Audio Transformers

by
Bill Whitlock
Jensen Transformers, Inc.
9304 Deering Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311

This work first published by Focal Press in 2001 as

Chapter 11
Handbook for Sound Engineers, Third Edition
Glen Ballou, Editor

Copyright 2001, 2006 Bill Whitlock

All rights reserved

Bill W hitlock

Audio Transformers

Page 1

Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

Audio Transformer Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.1 Basic Principles and Term inology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.1
Magnetic Fields and Induction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.2
W indings and Turns Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.3
Excitation Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Realities of Practical Transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2.1
Core Materials and Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2.2
W inding Resistances and Auto-Transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.2.3
Leakage Inductance and W inding Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2.4
W inding Capacitances and Faraday Shields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.2.5
Magnetic Shielding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.3 General Application Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.3.1
Maximum Signal Level, Distortion, and Source Impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.3.2
Frequency Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.3.3
Insertion Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.3.4
Sources with Zero Impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.3.5
Bi-Directional Reflection of Impedances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.3.6
Transformer Noise Figure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.3.7
Basic Classification by Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Audio Transformers for Specific Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.1 Equipm ent-Level Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.1
Microphone Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.2
Line Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.3
Moving Coil Phono Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.4
Line Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.5
Inter-Stage and Power Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.6
Microphone Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 System-Level Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.1
Microphone Isolation or Splitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.2
Microphone Impedance Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.3
Line to Microphone Input or Direct Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.4
Line Isolation or Hum Eliminators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.5
Speaker Distribution or Constant Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.6
Telephone Isolation or Repeat Coil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.7
Telephone Directional Coupling or Hybrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.8
Moving Coil Phono Step-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

M easurements and Data Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

3.1 Testing and Measurem ents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1.1
Transmission Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1.2
Balance Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1.3
Resistances, Capacitances, and Other Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 Data Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.1
Data to Impress or to Inform? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.2
Comprehensive Data Sheet Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Installation and M aintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

4.1 A Few Installation Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.2 De-Magnetization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Bill W hitlock

Audio Transformers

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Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

Audio Transformer Basics

Since the birth of audio electronics, the audio transformer has played an important role. W hen compared to modern miniaturized
electronics, a transformer seems large, heavy, and expensive but it continues to be the most effective solution in many audio
applications. The usefulness of a transformer lies in the fact that electrical energy can be transferred from one circuit to another
without direct connection, and in the process the energy can be readily changed from one voltage level to another. Although a
transformer is not a complex device, considerable explanation is required to properly understand how it operates. This chapter is
intended to help the audio system engineer properly select and apply transformers. In the interest of simplicity, only basic concepts
of their design and manufacture will be discussed.
1.1 Basic Principles and Terminology
1.1.1

Magnetic Fields and Induction

As shown in Figure 1, a magnetic field is created around any

conductor (wire) in which current flows. The strength of the
field is directly proportional to current. These invisible magnetic
lines of force, collectively called flux, are set up at right angles
to the wire and have a direction, or magnetic polarity, which
depends on the direction of current flow. Note that although the
flux around the upper and lower wires have different directions,
the lines inside the loop aid because they point in the same
direction. If an alternating current flows in the loop, the
Figure 2 - AC Magnetic Field
instantaneous intensity and polarity of the flux will vary at the
same frequency and in direct proportion to the instantaneous
current. W e can visualize this flux, represented by the concentric circles in Figure 2, as expanding,
contracting, and reversing in polarity with each cycle of the ac current. The law of induction states
Figure 1 - Magnetic Field that a voltage will be induced in a conductor exposed to changing flux
Surrounding Conductor and that the induced voltage will be proportional to the rate of the flux
change. This voltage has an instantaneous polarity which opposes the
original current flow in the wire, creating an apparent resistance called inductive reactance. Inductive
reactance is calculated according to the formula X L = 2fL, where X L is inductive reactance in ohms, f
is frequency in Hz, and L is inductance in Henries. An inductor generally consists of many turns or
loops of wire called a coil, as shown in Figure 3, which links and concentrates magnetic flux lines,
increasing the flux density. The inductance of any given coil is determined by factors such as the
number of turns, the physical dimensions and nature of the winding, and the properties of materials in
Figure 3 - Coil
the path of the magnetic flux.
Concentrates Flux
According to the law of induction, a voltage will be induced in any conductor (wire) that cuts
flux lines. Therefore, if we place two coils near each other as shown in Figure 4, an ac
current in one coil will induce an ac voltage in the second coil. This is the essential principle
of energy transfer in a transformer. Because they require a changing magnetic field to
operate, transformers will not work at dc. In an ideal transformer, the magnetic coupling
between the two coils is total and complete, i.e., all the flux lines from one cut across all the
turns of the other. The coupling coefficient is said to be unity or 1.00.
1.1.2

Windings and Turns Ratio

Figure 4 - Inductive Coupling

The coil or winding that is driven by an electrical source is called the primary and the other is called the secondary. The ratio of
the number of turns on the primary to the number of turns on the secondary is called the turns ratio. Since essentially the same
voltage is induced in each turn of each winding, the primary to secondary voltage ratio is the same as the turns ratio. For example,
with 100 turns on the primary and 50 turns on the secondary, the turns ratio is 2:1. Therefore, if 20 volts were applied to the
primary, 10 volts would appear at the secondary. Since it reduces voltage, this transformer would be called a step-down
transformer. Conversely, a transformer with a turns ratio of 1:2 would be called a step-up transformer since its secondary voltage
would be twice that of the primary. Since a transformer does not create power, the power output from the secondary of an ideal
transformer can only equal (and in a real transformer only be less than) the power input to the primary. Consider an ideal 1:2 stepup transformer. W hen 10 volts is applied to its primary, 20 volts appears at its secondary. Since no current is drawn by the

Bill W hitlock

Audio Transformers

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Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

primary, its impedance appears to be infinite or an open circuit. W hen a 20 load is connected to the secondary, a current of 1
amp flows making output power equal 20 watts. At the same time, a current of 2 amps is drawn by the primary, making input
power equal 20 watts. Since the primary is now drawing 2 amps with 10 volts applied, its impedance appears to be 5 . In other
words, the 20 load impedance on the secondary has been reflected to the primary as 5 . In this example, a transformer with a
1:2 turns ratio exhibited an impedance ratio of 1:4. Transformers always reflect impedances from one winding to another by the
square of the their turns ratio or, expressed as a formula: Zp/Zs = (Np/Ns) 2 where Zp is primary impedance, Zs is secondary
impedance, and Np/Ns is turns ratio (which is the same as the voltage ratio).
The direction in which coils are wound, i.e., clockwise or counter-clockwise, and/or the connections to the start or finish of each
winding determines the instantaneous polarity of the ac voltages. All windings which are wound in the same direction will have
the same polarity between start and finish ends. Therefore, relative to the primary, polarity can be inverted by either (1) winding
the primary and secondary in opposite directions, or (2) reversing the start and finish connections to either winding. In schematic
symbols for transformers, dots are sometimes used to indicate which ends of windings have the same polarity. Observing polarity
is essential when making series or parallel connections to transformers with multiple windings. Taps are connections made at any
intermediate point in a winding. If 50 turns are wound, an electrical connection brought out, and another 50 turns completes the
winding for example, the 100-turn winding is said to be center-tapped.
1.1.3

Excitation Current

As shown in Figure 5, when there is no load on the

secondary of a transformer and an ac voltage is
applied to the primary, an excitation current will flow
in the primary creating magnetic excitation flux
around the winding. In theory, the current is due only
Figure 5 - Excitation Current to the inductive reactance of the primary winding. In
Figure 6 - Cancellation of Flux
accordance with Ohms law and the formula for
Generated by Load Current
inductive reactance, I E = E P 2fL P where I E is excitation current in amperes, E P is
primary voltage in volts, f is frequency in Hz, and L P is primary inductance in Henries. In an ideal transformer, primary inductance
would be infinite, making excitation current zero. As shown in Figure 6,
when a load is connected, current will flow in the secondary winding.
Because secondary current flow is in the opposite direction, it creates
magnetic flux which opposes the excitation flux. This causes the
impedance of the primary winding to drop, resulting in additional current
being drawn from the driving source, which creates additional flux just
sufficient to completely cancel that created by the secondary. The result,
which may surprise some, is that flux density in a transformer is not
increased by load current. This also illustrates how load current on the
secondary is reflected to the primary.
Figure 7 illustrates the relationships between voltage, excitation current,
and flux in a transformer as frequency is changed. The horizontal scale is
time. The primary voltage Ep is held at a constant voltage as the frequency
is tripled and then tripled again. For example, the left waveform could
represent one cycle at 100 Hz, the middle 300 Hz, and the right 900 Hz.
Because of the primary inductance, excitation current Ip will decrease
linearly with frequency, i.e., halving for every doubling in frequency or
decreasing at 6 dB per octave. The magnitude of the magnetic flux will
likewise decrease exactly the same way. Note that the inductance causes a
90-degree phase lag as well. Since the slew rate of a constant amplitude
sine wave increases linearly with frequency, i.e., doubling for every
doubling in frequency or increasing at 6 dB per octave, the resultant flux
rate of change remains constant. Note that the slope of the Ip and flux
waveforms stays constant as frequency is changed. Since, according to the
law of induction, the voltage induced in the secondary is proportional to
this slope or rate of change, frequency response will be uniform or flat.
Figure 7 - Excitation Current and Flux
Vary Inversely with Frequency

Bill W hitlock

Audio Transformers

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Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

1.2 Realities of Practical Transformers
Thus far, we have not considered the unavoidable parasitic elements which exist in any practical transformer. Even the design of a
relatively simple 60 Hz power transformer must take them into account. The design of an audio transformer operating over a 20
Hz to 20 kHz frequency range is much more difficult because these elements often interact in complex ways. For example,
materials and techniques which improve low-frequency performance are often detrimental to high-frequency performance and
vice-versa. Good transformer designs must consider both the surrounding electronic circuitry and the performance ramifications of
internal design tradeoffs.
A schematic representation of the major low-frequency
parasitic elements in a generalized transformer is shown
in Figure 8. The ID EAL XFM R represents a perfect
transformer having a turns ratio of 1:N and no parasitic
elements of any kind. The actual transformer is
connected at the PRI terminals to the driving voltage
source, through its source impedance RG, and at the
SEC terminals to the load RL.

