Edcor Transformers: EVERYTHING You Should Know, Pros & Cons!

Although transformers played and still play such an important role in the field of musical equipment electronics, transformers still remain one of the least understood of all musical electrical components. 

This, to a great extent, is understandable as music is mostly about art; not science and electronics. Transformers perform a simple but somewhat complex job. They help improve the safety and efficiency of power systems by raising and lowering their voltage levels when the need arises. 

As boring as the topic might sound to some musicians and non-techies, sooner or later, as long as you are dealing with musical appliances and their electronics, you will have to deal with transformers, either directly or indirectly. 

It is on that note that we decided to discuss one of the best transformers in the market from one of the best manufacturers of not just transformers but musical instrument components and electronics. 

EDCOR actually started out as an audio equipment manufacturer. Over time, their line of products evolved into mixing consoles, pre-amplifiers, headphones and many other audio devices. 

Because most of the aforementioned products will always require transformers, EDCOR repeatedly had issues with sourcing the best audio and power transformers for their products. This led them to embark on research which eventually led EDCOR to discover Delta Magnetics. 

EDCOR hired Delta Magnetics to build and design transformers for their audio gears. To cut this long story short, EDCOR eventually purchased Delta Magnetics; the rest remains history. 

In this article, we will talk about EDCOR transformers and everything you need to know about this company and their transformers. 

History of EDCOR Transformers

EDCOR Transformers is a company that specializes in the manufacturing of audio transformers. They have a long history and are well-established.

It started in 1968 as a public company with the first patent in the US for developing wireless microphones. Later in 1971, the company was sold to a private corporation from Nebraska called Product Assurance Corporation, but it maintained its name.

In 1974, the company moved to California. They also acquired a mid-sized company called Video General Corporation, which distributed video products and teletype, which was booming at the time.

In 1976, they made the decision to leave the video distribution industry because they couldn’t finance the growth, which was happening too fast. 

Instead, they switched to solid-state amplifiers, mixers, and more. Meanwhile, the wireless microphone market continued expanding. The company moved again in 1978 to a large facility 3 miles from Costa Mesa, California. 

The new 150-210Hz wireless microphones and sound amplifier sales were high during this time. Large organizations started wanting to acquire EDCOR, and at the same time, stakeholders were losing interest.

After fees struggled to stay afloat, EDCOR came back. However, they needed help getting high-quality transformers for their products.

So in 1982, they acquired Delta Magnetics and began producing high-power and quality audio transformers. They expanded the distribution of transformers to include speaker distribution transformers.

Audio transformers are crucial in transmitting and converting audio signals, ensuring optimal sound quality and impedance matching.

Unfortunately, the wireless microphone market faced tough competition from cheaper imports, and in 1989, EDCOR made the tough decision to sell the division. They became more focused on expanding their transformers line. 

They then moved to New Mexico in the 90s and continued fine-tuning their transformers, distributing them worldwide and even to space on the Inter Nation Space Station. 

One of the reasons EDCOR Transformers gained popularity among audio enthusiasts is their commitment to maintaining the traditional methods of transformer manufacturing. 

Their transformers are often built with high-quality materials and hand-wound to ensure precise windings and minimal signal loss. The company has also kept up with technological advancements, adapting its products to meet the changing needs of the industry. 

For example, they offer transformers with multiple primary and secondary windings to accommodate various input and output configurations, making them versatile for different audio setups.

While EDCOR Transformers primarily focuses on manufacturing transformers, they have also developed partnerships with other companies in the audio industry. 

They have collaborated with amplifier manufacturers and DIY audio enthusiasts, providing custom transformers for specific applications and projects.

EDCOR Transformers has built a strong reputation for its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. 

Their products are well-regarded in the audio community, and their transformers are often praised for their sonic characteristics and reliability.

EDCOR Audio Matching Transformers

EDCOR Audio Matching Transformers is a line of products offered by EDCOR Transformers which provides optimal impedance matching and signal conversion for audio applications. 

