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Jensen Transformers PC-2XR
ISO-MAX Stereo Pro to Consumer Converter / Isolator
Jensen Transformers ISO-MAX PC-2XR Stereo Pro to Consumer Converter / Isolator
This Jensen Transformers ISO-MAX model PC-2XR "Pro to Consumer" converter facilitates a proper connection from balanced audio sources to unbalanced audio equipment, while also providing isolation to eliminate ground loops that can cause hum and noise. Internal Faraday and magnetic shields reject RFI and hum pickup.
The PC-2XR is an audiophile-quality device with a -3dB bandwidth that extends from 0.5 Hz to 145 KHz, providing full audio frequency response from subsonic to ultrasonic. Unlike simple cable adapters, the design ensures that the unbalanced equipment gets the correct nominal -10dBV drive levels while elegantly handling the required balanced to unbalanced conversion.
Simply stated, this is the "right" way to interface XLR to RCA!
The PC-2XR is a two-channel device, making it ideal for stereo applications. In addition to the standard front-panel connectors it also has a removable barrier strip, which is useful for a variety of custom wiring configurations. The PC-2XR is housed is a sturdy metal enclosure, measuring 6.94" W x 3.5" D x 1.71" H, including the flanges. The flanges have mounting holes, which are handy for permanent installations.
The standard connector configuration is XLR to RCA, but you may also specify other combinations of XLR, RCA, 1/4" Phone Jack or BNC connectors. You may also choose the "None" option if you prefer to use the barrier strip alone.
If you're not sure which model to choose, please check out our Jensen Transformers Application Guide.
Please do not confuse the PC-2XR 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 PC-2XR 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)
Aside from the obvious need to match levels, impedances, and balanced/unbalanced conditions, there is another benefit to the PC-2XR. 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. This hum is often heard in powered sub-woofers, and may also be present in the main channels as well.
Ground loops are often the result of the fact that large amplifiers are often powered by a different electrical branch circuit than the rest of the A/V system. It's easy to understand why, because it may require so much power that a single branch circuit just isn't enough to handle the load.
The result is that the neutral or ground side 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 a 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 PC-2XR is elegant in its simplicity - just insert it in the audio line. For example, place it between the preamplifier outputs and the amplifier inputs. For best results, the output cables should be under 3 meters (10 feet) in length.
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 pair of short patch cable in order to insert the PC-2XR into your signal path, and you may want to consider upgrading your existing cable(s) as well. The PC-2XR does not include any cables, but if you need them, we have some very high-performance XLR cables available. Please click here to see them! For up grading your stereo audio cables, please click here!
Jensen Transformers' Description
Jensen Transformers PC-2XR
Stereo "Pro" to "Consumer" Converter / Isolator
The Model PC-2XR is designed to provide over 90dB of common mode isolation at 60Hz while converting "Pro" +4dBu signals to "Consumer" -10dBV signals. Transformer isolation allows maximum interconnection flexibility, since both sources and loads may be either balanced or unbalanced.
Features
- Ruler flat frequency response preserves "Audiophile Quality" signals
- High-Grade Nickel-Iron-Molybdenum alloy cores for extremely low distortion
- Faraday shielded windings for maximum R.F. interference rejection
- High quality gold plated connectors for long term reliability
- Available with a choice of XLR, RCA, 1/4" Phone Jack or BNC connectors
[Configurations other than XLR to RCA are special order] - Unpluggable screw terminal strip for easy "Home" to "Road" changeovers
- Convenient 7.0" W x 3.5" D x 1.6" H. dimensions allow rack tray or rail mounting
- Gold Contact DIP Switches allow for flexibility in grounding configuration
Here is a look at what's inside the box.
Here is the documentation, in PDF format.
This is the User Guide, 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.