Figure 8 - Transformer Low-Frequency Parasitic Elements

One of the main goals in the design of any transformer is to reduce the excitation current in the primary winding to negligible
levels so as not to become a significant load on the driving source. At a given source voltage and frequency, primary excitation
current can be reduced only by increasing inductance LP. In the context of normal electronic circuit impedances, very large values
of inductance are required for satisfactory operation at the lowest audio frequencies. Of course, inductance can be raised by using
a very large number of coil turns but, for reasons discussed later, there are practical limits due to other considerations. Another
way to increase inductance by a factor of 10,000 or more is to wind the coil around certain highly magnetic materials.
1.2.1

Core Materials and Construction

Magnetic circuits are quite similar to electric circuits. As shown in Figure 11, magnetic flux always takes a closed path from one
magnetic pole to the other and, like an electric current, always favors the paths of highest conductivity or least resistance. The
equivalent of applied voltage in magnetic circuits is magnetizing force, symbolized H. It is directly proportional to ampere-turns
(coil current I times its number of turns N) and inversely proportional to the flux path length R in the magnetic circuit. The
equivalent of electric current flow is flux density, symbolized B. It is measured as the number of magnetic flux lines per square
unit of area. A graphic plot of the relationship between field intensity and flux density is shown in Figure 9 and is referred to a the
B-H loop or hysteresis loop for a given material. In the United States, the most commonly used units for magnetizing force
and flux density are the Oersted and Gauss, respectively, which are CGS (centimeter, gram, second) units. In Europe, the SI
(Systme International) units amperes per meter and Tesla, respectively, are more common. The slope of the B-H loop indicates
how an incremental increase in applied magnetizing force changes the resulting flux density. This slope is effectively a measure of
conductivity in the magnetic circuit and is called permeability, symbolized . Any material inside a coil, which can also serve as a
form to support it, is called a core. By definition, the permeability of air is 1.00 and common non-magnetic materials such as
aluminum, brass, copper, paper, glass, and plastic also have a permeability of 1 for practical purposes. The permeability of some
common ferro-magnetic materials is about 300 for ordinary steel, about 5,000 for 4% silicon transformer steel, and up to about
100,000 for some nickel-iron-molybdenum alloys. Because such materials concentrate magnetic flux, they greatly increase the
inductance of a coil. Audio transformers must utilize both high-permeability cores and the largest practical number of coil turns to
create high primary inductance. Coil inductance increases as the square of the number of turns and in direct proportion to the
permeability of the core and can be approximated using the formula: L = 3.2 N 2 A / 10 8 R where L = inductance in Henries, N =
number of coil turns, = permeability of core, A = cross-section area of core in square inches, and
inches.

R = mean flux path length in

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Audio Transformers

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Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

The permeability of magnetic materials varies with flux
density. As shown in Figure 9, when magnetic field
intensity becomes high, the material can saturate,
essentially losing its ability to conduct any additional
flux. As a material saturates, its permeability decreases
until, at complete saturation, its permeability becomes
that of air or 1. In audio transformer applications,
magnetic saturation causes low-frequency harmonic
distortion to increase steadily for low-frequency signals
as they increase in level beyond a threshold. In general,
materials with a higher permeability tend to saturate at a
lower flux density. In general, permeability also varies
inversely with frequency.
Magnetic hysteresis can be thought of as a magnetic
memory effect. W hen a magnetizing force saturates
material that has high-hysteresis, it remains strongly
magnetized even after the force is removed. Highhysteresis materials have wide or square B-H loops
and are used to make magnetic memory devices and
permanent magnets. However, if we magnetically
saturate zero-hysteresis material, it will have no residual
magnetism (flux density) when the magnetizing force is
Figure 9 - B-H Loop for Magnetic Core Material
removed. However, virtually all high-permeability core
materials have some hysteresis, retaining a small memory of their previous magnetic state. Hysteresis can be greatly reduced by
using certain metal alloys which have been annealed or heat-treated using special processes. In audio transformers, the nonlinearity due to magnetic hysteresis causes increased harmonic distortion for low-frequency signals at relatively low signal levels.
Resistor RC in Figure 8 is a non-linear resistance which represents the combined effects of magnetic saturation, magnetic
hysteresis, and eddy-current losses.
The magnetic operating point (or zero signal point) for most transformers is the center of the B-H loop shown in Figure 9, where
the net magnetizing force is zero. Small ac signals cause a small portion of the loop to be traversed in the direction of the arrows.
Large ac signals traverse portions farther from the operating point and may approach the saturation end points. For this normal
operating point at the center, signal distortions (discussed in detail later) caused by the curvature of the loop are symmetrical, i.e.,
they affect the positive excursion and negative excursion equally. Symmetrical distortions produce odd-order harmonics such as
third and fifth. If dc current flows in a winding, the operating point will shift to a point on the loop away from the center. This
causes the distortion of a superimposed ac signal to become non-symmetrical. Non-symmetrical distortions produce even-order
harmonics such as second and fourth. W hen a small dc current flows in a winding, under say 1% of the saturation value, the effect
is to add even-order harmonics to the normal odd-order content of the hysteresis distortion, which affects mostly low-level signals.
The same effects occur when the core becomes weakly magnetized, as could happen via the brief accidental application of dc to a
winding for example. However, the narrow B-H loop indicates that only a weak residual field would remain even if a magnetizing
force strong enough to saturate the core were applied and then removed.
W hen a larger dc current flows in a winding, the symmetry of saturation distortion is also affected in a similar way. For example,
enough dc current might flow in a winding to move the operating point to 50% of the core saturation value. Only half as much ac
signal could then be handled before the core would saturate and, when it did, it would occur only for one direction of the signal
swing. This would produce strong second-harmonic distortion. To avoid such saturation effects, air gaps are sometimes
intentionally built into the magnetic circuit. This can be done, for example, by placing a thin paper spacer between the center leg
of the E and I cores of Figure 10. The magnetic permeability of such a gap is so low even though it may be only a few
thousandths of an inch compared to the core material, that it effectively controls the flux density in the entire magnetic circuit.
Although it drastically reduces the inductance of the coil, gapping is done to prevent flux density from reaching levels which
would otherwise saturate the core, especially when substantial dc is present in a winding.

Bill W hitlock

Audio Transformers

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Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

Because high-permeability materials are usually electrical conductors as
well, small voltages are also induced in the cross-section of the core
material itself giving rise to eddy currents. Eddy currents are greatly
reduced when the core consists of a stack of thin sheets called
laminations, as shown in Figure 10.
Because the laminations are effectively
insulated from each other, eddy currents
are generally insignificant. The E and I
shaped laminations shown form the widely
used shell or double-window core
construction. Its parallel magnetic paths
are illustrated in Figure 11. W hen cores
are made of laminations, care must be
taken that they are flat and straight to avoid
Figure 11 - Magnetic
tiny air gaps between them which could
Circuits in Shell Core
significantly reduce inductance.
A toroidal core is made by rolling a long thin strip of core material into a
coiled ring shape that looks something like a donut. It is insulated with a
conformal coating or tape and windings are wound around the core
through the center hole using special machines. W ith a toroidal core, there
Figure 10 - Core Laminations are Stacked and
are no unintended air gaps which can degrade magnetic properties. Audio
Interleaved around Bobbin which Holds W indings
transformers dont often use toroidal cores because, especially in highbandwidth designs where multiple sections or Faraday shields are
necessary, physical construction becomes very complex. Other core configurations include the ring core, sometimes called semitoroidal. It is similar to core of Figure 11 but without the center section and windings are placed on the sides. Sometimes a solid
(not laminations) metal version of a ring core is cut into two pieces having polished
mating faces. These two C-cores are then held together with clamps after the windings are
installed.
1.2.2

Winding Resistances and Auto-Transformers

If zero-resistance wire existed, some truly amazing transformers could be built. In a 60

Hz power transformer, for example, we could wind a primary with tiny wire on a tiny
core to create enough inductance to make excitation current reasonable. Then we could
wind a secondary with equally tiny wire. Because the wire has no resistance and the flux
density in the core doesnt change with load current, this postage-stamp sized transformer
could handle unlimited kilo-watts of power and it wouldnt even get warm! But, at
least until practical superconducting wire is available, real wire has resistance. As
primary and secondary currents flow in the winding resistances, the resulting voltage
drops cause signal loss in audio transformers and significant heating in power
transformers. This resistance can be reduced by using larger (lower gauge) wire or fewer
turns, but the required number of turns and the tolerable power loss (or resulting heat) all
conspire to force transformers to become physically larger and heavier as their rated
power increases. Sometimes silver wire is suggested to replace copper, but since its
resistance is only about 6% less, its effect is minimal and certainly not cost-effective.
However, there is an alternative configuration of transformer windings, called an autotransformer, which can reduce the size and cost in certain applications. Because an autotransformer electrically connects primary and secondary windings, it cant be used where
electrical isolation is required! In addition, the size and cost advantage is maximum when
the required turns ratio is very close to 1:1 and diminishes at higher ratios, becoming
minimal in practical designs at about 3:1 or 1:3.
For example, in a hypothetical transformer to convert 100 volts to 140 volts, the primary
could have 100 turns and the secondary 140 turns of wire. This transformer, with its 1:1.4
turns ratio, is represented in the upper diagram of Figure 12. If 1 amp of secondary
(load) current I S flows, transformer output power is 140 watts and 1.4 amp of primary

Figure 12 - Auto-Transformers
Employ a Buck/Boost Principle

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current I P will flow since input and output power must be equal in the ideal case. In a practical transformer, the wire size for each
winding would be chosen to limit voltage losses and/or heating.
An auto-transformer essentially puts the windings in series so that the secondary voltage adds to (boosting) or subtracts from
(bucking) the primary input voltage. A step-up auto-transformer is shown in the middle diagram of Figure 12. Note that the dots
indicate ends of the windings with the same instantaneous polarity. A 40-volt secondary (the upper winding), series connected as
shown with the 100-volt primary, would result in an output of 140 volts. Now, if 1 amp of secondary (load) current I S flows,
transformer output power is only 40 watts and only 0.4 amp of primary current I P will flow. Although the total power delivered to
the load is still 140 watts, 100 watts have come directly from the driving source and only 40 watts have been transformed and
added by the auto-transformer. In the auto-transformer, 100 turns of smaller wire can be used for the primary and only 40 turns of
heavier wire is needed for the secondary. Compare this to the total of 240 turns of heavier wire required in the transformer.
A step-down auto-transformer is shown in the bottom diagram of Figure 12. Operation is similar except that the secondary is
connected so that its instantaneous polarity subtracts from or bucks the input voltage. For example, we could step down US 120volt ac power to Japanese 100-volt ac power by configuring a 100-volt to 20-volt step-down transformer as an auto-transformer.
Thus, a 100-watt load can be driven using only a 20-watt rated transformer.
The windings of low-level audio transformers may consist of hundreds or even many thousands of turns of wire, sometimes as
small as #46 gauge, whose 0.0015 inch diameter is comparable to a human hair. As a result, each winding may have a dc
resistance as high as several thousand ohms. Transformer primary and secondary winding resistances are represented by RP and
RS, respectively, in Figure 8.
1.2.3

Leakage Inductance and Winding Techniques

In an ideal transformer, since all flux generated

by the primary is linked to the secondary, a
short-circuit on the secondary would be
reflected to the primary as a short circuit. In real
transformers, the unlinked flux causes a residual
or leakage inductance which can be measured
at either winding. Therefore, the secondary
would appear to have residual inductance if the
primary were shorted and vice-versa. The
leakage inductance is shown as LL in the model
Figure 13 - Transformer High-Frequency Parasitic Elements
of Figure 13. Note that leakage inductance is
reflected from one winding to another as the square of turns ratio, just as other impedances are.
The degree of flux coupling between primary and secondary windings depends on the physical spacing between them and how
they are placed with respect to each other. The lowest leakage inductance is achieved by winding the coils on a common axis and
as close as possible to each other. The ultimate form of this technique is called multi-filar winding where multiple wires are wound
simultaneously as if they were a single strand. For example, if two windings (say primary and secondary) are wound as one, the
transformer is said to be bi-filar wound. Note in the cross-section view of Figure 14 how the primary and secondary windings are
side-by-side throughout the entire winding. Another technique to reduce leakage inductance is to use layering, a technique in
which portions or sections of the primary and/or secondary are wound in sequence over each other to interleave them. For
example, Figure 15 shows the cross-section of a
3-layer transformer where half the primary is
wound, then the secondary, followed by the
other half of the primary. This results in
considerably less leakage inductance than just a
secondary over primary 2-layer design. Leakage
inductance decreases rapidly as the number of
layers is increased.

