Apart from stepping down or stepping up a signal voltage, a quality transformer also has one helpful property, isolation. Because there isn’t a direct connection between their secondary and primary windings, a quality transformer offers complete electrical isolation between output and input circuits.
This isolation can as well be used by an audio toroidal transformer connected to its speakers and amplifier. When AC signals are applied to a primary input winding, the corresponding AC signals will appear on the output secondary winding because of the inductive coupling of a soft iron core.
While an audio transformer is not an intelligent device, it might be used as a bidirectional device so that normal primary input winding may become an output winding.
How Audio Transformers Work
Basically, a transformer isolator breaks the galvanic connection between two circuit branches and still passes audio. No other device or component does this.
It may as well unbalance balanced lines or balance unbalanced lines. Certain types of transformers are designed as splitters, like when microphones need to be fed different preamps or consoles.
Precision transformers may provide an excellent Common Mode Rejection, which refers to the measure of how much buzz and hum is canceled.
You may become a hero by keeping transformer isolators equipped with the right I/O connectors in the work box. This holds true for audio systems that many individuals know about already but are less known for solving issues in a video distribution system.
Where You Should Use Transformers and Why
A transformer contributes greatly to the analog sound of excellent audio processors. Every coveted vintage gear uses a transformer. And most popular equalizers and tube compressors get their character from the sound of a transformer and not just tubes.
All aspects of a transformer design impact its sound. However, as a louder signal is applied to transformers, the clipping happens, and the core saturates.
This distortion basically creates low-frequency harmonics compared to high-frequency harmonics, resulting in a dense and warm sound.
Even at lower than the clipping level, magnetic properties of the core change because of hysteresis, that as well results in extra low-frequency harmonic content. Every transformer design comes with a different flavor of harmonic coloration. This is one of the major reasons why Neve gear sounds different compared to API gear.
Benefits of Using Audio Transformers
Any audio equipment which suffers from distortion is a nuisance. It won’t just negatively impact live performances. It can also affect key recording sessions and consumer products.
Vibration-heavy and noisy amplifiers benefit no one. So it is imperative to get rid of the unnecessary noise and vibration as much as possible.
You may reduce vibration and hum for sound quality with the right audio toroidal transformers. In addition, audio toroidal transformers are smaller than traditional laminated EI transformers with similar output. This makes them more capable of meeting size restrictions.
In a Nutshell!
With the amazing benefits that audio transformers offer, you will definitely need them for your equipment. So it is best to choose the right type of audio transformer for your audio equipment or sound system.
