is it possible to use 2 x 1:4 transformers to make a 1:8?

[strangeandbouncy]

Dear All,

I have heeps of 600:2k4+2k4 transformers of various origins. I need a 1:8(1:7 actually, but I can't see it makes THAT much difference. I have tried strapping two together with inputs in parallel, and outputs in series. SOUNDS ok to me in a not-terribly-scientific-listening-test. Can anyone shed ant light on this? Is it "ok" to do this? How would this affect the headroom, for example? Are there any drawbacks, or in otherwords, should I just bite the bullet and actually PAY for something with a higher ratio?


Any information would be very welcome indeed!


All the best,


ANdyP

 

[CJ]

what the heck, use em. be a freak, who cares?
your grandma ani't gonna arrest you.

you might even be better oiff, if used as inputs, you could buck extraneous fields by orienting the physical displacement of the transformers for minimum distraction.

 

[strangeandbouncy]

CJ,


Hi! I'll take that as a yes then! :green:


Kind regards,


ANdyP

 

[bovox]

Put one post to another... if you intend to do the re..ed 4..7 ? If..?
you remember there is a great need for pad in front, if you use hot mikes?
Use the normal 1:4 ( one Tx) with a smaller pad in front, switchable of course,and then add the second Tx when you need the xtra gain( you get less then 12 dB). The tx curves are not looking the same because the sec. Tx is getting wrong feed imp. from the first and it cange the specs but as CJ said who care´s ??
You are not going to be invited on the next Hi-Fi meeting!
But you certainly got something with character.
Cheers Bo

 

[strangeandbouncy]

Dear bovox,

you definately get tonight's Sherlock Holmes Prize for Lateral Thinking! You read me like a book. EXACTLY what i was gonna do too, switching one transformer in/out to add extra gain. And, you are so right about hot mics . . . . we have 2 x U48's! trouble is, I sometimes need about 40dB or so for a DI, and I figure that this particular puppy might seriously fit the bill for DI work! I have two spare MArinair 1:2+2 trannies that I LOVE the sound of in my API/Gainbloak-style pre's, and figure that they might be tops for this too. I also have stacks of Belclere and Willesden 1:2+2's that generally get a bad press from Neve officionado's. I have used these also in pre's, and they aren't half bad if you ask me! Definately NOT Marinair, but pretty darned close. A tad more "coloured".(and that's supposed to be a bad thing?) I also have some wonderful 600 Ohm constant impedance attenuators, and Marinair's are 600 Ohms, sooooooo . . . . I used to use them on the input of my V72's before they had to go to save the knee-caps!

Just one thing, I am not sure that you understood me exactly. i am not driving one transformer into another, but connecting the inputs in parallel, and the outputs in series. All tests so far, without test gear/only ears, sound cool to me. Definately more coloured than 1:4 on it's own!

Kind Regards,

ANdyP