Figure 14 - Bi-Filar W indings

Figure 15 - Layered W indings

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1.2.4

Winding Capacitances and Faraday Shields

To allow the maximum number of turns in a given space, the insulation on the wire used to wind transformers is very thin. Called
magnet wire, it is most commonly insulated by a thin film of polyurethane enamel. A transformer winding is made, in general,
by spinning the bobbin shown in Figure 10 on a machine similar to a lathe and guiding the wire to form a layer one wire thick
across the length of the bobbin. The wire is guided to traverse back and forth across the bobbin to form a coil of many layers as
shown in Figure 15, where the bobbin cross-section is the solid line on three sides of the winding. This simple side-to-side, backand-forth winding results in considerable layer-to-layer capacitance within a winding or winding section. More complex
techniques such as universal winding are sometimes used to substantially reduce winding capacitances. These capacitances
within the windings are represented by CP and CS in the circuit model of Figure 13. Additional capacitances will exist between
the primary and secondary windings and are represented by capacitors CW in the model. Sometimes layers of insulating tape are
added to increase the spacing, therefore reducing capacitance, between primary and secondary windings. In the bi-filar windings
of Figure 14, since the wires of primary and secondary windings are side by side throughout, the inter-winding capacitances CW
can be quite high.
In some applications, inter-winding capacitances are very
undesirable. Their effects can be almost completely
eliminated by the use of a Faraday shield between the
windings. Sometimes called an electrostatic shield, it
generally takes the form of a thin sheet of copper foil
placed between the windings. Obviously, transformers
that utilize multiple layers to reduce leakage inductance
will require Faraday shields between all adjacent layers.
In Figure 15 the dark lines between the winding layers
are the Faraday shields. Normally, all the shields
surrounding a winding are tied together and treated as a
single electrical connection. W hen connected to circuit
ground, as shown in Figure 16, a Faraday shield
intercepts the capacitive current which would otherwise
flow between transformer windings.

Figure 16 - High-Frequency Equivalent Circuit of Transformer

with Faraday Shield and Driven by a Balanced Source

Faraday shields are nearly always used in transformers designed to eliminate ground noise. In these applications, the transformer
is intended to respond only to the voltage difference or signal across its primary and have no response to the noise that exists
equally (or common-mode) at the terminals of its primary. A Faraday shield is used to prevent capacitive coupling (via CW in
Figure 13) of this noise to the secondary. For any winding connected to a balanced line, the matching of capacitances to ground is
critical to the rejection of common-mode noise or CMRR, as discussed in Chapter 37. In Figure 16, if the primary is driven by a
balanced line, C1 and C2 must be very accurately matched to achieve high CM RR. In most applications, such as microphone or
line input transformers, the secondary is operated unbalanced, i.e., one side is grounded. This relaxes the matching requirements
for capacitances C3 and C4. Although capacitances CC1 and CC2 are generally quite small (a few pF), they have the effect of
diminishing CM RR at high audio frequencies and limiting rejection of RF interference.
1.2.5

Magnetic Shielding

A magnetic shield has a completely different purpose. Devices such as power transformers, electric motors, and television or
computer monitor cathode-ray tubes generate powerful ac magnetic fields. If such a field takes a path through the core of an audio
transformer, it can induce an undesired voltage in its windings most often heard as hum. If the offending source and the victim
transformer have fixed locations, orientation of one or both can sometimes nullify the pick-up. In Figure 11 note that an external
field which flows vertically through the core will cause a flux gradient across the length of the coil, inducing a voltage in it, but a
field which flows horizontally through the core will not. Such magnetic pick-up is usually worse in input transformers (discussed
later) because they generally have more turns. It should also be noted that higher permeability core materials are more immune to
external fields. Therefore, an unshielded output transformer with a high-nickel core will be more immune than one with a steel
core.
Another way to prevent such pick-up is to surround the core with a closed (no air gap) magnetic path. This magnetic shield most
often takes the form of a can or box with tight-fitting lid and is made of high-permeability material. W hile the permeability of
ordinary steel, such as that in electrical conduit, is only about 300, special-purpose nickel alloys can have permeability as high as
100,000. Commercial products include Mumetal, Permalloy, HyMu and Co-Netic.[1][2] Since the shield completely
surrounds the transformer, the offending external field will now flow through it instead of the transformer core. Generally

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speaking, care must be taken not to mechanically stress these metals because doing so will significantly decrease their
permeability. For this reason, most magnetic shield materials must be re-annealed after they are fabricated.
The effectiveness of magnetic shielding is generally rated in dB. The transformer is placed in an external magnetic field of known
strength, generally at 60 Hz. Its output without and with the shield is then compared. For example, a housing of 1/8" thick castiron reduces pickup by about 12 dB and a Mumetal can by about 30 dB. W here low-level transformers operate near strong
magnetic fields, several progressively smaller shield cans can be nested around the transformer. Two or three Mumetal cans can
provide 60 dB and 90 dB of shielding respectively. In very strong fields, because high-permeability materials might saturate, an
iron or steel outer can is sometimes used.
Toroidal power transformers can have a weaker radiated magnetic field than other types. Using them can be an advantage if audio
transformers must be located near them. However, a toroidal transformer must be otherwise well designed to produce a low
external field. For example, every winding must completely cover the full periphery of the core. The attachment points of the
transformer lead wires are frequently a problem in this regard. To gain size and cost advantages, most commercial power
transformers of any kind are designed to operate on the verge of magnetic saturation of the core. W hen saturation occurs in any
transformer, magnetic field essentially squirts out of the core. Power transformers designed to operate at low flux density will
prevent this. Often a standard commercial transformer, when operated at reduced primary voltage, will have a very low external
field.
1.3 General Application Considerations
For any given application, a number of parameters must be considered when selecting or designing an appropriate audio
transformer. W e will discuss how the performance of a transformer can be profoundly affected by its interaction with surrounding
circuitry.
1.3.1

Maxim um Signal Level, Distortion, and Source Im pedance

Because these parameters are inextricably inter-dependent, they must be discussed as a group. Although transformer operating
level is often specified in terms of power such as dBm or watts, the only thing that affects distortion is the equivalent driving
voltage. Distortion is caused by excitation current in the primary winding which is proportional to primary voltage, not power.
Referring to Figure 8, recall that RC represents the distortion producing mechanisms of the core material. Consider that, if both
RG (driving source impedance) and RP (internal winding resistance) were zero, the voltage source (by definition, zero impedance)
would effectively short out RC resulting in zero distortion! But in a real transformer design there is a fixed relationship between
signal level, distortion, and source impedance. Since distortion is also a function of magnetic flux density, which increases as
frequency decreases, a maximum operating level specification must also specify a frequency. The specified maximum operating
level, maximum distortion at a specified low frequency, and maximum allowable source impedance will usually dictate the type of
core material which must be used and its physical size. And, of course, cost plays a role, too.
The most commonly used audio transformer core materials
are M6 steel (a steel alloy containing 6% silicon) and 49%
nickel or 84% nickel (alloys containing 49% or 84% nickel
plus iron and molybdenum). Nickel alloys are substantially
more expensive than steel. Figure 17 shows how the choice
of core material affects low-frequency distortion as signal
level changes. The increased distortion at low levels is due
to magnetic hysteresis and at high levels is due to magnetic
saturation. Figure 18 shows how distortion decreases
rapidly with increasing frequency. Because of differences in
their hysteresis distortion, the fall-off is most rapid for the
84% nickel and least rapid for the steel. Figure 19 shows
how distortion is strongly affected by the impedance of the
driving source (the plots begin at 40 because that is the
resistance of the primary winding). Therefore, maximum
operating levels predicated on higher frequencies, higher
distortion, and lower source impedance will always be
higher than those predicated on lower frequencies, lower
distortion, and lower source impedance.

Figure 17 - Measured THD at 20 Hz and 40 Source vs

Signal Level for Three Types of Core Material

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As background, it should be said that THD or total harmonic
distortion is a remarkably inadequate way to describe the
perceived awfulness of distortion. Distortion consisting of
low-order harmonics, 2 nd or 3 rd for example, is dramatically
less audible than that consisting of high-order harmonics, 7 th
or 13 th for example. Consider that, at very low frequencies,
even the finest loudspeakers routinely exhibit harmonic
distortion in the range of several percent at normal listening
levels. Simple distortion tests whose results correlate well
with the human auditory experience simply dont exist.
Clearly, such perceptions are far too complex to quantify
with a single figure.
One type of distortion which is particularly audible is intermodulation or IM distortion. Tests frequently use a large
low-frequency signal and a smaller high-frequency signal
and measure how much the amplitude of the high frequency
is modulated by the lower frequency. Such inter-modulation
creates tones at new, non-harmonic frequencies. The classic
SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television
Engineers) IM distortion test mixes 60 Hz and 7 kHz signals
in a 4:1 amplitude ratio. For virtually all electronic amplifier
circuits, there is an approximate relationship between
harmonic distortion and SM PTE IM distortion. For example,
if an amplifier measured 0.1% THD at 60 Hz at a given
operating level, its SM PTE IM distortion would measure
about three or four times that, or 0.3% to 0.4% at an
equivalent operating level. This correlation is due to the fact
that electronic non-linearities generally distort audio signals
without regard to frequency. Actually, because of negative
feedback and limited gain-bandwidth, most electronic
distortions become worse as frequency increases.

Figure 18 - Measured THD at 0 dBu and 40 Source vs

Frequency for the Cores of Figure 16

Distortion in audio transformers is different in a way which

makes it unusually benign. It is caused by the smooth
symmetrical curvature of the magnetic transfer characteristic
or B-H loop of the core material shown in Figure 9. The
non-linearity is related to flux density which, for a constant
Figure 19 - Measured THD at 0 dBu and 20 Hz vs
voltage input, is inversely proportional to frequency. The
Source Impedance for the Cores of Figures 16 and 17
resulting harmonic distortion products are nearly pure third
harmonic. In Figure 18, note that distortion for 84% nickel
cores roughly quarters for every doubling of frequency, dropping to less than 0.001% above about 50 Hz. Unlike that in
amplifiers, the distortion mechanism in a transformer is frequency selective. This makes its IM distortion much less than might be
expected. For example, the Jensen JT-10KB-D line input transformer has a THD of about 0.03% for a +26 dBu input at 60 Hz.
But, at an equivalent level, its SMPTE IM distortion is only about 0.01% about a tenth of what it would be for an amplifier
having the same THD.
1.3.2

Frequency Response

The simplified equivalent circuit of Figure 20 shows the high-pass RL filter formed by the circuit resistances and transformer
primary inductance LP. The effective source impedance is the parallel equivalent of RG + RP and RS + RL. When the inductive
reactance of LP equals the effective source impedance, low-frequency response will fall to 3 dB below its mid-band value. For
example, consider a transformer having an LP of 10 Henries and winding resistances RP and RS of 50 each. The generator
impedance RG is 600 and the load RL is 10 k. The effective source impedance is then (600 + 50 ) in parallel with (10 k
+ 50 ) which computes to about 610 . A 10 Henry inductor will have 610 of reactance at about 10 Hz, making response 3 dB
down at that frequency. If the generator impedance RG were made 50 instead, response would be !3 dB at 1.6 Hz. Lower
source impedance will always extend low-frequency bandwidth. Since the filter is single-pole, response falls at 6 dB per octave.
As discussed earlier, the permeability of most core material steadily increases as frequency is lowered and typically reaches its

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Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

maximum somewhere under 1 Hz. This results in an actual roll-off rate less than 6 dB per octave and a corresponding
improvement in phase distortion (deviation from linear phase). Although a transformer cannot have response to 0 Hz or dc, it can
have much less phase distortion than a coupling capacitor chosen for the same cutoff frequency. Or, as a salesperson might say
its not a defect, its a feature.

