Build your own Preamp – FABModules – FiveFish Audio Building Blocks for DIY Projects Blog Articles

Build. Learn. Make Audio Gear...for Students, Makers, Hobbyists and Professionals

FAB3130 – Edcor Output Transformer Module, PC Series

0 Comments
FAB Modules, FAB3000 Output Modules
Tags: , ,
Posted by: admin

This is our FAB3130 module for the Edcor PC Series output transformers. These output transformers are inexpensive, but I find they have a flavorful sound. The PC Series though has a limited headroom and saturates early… maybe that’s the reason for the flavored sound?  I find that these Edcor transformers add thickness and body to the sound. You’ll definitely notice it. Inexpensive, but effective!

Just like our FAB3110 Module, there is a Logic Level control input so you can select either 1:1, or 1:2 ratio with the output transformer.

UPDATE: Made a Rev.B FAB3130 board, increasing the size of the PCB to match the dimensions of our FAB3110 Output Transformer Module (for Cinemag, Crimson Audio). Tonight, I sent the boards out  to the PCB manufacturer… we should get our finished prototype boards sometime next week.

Continue Reading…

Passing your Audio Signal through an Input Transformer

Here’s one of the simplest way to use our FABModules….  Hook up the following FABs together:

FAB2010 – XLR Input Module
FAB2110 – Input Transformer Module
FAB3010 – XLR Output Module

All that’s missing is Power, if you want to enable the -20dB Pad, Phantom Power and Polarity Reverse functions. Otherwise, it will still work without power applied. After all, it’s just an input transformer inserted in your signal chain.

Continue Reading…

FAB9010 – Output Breakout Board

0 Comments
FAB Modules, FAB9000 Utility Modules
Tags: , ,
Posted by: admin

Some people using our FAB Modules in their own DIY project may not want to use a ribbon cable for hookups. This is understandable as the usual wiring connections found in DIY boards are via solder pads.

So what we have here is our FAB9010 – Output Breakout Board.  All connections on the FAB edge connectors are “fanned out” into their own individual solder pads, and clearly labeled on the Module for ease of wiring.

Continue Reading…

FAB3010 – XLR Output Module Prototype PCB

0 Comments
FAB Modules, FAB3000 Output Modules
Tags: , , ,
Posted by: admin

Received our FAB3010 XLR Output Module.  Just to recap, the FAB3010 Module includes a relay-controlled Polarity Reverse. All you need to do is apply Logic “1” to the header pins (located on upper left corner) and it will switch the relays on/off.  A Logic “1” can be anywhere from +3.3V to +5V, or up to your V+ voltage.

I need to make a Revision B board because I want to move the XLR jack farther out, so it won’t have any problems with clearances if you want to mount the XLR jack on a .125″ thick case panel.  But other than that, I think it looks good.

Will try to populate this board in the next day or so, so I can test the Polarity Reverse logic control. I don’t foresee any problems, but the proof is in the pudding as they say.

Continue Reading…