These transformers play a critical role in audio systems by ensuring the efficient transfer of signals between different components, such as amplifiers, mixers, and speakers.

Ribbon Microphone Transformers

Ribbon microphone transformers from EDCOR are audio transformers specifically designed for use in ribbon microphones. Ribbon microphones are a type of microphone that uses a thin strip of metal (the ribbon) as the diaphragm to capture sound. 

These microphones are known for their warm and smooth sound characteristics, making them popular for recording vocals, instruments, and broadcast applications.

Edcor’s ribbon microphone transformers are designed to provide excellent performance and optimal impedance matching for ribbon microphones, ensuring high fidelity and low noise operation.

Edcor offers a range of ribbon microphone transformers with different specifications to accommodate various ribbon microphone designs and applications. 

EDCOR currently has two ribbon microphone transformers models: the RMX1 series and the RMX1 PC-mounted series.

Mic & Line Level Matching Transformers

Another type of EDCOR transformer is the Mic & Line Level Matching Transformers, which are used in audio applications to match the impedance and signal levels between different devices.

Mic & Line Level Matching Transformers are primarily used to interface microphones with different types of audio equipment, such as preamplifiers, mixers, and recording devices.

These transformers play a crucial role in ensuring optimal signal transfer and maintaining the audio signal’s integrity. These transformers are designed to match the microphone impedance to the input impedance of the connected equipment. 

Impedance matching helps in achieving maximum power transfer and minimizing signal loss. The Edcor Mic & Line Level Matching Transformers also facilitate adjusting the signal levels between devices. 

They can convert the high-level signal from a microphone to a lower level suitable for line-level inputs or vice versa. This helps to maintain appropriate signal levels and prevents distortion or clipping.

Many audio devices operate with balanced signals, which involve two conductors carrying equal but opposite phase signals. 

However, some equipment may have unbalanced inputs or outputs that utilize only a single conductor. Mic & Line Level Matching Transformers can convert balanced and unbalanced signals, ensuring compatibility between different devices.

Edcor offers a variety of Mic & Line Level Matching Transformers with different specifications to accommodate various applications and requirements. The transformers may differ in impedance ratios, turns ratios, frequency response, and power handling capabilities. 

The difference allows users to select the appropriate transformer based on their needs. In audio systems, microphones typically operate at low impedance levels, commonly called mic levels. 

In contrast, line level refers to the higher impedance levels found in most professional audio equipment, such as mixers, amplifiers, and audio interfaces. 

Mic-level signals are typically weaker and require amplification, while line-level signals are stronger and do not require amplification. Matching transformers bridge the impedance gap between mic-level and line-level signals. 

They consist of a primary and secondary winding wrapped around a magnetic core. The primary winding is connected to the low impedance mic level signal source, while the secondary winding is connected to the high impedance line level input.

Matching transformers come in various forms, including standalone devices, built-in circuitry in audio equipment, or as part of audio interface units. One good EDCOR-level matching transformers model is the MX series. As for the line-matching transformers, there’s the MXL series.

Communication Matching Transformers

Communication Matching transformers address the task of communication-based matching. This kind of transformer is particularly useful for tasks that involve comparing and matching textual inputs, such as information retrieval, question answering, dialogue systems, and more.

EDCOR produces 3 different models of communication matching transformers, all of which are PC mounted like the COM 200mW and the COM400mW

Stereo to Mono Coupling Transformers

Stereo-to-mono coupling transformers are commonly used in audio systems where stereo signals must be summed into mono, such as audio mixers, amplifiers, and recording equipment. 

They help when a mono output is required or when combining stereo signals to be sent to a mono speaker or recording device.

EDCOR’s stereo-to-mono coupling transformers are designed to maintain the audio signal quality while combining the channels. They typically feature balanced input and output connections, allowing for compatibility with professional audio equipment. 

