A press splitter (also called a press box or mult box) takes one audio signal and feeds it to many isolated outputs at once, so every outlet (TV, radio, streaming or recording) gets its own clean copy and no device can affect the others.
It is what keeps the press area tidy at a press conference, an official event or a sports fixture: instead of Y-cables and power strips, one box with labelled outputs for every journalist.
Passive or active
A passive splitter feeds the outputs through transformers and needs no power to split the signal (except, depending on the model, the Dante section or the mic preamp): it is very reliable and keeps every output electrically separate. An active splitter amplifies the signal and makes sense with many outputs or when gain control is needed.
At Pinanson, the SPP is passive with transformers and up to 24 outputs; the SPP20 is passive with a mic preamp and +48 V phantom power; the SMC 16 is active with a mic preamp and 16 to 32 outputs; and the SAI series adds gain control on every output, with an LED per output on its IMC versions.
Why the transformer matters
Transformer isolation is what stops hum and ground loops between the journalists’ equipment, and it means a faulty cable on one output does not affect the rest. On Pinanson press splitters the outputs are transformer-isolated (per channel or on every output, depending on the model), with transformers made by the Swedish brand Lundahl.
Analogue or Dante
If the venue already runs networked audio, the splitter can take the Dante feed over a network cable and deliver the outputs on XLR. That is how the Wanda Metropolitano stadium does it: the Dante signal comes from the switch and the splitter turns it into 16 analogue outputs for the press.
Audio and video for the press
Some venues also feed video to the media. For them there are hybrid splitters that distribute analogue audio and 3G-SDI video in the same unit, and, as an option, also take the audio carried inside the video signal out to XLR outputs.
Fixed or portable
Depending on the model, it can be built into a flight case to move between events, a 19″ rack box for the control room, a Wall Rack box or a flush wall frame. Where it will work decides the format.
How to choose
- Count the outputs: How many outlets connect at the same time: TV, radio, streaming, recording.
- Passive or active: Passive for simplicity and reliability; active or per-output gain when there are many outputs or different levels.
- Input type: Microphone, line or Dante. If a mic is plugged in directly, you need a preamp and phantom power.
- Format: Flight case, 19″ rack, Wall Rack or flush wall frame.
- Ask for a quote: Send us that configuration and we build the unit to order.
Frequently asked questions
What is a press splitter?
A unit that feeds one audio signal to several isolated outputs, so each outlet gets its own copy without affecting the others.
What is the difference between passive and active?
A passive splitter feeds the outputs through transformers; an active one amplifies the signal and allows gain control, which helps with many outputs.
Why does isolation matter?
It prevents hum and ground loops, and a fault on one output does not affect the rest.
Can it take a Dante input?
Yes: Pinanson builds press splitters with Dante input, such as the SPP Dante, SA SMC Dante and SAI IT IMC Dante.
