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/ | 
