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Jensen Transformers CI-2MINI
ISO-MAX Computer/Laptop/IPods Ground Isolator - Hum and Buzz Eliminator
Jensen Transformers CI-2MINI ISO-MAX Stereo Audio Input Ground Isolator
The Jensen Transformer
CI-2MINI is designed for use with computers, laptops, IPods, MP3 players, and other devices that require a 3.5mm stereo connector. This
isolator is equipped with high-grade nickel-iron-molybdenum alloy cores, ensuring extremely low distortion and ruler-flat frequency response.
RF interference rejection is maximized by Faraday shielded windings. High quality 3.5mm connectors provide high performance connections and maintain long term reliability.
The CI-2MINI not only eliminates hum and buzz but also enhances audio quality by reducing spectral contamination due to ultrasonic and RF interference.
The CI-2MINI is housed is a sturdy metal enclosure, measuring 4.32" W x 2.6" D x 1.45" H., including the flanges. The flanges have mounting holes, which are handy for permanent installations.
If you're not sure which model to choose, please check out our Jensen Transformers Application Guide.
Please do not confuse the CI-2MINI with similar (but inferior) products. Jensen Transformers' ISO-MAX Studio-Quality Audio Isolators provide the ultimate signal interface solutions. They solve the fundamental problems associated with ground loops, without degrading signal quality.
With inferior products coming from all over the world, we think it is a genuine treasure to find a company like Jensen Transformers, actually designing and manufacturing some of the finest products in the world, right here in the USA, and we are proud to be able to offer their products. The CI-2MINI is made in the USA, is backed by the manufacturer's comprehensive one-year warranty, and has a remarkable 20-year warranty on the transformer device itself.
Ground Loops?
(or why the best planned systems sometimes sound bad)
It is a subject that is seldom discussed in manufacturers publications, or even in magazines of the trade, but ground loops can happen even in the most carefully planned A/V system. When ground loops happen, the result is unwanted hum and buzz.
Ground loops are often the result of the fact that in a complex A/V system, some components may be powered by a different electrical branch circuit than the rest of the A/V system. The result is that the neutral or groundside of the two circuits can be at a slightly different potential. It can be because one of the circuits is loaded more heavily than the other, or because one run is longer than the other, or any number of other reasons that are beyond the scope of this article.
Ideally, ground loops would be prevented at the design level, but if you are working with an existing room, it is not always possible or practical.
Ground loops can occur in mobile installations as well, because all of the amplifiers in the system have their own internal power supplies, and voltage drop percentages in a 12-volt system can be even more challenging than in a home system.
The Solution
The Jensen Transformers CI-2MINI is elegant in its simplicity. Just insert it in the audio line and it immediately provides these benefits:
- Eliminates the inherent ground noise coupling mechanism
- Common-mode ground noise rejection of 95 dB at 60 Hz
- Wide bandwidth: -3dB at 0.25 Hz and 25 KHz
- Handles signals up to 7 volts at 20 Hz or 11 volts at 30 Hz
- Input impedances are 49 kOhm when driving typical 47 kOhm inputs
When used in unbalanced audio consumer interfaces, this isolator not only eliminates hum and buzz but also enhances audio quality by reducing “spectral contamination” due to ultrasonic and RF interference. To avoid excessive high frequency losses, no more than 3 feet of cable should be used on its outputs.
Immediately, the effects of the ground loop become a non-issue. Problem solved. There are not too many things that one can install in an audio system that can do so much with so little effort.
Don't Forget the Cables!
Good cables are very important in the fight against hum and noise. You will need at least one short patch cable in order to insert the CI-2MINI into your signal path, and you may want to consider upgrading your existing cable(s) as well. To avoid excessive high frequency losses, no more than 3 feet of cable should be used on its output. The CI-2MINI does not include any cables, but if you need them, we have some excellent audio interconnect cables available. Please click here to see them!
Jensen Transformers' Description
ISO-MAX® Model CI-2MINI
PC AUDIO GROUND ISOLATOR
STOPS HUM AND BUZZ IN PC/MULTIMEDIA INTERFACES
Same Great Performance as our Model CI-2RR with 3.5mm Connectors for Computer/Laptop/Ipod etc.
Features
- High-Grade Nickel-Iron-Molybdenum alloy cores for extremely low distortion
- Faraday shielded windings for maximum R.F. interference rejection
- High quality connectors for long term reliability
Here is another angle.
In this photo you can see the gold-plated RCA type input and output jacks.
Here is a peek inside the device.
This is the product box.
Here is the datasheet in PDF format.
Why Cable Solutions?
- Cable Solutions is an Authorized Jensen Transformers Distributor, so our customers are ensured full warranty protection and technical support. (Jensen Transformers is obligated to provide neither warranty nor technical support for products purchased from unauthorized resellers!)
- We stock this item locally so that it will be ready for immediate shipment, and no one works harder than we do to get your order shipped out to you fast! On business days, orders that are funded by noon will ship the same day. Orders funded on weekends or holidays will ship the next business day.
- Customer service is our first priority. We do our best to help you find the best solutions for your particular application. We're enthusiasts too, so we know what it's like to wait for cables and accessories that are needed to hook up new gear. We also know how important it is to be able to get a response when you need help, so you'll often find us working long hours in an effort to get you the answers that you need.
- If you have had enough of outsourced support or worse yet, companies that do not even publish a phone number or a functional email address, we think you will be absolutely delighted that you found our company. We know how important it is to be able to get help when you need it. That's why we have people, right here in Texas, ready to respond to your email or answer your phone call. If English is your language of choice, you will have the simple pleasure of communicating with people whose first language is English. Granted, if you call on the phone, you may detect more than a trace of a Texas accent, but that is to be expected when dealing with a family-owned business run by native Texans. We sincerely hope that you will find our heritage of courtesy, honesty, and an ethical way of doing business to be a refreshing experience.
Design excellence, high quality materials, meticulous workmanship, and superior service...put it all together and you get a superior product. Don't get stuck with bad advice, poor service, slow shipment or an inferior product. If you want the best, here it is.