Figure 20 - Simplified Low Frequency

Transformer Equivalent Circuit

Figure 21 - Simplified High-Frequency

Transformer Equivalent Circuit

The simplified equivalent schematic of Figure 21 shows the parasitic elements which limit and control high-frequency response.
Except in bi-filar wound types discussed below, leakage inductance LL and load capacitance are the major limiting factors. This is
especially true when Faraday shields because of the increase in leakage inductance. Note that a low-pass filter is formed by series
leakage inductance LL with shunt winding capacitance CS plus external load capacitance CL. Since this filter has two reactive
elements, it is a two-pole filter subject to response variations caused by damping. Resistive elements in a filter provide damping,
dissipating energy when the inductive and capacitive elements resonate. As shown in the figure, if damping resistance R D is too
high, response will rise before it falls and if damping resistance is too low, response falls too early. Optimum damping results in
the widest bandwidth with no response peak. It should
be noted that placing capacitive loads CL on
transformers with high leakage inductance not only
lowers their bandwidth but changes the resistance
required for optimum damping. For most transformers,
RL controls damping. In the time domain, underdamping manifests itself as ringing on square-waves as
shown in Figure 22. W hen loaded by its specified load
resistance, the same transformer responds as shown in
Figure 23. In some transformers, source impedance
also provides significant damping.
Figure 22 - Undamped Response

Figure 23 - Proper Damping

In bi-filar wound transformers, leakage inductance LL
is very low but inter-winding capacitance CW and winding capacitances CP and CS are quite high. Leakage inductance must be
kept very small in applications such as line drivers because large cable capacitances CL would otherwise be disastrous to highfrequency response. Also note that a low-pass filter is formed by series RG and shunt CP plus CS. Therefore, driving sources may
limit high-frequency response if their source impedance RG is too high. In normal 1:1 bi-filar output transformer designs, CW
actually works to capacitively couple very high frequencies between windings. Depending on the application, this can be either a
defect or a feature.
1.3.3

Insertion Loss

The power output from a transformer will always be slightly less than power input to it. As current flows in its windings, their dc
resistance causes additional voltage drops and power loss as heat. Broadly defined, insertion loss (or gain) is that caused by
inserting a device into the signal path. But, because even an ideal lossless transformer can increase or decrease signal level by
virtue of its turns ratio, the term insertion loss is usually defined as the difference in output signal level between the real
transformer and an ideal one with the same turns ratio.

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The circuit models,
Thevenin equivalent
circuits, and equations for
both ideal and real
transformers are shown in
Figure 24. For example,
consider an ideal 1:1 turns
ratio transformer and RG =
RL = 600 . Since N s/N p is
1, the equivalent circuit
becomes simply E i in series
with RG or 600 . W hen
RL is connected, a simple
voltage divider is formed
making E o = 0.5 E i (or a
6.02 dB loss). For a real
transformer having RP = RS
= 50 , the equivalent
circuit becomes E i in series
Figure 24 - Insertion Loss Compares the Outputs of Real and Ideal Transformers
with RG + RP + RS or 700 .
Now, the output E o = 0.462 E i (or a 6.72 dB loss). Therefore, the insertion loss of the transformer is 0.70 dB.
Calculations are similar for transformers with turns ratios other than 1:1, except that voltage is multiplied by the turns ratio and
reflected impedances are multiplied by the turns ratio squared as shown in the equations. For example, consider a 2:1 turns ratio
transformer, RG = 600 , and RL = 150 . The ideal transformer output appears as 0.5 E i in series with RG/4 or 150 . W hen RL
is connected, a simple voltage divider is formed making E o = 0.25 E i (or a 12.04 dB loss). For a real transformer having RP = 50
and RS = 25 , the equivalent circuit becomes 0.5 E i in series with (RG + RP)/4 + RS or 187.5 . Now, the output E o = 0.222
E i (or a 13.07 dB loss). Therefore, the insertion loss of this transformer is 1.03 dB.
1.3.4

Sources with Zero Im pedance

One effect of using negative feedback around a high-gain amplifier is to reduce output impedance. Output impedance is reduced
by the feedback factor which is open-loop gain in dB minus closed-loop gain in dB. A typical op-amp with an open-loop gain of
80 dB, set for closed-loop gain of 20 dB (feedback factor is 80 dB ! 20 dB = 60 dB or 1000) will have its open-loop output
impedance of 50 reduced by the feedback factor to about 0.05 . W ithin the limits of linear operation, i.e., no current limiting
or voltage clipping, the feedback around the amplifier forces the output to remain constant regardless of loading. For all practical
purposes this can be considered a true voltage source.
As seen in Figure 19, the distortion performance of ANY transformer is significantly improved when the driving source
impedance is less than the dc resistance of the primary. However, little is gained below about 10% of the winding dc resistance.
For example, consider a typical line output transformer with a primary dc resistance of 40 . A driving source impedance well
under 4 will result in lowest distortion. The line drivers shown in Figure 28 and Figure 29 use a paralleled inductor and resistor
to isolate or decouple the amplifier from the destabilizing effects of load (cable) capacitance at very high frequencies. Because its
impedance is well under an ohm at all audio frequencies, it is much preferred to the relatively large series or build-out resistor
often used for the purpose. It is even possible for an amplifier to generate negative output resistance to cancel the winding
resistance of the output transformer. Audio Precision uses such a patented circuit in their System 1 audio generator to reduce
transformer-related distortion to extremely low levels.
1.3.5

Bi-Directional Reflection of Im pedances

The impedances associated with audio transformers seems to confuse many. Much of the confusion probably stems from the fact
that transformers can simultaneously reflect two different impedances. One is the impedance of the driving source, as seen from
the secondary, and the other is the impedance of the load, as seen from the primary. Transformers simply reflect impedances,
modified by the square of their turns ratio, from one winding to another. However, because of their internal parasitic elements,
transformers tend to produce optimum results when used within a specified range of external impedances.
There is essentially no intrinsic impedance associated with the transformer itself. W ith no load on its secondary, the primary of a
transformer is just an inductor and its impedance will vary linearly with frequency. For example, a 5 H primary winding would

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have an input impedance of about 3 k at 100 Hz, 30 k at 1 kHz,
and 300 k at 10 kHz. In a proper transformer design, this selfimpedance, as well as those of other internal parasitics, should have
negligible effects on circuit operation. The following applications
will illustrate the point.
A 1:1 output transformer application is shown in Figure 25. It has a
winding inductance of about 25 H and negligible leakage inductance.
The open circuit impedance, at 1 kHz, of either winding is about
150 k. Since the DC resistance is about 40 per winding, if the
primary is short circuited, the secondary impedance will be 80 . If
we place the transformer between a zero-impedance amplifier (more
on that later) and a load, the amplifier will "see" the load through the
transformer and the load will "see" the amplifier through the
transformer. In our example, the amplifier would "look like" 80 to
the output line or load and the 600 load would "look like" 680
to the amplifier. If the load were 20 k, it would "look like" slightly
less than 20 k because the open circuit transformer impedance (150
k at 1 kHz) is effectively in parallel with it. For most loads, this
effect is negligible.
A 4:1 input transformer example is shown in Figure 26. It has a
primary inductance of about 300 H and negligible winding
capacitance. The open circuit impedance, at 1 kHz, of the primary is
about 2 M. Because this transformer has a 4:1 turns ratio, therefore
16:1 impedance ratio, the secondary open circuit impedance is about
125 k. The DC resistances are about 2.5 k for the primary and
92 for the secondary. Since this is an input transformer, it must be
used with the specified secondary load resistance of 2.43 k for
proper damping (flat frequency response). This load on the
secondary will be transformed by the turns ratio to "look like" about
42 k at the primary. To minimize the noise contribution of the
amplifier stage, we need to know what the transformer secondary
"looks like," impedance wise, to the amplifier. If we assume that the
primary is driven from the line in our previous output transformer
example with its 80 source impedance, we can calculate that the
secondary will "look like" about 225 to the amplifier input.
Actually, any source impedance less than 1 k would have little
effect on the impedance seen at the secondary.

Figure 25 - Impedance Reflection in a 1:1 Transformer

Figure 26 - Impedance Reflection in a 4:1 Transformer

Transformers are not "intelligent" they cant isolate, in the loading sense, outputs from one
another or magically couple signals in one direction only. Magnetic coupling is truly
bi-directional. For example, Figure 27 shows a three-winding 1:1:1 transformer connected to
drive two 600 loads. The driver sees the loads in parallel or, neglecting winding
resistances, 300 . Likewise, a short on either output will be reflected to the driver as a short.
Of course, turns ratios and winding resistances must be taken into account to calculate actual
driver loading. For the same reason, stereo L and R outputs driving two windings on the same
transformer are effectively driving each other, possibly causing distortion or damage.
1.3.6

Transformer Noise Figure

Figure 27 - Multiple Loads

are Effectively Paralleled

Although the step-up turns ratio of a transformer may provide noise-free voltage gain, some 20 dB for a 1:10 turns ratio, its
important to understand that improvements in signal-to-noise ratio are not solely due to this gain. Because most amplifying
devices generate current noise as well as voltage noise, their noise performance will suffer when turns ratio is above the optimum
(see Chapter 21 on mic preamps). Noise figure measures, in dB, how much the output signal-to-noise ratio of a system is degraded
by a given system component. All resistances, including the winding resistances of transformers, generate thermal noise.
Therefore, the noise figure of a transformer indicates the increase in thermal noise or hiss when it replaces an ideal noiseless
transformer having the same turns ratio, i.e., voltage gain. The noise figure of a transformer is calculated as follows:

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Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

1.3.7

Basic Classification by Application

Many aspects of transformer performance, such as level-handling, distortion, and bandwidth, depend critically on the impedance
of the driving source and, in some cases, the resistance and capacitance of the load. These impedances play such an important role
that they essentially classify audio transformers into two basic types. Most simply stated, output transformers are used when load
impedances are low, as in line drivers, while input transformers are used when load impedances are high, as in line receivers. The
conflicting technical requirements for output and input types make their design and physical construction very different. Of course,
some audio transformer applications need features of both input and output transformers and are not so easily classified.
Output transformers must have very low leakage inductance in order to maintain high-frequency bandwidth with capacitive loads.
Because of this, they rarely use Faraday shields and are often multi-filar wound. For low insertion loss, they use relatively few
turns of large wire to decrease winding resistances. Since they use fewer turns and operate at relatively high signal levels, output
transformers seldom use magnetic shielding. On the other hand, input transformers directly drive the usually high-resistance, lowcapacitance input of amplifier circuitry. Many input transformers operate at relatively low signal levels, frequently have a Faraday
shield, and are usually enclosed in at least one magnetic shield.

