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Whether you
are a journalist, a small studio owner or only want to play Karaoke with a friend, you must have
come across the issue of using more than one microphone with the same stereo set or mixer
device.
This is
where an XLR splitter comes in,
by multiplying the XLR connection to as many sources as you need.
Depending
on your needs, the splitters can be a simple, Y-shaped cable with 1 male and 2 female XLR
connectors, to allow you to use two microphones at the same time.
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This comes in particularly useful with, for example, news
reporters who carry a mobile stereo set and have to do interviews: with an XLR splitter they don't have to pass the same microphone back and
forth.

These simple, 2:1 splitters
are usually priced around $20 (but can go up to even $100, depending on the manufacturer). Of course, they can
be cascaded and, if you have the proper wiring, you can use as many microphones as you wish.
However, for more
industrial applications, a more robust XLR splitter can be
found. For a large conference room, for example, where all participants need their own microphone, there are
rack mountable solutions, where you can add as many inputs you need to a single audio device that uses an
XLR connector. The prices are usually in the range of $200 per ten inputs, but, again,
depending on the make and model, can vary largely.
XLR Connector, Adapter or
Splitter – Buying Considerations
Many online retailers are
offering bulk discounts on XLR splitters. For example, a simple
2:1 splitter can be priced at $19.95, but you can get it for $17.95 if you buy more than 5 pieces. Granted, if
you will only be using one to play Karaoke at parties at your friend's house, you probably won't need more than
one adapter, but corporate clients will definitely be interested in such an offer.
Another discount you can be
eligible for is free shipping, provided your order is above a certain amount. With an XLR adapter you could get, for example, a new microphone
and, if the value of your cart matches the retailer's figure, they may provide free shipping and
handling.
This is a great advantage
ordering online has over shopping from a brick and mortar store: you can order the items from the comfort of
your living room, at any time during day or night, and save the burden (and the gas) of driving to the other
side of the town, spending hours in traffic, only to find out that the XLR connectors you
had your eyes on had just run out of stock.
Also, keep in mind that online retailers can
often afford to offer you better prices on XLR adapters than traditional shops, since their operating costs are
much lower than the ones of a traditional shop. They have no overheads related to sales personnel, rent or
utilities, which can translate into lower rates for you, as a buyer, while they can keep the same profit
margin.
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