Powered Line-input Signal Splitter? Options

[Wilko]

Hey, hey. I was wondering if there existed some kind of box, that split an incoming signal from a 1/4 jack into multiple 1/4 ouputs. So basically, a box that routes an input from a guitar to multiple outputs, but powered, so the signal is identical as possible through each output.

I'm trying to find something like this because I want to run my guitar through my pod XT into my Firepod, and also have the same signal going through to a seperate amp, which will be mic'd, also going into the firepod... so basically I want to record a real amp with my mic one track, as well as having an emulated mic'ing on another track going through the Pod XT. Hope I didn't over complicate that.


Guitar Out ------> Splitter input --->

Splitter Out 1- Pod XT ----> FirePod

Splitter Out 2 - Amp (which is mic'd) ---> FirePod

In essence, the same idea as a headphone signal splitter (shown below), only for a guitar signal.

http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics.../1/5/240215.jpg

This post has been edited by Wilko: Mon 20 Feb 2006, 00:47

[jce44]

Hi Wilko, I was very intrigued with your question. Newbie myself... to digital recording anyway.

DI (or direct) boxes can be had for under $70, and they come in many diff configs, alowing you to use different cables/connects and even control the signal levels. There's too many options to mention. Passive, active,... Higher quality with more options will equal more bucks.

Doesn't your PODxt have 2 out jacks? (L & R @ +4dBU [balanced 1/4" TRS] OR @ -10 dBV [unbalanced 1/4" TR] ) I looked up the specs, but I'm not sure how it splits these off? Must be "L", Left channel & "R" Right channel, mono to stereo?

And what kind of "separate" amp do you have and does it have multiple inputs? Maybe one of these inputs would allow you to connect one of the PODxt outs (at the appropriate signal level) to it?

You may be able to get by with just a "Y" cable, but yes, you'll lose 1/2 or 3 dB of your signal strength. You also may be able to compensate for the signal loss by tweaking your amp gear.

The issue is, your guitar output is High Z, unbalanced (no ground) at whatever? level your pickups and guitar gain controls provide, and both your PODxt and the "regular" guitar input on your amplifier requires that signal level. If you "Y" the signal AFTER your PODxt (check out the Op's manual on "What am I connecting to?", can you tweak the level out to impedance match the Amp's IN jack needs?

And then there's the FirePOD. It has many possible connections at diff levels. Is ther any way to loop one of these back?

just asking....
Thanks