intact audio

Autoformer Modules

These Autoformer modules operate in a slightly different manner than traditional linearly switched volume controls. Rather than using a single switch, two discrete switches are used to control the level. The switch on the left has 12 posiitons that are in 3.75dB increments. The switch on the right has 3 positions allowing +1.25dB, 0dB and -1.25dB modification of the overall level. By using this dual switch arrangement 1.25dB steps are possible. The total attenuation range goes from +1.25dB to -41.25 dB in 32 steps. The nature of the device skips the -3.75dB tap so the steps are +1.25, 0, -1.25, -2.5, -5, -6.25, -7.5...1.25db steps to -41.25 and off.

Each module is a mono unit and the added benefit of combining the two switch approach with the ability to adjust each channel indepenantly in 1.25dB steps is you now have a functional balance control. Traditionally I have shunned the idea of a balance control and it wasn't until I experienced the Bent Audio autoformer Tap Modules. These modules use a similar method of non-linear switching to obtain a seamless +7 to -53dB of attenuation in 1dB steps. They also have a full remote level and balance control. If your budget allows I highly recommend considering them as a really slick option.

The real motivation of this product was to provide the end user affordable access to the autoformer sound without requiring them to make 100 or so solder connections. The modules wire up like any conventional pot or stepped attenuator and only three connections are required. The connections are labeled on the PCB and are self explanatory.

The modules are 2" X 2" X 3.5" and are mounted by the switches. They come with approximately 140hy's of inductance, The switches have silver plated contacts. The core is 80% nickel and like of my other autoformers the hardware is all non-magnetic.

I want to give a special thanks to John Chapman for his help in designing the circuit boards and feel free to ask any questions about these modules either on my forum or on John's Audiocircle forum.

dave

Back

		Autoformer Modules These Autoformer modules operate in a slightly different manner than traditional linearly switched volume controls. Rather than using a single switch, two discrete switches are used to control the level. The switch on the left has 12 posiitons that are in 3.75dB increments. The switch on the right has 3 positions allowing +1.25dB, 0dB and -1.25dB modification of the overall level. By using this dual switch arrangement 1.25dB steps are possible. The total attenuation range goes from +1.25dB to -41.25 dB in 32 steps. The nature of the device skips the -3.75dB tap so the steps are +1.25, 0, -1.25, -2.5, -5, -6.25, -7.5...1.25db steps to -41.25 and off. Each module is a mono unit and the added benefit of combining the two switch approach with the ability to adjust each channel indepenantly in 1.25dB steps is you now have a functional balance control. Traditionally I have shunned the idea of a balance control and it wasn't until I experienced the Bent Audio autoformer Tap Modules. These modules use a similar method of non-linear switching to obtain a seamless +7 to -53dB of attenuation in 1dB steps. They also have a full remote level and balance control. If your budget allows I highly recommend considering them as a really slick option. The real motivation of this product was to provide the end user affordable access to the autoformer sound without requiring them to make 100 or so solder connections. The modules wire up like any conventional pot or stepped attenuator and only three connections are required. The connections are labeled on the PCB and are self explanatory. The modules are 2" X 2" X 3.5" and are mounted by the switches. They come with approximately 140hy's of inductance, The switches have silver plated contacts. The core is 80% nickel and like of my other autoformers the hardware is all non-magnetic. I want to give a special thanks to John Chapman for his help in designing the circuit boards and feel free to ask any questions about these modules either on my forum or on John's Audiocircle forum. dave Back