SQ1S Square ONE Splitter — 8x24 Microphone Splitter

The SQ1S is an eight-input, twenty-four-output active microphone splitter using preamplifiers derived from the MIDAS XL8 console design. It addresses the FOH/monitor/recording split scenario in a compact 2U chassis with the headroom and noise figures expected from a flagship MIDAS preamplifier topology.

Preamplifier Topology

Each of the eight inputs feeds an XL8-derived microphone preamplifier with rotary nine-position gain switch (0 dB to +40 dB in 5 dB steps), 30 Hz high-pass filter with bypass, and +48 V phantom power switchable from the front panel or remote. Mic EIN at +40 dB gain is less than -128 dBu; noise floor at unity gain is less than -100 dBu. Each input drives three outputs: two electronically balanced, one transformer-isolated for broadcast feeds.

Media-Split Mode

A dedicated 1:16 media-split function combines all eight inputs to a sixteen-way distribution for press conference and ENG feeds, with front- and rear-panel status indication.

Application

Touring multi-console splits, broadcast OB work, corporate AV, and any application that requires MIDAS-grade microphone preamplification combined with reliable distribution to multiple destinations.

Specification Highlights

• 8 inputs x 3 outputs (2 electronic, 1 transformer-isolated)
• MIDAS XL8-derived microphone preamplifiers
• Rotary gain 0 to +40 dB in 5 dB steps
• Mic EIN < -128 dBu @ +40 dB gain
• 30 Hz HPF with bypass per input
• 1:16 media-split mode for press feeds
• Solo bus with headphone amp, 4-segment LED metering per channel
• 2U rackmount, auto-ranging universal switch-mode PSU