Tiny Neutrik NTE10/3 transformer for microphone output 10:1 for tube and FET

[ln76d]

Hey Guys,

today i tested NT10/3,  wired backward for 10:1,  in U87 type circuit.
http://www.neutrik.com/en/accessories/nte10-3
It sounds really great!!!
It's really small (still bigger than beyer ), cost almost nothing, available almost everywhere without any problem.
Urban legends says that these are made by Haufe.
I measured response and it's linear from 20Hz to the sky
Next i will use it in tube microphone
Due to small size it can be also great for small diaphragm "pencil" microphones.
Since that it can work with 3:1 ratio it could be great for cathode and emitter followers!
Any chinese mxl/audix/alctron etc. circuits with U87i input  topology and C414 emitter follower at the output can be easily converted to the full U87i circuit with this tranny.
Worth to try!

 

[micaddict]

He does it again. 

 

[iprovlek]

Yes Neutrik trannies are great!!!

I use in my Studer micpreQ 500 serie, NTM4 and it is sound great!

It is two range of this trannies, one is with Mu-metal(NTM4,NTL1,NTM1) and NTE series without Mu-metal(NTE1, NTE4, NTE10/3)!!!!

I always thinking to use this NTE10/3 in my G7 tube mic!I think that can be great sound and freq response!

I think that this trannie NTE10/3 can be used in lot of stuff!

 

[RuudNL]

I have measured multiple transformers (10:1) from Apex 460 microphones.
They are not screened, but the frequency response is excellent! (20 Hz - 40 KHz within less than 1 dB)
Big cores, so low distortion even at high levels.
I don't think you will gain much quality by replacing the transformer in an Apex 460. (Although some 'microphone upgrade sellers' advise you to do so, probably because they hope to sell you a new transformer!)
The capsule and the tube are much more interesting upgrade possibilities!

 

[ln76d]

I have measured multiple transformers (10:1) from Apex 460 microphones.
They are not screened, but the frequency response is excellent! (20 Hz - 40 KHz within less than 1 dB)
Big cores, so low distortion even at high levels.
I don't think you will gain much quality by replacing the transformer in an Apex 460. (Although some 'microphone upgrade sellers' advise you to do so, probably because they hope to sell you a new transformer!)
The capsule and the tube are much more interesting upgrade possibilities!

I didn't mentioned anything about replacing it in microphones like apex 460
For these types of upgrades rather am using old transformers with its own character.
Usual the chinese transformers are pretty clean - not my cup of tea
Also rather am not thinking about this transformer as an upgrade for any stock 10:1.
Anyway
Small cores, so probability of some distortion at high levels
Also am not the guy which reads any sellers advise, usual am not buying stuff like ami or cinemag.

For chinese U87i/C414 topologies it's a different thing - it's change of emitter follower and 2:1 ratio transformer to typical for U87i output with 10:1.
This topic is rather dedicated to the people which want to build it own microphone than mod any (except mentioned fet as example).
Today you will se what am talking about

 

[L´Andratté]

Funny I have used this part as improvised bass-DI in a small box and it actually sounded very good!

 

[ln76d]

Yes, it's pretty great transformer

I started new microphone project with it:
http://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=63436.msg803459#msg803459

 

[RuudNL]

I didn't mentioned anything about replacing it in microphones like apex 460

The only thing I wanted to say, is that some transformers are not as inferior as stated by other people.
(That goes for the Neutrik transformers, but also for the stock Apex 460 transformers.)

 

[chefducuisine]

Those small Neutrik trannies are ideal for KM84 circuit clones... 
Used them in a U87 clone as well - not bad, although I like the Haufe T14/1 better...

 

[micaddict]

Those small Neutrik trannies are ideal for KM84 circuit clones... 

Just what I was hoping to hear.
You beat me to it.

Any suggestions for a really smooth sounding capsule?

 

[ln76d]

Those small Neutrik trannies are ideal for KM84 circuit clones... 

Just what I was hoping to hear.
You beat me to it.

Any suggestions for a really smooth sounding capsule?

If you will promise that you will build KM84 SDC by yourself, i will send you for shipping cost one donor mike with smooth capsule
Do you take the challenge?

 

[micaddict]

Those small Neutrik trannies are ideal for KM84 circuit clones... 

Just what I was hoping to hear.
You beat me to it.

Any suggestions for a really smooth sounding capsule?

If you will promise that you will build KM84 SDC by yourself, i will send you for shipping cost one donor mike with smooth capsule
Do you take the challenge?

Deal! 

 

[ln76d]

Ok
Deal!
I will later write you email

 

[micaddict]

Uh, oh ...

:

 

[RuudNL]

Come on Henk, you can do it!

 

[chefducuisine]

I used a broken MXL 603 for the KM84 conversion if this is of any help.

 

[micaddict]

RuudNL wrote:

Come on Henk, you can do it!

Thanks for your confidence, Ruud.

Do you think Piotr will allow me to ask some advice if need be?

 

[Rossi]

I built a KM84 circuit into an MXL 603 using a Neutrik NTE 10/3 long time ago. I think I posted about it here but there wasn't much interest. Sounded better than the 603 stock circuit.

Those tiny NTE transformers sound fine as long as you keep levels low.  Bass response is okay, too, although their inductance is lower than on more upmarket microphone transformers. I agree with RuudNL that the NTE 10/3 is not necessarily better than the transformers you find in Chinese mics.

In general, I think of transformers as variables. How good or bad they perform depends largely on the circuit. And on your requirements. If you want low distortion at high levels, a small core won't do. A small transformer may distort even at medium levels, if the signal contains a lot of low end. So there are reasons to use a bigger transformer.

 

[ln76d]

Do you think Piotr will allow me to ask some advice if need be?

Why not?
I will also give you some tips
Only you have to build it by yourself
Did you received  email?

 

[ln76d]

I built a KM84 circuit into an MXL 603 using a Neutrik NTE 10/3 long time ago. I think I posted about it here but there wasn't much interest. Sounded better than the 603 stock circuit.

You will have to make a kit to get any attention

I agree with RuudNL that the NTE 10/3 is not necessarily better than the transformers you find in Chinese mics.

In fact it is
Reason one - they are small, you can use it in really small circuits or just any circuits

If you want low distortion at high levels, a small core won't do. A small transformer may distort even at medium levels, if the signal contains a lot of low end.

And that's the second reason! Small core transformers usual add a little coloration!
That's why i love small trannies like beyer, sennheiser, some haufe and now neutrik (which probably also is haufe).