the t.racks DS2418
Audio splitter
- 2 in 4 or 1 in 8
- Each output can be controlled separately
- XLR inputs/outputs
- Design: 19", 1U
- Installation depth: 12 cm
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Available since June 2010
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Item number 244501
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Number Of Channels 4
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Inputs 4
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Outputs Per Channel 8
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+48 V Phantom power No
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Grd Lift Switch No
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Pad Switch No
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Headphone Outputs No
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Design 19" / 1U
Signal distribution, set and forget
The t.racks DS2418 is a 19"/1U rack signal splitter that distributes either a mono signal to eight outputs or a stereo signal to four stereo output pairs, switchable via a rear-panel button, with two LEDs indicating the current mode. All audio connections use balanced XLR connectors, while an internal IEC power supply avoids the need for an external PSU. Eight front-panel level controls allow independent output level adjustment per channel, and two link outputs allow multiple DS2418 units to be cascaded for larger distribution systems. The metal chassis and internal power supply make the DS2418 a true fit-and-forget rack utility – one of those devices that quietly earns a permanent place in a system once installed.
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Controls and signal path
The eight front-panel level controls are centre-detented at unity gain – in the centre position the signal passes through unchanged. Turning anticlockwise attenuates the output, while clockwise rotation adds up to 6dB of gain. One LED per input indicates signal presence at each input. The mode switch on the rear panel toggles between mono-to-eight and stereo-to-four configurations, while the two LEDs on the front panel confirm the active mode. Depending on the connected equipment, the DS2418 accepts both balanced and unbalanced signals through its XLR connectors.
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Home studios, live racks, and small installations
The DS2418 is particularly well suited to budget-conscious home studios, semi-professional musicians, and small installation setups where the same signal regularly needs to feed multiple destinations. Typical applications include distributing a DAW or mixer output to monitors, a headphone amplifier, and a peak meter simultaneously, or routing an AUX send to multiple effects units in parallel. For fixed signal paths, the per-output level control gives the DS2418 a practical advantage over a patchbay – the routing is permanent but the levels remain adjustable without additional hardware. The DS2418 can also be used in guitar rigs, although dedicated desktop splitters with jack connections may prove more convenient in that context.
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About the t.racks
The in-house brand the t.racks has been an integral part of the Thomann music store range since 1997. A wide range of different rack devices, effects, power distributors, and accessories appear under the t.racks name and prove that quality, reliability, and attractive pricing do not have to be mutually exclusive. Whether for home studios, the stage, or the rehearsal room – the t.racks offers a convincing and affordable solution for every situation.
Cascading and cable management
The t.racks DS2418's link outputs pass the full input signal to a second DS2418 unit, allowing the total number of outputs to be doubled – or extended further with additional units – without signal degradation. This makes it straightforward to expand an existing distribution system whenever additional outputs become necessary. On a practical level, the unit also reduces cable clutter: A single input connection branches to multiple destinations inside the rack rather than requiring multiple cable runs from the source. Once installed, the DS2418 quickly becomes one of those rack tools that quietly does its job every day – rarely noticed, but difficult to do without.
