suit the needs of outside broadcasters, especially when connecting to units belonging to PA rental companies where the rear panel connections are already in use for the mixing console and stage connections. This separation of front and rear panel connections greatly simplifies the cable looming for both parties and avoids any need to re-patch cables.
A replacement DN1248DP blanking panel is also available, allowing users to fit their own choice of connectors such as multi-pin types. All internal rear panel loom connections are made to spring-loaded terminal connectors so that soldering is not required.
Built for the Road
Featuring a rugged steel 3U rackmount enclosure, the DN1248PLS-DP is designed for the rigours of live concert touring. Premium Neutrik* connectors are used to ensure reliable audio connections, night after night.
Dual Redundant Universal Switch-Mode Power Supplies
DN1248PLS-DP features dual-redundant power supplies, which are auto-voltage sensing for use on a worldwide basis and provide seamless switchover in the unlikely event of a loss of one power supply.
Architecture & Engineering Specifications
The microphone splitter shall perform the function of splitting each of 12 discrete microphone channels into four outputs. Eachchannel shall have a microphone preamplifier, two transformer-isolated outputs, and two electronically balanced outputs. Each channel shall also provide separate +15 dB boost and -30 dB pad switches, switchable +48V phantom power, an earth lift function and a soloing facility.
The microphone splitter shall have a headphone amplifier to allow the monitoring of soloed audio channels. The headphone amplifier shall have a headphone jack socket for the headphones, a rotary level control for the headphones output and a six-segment LED bargraph for monitoring the soloed signal level.
The microphone splitter shall have the following audio connections for each of the twelve audio channels, which shall be via 3-pin XLR style connectors -
- Inputs: two parallel-connected female XLR connectors (one on the front panel and the other on the rear panel).
- Transformer Outputs: one male XLR connector on the front panel for each of the two outputs.
- Electronic Outputs: one output with one front and one rear panel male XLR connectors, one output with one rear panel male XLR connector only.
The microphone splitter rear panel connectors shall be mounted on three removable plates, and shall be grouped as one panel of input connectors and two panels of output connectors.
The microphone splitter shall have all inputs and outputs available internally on PCB-mounted terminal strips to enable users to retrofit alternative rear panel connector configurations.
The microphone splitter shall include two auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supplies with dual redundancy for use on a worldwide basis.
The microphone splitter shall be housed in a standard 3U 19" rackmount chassis, and shall be 483 mm wide x 319 mm deep x 132 mm high (19.0" x 12.6" x 5.2"), with nominal weight 7.4 kg (16.3 lbs). The microphone splitter shall be installed in a rack frame or road case capable of safely supporting its weight. Input, output, and
