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Whirlwind PRESSMITE Active Press Box 12+2 — main product image
Whirlwind

Whirlwind PRESSMITE Active Press Box 12+2

Feed a press conference to 12 microphone inputs and 2 line outputs simultaneously — with active buffering that holds signal integrity across every tap.

$1,527.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Whirlwind PRESSMITE is a 12+2 active mult box — a signal distribution amplifier designed to take a single line-level audio feed and deliver it simultaneously to twelve microphone-level outputs and two line-level outputs. The "active" designation is the defining technical specification here: unlike a passive mult (which resistively splits signal and introduces insertion loss proportional to the number of taps), the PRESSMITE uses powered buffer amplifiers to drive each output independently. This means output 12 sounds the same as output 1, regardless of how many outputs are loaded. For press conference applications — where a podium mic feed is being distributed to a room full of journalists with varying recorder input impedances — consistent level across all taps is not a preference, it's a requirement.

In practice, the PRESSMITE slots into the signal chain downstream of the event's main mix. The PA or production mixer sends a post-fader line-level feed to the PRESSMITE's single input; the PRESSMITE handles all downstream distribution. The 12 mic outputs serve handheld digital recorders, smartphones with adapters, and camera mic inputs — the standard kit of the working press corps. The two line outputs simultaneously feed broadcast trucks, house confidence monitors, or recording systems that expect a hotter signal. This is a box built for working engineers who need to deploy quickly, trust signal integrity under load, and move on. Whirlwind has been building these for decades, and the PRESSMITE reflects that accumulated refinement.

Key Features

PRESSMITE 12+2 Mult Box

Specifications

Brand
Whirlwind
Model
PRESSMITE
Type
Active Press/Mult Box
Inputs
1x Line In
Outputs
12x Mic Out, 2x Line Out
Total Output Count
14
Distribution Type
Active (buffered)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Active buffering maintains consistent output level across all 14 outputs simultaneously, eliminating the signal loss inherent to passive splits.
  • 12 discrete mic-level outputs accommodate a full press pool without daisy-chaining adapters or degrading the feed.
  • 2 dedicated line outputs allow simultaneous feed to broadcast infrastructure alongside mic-output users.
  • Whirlwind's build quality is production-grade — connectors, chassis, and internal components are engineered for repeated deployment under event pressure.
  • Single-input architecture keeps signal chain simple — one clean source in, distributed without coloration or phase issues.

👎 Cons

  • Accepts only one line-level input — no summing of multiple sources, so the input feed must be mixed and leveled upstream.
  • 14 outputs without individual output level controls means gain staging must be managed at the source or at each recipient's recorder.
  • The 12+2 output count is fixed — no expandability if a press event exceeds 12 mic-output users.
  • No onboard metering or signal presence indicators, making it impossible to diagnose a dead input without external measurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Active means the PRESSMITE uses powered circuitry to buffer and distribute the input signal rather than passively splitting it. A passive split divides and degrades signal voltage across each output. The PRESSMITE's active design maintains consistent signal level across all 14 outputs — critical when you have a dozen journalists plugging in simultaneously.
The PRESSMITE accepts a single line-level input. This is the standard connection point for an event's main audio feed — the podium mic signal after it's been processed and mixed. It does not accept mic-level input directly; the signal should be brought to line level before hitting the PRESSMITE.
Because press corps recorders vary. Broadcast cameras and professional recorders typically expect mic-level (-40 to -50 dBu range), while mixing desks and broadcast interfaces expect line level. The 12 mic outputs serve handheld recorders and camera inputs; the 2 line outputs serve broadcast trucks or confidence monitors.
The product listing does not specify power requirements in detail. Active press boxes of this class typically require AC power or phantom power from the connected source. Confirm the power method before deploying to a location without reliable AC availability.
The Whirlwind PRESSMITE is built to Whirlwind's touring and installation standards — robust enough for repeated deployment at press events and durable enough for rack installation in a broadcast or conference room facility.

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