I want to build my first ribbon mic and I have everything except the transformer.
I don't know anything about transformers but I do have a friend that told me he can make any transformer from scratch as long as I give him every technical detail required.
During my research from years ago I kept hearing about Lundahl transformers being some of the best for this job (like the LL2912).
My question is, why are transformers like these so expensive in particular?
Additionally, I cannot find any information online such as number of turns and wire gauge/materials to attempt to replicate them (a.k.a. buy the materials and throw them at my friend).
Is achieving the quality of these transformers virtually impossible without spending close to €80-90? Should I start experimenting with cheaper builds?
I don't know anything about transformers but I do have a friend that told me he can make any transformer from scratch as long as I give him every technical detail required.
During my research from years ago I kept hearing about Lundahl transformers being some of the best for this job (like the LL2912).
My question is, why are transformers like these so expensive in particular?
Additionally, I cannot find any information online such as number of turns and wire gauge/materials to attempt to replicate them (a.k.a. buy the materials and throw them at my friend).
Is achieving the quality of these transformers virtually impossible without spending close to €80-90? Should I start experimenting with cheaper builds?
What you need to give your friend is:
• Power (for a mic level is negligible).
• Voltage at the primary and (output voltage or voltage ratio or turns ratio).
• Frequency range. Minimum frequency determines core size and prinary turns toguether to voltage at the input. Maximum frequency determines maximum allowable stray capacitance.
• Output loading in ohms.
• Kind of input and output: single ended or balanced to ground.
•Posibly the use of internal shield between coils.
Eventually it will be desirable to know if there will be a long cable connecting it output to the amplifier or not, to take in the equation cable capacitance.
As wires are very thin and also the core, it is difficult to wind ergo, it will be expensive to manufacture.
• Power (for a mic level is negligible).
• Voltage at the primary and (output voltage or voltage ratio or turns ratio).
• Frequency range. Minimum frequency determines core size and prinary turns toguether to voltage at the input. Maximum frequency determines maximum allowable stray capacitance.
• Output loading in ohms.
• Kind of input and output: single ended or balanced to ground.
•Posibly the use of internal shield between coils.
Eventually it will be desirable to know if there will be a long cable connecting it output to the amplifier or not, to take in the equation cable capacitance.
As wires are very thin and also the core, it is difficult to wind ergo, it will be expensive to manufacture.
To try things out I would use a Mouser 42TM114-RC. The ribbon would go to the low impedance side which normally would be the secondary.
By the way ignore the specified frequency response. It will be fine as you are not using it anywhere near full power.
Do be sure the transformer is not influenced by the magnet!
By the way ignore the specified frequency response. It will be fine as you are not using it anywhere near full power.
Do be sure the transformer is not influenced by the magnet!