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Jensen Transformers MEDIA-2 Two-Channel Direct Box
ISO-MAX Stereo Audio Isolator - Unbalanced to Balanced Interface
Jensen Transformers MEDIA-2 ISO-MAX Multimedia Stereo DI
Designed to interface unbalanced sources to balanced systems, such as PA, the Jensen Transformers MEDIA-2 can drive signals to distances over 100 meters (330 feet), while preserving high frequencies and preventing the introduction of noise. Commonly known as a DI or Direct Box, the MEDIA-2 handles conversion of both instrument and line level signals to balanced mic-level inputs. It eliminates ground loops, along with the hum and buzz that they often cause.
The MEDIA-2 features world-famous Jensen Transformers ISO-MAX isolation is a compact but sturdy aluminum enclosure. Connectors and controls recessed for protection. Inside are two JT-DB-EPC transformers, which are well respected for their super-flat frequency response and Faraday shielding against RF interference. MuMETAL cans serve to further protect the transformers, ensuring quiet performance, even in hostile EM environments, surrounded by amplifiers, power supplies, and light dimmers.
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 MEDIA-2 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.
About 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 audio system.
When devices in the same system are powered by separate power sources, that can cause a difference in ground potential between the two pieces of equipment. 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, but the result of this difference in ground potential is commonly referred to as a ground loop.
Mixing balanced equipment with unbalanced equipment by using passive adapters or cables often exasperates ground loop problems.
The Solution
The Jensen Transformers MEDIA-2 is elegant in its simplicity. Simply insert the MEDIA-2 anywhere in the signal path and 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 provide so much improvement with so little effort.
Not sure if this is your best option? Please check out our Jensen Transformers Application Guide.
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 MEDIA-2 into your signal path, and you may want to consider upgrading your existing cable(s) as well. The MEDIA-2 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
Jensen Transformers Media-2 Two channel direct box
- Converts instrument and line level signals to balanced mic level
- Eliminates hum and buzz caused by ground loops
- Ruler flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Features variable input trim for quick adjustments on stage
The Iso-Max Media-2 is a multi-purpose stereo direct box and isolator designed to interface all types of unbalanced sources to the PA system while enabling signals to be driven distances to 100 meters (300’) or more without high frequency loss or introducing noise into the signal path.
The design begins with a rugged extruded aluminum enclosure and steel slide-in inner tray with recessed zones at each end to protect the switches and connectors. At one end, stereo ¼” inputs for instruments, RCA inputs for consumer audio devices and a 3.5mm mini TRS for laptops are wired in parallel to act as thru-puts. A variable trim decreases input sensitivity for greater signal handling when interfacing line level sources. At the other end, two XLR male outputs with ground lift makes for easy connection. As the Iso-Max Media-2 is completely passive, no power is required.
Inside, two high-performance Jensen JT-DB-EPC transformers delivers exceptional audio and provides galvanic isolation to eliminate ground loops as it passively lowers the impedance and performs the balancing. A 22 kΩ input impedance optimizes signal-to-noise for consumer-type products and is supplemented with internal Faraday shielding to protect against interference from RF. An external MuMETAL® can further protects the sensitive internal workings of the transformer to ensure a quiet interference-free performance even when surrounded by magnetic fields from amplifiers, power supplies and stage light dimmers.
With over +22 dB of signal handling capacity, the Media-2 direct box gracefully handles extreme signals such as those produced by high output digital sources while providing instant access to level adjustments during hectic shows. These features combine to make the Media-2 the ideal choice for multi-media technicians and presenters.
Right perspective view
Here is a peek inside the device.
This detail describes the input panel.
Here is the output panel detail.
This application example shows the MEDIA-2 in a keyboard setup.
Here is a typical DJ application example.
In the example, the MEDIA-2 connects a tablet to a sound system.
Here is the datasheet in PDF format.
Owner's Manual, PDF
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.