Audio Transformers for Specific Applications

Broadly speaking, audio transformers are used because they have two very useful properties. First, they can benefit circuit
performance by transforming circuit impedances, to optimize amplifier noise performance for example. Second, because there is
no direct electrical connection between its primary and secondary windings, a transformer provides electrical or galvanic isolation
between two circuits. As discussed in Chapter 37, isolation in signal circuits is a powerful technique to prevent or cure noise
problems caused by normal ground voltage differences in audio systems. To be truly useful, a transformer should take full
advantage of one or both of these properties but not compromise audio performance in terms of bandwidth, distortion, or noise.

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2.1 Equipment-Level Applications
2.1.1

Microphone Input

A microphone input transformer is driven by the

nominal 150 (or 200 in Europe) source
impedance of professional microphones. One of its
most important functions is to transform this
impedance to a generally higher one more suited to
optimum noise performance. As discussed in chapter
21, this optimum impedance may range from 500
to over 15 k, depending on the amplifier. For this
reason, microphone input transformers are made with
Figure 28 - Microphone Pre-Amplifier with 40 dB Overall Gain
turns ratios ranging from 1:2 to 1:10 or higher. The
circuit of Figure 28 uses a 1:5 turns ratio transformer, making the microphone appear as a 3.7 k driving source to the IC
amplifier, which optimizes its noise. The input impedance of the transformer is about 1.5 k. It is important that this impedance
remain reasonably flat with frequency to avoid altering microphone response by loading it excessively at frequency extremes.
In all balanced signal connections, common-mode noise can exist due to ground voltage differences or magnetic or electrostatic
fields acting on the inter-connecting cable. It is called common-mode noise because it appears equally on the two signal lines, at
least in theory. Perhaps the most important function of a balanced input is to reject (not respond to) this common-mode noise. A
figure comparing the ratio of its differential or normal signal response to its common-mode response is called common-mode
rejection ratio or CM RR. An input transformer must have two attributes to achieve high CM RR. First, the capacitances of its two
inputs (to ground) must be very well matched and as low as possible. Second, it must have minimal capacitance between its
primary and secondary windings. This is usually accomplished by precision winding of the primary to evenly distribute
capacitances and the incorporation of a Faraday shield between primary and secondary. Because the common-mode input
impedances of a transformer consist only of capacitances of about 50 pF, transformer CMRR is maintained in real-world systems
where the source impedances of devices driving the balanced line and the capacitances of the cable itself are not matched with
great precision [3].
Because tolerable common-mode voltage is limited only by winding insulation, transformers are well suited for phantom power
applications. The standard arrangement using precision resistors is shown in Figure 28. Resistors of lesser precision may degrade
CMRR. Feeding phantom power through a center tap on the primary requires that both the number of turns and the dc resistance
on either side of the tap be precisely matched to avoid small dc offset voltages across the primary. Normal tolerances on winding
radius and wire resistance make this a less precise method than the resistor pair in most practical transformer designs. Virtually all
microphone input transformers will require loading on the secondary to control high-frequency response. For the circuit in the
figure, network R1, R2, and C1 shape the high-frequency response to a Bessel roll-off curve. Because they operate at very low
signal levels, most microphone input transformers also have magnetic shielding.
2.1.2

Line Input

A line input transformer is driven by a balanced line and, most

often, drives a ground-referenced (unbalanced) amplifier
stage. As discussed in Chapter 37, modern voltage-matched
interconnections require that line inputs have impedances of
10 k or more, traditionally called bridging. In the circuit of
Figure 29, a 4:1 step-down transformer is used which has an
input impedance of about 40 k.
High common-mode noise rejection or CMRR is achieved in
line input transformers using the same techniques as those for
microphones. Again, because its common-mode input
impedances consist of small capacitances, a good input
Figure 29 - Low-Noise Unity-Gain Balanced Line Input Stage
transformer will exhibit high CM RR even when signal sources
are real-world equipment. Electronically-balanced stages, especially simple differential amplifiers, are very susceptible to tiny
impedance imbalances in driving sources. However, they usually have impressive CMRR figures when the signal source is a
laboratory generator. The pitfalls of measurement techniques will be discussed in section 3.1.

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As with any transformer having a Faraday shield, line input transformers have significant leakage inductance and their secondary
load effectively controls their frequency response and roll-off characteristics. The load resistance or network recommended by the
manufacturer should be used to achieve specified bandwidth and transient response. Input transformers are intended to
immediately precede an amplifier stage with minimal input capacitance. Additional capacitive loading of the secondary should be
avoided because of its adverse effect on frequency and phase response. For example, the capacitance of two feet of ordinary
shielded cable, about 100 pF, is enough to significantly degrade performance of many input transformers.
2.1.3

Moving-Coil Phono Input

Moving-coil phonograph pickups are very low-impedance, very

low-output devices. Some of them have source impedances as low
as 3 , making it nearly impossible to achieve optimum noise
performance in an amplifier. The transformer shown in Figure 30
has a three-section primary that can be series-connected as a 1:4
step-up for 25 to 40 devices and parallel-connected as a 1:12
step-up for 3 to 5 devices. In either case, the amplifier sees a
600 source impedance that enables low-noise operation. The
transformer is packaged in double magnetic shield cans and has a
Faraday shield. The loading network R1, R2, and C1 tailor the
high-frequency response to a Bessel curve.
2.1.4

Line Output

Figure 30 - Preamp for 25 to 40 Moving-Coil Pickups

A line-level output transformer is driven by an amplifier

and typically loaded by several thousand pF of cable
capacitance plus the 20 k input impedance of a
balanced "bridging" line receiver. At high frequencies,
most driver output current is actually used driving the
cable capacitance. Sometimes, terminated 150 or
600 lines must be driven, requiring even more driver
output current. Therefore, a line output transformer must
have a low output impedance that stays low at high
frequencies. This requires both low resistance windings
and very low leakage inductance, since they are
effectively in series between amplifier and load. To
maintain impedance balance of the output line, both
driving impedances and inter-winding capacitances must
be well matched at each end of the windings. A typical
bifilar-wound design has winding resistances of 40
Figure 31 - Typical Line Output Application Circuit
each, leakage inductance of a few micro-henries, and a
total inter-winding capacitance of about 20 nF matched to within 2% across the windings.
The high-performance circuit of Figure 31 uses op-amp A1 and current booster A2 in a feedback loop setting overall gain at 12
dB. A3 provides the high gain for a dc servo feedback loop used to keep dc offset at the output of A2 under 100 V. This prevents
any significant dc flow in the primary of transformer T1. X1 provides capacitive load isolation for the amplifier and X2 serves as a
tracking impedance to maintain high-frequency impedance balance of the output. High-conductance diodes D1 and D2 clamp
inductive kick to protect A2 in case an unloaded output is driven
into hard clipping.
The circuit of Figure 32 is well suited to the lower signal levels
generally used in consumer systems. Because its output floats, it
can drive either balanced or unbalanced outputs, but not at the
same time. Floating the unbalanced output avoids ground loop
problems that are inherent to unbalanced interconnections.
In both previous circuits, because the primary drive of T1 is
single-ended, the voltages at the secondary will not be
symmetrical, especially at high frequencies. THIS IS NOT A

Figure 32 - Universal Isolated Output Application

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PROBLEM. Contrary to widespread myth and as explained in Chapter 37, signal symmetry has absolutely nothing to do with
noise rejection in a balanced interface! Signal symmetry in this, or any other floating output, will depend on the magnitude and
matching of cable and load impedances to ground. If there is a requirement for signal symmetry, the transformer should be driven
by dual, phase-inverted drivers.
The circuit of Figure 33 uses a cathode follower circuit which
replaces the usual resistor load in the cathode with an active current
sink. The circuit operates at quiescent plate currents of about 10 mA
and drives the transformer with a source impedance of about 60 ,
which is less than 10% of its primary dc resistance. C2 is used to
prevent dc flow in the primary. Since the transformer has a 4:1 turns
ratio (or 16:1 impedance ratio), a 600 output load is reflected to the
driver circuit as about 10 k. Since the signal swings on the primary
are four times as large as those on the secondary, high-frequency
capacitive coupling is prevented by a Faraday shield. The secondary
windings may be parallel connected to drive a 150 load. Because of
the Faraday shield, output winding capacitances are low and the
output signal symmetry will be determined largely by the balance of
line and load impedances.
2.1.5

Inter-Stage and Power Output

Figure 33 - Double Cathode-Follower Line Driver

Inter-stage coupling transformers are seldom seen in contemporary equipment but were once quite popular in vacuum-tube
amplifier designs. They typically use turns ratios in the 1:1 to 1:3 range and, as shown in Figure 34, may use a center-tapped
secondary producing phase-inverted signals to drive a push-pull output stage. Because both plate and grid circuits are relatively
high impedance, windings are sometimes section-wound to reduce capacitances. Resistive loading of the secondary is usually
necessary both to provide damping and to present a uniform load impedance to the driving stage. Although uncommon, inter-stage
transformers for solid-state circuitry are frequently bifilar wound units similar to line output designs.
The classic push-pull power output stage, with
many variations over the years, has been used in
hi-fi gear, PA systems, and guitar amplifiers.
The turns ratio of the output transformer is
generally chosen for a reflected load at the tubes
of several thousand ohms plate-to-plate. A
typical 30:1 turns ratio may require many
interleaved sections to achieve bandwidth
extending well beyond 20 kHz.
If the quiescent plate currents and the number of
turns in each half of the primary winding are
matched, magnetic flux in the core will cancel at
dc. Since any current-balancing is temporary at
Figure 34 - Push-Pull Vacuum-Tube Power Amplifier
best, these transformers nearly always use steel
cores. The relatively high driving impedance of
the tube plates results in considerable transformer related distortion. To reduce distortion, feedback around the transformer is often
employed. But to achieve stability (freedom from oscillation), very wide bandwidth (actually low phase shift) is required of the
transformer when a feedback loop is closed around it. As a result, some of these output transformer designs are very sophisticated.
Some legendary wisdom suggests as a rough guide that a good-fidelity output transformer should have a core weight and volume
of at least 0.34 pounds and 1.4 cubic inches respectively per watt of rated power [4].
A single-ended power amplifier is created by removing the lower tube and the lower half of the transformer primary from the
circuit of Figure 34. Now plate current will create a strong dc field in the core. As discussed in section 1.2.1, the core will likely
require an air gap to avoid saturation. This reduces inductance (limiting low-frequency response) and increases even-order
distortion products. Such a single-ended pentode power amplifier was widely used in 5-tube table radios of the fifties and sixties.

