LBA-MC15 microphone input / DI output transformer
SKU:
$540.00
$89.99 - $2,250.00
per item
Description
The LBA-MC15 is a high performance 1.4k:15k mic input transformer, which was designed specifically to pair with tube input stages. However, this transformer can also be wired backwards to act as a DI (direct inject) transformer to couple a Hi-Z instrument/signal source to a Lo-Z mic preamp input. This transformer is used in the LBA Dark Storm mic preamp, DiVision tube DI, the LBA TI Box, and more! The MC15 core is made with a high percentage of nickel in order to obtain it's high bandwidth and low distortion. It has PC pins and is mounted in a Mu-Metal can for shielding against external electromagnetic noise, electro-static noise, and RF noise. Each transformer is manufactured in-house, in the USA.
The MC15 was specially designed as a high performance 1.4k:15k mic input transformer for tube preamp stages. A gapped nickel-alloy core helps facilitate the MC15's relatively flat frequency response of 10Hz-23kHz, while also preventing DC saturation of the core. The other part of the frequency response comes from a complex winding geometry, which adds to the labor. The winding is nothing without a bobbin. The bobbin on which the coils are wound is manufactured in-house. The finished transformer is sealed in a MuMetal shielding can, which is packed with a chemically-stable vibration absorbing compound. The added compound helps prevent internal breakage of the transformer from external impacts. Combined with the expensive core and can materials, the MC15 is a complex design to wind and hand-assemble, which leads to its price. I like to think the subtle randomness of hand crafting something adds a bit of character to the sound.
The MC15 is a dual purpose design in that it can be wired in reverse (primary and secondary coils swapped) in order to act as a DI output transformer. When used almost the same way, but as an output transformer for a preamp circuit, the MC15 can have a very subtle effect on tone, with an extremely gentle softening of notes. That said, it can also be used as a stand-alone, passive DI transformer. In this case it's all about color and it definitely adds some with passive instruments. Used in this manner, it can create a louder DI signal than any typical big-name passive DI boxes on the market. All LBA input transformers come mounted in a MuMetal can for magnetic shielding, and they feature PC pins.
Use caution when soldering the PC pins as to not overheat them. I typically work between 530-700°F with dwell times that average under 2 seconds. Avoid bending or forcefully pushing on the pc pins, as this could break their internal connections.
Look below for KiCad design tools for the MC15. There are schematic symbols, footprints, and 3D renderings of the MC15 available for free.
The MC15 is a dual purpose design in that it can be wired in reverse (primary and secondary coils swapped) in order to act as a DI output transformer. When used almost the same way, but as an output transformer for a preamp circuit, the MC15 can have a very subtle effect on tone, with an extremely gentle softening of notes. That said, it can also be used as a stand-alone, passive DI transformer. In this case it's all about color and it definitely adds some with passive instruments. Used in this manner, it can create a louder DI signal than any typical big-name passive DI boxes on the market. All LBA input transformers come mounted in a MuMetal can for magnetic shielding, and they feature PC pins.
Use caution when soldering the PC pins as to not overheat them. I typically work between 530-700°F with dwell times that average under 2 seconds. Avoid bending or forcefully pushing on the pc pins, as this could break their internal connections.
Look below for KiCad design tools for the MC15. There are schematic symbols, footprints, and 3D renderings of the MC15 available for free.
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Downloads for KiCad:
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