The transformers are built with high-quality materials and construction techniques to ensure reliable performance and minimal signal loss. Examples of models from EDCOR include Com 400mW and Pc to stereo mono coupling series.

Combiner and Splitter Matching Transformers

Combiner matching transformers combine multiple audio signals into a single output. They help maintain signal integrity and prevent impedance mismatching.

They are commonly employed in applications where multiple audio sources need to be combined, such as in audio mixers, distribution systems, or stage setups. 

On the other hand, splitter-matching transformers are used to split a single audio signal into multiple outputs. 

They are useful in scenarios where one audio source must be distributed to multiple destinations, such as PA systems, recording setups, or monitoring applications. 

Splitter-matching transformers ensure impedance matching and appropriate signal levels for each output. EDCOR’s splitter-matching transformers are designed to provide accurate signal splitting while maintaining signal fidelity. 

They are often available with balanced inputs and multiple output connections to facilitate easy integration into audio systems. EDCOR only has two products for these types of transformers which are the CB-LL-T and SP-LL-T

Tri-Filar and Quad-Filar Matching Transformers

Tri-Filar and Quad-Filar transformers typically refer to transformers with three and four windings, respectively, wound in a specific configuration.

Tri-Filar and Quad-Filar transformers are commonly used in specialized applications where multiple signals or phases must be combined, split, or isolated. 

They are often employed in audio, telecommunications, and power electronics systems.

EDCOR only has two products for these types of transformers: the PCW Tri-Filar and the XS4400 Quad Filar.

Guitar BuzzBucker

These isolation boxes are used to remove buzz and hum from audio. It is used in audio systems to convert unbalanced, high-impedance instrument signals into balanced, low-impedance signals. 

With the buzz bucker, you can plug in your guitar and then plug it into your output of choice. EDCOR buzzBucker is an unbalanced line input designed for instruments.

EDCOR Audio Distribution Transformers

EDCOR Audio Distribution Transformers are audio transformers commonly used in audio equipment and systems. Audio distribution transformers are designed to match different impedance levels and provide proper signal matching and isolation in audio systems. 

They are often used in applications where multiple audio sources must be connected to multiple audio destinations while maintaining signal quality and preventing interference.

EDCOR has different audio distribution transformers, including speakers, amplifiers, and bidirectional distribution transformers. 

Speaker Distribution Transformers

Speaker distribution transformers are used in audio systems to connect multiple speakers to a single amplifier or power source while maintaining impedance matching and proper power distribution.

These transformers are typically used in distributed audio systems, such as commercial venues, offices, or homes with multiple zones or rooms.

There are 16 different models of speaker distribution transformers depending on the watts, like the EA100, which has 100W, and the EA200, with 200W

Amplifier Distribution Transformers

Amplifier distribution transformers are designed to maintain accurate frequency response, provide efficient power transfer, and handle the voltage and current levels required by the amplifier.

There are 7 different models of amplifier distribution transformers depending on the watts, like the EA240, which has 240W, and the EA120, with 120W

Bidirectional Distribution Transformers

Bidirectional distribution transformers, also known as reversible or reverse-feed transformers, are specialized transformers used in power distribution systems to enable power flow in both directions. 

Unlike traditional power transformers that allow power flow from the primary to the secondary side, bidirectional transformers can transfer power in either direction, depending on the system’s requirements.

There are 5 different models of bidirectional distribution transformers depending on the watts, like the EA100, which has 100W, and the EA150, with 150W

Distribution Voltage Matching 

The objective of distribution matching voltage is to ensure that the voltage delivered to end-users remains within specified tolerances.

There are 5 different models of distribution Voltage Matching transformers, including the PC distribution series.

EDCOR Classic Tube Amp Output

EDCOR Audio Distribution Transformers are audio transformers commonly used in audio equipment and systems. 

Audio distribution transformers are designed to match different impedance levels and provide proper signal matching and isolation in audio systems. 

They are often used in applications where multiple audio sources must be connected to multiple audio destinations while maintaining signal quality and preventing interference.