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2.1.6

Microphone Output

There are two basic types of output transformers used in microphones, step-up and
step-down. In a ribbon microphone, the ribbon element may have an impedance of
well under 1 , requiring a step-up transformer with a turns ratio of 1:12 or more to
make its nominal output impedance around 150 . Typical dynamic elements have
impedances from 10 to 30 , which require step-up turns ratios from 1:2 to 1:4.
These step-up designs are similar to line output transformers in that they have no
Faraday or magnetic shields, but are smaller because of lower signal levels.
A condenser microphone has integral circuitry to buffer and/or amplify the signal
Figure 35 - Condenser Microphone
from its extremely high-impedance transducer. Since this low-power circuitry
Output Transformer
operates from the phantom supply, it may be unable to directly drive the 1.5 k
input impedance of a typical microphone preamp. The output transformer shown in Figure 35, which has an 8:1 step-down ratio,
will increase the impedance seen by Q1 to about 100 k. Due to its high turns ratio, a Faraday shield is used to prevent capacitive
coupling of primary signal to the output.
2.2 System-Level Applications
2.2.1

Microphone Isolation or Splitter

The primary of a transformer with a 1:1 turns ratio can

bridge the output of a 150 to 200 microphone
feeding one pre-amp and the secondary of the
transformer can feed a duplicate of the microphone
signal to another pre-amp. Of course, a simple Y cable
could do this but there are potential problems. There are
often large and noisy voltages between the grounds of
two pre-amplifiers. The isolation provided by the
transformer prevents the noise from coupling to the
balanced signal line. To reduce capacitive noise
Figure 36 - A 3-W ay Microphone Splitter Box
coupling, Faraday shields are included in better designs
and double Faraday shields in the best. As discussed in section 11.1.3.5, the input impedances of all the pre-amps, as well as all
the cable capacitances, will be seen in parallel by the microphone. This places a practical upper limit on how many ways the
signal can be split. Transformers are commercially available in 2, 3, and 4-winding versions. A 3-way splitter box schematic is
shown in Figure 36. Since the microphone is directly connected only to the direct output, it is the only one that can pass
phantom power to the microphone. To each preamp, each isolated output "looks like" a normal floating (ungrounded) microphone.
The ground lift switches are normally left open to prevent possible high ground current flow in the cable shields.
2.2.2

Microphone Im pedance Conversion

There are some legacy dynamic microphones which are high-impedance (about 50 k) and have two-conductor cable and
connector (unbalanced). W hen such a microphone must be connected to a standard balanced low-impedance microphone pre-amp,
a transformer with a turns ratio of about 15:1 is necessary. Similar transformers can be used to adapt a low-impedance microphone
to the unbalanced high-impedance input of a legacy pre-amplifier.
2.2.3

Line to Microphone Input or Direct Box

Because its high-impedance input accepts line-level signals and its output
drives the low-level, low-impedance microphone input of a mixing
console, the device shown in Figure 37 is called a direct box. It is most
often driven by an electric guitar, synthesizer, or other stage instrument.
Because it uses a transformer, it provides ground isolation as well. In this
typical circuit, since the transformer has a 12:1 turns ratio, the impedance
ratio is 144:1. W hen the microphone input has a typical 1.5 k input
impedance, the input impedance of the direct box is about 200 k. The
transformer shown has a separate Faraday shield for each winding to
minimize capacitively coupled ground noise.

Figure 37 - A Transformer-Isolated Direct Box

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2.2.4

Line Isolation or Hum Eliminators

There are a remarkable number of black boxes on the market

intended to solve ground loop problems. This includes quite a
number of transformer-based boxes. W ith rare exception, those
boxes contain output transformers. Tests were performed to
compare noise rejection of the original interface to one with an
added output transformer and to one with an added input
transformer. The tests accurately simulated typical real-world
equipment (see the definitions at the end of this section).
Figure 38 shows results of CM RR tests on a balanced interface
using the IEC 60268-3 test procedure (discussed in section 3.1.2).
This test recognizes that the impedances of real-world balanced
outputs are not matched with the precision of laboratory
equipment. W hile the output transformer reduces 60 Hz hum by
over 20 dB, it has little effect on buzz artifacts over about 1
kHz. The input transformer increases rejection to over 120 dB at
60 Hz and to almost 90 dB at 3 kHz, where the human ear is most
sensitive to faint sounds.

Figure 38 - Balanced Output to Balanced Input

Top = None, Center = Output, Bottom = Input

Figure 39 shows results of ground noise rejection tests on an

unbalanced interface. By definition, there is 0 dB of inherent
rejection in an unbalanced interface (see Chapter 37).W hile the
output transformer reduces 60 Hz hum by about 70 dB, it
reduces buzz artifacts around 3 kHz by only 35 dB. The input
transformer increases rejection to over 100 dB at 60 Hz and to
over 65 dB at 3 kHz.
Figure 40 shows results of CMRR tests when an unbalanced
output drives a balanced input. A two-wire connection of this
interface will result in zero rejection (see Chapter 37). Assuming a
three-wire connection, the !30 dB plot shows how CM RR of
typical electronically-balanced input stages is degraded by the 600
source imbalance. Again, the output transformer improves 60
Hz hum by over 20 dB, it has little effect on buzz artifacts
over about 1 kHz. The input transformer increases rejection to
over 120 dB at 60 Hz and to almost 90 dB at 3 kHz.

Figure 39 - Unbalanced Output to Unbalanced Input

Top = None, Center = Output, Bottom = Input

Figure 41 shows results of ground noise rejection tests when a

balanced output drives an unbalanced input. Because our
balanced output does not float, the direct connection becomes an
unbalanced interface having, by definition, 0 dB of rejection.
W hile the output transformer reduces 60 Hz hum by about 50
dB, it reduces buzz artifacts around 3 kHz by less than 20 dB.
The input transformer increases rejection to over 105 dB at 60 Hz
and to almost 75 dB at 3 kHz. In this application it is usually
desirable to attenuate the signal by about 12 dB (from +4 dBu or
1.228 volts to !10 dBV or 0.316 volts) as well as provide ground
isolation. This can be conveniently done by using a 4:1 step-down
input transformer such as the one in Figure 29, which will
produce rejection comparable to that shown here.
One might fairly ask W hy not use a 1:4 step-up transformer when
an unbalanced output drives a balanced input to get 12 dB of
signal gain? Because of the circuit impedances involved, the
answer is because it doesnt work very well. Recall that a 1:4
turns ratio has an impedance ratio of 1:16. This means that the

Figure 40 - Unbalanced Output to Balanced Input

Top = None, Center = Output, Bottom = Input

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input impedance of the pro balanced input we drive will be
reflected back to the consumer output at one-sixteenth that.
Since the source impedance (usually unspecified, but not the same
as load impedance) of a consumer outputs is commonly 1 k or
more, the reflected loading losses are high. A 1:4 step-up
transformer would have its own insertion losses, which we will
rather optimistically assume at 1 dB. The table below shows
actual gain using this transformer with some typical equipment
output and input impedances (Z is impedance).
Consumer
Output Z

200
500
1 k

Pro Balanced Input Z

10 k
20 k
40 k
(625 )
(1.25 k)
(2.5 k)
8.6 dB
9.7 dB
10.3 dB
5.9 dB
8.1 dB
9.4 dB
2.7 dB
5.9 dB
8.1 dB

Figure 41 - Balanced Output to Unbalanced Input

Not only will gain usually be much less than 12 dB, the load
Top = None, Center = Output, Bottom = Input
reflected to the consumer output (shown in parentheses) may
cause headroom loss, increased distortion, and poor lowfrequency response. Often the only semi-technical description of a consumer output is 10 k minimum load. It is futile to
increase the turns ratio of the transformer in an attempt to overcome the gain problem it only makes the reflected loading losses
worse! In most situations, a 1:1 transformer can be used because the pro equipment can easily provide the required gain. Of
course, a 1:1 input transformer will provide far superior noise immunity from ground loops.
The point here is that the noise rejection provided by an input transformer with a Faraday-shield is far superior to that
provided by an output type. But the input transformer must be used at the receiver or destination end of an interface cable. In
general, input transformers can drive no more than two feet of typical shielded cable the capacitance of longer cables will erode
their high-frequency bandwidth. Although output type (no Faraday shield) transformers are not as good at reducing noise, their
advantage is that they can be placed anywhere along an interface cable, at the driver end, at a patch-bay, or at the destination end,
and work equally well. In all the test cases discussed in this section, results of using both an output and an input transformer
produced results identical to those using only an input transformer. For example, an unbalanced output does not need to be
balanced by a transformer before transmission through a cable (this is a corollary of the balance versus symmetry myth), it needs
only an input transformer at the receiver. There is rarely a need to use both types on the same line.
Definitions:
Balanced Output means a normal, non-floating source having a differential output impedance of 600 and common-mode
output impedances of 300 , matched to within 0.1%;
Balanced Input means a typical electronically-balanced stage (an instrumentation circuit using 3 op-amps) having a
differential input impedance of 40 k and common-mode input impedances of 20 k, trimmed for a CM RR over 90 dB when
directly driven by the above Balanced Output;
Unbalanced Output means a ground-referenced output having an output impedance of 600 . This is representative of typical
consumer equipment;
Unbalanced Input means a ground-referenced input having an input impedance of 50 k. This is representative of typical
consumer equipment;
No Transformer means a direct wired connection;
Output Transformer means a Jensen JT-11-EMCF (a popular line output transformer); and
Input Transformer means a Jensen JT-11P-1 (our most popular line input transformer).

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2.2.5

Speaker Distribution or Constant Voltage

W hen a number of low-impedance speakers are located far from a power amplifier, there are no good methods to interconnect
them in a way that properly loads the amplifier. The problem is compounded by the fact that power losses due to the resistance of
the inter-connecting wiring can be substantial. The wire gauge required is largely determined by the current it must carry and its
length. Borrowing a technique from power utility companies, boosting the distribution voltage reduces the current for a given
amount of power and allows smaller wire to be used in the distribution system. Step-down matching transformers, most often
having taps to select power level and/or speaker impedance, are used at each location. This scheme not only reduces the cost of
wiring but allows system designers the freedom to choose how power is allocated among the speakers. These so-called constantvoltage speaker distribution systems are widely used in public address, paging, and background music systems. Although the
most popular is 70-volt, others include 25-volt, 100-volt, and 140-volt. Because the higher voltage systems offer the lowest
distribution losses for a given wire size, they are more common in very large systems. It should also be noted that only the 25-volt
system is considered low-voltage by most regulatory agencies and the wiring in higher voltage systems may need to conform to
ac power wiring practices.
It is important to understand that these nominal voltages exist on the distribution line only when the driving amplifier is operating
at full rated power. Many specialty power amplifiers have outputs rated to drive these lines directly but ordinary power amplifiers
rated to drive speakers can also drive such lines, according to the following table:
Amplifier Rated Output, W atts
at 8
at 4
at 2
1,250
2,500
5,000
625
1,250
2,500
312
625
1,250
156
312
625
78
156
312

