Transformers are a crucial part of any electric equipment or electronic system, and despite their simplicity, they are incredibly versatile little components that play a huge role in performance, quality, and long-term functionality. The impact of transformers can be best seen in audio equipment like recording equipment, amplifiers, microphones, loud speakers, and more.
Audio transformers are crucial for maintaining and controlling the output and quality of various audio equipment. They’re responsible for stepping voltages up and down to increase the output level of various equipment, balance the impedance for better overall quality across multiple instruments and microphones, and eliminate ground loops that would affect the sound quality, and pass audio signals to recording and amplifying equipment.
A Quick Overview of Transformers
Transformers are fairly simple in design–two wires wrapped around a magnetic core. What makes them so versatile is the ways in which manufacturers change up these two different factors. The composition and size of the wires, how many individual windings of the wires, the spacing between each winding, and the composition and shape of the core itself–all of these factors affect the performance and functionality of the transformer. And in audio transformers, the various core materials have a large impact on the quality of the resulting audio.
Why Core Material Matters in Audio Transformers
The magnetic core is one of the essential parts of a transformer, and the metal used to make it has a big impact on how the transformer functions. Each material has what’s referred to as permeability, the ability to contain magnetic flux. In the case of audio transformers, the higher the permeability the higher the inductance of the transformer–and in turn the better the resulting audio quality. However, materials with high permeability also saturate and break down far more quickly, and tend to be more expensive as a result. High permeability materials also aren’t as well suited to equipment that requires higher signal levels as well, but are valued in high-quality audio equipment.
Common Core Materials used in Audio Transformers
The most popular materials for audio transformers are M6 steel, which has some silicon mixed in with the steel for improved properties, and nickel and iron alloys. High-nickel content in the core offers more permeability which is great for quality but also means that the material is more expensive. Steels like M6 steel are a cost-effective type of core offering decent quality at a cheaper price, and are often used in audio equipment where quality is not as important as functionality.
Looking for a manufacturer of audio transformers?
Custom Magnetics, Inc. has been designing and manufacturing a wide range of different transformers since 1974! If you’re interested in our services, head over to our website to learn more and contact us today.