The types of classic tube amp output transformers that EDCOR has to include are the following:

Tube Amplifier Single-End Output Transformers 

These transformers transfer the amplified signal from the tubes to the speaker or load while providing impedance matching and electrical isolation.

In single-ended tube amplifiers, a single tube is used to amplify the audio signal, and the output transformer converts the high-voltage, low-current signal from the tube into a low-voltage, high-current signal suitable for driving a speaker. Some models that they have to include the CXSE25 1.25 K and the CXSE25 10K

Interstage Matching Transformers 

Interstage matching transformers, also known as interstage coupling transformers, are used in audio amplifiers to transfer the amplified signal between two stages while matching the impedance and voltage levels. 

They are specifically designed to couple the output of one stage (typically a tube or transistor) to the next stage’s input, ensuring efficient signal transfer and overall system performance.

The primary function of an interstage matching transformer is to match the impedance between the output impedance of the driving stage and the input impedance of the receiving stage. 

EDCOR only has 3 models of this type of transformer, including the IMT200/600 and the IMT5K/20K

Tube Amplifier Push-Pull Output Transformers

These transformers transfer the amplified signal from the output tubes to the speaker or load while providing impedance matching, phase splitting, and electrical isolation.

In push-pull tube amplifiers, two tubes are used in a complementary configuration to amplify the audio signal. One tube handles the positive half-cycle of the waveform, while the other tube handles the negative half-cycle. 

The push-pull output transformer is specifically designed to work with this configuration. EDCOR has a wide range of products of this type of transformer, including CXPP10-10K and CXPP10-15K

EDCOR Chokes/Inductors

EDCOR Electronics Corporation also manufactures chokes or inductors for various audio applications. Chokes, or inductors, are passive electronic components that store energy in a magnetic field when an electric current passes through them. 

In audio systems, chokes are primarily used for filtering, impedance matching, and power supply applications. EDCOR Chokes/Inductors are known for their high-quality construction and reliable performance. 

They offer a range of chokes designed specifically for audio applications, ensuring optimal filtering and power management. Chokes are commonly used in audio circuits for filtering out unwanted noise and interference.

EDCOR Chokes are designed to effectively block or attenuate certain frequencies, improving the overall signal quality and reducing noise in audio systems.

EDCOR offers a variety of chokes with different inductance values and impedance ratings. These specifications determine the amount of energy stored in the magnetic field and the ability to resist changes in current flow. 

Proper selection of inductance and impedance ensures optimal performance in specific audio applications. EDCOR Chokes may feature different core materials, such as laminated, ferrite, or powdered iron. 

The choice of core material affects the inductance, saturation characteristics, and overall performance of the choke. 

EDCOR uses high-quality core materials to ensure reliable and consistent operation. How the copper wire is wound around the core of a choke can impact its performance. 

EDCOR utilizes precise winding techniques to achieve the desired inductance, minimize losses, and maintain high efficiency.

EDCOR Chokes are available in various mounting options, including PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mount, chassis mount, or as part of custom-built audio transformers. 

This versatility allows for easy integration into different audio equipment and systems.

EDCOR offers different options for their chokes, with different mA to meet specific audio system requirements, for example, the CXC100-5H Choke and the CXC100-7H Choke

EDCOR Power Transformers

EDCOR power transformers are specifically designed to meet audio equipment requirements, such as tube amplifiers, audio preamplifiers, and power amplifiers. 

These transformers convert and transfer electrical power efficiently and safely within the audio system.

Power transformers from EDCOR are designed to convert voltage levels according to the specific needs of audio equipment. 

They can step up or down the incoming voltage to match the required operating voltage of the audio components.

EDCOR offers a range of power ratings for their transformers to accommodate different audio applications. These include:

Low Voltage Power Transformers

Low Voltage Power Transformers are designed to move from higher to lower voltage levels.