Output
Voltage
100
70.7
50
35.3
25

For example, an amplifier rated to deliver 1,250 watts of continuous average power into an 8 load
Figure 42 - Step-Up
could drive a 70-volt distribution line directly as long as the sum of the power delivered to all the
Auto-Transformer
speakers doesnt exceed 1,250 watts. Although widely used, the term rms watts is technically
ambiguous [5]. In many cases, the benefits of constant-voltage distribution are desired, but the total
power required is much less. In that case a step-up transformer can be used to increase the output voltage of an amplifier with less
output. This is often called matching it to the line because such a transformer is actually transforming the equivalent line
impedance down to the rated load impedance for the amplifier. Most of these step-up transformers will have a low turns ratio. For
example, a 1:1.4 turns ratio would increase the 50-volt output to 70 volts for an amplifier rated at 300 watts into 8 . In such lowratio applications, the auto-transformer discussed in section 11.1.2.2 has cost and size advantages. Figure 42 is a schematic of an
auto-transformer with taps for turns ratios of 1:1.4 or 1:2 which could be used to drive a 70-volt line from amplifiers rated for
either 300 or 150 watts respectively at 8 . Several power amplifier manufacturers offer such transformers as options or
accessories.
A line to voice-coil transformer is usually necessary to step-down the line voltage and produce the desired speaker power:
Speaker
16
32
16
8
4
2
1
0.5
0.25
0.125

Power in W atts
8
4
64
128
32
64
16
32
8
16
4
8
2
4
1
2
0.5
1
0.25
0.5

Speaker
Volts
22.63
16
11.31
8
5.66
4
2.83
2
1.41

Transformer Step-Down Turns Ratio Required

100 V
70 V
35 V
25 V
4.42
3.12
1.56
1.10
6.25
4.42
2.21
1.56
8.84
6.25
3.12
2.21
12.5
8.84
4.42
3.12
17.7
12.5
6.25
4.42
25
17.7
8.84
6.25
35.3
25
12.5
8.84
50
35.3
17.7
12.5
71
50
25
17.7

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These step-down transformers can be designed several ways.
Figure 43 shows a design where the line voltage is selected at the
primary side and the power level is selected at the secondary while
Figure 44 shows a design where power level is selected on the
primary side and speaker impedance is selected at the secondary.
As clear from the repeating patterns in the table above, there are
many combinations of line voltage, speaker impedance, and power
level that result in the same required turns ratio in the matching
transformer.
Figure 43 - Transformer
with Secondary Taps for
Power Selection

Figure 44 - Transformer
with Primary Taps for
Power Selection

Since the constant-voltage line has a very low source impedance,

and the transformer is loaded by a low-impedance loudspeaker,
transformer high-frequency response is usually not a design issue.
As in any transformer, low-frequency response is determined by primary inductance and total source impedance, which is
dominated by the primary winding resistance since the driving source impedance is very low. W inding resistances of both primary
and secondary contribute to insertion loss. In efforts to reduce size and cost, the fewest turns of the smallest wire possible are often
used, which raises insertion loss and degrades low-frequency response. Generally, an insertion loss of 1 dB or less is considered
good and 2 dB is marginally acceptable for these applications.
It is very important to understand that, while the frequency response of a transformer may be rated as !1 dB at 40 Hz, its rated
power does NOT apply at that frequency. Rated power, or maximum signal level is discussed in section 1.3.1. In general, level
handling is increased by more primary turns and more core material and it takes more of both to handle more power at lower
frequencies. This ultimately results in physically larger, heavier, and more expensive transformers. W hen any transformer is driven
at its rated level at a lower frequency than its design will support, core saturation is the result. The sudden drop in permeability of
the core effectively reduces primary inductance to zero. The transformer primary now appears to have only the dc resistance of its
winding, which may be only a few ohms. In the best scenario, some ugly-sounding distortion will occur and the line amplifier will
simply current limit. In the worst scenario, the amplifier will not survive the inductive energy or kick fed back to it as the
transformer comes out of saturation. This can be especially dangerous if large numbers of transformers saturate simultaneously.
In 1953, the power ratings of speaker matching transformers were based on 2% distortion at 100 Hz [6]. Traditionally, the
normal application of these transformers has been speech systems and this power rating standard assumes very little energy will
exist under 100 Hz. The same reference recommends that transformers used in systems with emphasized bass should have
ratings higher than this 100-Hz nominal power rating and those used to handle organ music should have ratings of at least four
times nominal. Since the power ratings for these transformers is rarely qualified by a specification stating the applicable frequency,
it seems safe to assume that the historical 100 Hz power rating applies to most com m ercial transform ers available today.
If a background music system, for example, requires good bass response, it is wise to use over-rated transformers. Reducing the
voltage on the primary side of the transformer will extends its low-frequency power handling. Its possible, using the table above,
to use different taps to achieve the same ratio while driving less than nominal voltage into the transformer primary. For example, a
70-volt line could be connected to the 100-volt input of the transformer in Figure 33 and, for example, the 10-watt secondary tap
used to actually deliver 5 watts. In any constant-voltage system, saturation problems can be reduced by appropriate high-pass
filtering. Simply attenuate low-frequency signals before they can reach the transformers. In voice-only systems, problems that arise
from breath pops, dropped microphones, or signal switching transients can be effectively eliminated by a 100-Hz high-pass filter
ahead of the power amplifier. In music systems, attenuating frequencies too low for the speakers to reproduce can be similarly
helpful.
2.2.6

Telephone Isolation or Repeat Coil

In telephone systems it was sometimes necessary to

isolate a circuit which was grounded at both ends. This
metallic circuit problem was corrected with a repeat
coil to improve longitudinal balance. Translating
from telephone lingo, this balanced line had poor
common-mode noise rejection which was corrected with
a 1:1 audio isolation transformer. The W estern Electric
111C repeat coil was widely used by radio networks and
others for high-quality audio transmission over 600
phone lines. It has split primary and secondary windings

Figure 45 - Repeat Coil Ground Isolation for 600 Lines

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and a Faraday shield. Its frequency response was 30 Hz to 15 kHz and it had less than 0.5 dB insertion loss. Split windings allow
them to be parallel connected for 150 use.
Figure 45 shows a modern version of this transformer as a general purpose isolator for low-impedance circuits, such as in a
recording studio patch-bay. Optional components can be useful in some applications. For example, network R1 and C1 will flatten
the input impedance over frequency, R2 will trim the input impedance to exactly 600 , and R3 can be used to properly load the
transformer when the external load is high-impedance or bridging.
2.2.7

Telephone Directional Coupling or Hybrid

Telephone hybrid circuits use bridge nulling principles to separate signals

which may be transmitted and received simultaneously on a 2-wire line. This
nulling depends critically on well-controlled impedances in all branches of
the circuits. This nulling is what suppresses the transmit signal (your own
voice) in the receiver of your phone while allowing you to hear the receive
signal (the other party).
A two-transformer hybrid network is shown in Figure 46. The arrows and
dashed lines show the current flow for a signal from the transmitter TX.
Remember that the dots on the transformers show points having the same
instantaneous polarity. The transformer turns ratios are assumed to be 1:1:1.
W hen balancing network Z N has an impedance that matches the line
impedance Z L at all significant frequencies, the currents in the Z L loop
(upper) and Z N loop (lower) will be equal. Since they flow in opposite
Figure 46 - Two-Transformer Hybrid
directions in the RX transformer (right), there is cancellation and the TX
signal does not appear at RX. A signal originating from the line rather than TX is
not suppressed and is heard in RX. A common problem with hybrids of any kind is
adjusting network Z N to match the telephone line, which may vary considerably in
impedance even over relatively short time spans.
If the transmitter and receiver are electrically connected, the single transformer
method, shown in Figure 47, can be used. Any well-designed transformers with
accurate turns ratio can be used in hybrid applications.
2.2.8

Moving-Coil Phono Step-Up

Outboard boxes are sometimes used to adapt the output of low-output,

low-impedance moving-coil phono pickups to pre-amplifier inputs
intended for the more ordinary high-impedance moving-magnet pickups.
These pre-amplifiers have a standard input impedance of 47 k. Figure 48
shows a 1:37 step-up transformer used for this purpose. It has a voltage
gain of 31 dB and reflects its 47 k pre-amplifier load to the pickup as
about 35 . This keeps loading loss on the pickup to about 1 dB. The
series RC network on the secondary provides proper damping for smooth
frequency response. Double magnetic shield cans are used because of the
very low signal levels involved and the low-frequency gain inherent in the
RIAA playback equalization. In these applications, it is extremely
important to keep all leads to the pickup tightly twisted to avoid hum from
ambient magnetic fields.

Figure 47 - Single-Transformer Hybrid

Figure 48 - Step-Up Transformer for

Moving Coil Phono Pickup

Audio Transformers

Bill W hitlock

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Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

Measurements and Data Sheets

3.1 Testing and M easurements

3.1.1

Transmission Characteristics

The test circuits below are the basic setups to determine the signal transmission characteristics of output and input type
transformers, respectively, shown in the diagrams as DUT for device under test. In each case, the driving source impedance
must be specified and is split into two equal parts for transformers specified for use in balanced systems. For example, if a 600
balanced source is specified, the resistors Rs/2 become 300 each. The generator indicated in both diagrams is understood to
have symmetrical voltage outputs. The buffer amplifiers shown are used to provide a zero source impedance, which is not
available from most commercial signal sources. The generator could be used in an unbalanced mode by simply connecting the
lower end of the DUT primary to ground. The specified load impedance must also be placed on the secondary. For output
transformers, the load and meter are often floating as shown in Figure 49. For input transformers, a specified end the secondary is
generally grounded as shown in Figure 50.

Figure 49 - Transmission Tests for Output Types

Figure 50 - Transmission Tests for Input Types

These test circuits can be used to determine voltage gain or loss (turns ratio when R L is infinite), frequency response, and phase
response. If the meter is replaced with a distortion analyzer, distortion and maximum operating level may be characterized. Multipurpose equipment such as the Audio Precision System 1 or System 2 can make such tests convenient. Testing of high-power
transformers usually requires an external power amplifier to boost the generator output as well as some hefty power resistors to
serve as loads.
3.1.2

Balance Characteristics

Tests for common-mode rejection are intended to apply a common-mode voltage through some specified resistances to the
transformer under test. Any differential voltage developed then represents undesired conversion of common-mode voltage to
differential mode by the transformer. In general terms, CMRR or common-mode rejection ratio, is the ratio of the response of a
circuit to a voltage applied normally (differentially) to that same voltage applied in common-mode through specified impedances.
This conversion is generally the result of mismatched internal capacitances in the balanced winding. For output transformers, the
most common test arrangement is shown in Figure 51. Common values are 300 for RG and values from zero to 300 for Rs/2.
Resistor pairs must be very well matched.

Figure 51 - Common-Mode Test for Output Types

Figure 52 - IEC Common-Mode Test for Input Types

Traditionally, CMRR tests of balanced input stages involved applying the common-mode voltage through a pair of very tightlymatched resistors. As a result, such traditional tests were not accurate predictors of real-world noise rejection in some very widely
used electronically-balanced inputs. The IEC recognized this a number of years ago and solicited help to revise the test. The
problem arises from the fact that the common-mode output impedances of balanced sources in typical commercial equipment
are not matched with laboratory precision. Imbalances of 10 are quite common. This author, through an educational process
about balanced interfaces in general, suggested a more realistic test which was adopted by the IEC in their document 60268-3
Testing of Amplifiers in August, 2000. The Informative Annex of this document is a concise short-course explaining the
nature of a balanced interface. The method of the new test, as shown in Figure 52, is simply to introduce a 10 imbalance, first in
one line and then in the other. The CMRR is then computed based on the highest differential reading observed.

