DACS Audio Install BALTIC 44.5mm x 36.5mm
DACS Audio on the BALTIC:
For long lines, we have always used isolating transformers to maintain audio quality and hum/buzz free transmission. Commercial options were found wanting. And expensive. And not-useful-feature heavy.
I decided to make our own, with total control of layout and routing to get the best from the transformer in as simple a way as possible. The BALTIC passively mixes two balanced inputs; often the BALTIC is at the DJ’s stereo out, mixing to mono (since 99% of installs are mono in any case) feeding a single Starquad cable to the rack. Hundreds of hum/buzz free installs later we are offering our proven option to other installers.
In addition, our custom transformers are an order of magnitude better in THD + Noise than the (very good) off-the-shelf transformer we had used, they handle high levels (Pioneer!) as well as giving excellent frequency response, especially low end. The terminals allow you to omit the incoming or outgoing screen for full electrical isolation.
Further:
DACS have been designing and installing audio systems for over 25 years now. Things that would make our life easier just weren’t available; some came close but usually did other things too and had a very high price tag. Each install was different, and the clients’ needs were sometimes complicated in terms of signal routing. We ended up producing a lot of custom interfaces, some passive, some active. Their basic elements form the initial DACS Install passive interfaces.
DACS Install PCBs use 3 pole 3.5mm Phoenix type connectors for all audio connections. Each pin of each terminal can be individually checked, and the 3-way terminals can be removed/swopped for troubleshooting. Other connections for power and control ports are on two ways or a DC socket (central pin +ve).
The common audio 0V connects to all audio 0V/screens. When using balanced signals, it’s simple to ‘lift’ either the incoming or outgoing screen. We tend to lift the outgoing screen – “signal in – screen in, signal out – screen out” is easy to remember! The power 0V is NOT linked to the audio 0V.
The PCBs can be DIN rail mounted (with the optional Hammond DIN Rail clips) or housed in plastic or metal enclosures.