With an audio splitter you distribute an audio signal over several outputs. You can do this in various ways: you can divide a stereo signal over 2 mono channels. However, you can also choose to link the same stereo signal to 2 stereo outputs simultaneously. Of course this is also possible with a mono signal: 1 mono source divided over 2 mono outputs. You cannot do that with the same audio splitter, you will have to determine in advance what exactly you want to achieve with the splitter and then choose the corresponding audio splitter.
List of Best Audio Splitter
Audio Splitter, the difference between stereo and mono
The verb split means “to take apart”. Formally speaking, splitting an audio signal according to that principle can only take place if, for example, a stereo signal (a signal consisting of 2 channels) is frayed apart and then divided over 2 mono channels. We have this type of audio splitter in our range. However, there are several options that we all call audio splitter, although that is not entirely correct in terms of language.
Most types of audio splitter we sell copy a stereo signal to 2 stereo outputs. The signal is therefore not split but is presented to the outputs several times unchanged. Because the signal path is very short with an audio splitter and there is no perceptible signal loss, these are very small, compact and inexpensive solutions for distributing an audio signal among multiple devices.
Males and females Audio Splitter
How you can do the splitting depends in particular on the connectors used. This concerns in particular the size and the question whether use should be made of male or female connectors. For example, if you want to route an audio signal directly from your mobile to an amplifier and a recorder, the shortest way is to use single male connectors. The female connectors is useful if you have to bridge longer distances and connect cables together.
But even if you already have several male cables to connect your equipment, it can be useful to get the remaining coupling done through female connections. In terms of dimensions, it is usually the 3.5 mm mini jack or the 6.3 mm standard jack size. You will rarely find the dimensions 2.5 mm with an audio splitter, as well as 4.4 mm and 5.23 mm.
Multi-pole Audio Splitter
Although some connectors with an audio splitter are very similar, it is possible that there are technically large differences. We already mentioned the difference between mono and stereo, but it can be even more complicated. If you read the product description carefully, you can make a choice based on the function. You can also pay attention to the number of poles to determine which audio splitter you need. In this case, a pole represents contact point.
There are 3 types of contact points or poles. First, the tip of the connector, second, the sleeve of the connector, and third, the ring (or rings) located on and in the sleeve of the connector. By determining the number of poles you can see at a glance which plug you are dealing with. However, there is a catch: a stereo plug can always be soldered in such a way that it becomes mono. However, this is never the case with industrial products.
Extras: gold plated, volume control
In order to achieve the most optimal audio quality, connectors are often gold plated. Although the meaning of this is doubted by technicians in various forums, it is still true that these connectors prevent corrosion. With an audio splitter you have to make sure that all parts of the chain have gold-plated contacts, otherwise the audio signal will indeed not improve.
There are various types of audio splitter with a short cable. In these versions, pay close attention to the quality of the cable. If they are extra shielded, this is stated in the product information. A final useful option that we mention here is the possibility to use a separate volume control per output. This way you can, for example, route the signal from your laptop to 2 separate headphones, each with its own volume control. Keep in mind that the cables with this type of audio splitter are very short.
Toslink Audio Splitter
All types of audio splitter discussed above are suitable for analog audio signals. Of course it is also possible to split digital audio signals. We are talking about digital signals that are transported either electrically or optically. To split optical digital signals, use a toslink splitter. There are splitters that separate one signal to 2 receivers, but also to 4 receivers. Please note: there is always one transmitter and two receivers. If you want to combine signals from multiple sources to a single output, you need a digital audio switch.