Audio Transformers

Bill W hitlock

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Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

3.1.3

Resistances, Capacitances, and Other Data

Other data which can be very helpful to an equipment or system designer includes resistances
of each winding and capacitances from winding to winding or winding to Faraday shield or
transformer frame. Do not use an ohmmeter to check winding resistances unless you are able
to later demagnetize the part. Ordinary ohmmeters, especially on low-ohm ranges, can
weakly magnetize the core. If an ohmmeter simply must be used, use the highest ohm range
(where the test current is least).
Figure 53 - Impedance Tests
Capacitances are usually measured on impedance bridges and, to eliminate the effects of
winding inductances, with all windings shorted. Total capacitances can be measured this way, but balance of capacitances across a
winding must be measured indirectly. CMRR tests are effectively measuring capacitance imbalances.
As shown in Figure 53, sometimes the input impedance of a winding is measured with specified load on other windings. This test
includes the effects of primary resistance, secondary resistance, and the parallel loss resistance RC shown in Figure 8 and Figure
13. If specified over a wide frequency range, it also includes the effects of primary inductance and winding capacitances.
Breakdown voltages are sometimes listed as measures of insulation integrity. This is normally done with special equipment,
sometimes called a hi-pot tester, which applies a high voltage while limiting current to a very low value.
3.2 Data Sheets
3.2.1

Data to Impress or to Inform?

As with other products, many data sheets and other product specifications are designed to impress rather than inform.
Specifications offered with unstated measurement conditions are essentially meaningless, so a degree of skepticism is always
appropriate before comparisons are made. A few examples:
Hum Eliminator and Line Level Shifter products with no noise rejection specs of any kind!
Line Level Shifter products with no gain spec at all! Section 2.2.4 explained why you likely never see one.
Maximum Power or Maximum Level listed with no frequency and no source impedance specified!
Other specifications, while true, may mislead those not wise in the ways of transformers.
M aximum Level and Distortion are commonly specified at 50 Hz, 40 Hz, 30 Hz, or 20 Hz. Be careful, the 50 Hz specs will
always be much more impressive than those at 20 Hz! There is an approximate 6 dB per octave relationship at work here. A
transformer specified for level or distortion at 40 Hz for example, will handle about 6 dB less level at 20 Hz and have at least
twice the distortion!
Seen in advertising copy: Frequency response 10 Hz to 40 kHz 1 dB into 10 k load and Distortion less than 0.002% at
1 kHz. W hat about the source impedance? Response at 10 Hz and low distortion is a lot easier from a 0 source than from a
1 k source and 1 kHz is not a very revealing frequency for distortion tests. Section 1.3.1 explains.
3.2.2

Com prehensive Data Sheet Exam ple

For reference, the following is offered as a sample of a data sheet that has been called truly useful and brutally honest.

JT-11P-1

LINE INPUT TRANSFORMER

1:1 FOR "BALANCED BRIDGING" INPUTS
M
M
M
M
M

Ideal for balancing any high-impedance unbalanced input

Wide bandwidth: !3 dB at 0.25 Hz and 100 kHz
Recommended for levels up to +20 dBu at 20 Hz
High input impedance: 13 k with 10 k load
High common-mode rejection: 107 dB at 60 Hz

This transformer is designed for use in wideband line input stages. Distortion
remains very low and CMRR remains high, even when driven by high source
impedances. The primary is fully balanced and its leads may be reversed to
invert polarity, if required. A 30 dB magnetic shield package is standard.

TYPICAL APPLICATION

JT-11P-1 SPECIFICATIONS (all levels are input unless noted)

PARAMETER

CONDITIONS

MINIMUM

TYPICAL

MAXIMUM

Input impedance, Zi

1 kHz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1

12.3 k

13.0 k

13.7 k

Voltage gain

1 kHz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1

!2.6 dB

!2.3 dB

!2.0 dB

Magnitude response,
ref 1 kHz

20 Hz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1, Rs=600

!0.15 dB

!0.04 dB

0.0 dB

20 kHz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1, Rs=600

!0.15 dB

!0.05 dB

0.0 dB

Deviation from linear phase (DLP)

20 Hz to 20 kHz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1, Rs=600

+0.6E

2.0E

Distortion (THD)

1 kHz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1, Rs=600

<0.001%

20 Hz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1, Rs=600

0.025%

Maximum 20 Hz input level

1% THD, test circuit 1, Rs=600

Common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR)

50 balanced source

60 Hz, test circuit 2

Common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR)

600 unbalanced source

60 Hz, test circuit 3

Output impedance, Zo

1 kHz, test circuit 1, Rs=50

2.34 k

primary (RED to BRN)

1.45 k

secondary (YEL to ORG)

1.55 k

DC resistances
Capacitances @ 1 kHz

3 kHz, test circuit 2

+18 dBu

107 dB
65 dB

73 dB
100 dB

3 kHz, test circuit 3

68 dB

primary to shield and case

98 pF

secondary to shield and case

110 pF

Turns ratio

0.999:1

Temperature range

operation or storage

Breakdown voltage
(see IMPORTANT NOTE below)

primary or secondary to shield and case, 60 Hz,

1 minute test duration

0.10%

+20 dBu

0E C

1.000:1

1.001:1
70E C

250 V RMS

All minimum and maximum specifications are guaranteed. Unless noted otherwise, all specifications apply at 25EC. Specifications subject to change
without notice. All information herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however no responsibility is assumed for its use nor for any infringements of
patents which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Jensen Transformers, Inc.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This device is NOT intended for use in life support systems or any application where its failure could cause injury or death. The
breakdown voltage specification is intended to insure integrity of internal insulation systems; continuous operation at these voltages is NOT recommended.
Consult our applications engineering department if you have special requirements.

1/01

JENSEN TRANSFORMERS, INC., 7135 Hayvenhurst Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406-3807, USA
(818) 374-5857 FAX (818) 374-5856 www.jensen-transformers.com

Bill W hitlock

Audio Transformers

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Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

Installation and Maintenance

4.1 A Few Installation Tips

!

Remember that there are very tiny wires inside an audio transformer. Its wire leads should never be used like a handle to pick
it up. The internal bonds are strong, but one strong tug might result in an open winding.

Be careful with sharp tools. A gouge through the outer wrapper of an output transformer can nick or cut an internal winding.

Use either the supplied screws or ones no longer than recommended to mount transformers in shield cans. If the screws are
too long, theyll bore right into the windings big problem!

Be careful about using magnetized tools. If a screwdriver will pick up a paper clip, it shouldnt be used to install an audio
transformer.

Dont drop a transformer. It can distort the fit of the laminations in output transformers and affect their low-frequency
response. Mechanical stress (as in denting) of the magnetic shield can of an input transformer will reduce its effectiveness as a
shield. For the same reason, dont over-tighten the clamp on transformers mounted with them.

Twisting helps avoid hum pickup from ambient ac magnetic fields. This is especially true for mic level lines in splitters, for
example. Separately twist the leads from each winding twisting the leads from all windings together can reduce noise
rejection or CMRR.

4.2 De-M agnetization

Some subtle problems are created when transformer cores and/or their shield cans become magnetized. Generally, cores become
magnetized by having dc flow in a winding, even for a fraction of a second. It can leave the core weakly magnetized. Steel cores,
because of their wider hysteresis loops, are generally the most prone to such magnetization. The only way to know if the core has
some permanent magnetization is to perform distortion measurements. A transformer with an un-magnetized core will exhibit
nearly pure third harmonic distortion, with virtually no even order harmonic distortion while magnetized ones will show
significant even order distortion, possibly with 2nd harmonic even exceeding 3rd. A test signal at a level about 30 or 40 dB below
rated maximum operating level at 20 or 30 Hz is typically the most revealing because it maximizes the contribution of hysteresis
distortion.
Microphone input transformers used with phantom power are exposed to this possibility whenever a microphone is connected or
disconnected from a powered input. However, distortion tests before and after exposure to the worst-case 7 mA current pulses
have shown that the effects are indeed subtle. Third harmonic distortion, which normally dominates transformer distortions, is
unaffected. Second harmonic, which normally is near the measurement threshold, is typically increased by about 20 dB but is still
some 15 dB lower than the third harmonic. Is it audible? Some say yes. But even this distortion disappears into the noise floor
above a few hundred Hz. In any case, it can be prevented by connecting and disconnecting microphones only when phantom
power is off. However, such magnetized transformers can be de-magnetized.
Demagnetizing of low level transformers can generally be done with any audio generator having a continuously variable output It
may take a booster of some sort to get enough level for output transformers (be sure theres no dc offset at its output!). The idea is
to drive the transformer deeply into saturation (5% THD or more) and slowly bring the level down to zero. Saturation will, of
course, be easiest at a very low frequency. How much level it takes will depend on the transformer. If youre lucky, the level
required may not be hazardous to the surrounding electronics and the de-magnetizing can be accomplished without disconnecting
the transformer. Start with the generator set to 20 Hz and its minimum output level, connect it to the transformer, then slowly (over
a period of a few seconds) increase the level into saturation maintain it for a few seconds then slowly turn it back down to
minimum. For the vast majority of transformers, this process will leave them in a demagnetized state.
Shield cans are usually magnetized by having a brief encounter with a strongly magnetized tool. Sometimes, transformers are
unknowingly mounted on a magnetized chassis. W hen the shield can of an input transformer becomes magnetized, the result is
microphonic behavior of the transformer. Even though quality input transformers are "potted" with a semi-rigid epoxy compound
to prevent breakage of very fine wires, tiny movements between core and can activate what is essentially a variable reluctance
microphone. In this case, a good strong tape head de-magnetizer can be used to de-magnetize the can. At the end of the production
line, most transformers are routinely demagnetized with a very strong de-magnetizer just prior to shipment. Although I haven't
tried it, I would expect that something like a degausser for 2" video tape (remember that!) would also de-magnetize even a large

Bill W hitlock

Audio Transformers

Page 29

Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3 rd Edition

steel-core output transformer.

References
[1] Magnetic Shield Corporation, Frequently Asked Questions, www.magnetic-shield.com/faq.html.
[2] Sowter, G.A.V., Soft Magnetic Materials for Audio Transformers: History, Production, and Applications, Journal of the
Audio Engineering Society, October 1987, www.sowter.co.uk/pdf/GAVS.pdf.
[3] W hitlock, Bill, Balanced Lines in Audio: Fact, Fiction, and Transformers, Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, June
1995, pp 454-464.
[4] Smith, F. Langford, Radiotron Designers Handbook, W ireless Press, Sydney, 4 th Edition, 1953, p 208.
[5] W oolf, Lawrence, RMS Watt, or Not?, Electronics W orld, December 1998, pp 1043-1045.
[6] Smith, F. Langford, op. cit., p 227.

Co-Netic is a registered trademark of Magnetic Shield Corp.

HyMu is a registered trademark of Carpenter Technology Corp.
Mumetal is a registered trademark of Telcon Metals, Ltd.
Permalloy is a registered trademark of B & D Industrial & Mining Services, Inc.