Applications
PC-2XR with a laptop
Use the PC-2XR to convert the balanced line level output from your mixing console to the unbalanced input on your laptop or sound card. The PC-2XR will manage the signal while eliminating hum and buzz caused by ground loops.
Pro-balanced signal to hi-fi
The Iso•Max PC-2XR is perfect for situations where you need to send a pro-balanced signal to a stereo hi-fi type input. Simply connect to the XLR-female inputs and use standard RCA cables to feed the hi-fi system.
Audio interface for video camera
Capturing a live performance is easy using the PC-2XR as the audio interface between the mixing console and your video camera. Simply connect from the console via the balanced XLR inputs and send the unbalanced outputs to your camera using an adaptor cable.
Specifications
All levels are input unless noted
| PARAMETER | CONDITIONS | MINIMUM | TYPICAL | MAXIMUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input impedance, Zi | 1 kHz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1 | 32 kΩ | 33.9 kΩ | 36 kΩ |
| Voltage gain | 1 kHz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1 | -14.0 dB | -13.6 dB | |
| Magnitude response, ref 1 kHz | 20 Hz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1 | -0.15 dB | -0.04 dB | ±0.0 dB |
| Magnitude response, ref 1 kHz | 20 kHz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1 | -0.15 dB | -0.03 dB | +0.1 dB |
| Deviation from linear phase (DLP) | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1 | +0.6/-0.1° | ±2.0° | |
| Distortion (THD) | 1 kHz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1 | <0.001% | ||
| Distortion (THD) | 20 Hz, +4 dBu, test circuit 1 | 0.015% | 0.05% | |
| Maximum 20 Hz input level | 1% THD, test circuit 1 | +19 dBu | +21 dBu | |
| Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) 50 Ω balanced / 600 Ω unbalanced source | 60 Hz, test circuit 2 / 3 | 120 dB / 90 dB | ||
| Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) 50 Ω balanced / 600 Ω unbalanced source | 3 kHz, test circuit 2 / 3 | 70 dB | 85 dB / 55 dB | |
| Allowable source impedance | (output impedance of device driving the ISO-MAX input) | 0 Ω | 600 Ω | 2 kΩ |
| Allowable load impedance | (input impedance of device loading the ISO-MAX output) | 5 kΩ | 47 kΩ | ∞ |
| Allowable load capacitance | (cable & input capacitance loading the ISO-MAX output) | 0 | 150 pF | 450 pF |
| Output impedance, Zo | 1 kHz, test circuit 1 | 225 Ω | ||
| Optimal cable length | input | No limitations | ||
| Optimal cable length | output | 1 m (3’) | 6 m (20’) | |
| Temperature range | operation or storage | 0°C | 70°C | |
| Input to Output Voltage Difference* | any input to any output shield or any shield to case, 60 Hz | 24 V RMS 34 V peak | ||
Graphs
Phase Distortion (DLP)
Frequency Response
THD vs Level at Low Frequencies
THD vs Frequency at Various Levels
Can I use the PC-2XR in reverse?
Although other manufacturers offer products based on this idea (Rane “Balance Buddy” or Ebtech “Line Level Shifter” for example), we don’t recommend it. Any transformer has an impedance ratio that is the square of its turns ratio. In the case of the PC-2XR, the turns ratio would be 1:4 which leads to an impedance ratio of 1:16. This means that the input impedance of the “pro” balanced input we drive will be reflected back to the “consumer” output at one-sixteenth of that value. If we assume a typical input impedance of 10 kΩ for the balanced input then the load seen by the consumer source would be about 625 Ω. Since the source impedance of a consumer output is commonly 1 kΩ or more, the reflected loading losses are high. Under the conditions above, the actual gain increase at the balanced input will be only a disappointing 2.7dB. Not only is this much less than the ideal 12 dB, but the load reflected to the consumer output may cause headroom loss, increased distortion, and poor low frequency response. In most situations, a 1:1 transformer can be used because the “pro” equipment can easily provide the required gain. In this case, you should use the model PI-2RX at the balanced input.