For sale are a variety of LBA 1:1 ratio, high-impedance audio transformers. These are custom designed and hand-wound by Mike at Lightning Boy Audio. They have interchangeable 1/4" input and output jacks, require no power supply to operate, introduce no noise, and exhibit extremely low insertion loss.
These transformers are designed to be used with electric musical instruments and specifically to be placed between effects pedals to give your signal path more of a vintage-studio-gear sound aka that warmth tone imparted by high-end professional studio equipment. Driving these transformers via a boost pedal will bring out even more color and compression. Stacking them also makes their color more prominent, and you can mix and match the transformers as well. Above all, it is worth experimenting with different locations in your signal path. One really nice use is to feed a digital effects like the HX Stomp, Quad Cortex, C4 Synth, or Meris LVX--in such cases it can restore some of that natural, analog feel.
All of these are sold out or discontinued. If you purchase multiple transformers, I'll knock $10 off the total price. The prices include CONUS shipping and PP fees--but if my feedback on TB gives you sufficient faith in my credibility, I happily accept F&F
I will ship internationally if you cover the additional cost. The 2020 transformers and 23Fe transformers come with boxes. The 2020S transformers do not have boxes.
These transformers are designed to be used with electric musical instruments and specifically to be placed between effects pedals to give your signal path more of a vintage-studio-gear sound aka that warmth tone imparted by high-end professional studio equipment. Driving these transformers via a boost pedal will bring out even more color and compression. Stacking them also makes their color more prominent, and you can mix and match the transformers as well. Above all, it is worth experimenting with different locations in your signal path. One really nice use is to feed a digital effects like the HX Stomp, Quad Cortex, C4 Synth, or Meris LVX--in such cases it can restore some of that natural, analog feel.
- 2020 Nickel-Alloy Transformer (x3) $135 each
- With an 80% Nickel core, this is the highest quality of the three LBA transformers. It has the widest and most linear frequency response thanks to its layer-wound, gapped-style construction, faraday shields between the coils, and encasement in a MuMetal can for magnetic shielding. The efficient core and pleasant, even-order harmonic distortion make this the "high-fi" version of these transformers. Consequently, it is the most subtle and loves to be slammed with a hot signal.
- 2020S Steel-Core Transformer (x2) $135 each
- A slightly more imperfect transformer than the original 2020, it saturates at a lower volume, has more insertion loss (0.5dB), and provides a more retro sound. Its core is 17.3% Nickel and 82.7% Steel. Like the original 2020, it is encased in a MuMetal can for magnetic shielding. It is a bit more colorful than the original 2020 and, because it saturates at a lower point, it is easier to bring out that color. Depending on your use case and how much color you want, this can be the right option. It's my personal favorite of the three, but of course that doesn't mean it will be your favorite.
- 23Fe Iron-Core Transformer (x2) $90 each
- The least efficient of the three LBA transformers, it features a low-quality iron core that is bifilar wound and has no shielding can. This produces a non-linear frequency response meaning the 23Fe is also the most colorful LBA transformer with the most complex EQ curve. This bad boy also introduces more compression, more midrange content, and more insertion loss (2dB) than its counterparts. It brings something different to the table, but whether that something different is the right choice for you depends on your use case. TB's own scubaduba recently reviewed the 23Fe here.
All of these are sold out or discontinued. If you purchase multiple transformers, I'll knock $10 off the total price. The prices include CONUS shipping and PP fees--but if my feedback on TB gives you sufficient faith in my credibility, I happily accept F&F
I will ship internationally if you cover the additional cost. The 2020 transformers and 23Fe transformers come with boxes. The 2020S transformers do not have boxes.