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Universal Buffer

Availability:
5+ in stock, ready to be shipped
Original price $0
Original price $149 - Original price $149
Original price
Current price $149
$149 - $149
Current price $149

The Universal Buffer is a two-channel (stereo) buffer, which can be configured to provide any of the following functions:

  • Single-ended (unbalanced, RCA) to differential (balanced, XLR) conversion.
  • Differential (balanced, XLR) to single-ended (unbalanced, RCA) conversion.
  • Straight-through buffer (single-ended to single-ended or differential to differential).
  • Signal inverter.
  • Can be configured with gain by adding two resistors.

By adding a volume control and input selector, multiple Universal Buffer boards can be configured as a full-featured preamplifier with support for both balanced and unbalanced sources and loads.

Technical Documentation

  • The full set of specifications for the Universal Buffer are tabulated below.

    Parameter Value Notes
    Number of Channels 2
    Power Supply Voltage ±2.5 – ±17 V
    Quiescent Power Supply Current

    50 mA

    65 mA

    Nominal

    Maximum

    THD

    < 0.00001 %

    (-140 dB)

    2.0 V RMS
    THD+N

    < 0.00025 %

    (< -112 dB)

    2.0 V RMS
    THD+N

    < 0.00025 %

    (< -112 dB)

    +27.5 dBu
    IMD: SMPTE 60 Hz + 7 kHz @ 4:1 -107 dB 2.0 V RMS
    IMD: DFD 18 kHz + 19 kHz @ 1:1 -119 dB 2.0 V RMS
    IMD: DFD 917 Hz + 5.5 kHz @ 1:1 -109 dB 200 mV RMS
    Multi-Tone IMD Residual < -148 dB Ref.: 2.0 V RMS AP 32-tone, 2.0 V RMS
    Gain 0 dB (1.0×) Can be increased by resistor option.
    Gain Flatness ±0.1 dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz
    Bandwidth DC – 280 kHz 100 mV RMS, -3 dB
    Slew Rate 2.4 V/µs 100 kΩ || 220 pF load
    Total Integrated Noise and Residual Mains Hum 1.7 µV RMS 20 Hz - 20 kHz, A-weighted
    Total Integrated Noise and Residual Mains Hum 2.1 µV RMS 20 Hz - 20 kHz, Unweighted
    Dynamic Range (AES17) 137 dB 1 kHz
    Channel Separation > 125 dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz
    Common-Mode Rejection Ratio > 65 dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz
    Input Impedance 48 kΩ
    Output Impedance < 0.1 Ω
    PCB footprint 60 × 65 mm
    Fully assembled dimensions

    60 × 65 × 15 mm

    30 g

    (W × D × H)

     

    All parameters are measured at a power supply voltage of ±15 V, 100 kΩ load impedance, and differential input/output, unless otherwise noted.

    Sound Quality

    I designed the Universal Buffer to be sonically transparent and firmly believe I have achieved that goal. I generally prefer precise amplifiers as they render the source material naturally, without any colouration, and offer a spacious and realistic sound stage.