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ART S8 is an 8-channel passive 2-way microphone splitter in a 1U rack space. Each channel has one XLR input on the front and two XLR outputs on the rear, one direct and one transformer isolated, plus a ground lift switch and an input pad, so eight mics can feed two mixers at once.
Send the same eight microphones to front of house and monitors, or to a recorder, without a second set of mics.
The S8 splits eight balanced low impedance microphone signals into sixteen. The direct outputs go to the main mixer and pass its phantom power back to the microphones, so condenser mics work normally. The transformer isolated outputs go to a monitor mixer, recording system or broadcast feed.
Every channel has a ground lift switch for the isolated output to clear hum caused by ground loops between the two systems, and an input pad switch so line level sources such as keyboards, instrument preamps or mixer outputs can be split to two mic level outputs.
The design is passive, so there is no power supply to fail. It is housed in a 1U black steel chassis with reversible rack ears.
At a Glance
| Type | Passive 2-way microphone splitter |
| Channels | 8 |
| Inputs | 8 female XLR, front panel |
| Outputs per channel | 1 direct, 1 transformer isolated, male XLR, rear panel |
| Per channel controls | Input pad (-29 dB), ground lift |
| Phantom power | Passes through on direct outputs |
| Power | None required, passive |
| Rack size | 1U, 19 inch |
| Warranty | Full ART manufacturer warranty. Call 844-687-4208 for the current term |
Who Is the ART S8 For?
Live sound engineers running separate front of house and monitor mixers, churches and venues that record or stream services from a second console, and broadcast or event crews who need a clean split of the stage mics without sharing a single console.
How Much I/O Does the S8 Have?
| Microphone inputs | 8 female XLR, front |
| Direct outputs | 8 male XLR, rear, pass phantom power |
| Transformer isolated outputs | 8 male XLR, rear |
| Input pad | Switchable per channel, -29 dB |
| Ground lift | Switchable per channel, isolated output |
Which Output Should Go to the Main Mixer?
Connect the direct outputs to the main mixer and turn on phantom power there if your mics need it. Connect the transformer isolated outputs to the monitor console or recording system. The isolation transformer keeps the two systems from sharing a ground, and the ground lift switch gives a second way to clear hum.
What Are the Key Specifications?
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +/-0.25 dB at -15 dBu |
| THD | 0.002% typical at 1 kHz, -15 dBu input |
| Input impedance | Greater than 1.1 kOhm at 1 kHz |
| Output impedance | Less than 255 Ohm at 1 kHz |
| CMRR | Greater than 105 dB at 60 Hz, greater than 80 dB at 3 kHz |
| Phase shift | Less than 10 degrees at 20 kHz, ref. 1 kHz |
| Insertion loss | About 2 dB at 1 kHz |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 3.75 x 19 x 1.75 inches (95 x 483 x 44 mm) |
| Weight | 3.75 lb (1.7 kg) |
Why ART?
ART, Applied Research and Technology, has designed pro audio gear in Rochester, New York since 1984. Its splitters, patch bays, DI boxes and preamps are built for live rigs and studios that need simple, reliable signal routing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a genuine ART product?
Yes. Victory is a veteran owned dealer in Miami and units ship new in original packaging with full manufacturer support.
Does the S8 need power?
No. It is fully passive and has no power connection.
Will my condenser mics get phantom power?
Yes. The direct outputs pass phantom power from the main mixer back to the microphones.
Can I split line level signals?
Yes. Engage the input pad on that channel to connect a line level source and feed two mic level outputs.
I need three outputs per channel. Is there another model?
Yes. ART makes the S8-3Way, an 8-channel 3-way splitter. Call 844-687-4208 to order it.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, it is covered by the full ART manufacturer warranty. Call 844-687-4208 for the current term.