They play a crucial role in power distribution systems by providing safe and reliable power to various devices and equipment that operate at lower voltage levels. They’re used for valve and solid-state circuits and power supplies. 

The Low Voltage Power Transformers have primary windings connected to the high voltage source and secondary windings connected to the load or equipment that requires a lower voltage.

EDCOR low-voltage power transformers can differ in power rating, voltage ratios, frequency compatibility, and physical dimensions. An example is the LVP 10 and the LVP12.

Tube Amplifier Power Transformer

The Tube Amplifier Power Transformer converts the incoming AC voltage from the mains power supply into the specific voltages required to power the tubes and other circuitry within the amplifier.

The transformer converts the high-voltage AC power from the main supply to the various voltages needed in a tube amplifier. 

It typically steps down the mains voltage to lower levels suitable for the different sections of the amplifier, such as the filament (heater) voltage, high-voltage B+ supply, and other necessary voltages for biasing or other circuit components.

EDCOR offers different options for their tube amplifier power transformers, with different voltages to meet specific audio system requirements, for example, the XPWR001 and XPWR002

Tinderbox Multi Voltage Tapped Power Transformer

Tinker Multi Voltage Tapped Power Transformer is a type of power transformer that offers multiple selectable output voltage options through tapped windings. 

Tinderbox is designed to provide flexibility in powering different electrical devices or equipment that require varying voltage levels. The availability of multiple voltage taps provides flexibility and versatility in powering various devices. 

Instead of using separate transformers for different voltage requirements, the Tinkerbox Multi Voltage Tapped Power Transformer offers a single solution that can cater to multiple voltage needs, simplifying the setup and reducing the number of transformers required.

EDCOR offers around 6 different models of tinkerbox multi-voltage power transformers, for example, the TBPWR-CV1 and TBPWR-HV1

Where are EDCOR Transformers Made?

EDCOR Transformers are made in the United States. The company, Edcor Electronics Corporation, is based in Nevada, USA. 

They design and manufacture various audio transformers and related products, including power transformers, output transformers, and other specialized transformers for audio applications.

Pros and Cons of Using EDCOR Transformers

Using EDCOR transformers in audio applications can have several advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• EDCOR transformers are known for their excellent build quality and attention to detail. They are designed to deliver reliable and consistent performance, which can contribute to the overall audio quality of your system.

• EDCOR offers a range of customization options with different voltages allowing you to tailor the transformers to your specific needs. These customization options might include selecting different winding ratios, impedance values, and core materials, among other parameters.

Cons

• EDCOR transformers, like many high-quality audio components, may come with a higher price tag than lower-end options. Depending on your budget and specific requirements, the cost of EDCOR transformers may be a factor to consider.

• While EDCOR transformers are widely used and respected, their availability may vary depending on the specific model and customization options you require.

• EDCOR transformers are primarily designed for audio applications. If you have non-audio-related transformer needs, you may need to explore other manufacturers or specialized products.

Where to Get the EDCOR Transformer

Here are a couple of places you can find EDCOR transformers:

1. Visit the EDCOR Electronics website- Start by visiting the official website of EDCOR Electronics at www.edcorusa.com. 

2. This website serves as a comprehensive resource for their products and information.

Electronic stores- A couple of electronic stores around the US are authorized dealers for EDCOR. 

3. You can also find stores in other countries, like Don Audio in Germany. 

4. Online stores- There are also online stores that are authorized dealers like Digipart.

5. Amazon-Althouggh is rare, you can find some models ofEDCOR transformers on Amazon. 

6. EBay- You can also find EDCOR transformers on eBay. However, you have to be careful since it’s hard to prove the authenticity of the products on eBay.

Conclusion

EDCOR Audio Transformers has established itself as a reliable and innovative provider of high-quality transformers. EDCOR transformers have become an indispensable component in audio systems.

These transformers are meticulously engineered to deliver unparalleled audio fidelity, ensuring that every sound is reproduced accurately and clearly.