Signal splitters: active vs passive

[speed2dirt]

I'm looking at buying a signal splitter to be able to run two amps at once. In researching, I've narrowed it down to the Radial Twin City ABY pedal and the Lehle P-Split signal splitter. Truthfully, I don't need to be able to switch amps with an ABY pedal. Once I have two amps blending into sonic bliss, I don't think I'll be switching them off. But the real question I have is: is an active or passive splitter better? What's the difference tonally? I will be using high gain amps (does that matter since the signal is split before the amps?), overdrive pedals (also after the splitter) with moderate output pickups. The Radial is active with a buffer while the Lehle is passive. Both get glowing reviews online, both seem to do the same thing, both have high-profile professionals using them, so what's the tonal difference???

 

[some_dude]

Re: Signal splitters: active vs passive

If you split the signal to two amps with a passive split there's a significant drop in signal hitting the amp.

With an active split there isn't.

IMO, use a passive split if there is an active buffer earlier in the chain.

Use an active split if there is no buffer earlier in the chain.... Or use an active if you don't want to worry about it either way.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Signal splitters: active vs passive

I use the Radial and it has other benefits besides being powered: it has a phase switch and a ground lift as well. Very useful features for gigging!

Edit: I have been using maxed out low wattage amps in combination for a few years now. I much prefer it to a large-wattage, high headroom monster ...

 

[Hank-]

Re: Signal splitters: active vs passive

Well when you split a signal in parallel between two amp inputs, the impedance drops if the splitter is passive. Doesnt matter whats placed in front of the splitters input, the outputs are still not buffered & are reducing the source impedance. An active splitter will have buffers on its two outputs so there wont be a drop in impedance values of the source & split signals.

Go active imo.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Signal splitters: active vs passive

Also, isolated splitters (which provide useful ground-lift and phase-swap functions) require an isolation transformer. Good-quality audio isolation transformers are shockingly expensive. With the active electronics in a buffered splitter, the designer can do a lot to compensate for a less-than-studio-quality transformer.

 

[speed2dirt]

Re: Signal splitters: active vs passive

Thanks guys! That makes a lot of sense. Being as I only use overdrive pedals at most (no buffers), looks like I should be going active with the Radial. The fact that both the Lehle and Radial have ground lifts and phase swaps, the only significant difference was the active vs passive. Lehle's isolation transformers are handwound by Lehle and are supposed to be very transparent without degrading the signal.

From Lehle's website:
"neither sound nor dynamics will be altered, the signal is passing the switcher without any loss in strength or frequency. We use our self-developed Lehle LTHZ transformers for this, the selection of high quality components guarantees a rich sound throughout the full frequency range."

http://lehle.com/EN/Lehle-P-Split-II

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Signal splitters: active vs passive

Lehle's quality is without question. They are highest of the high end!

 

[dystrust]

Re: Signal splitters: active vs passive

Lehle's quality is without question. They are highest of the high end!

With a price tag to match.

I've heard great things about Lehle, but could never justify the price tag to try one. It's been a few years, but back when I ran two amps I used a Radial JX-2 Switchbone. It looks pretty similar to the Twin City, but with a foot switchable boost / mute function.

 

[Hank-]

Re: Signal splitters: active vs passive

Ah, i wasn't thinking of passive split in terms of isolated transformer based, more along the lines of a simple Y split. In that case as long as the transformer is high quality it will be more or less just as effective as a active splitter if the cable runs aren't incredibly long. Although it maybe more expensive to go passive since those transformers get pricier with quality. Whirlwind has some cool stuff too but i'm not sure how it compares to others.

 

[speed2dirt]

Re: Signal splitters: active vs passive

With a price tag to match.

I've heard great things about Lehle, but could never justify the price tag to try one.

The price difference between the Twin City and the P-Split is minimal ($10 at most retailers). For my need of simply splitting the signal whether switchable or not, these both work. Now if I was comparing the ABY pedals (Twin City to Little Dual), we're talking a $70 difference or 44% markup compared to the Radial which definitely makes my decision for me.

Lehle's reputation and their list of artists using their products are hard to ignore. Plus, the lack of power required since it's passive is enticing. But if the buffer makes a significant difference, I have no problem going with Radial. I already have their Texas overdrive, which is an extremely well-built product and their noiseless switches are amazing!

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Signal splitters: active vs passive

I was running dual d.Loops for a while.
Lehle is worth every penny in my book!