Furman Introduces 10A and 30A Balanced AC Power Isolation Transformers for Ultra-Low-Noise Applications

January 28, 1999 -- Furman Sound, Inc., a leading manufacturer of power conditioning/distribution equipment and signal processing equipment for audio professionals has expanded its line of Balanced AC Power Isolation Transformers.

The IT-1210 (10-amp) and IT-1230 (30-amp) Balanced AC Power Isolation Transformers are new versions of Furman's 20-amp IT-1220, a TEC Award nominee that became one of Furman's most popular AC power products after its introduction in 1996.

Designed for use in ultra-low-noise installations, these specialty wound and shielded rack mount toroidal isolation transformers provide balanced AC power. In much the same way that balanced audio lines can reduce the pickup of hum and other types of electromagnetic interference, the use of balanced AC power lines in sensitive audio, video, or computer installations can provide an enormous improvement in system background noise levels.

All three models can supply single-phase balanced AC power to a recording studio, video or film production facility, church, auditorium, etc. They not only dramatically reduce the noise floor but can also noticeably improve dynamic range and sonic clarity.

At the heart of the IT-1210, IT-1220 and IT-1230 is a specially wound and shielded toroidal isolation transformer with a center-tapped secondary. The IT-1210 is housed in a 2-unit (3.5" high) rack mount chassis; the IT-1220 and IT-1230 are in a 3-unit (5.25") rack mount chassis. An IT-1210 or IT-1220 can be installed in minutes without the need for an electrician; the IT-1230 comes with instructions to help in choosing and wiring an appropriate supply cable. All three models provide clean and completely safe power - there is no need to "lift grounds" or compromise the integrity of safety ground wires to achieve hum reduction.

The IT-1210 and IT-1220 rear panels provide 12 balanced Edison outlets, widely spaced with clearance for "wall warts"; the front panel provides two more. The IT-1230 rear panel provides one 30A twistlock inlet, one 30A twistlock outlet and ten Edison outlets. Two additional Edison outlets are on the IT-1230's front panel.

With the IT-1210, IT-1220 or IT-1230, no longer is it necessary to adopt cumbersome and expensive star-ground systems or use massive bus bars or heavy ground rods. Most such systems are far more trouble than the less-than-ideal results they produce, because ground impedance cannot be reduced to zero. The common-mode rejection of a truly balanced AC supply is far simpler, cheaper, and more effective.

The IT-1210, IT-1220 and IT-1230 also provide an accurate, self-checking "smart" AC voltmeter, an Extreme Voltage Shutdown circuit, and a "Soft Start" circuit to prevent large inrush surge currents.

For more information, visit Furman at http://www.furmansound.com/