Show dictionary · Audio
Mult Box (Press Mult)
Also: press bridge · press box
A mult box (press mult, press bridge) is a distribution box that splits one program audio feed into many isolated outputs, XLR and often TRS, at mic or line level. Every news camera and recorder at a press conference plugs into the mult instead of planting its own microphone on the podium.
In practice
The mult exists to keep podiums clean and feeds consistent: one good podium mic chain feeds an amplified distribution box with transformer-isolated outputs, so thirty crews get identical clean audio and no camera operator has an excuse to tape a shotgun mic to the lectern. Outputs offer mic/line switches per port because ENG cameras expect mic level.
On corporate and political events the press mult is a standard advance item: how many outputs, where the press riser sits, and who owns the feed. Passive splitters exist, but real mults are powered distribution amplifiers precisely so thirty loads cannot drag the feed down.
How you’ll hear it
"Press mult at the riser with sixteen outputs, mic level; feed is the podium chain post-processing."
Related resources
Part of the eventools.io Show Dictionary, a free glossary of live event production terminology.