Now available from SB-LAB, the new TwinCore 600 is a compact, passive, and high-performance solution for converting and galvanically isolating balanced and unbalanced audio signals. Designed for integration into professional-grade hi-fi systems, the TwinCore 600 bridges the gap between consumer unbalanced sources and balanced power amplifiers or preamplifiers. The photo shows the prototype version.
Operation and Technical Features
Inside the enclosure are two audio isolation transformers (model Split 600 B), carefully selected to ensure a frequency response exceeding 1 MHz and total sonic transparency, even in the most demanding systems. The circuit is fully passive, with no active components or external power supply, and operates with nominal impedances of 600 ohm input and output (or slightly higher). The primary inductance of each transformer is 8 Henry. Perfect for interfacing professional and audiophile-grade equipment.
Inputs and Outputs
The TwinCore 600 is equipped with:
- Two unbalanced RCA inputs, ideal for connecting CD players, streamers, DACs, or other consumer-grade analog sources.
- One jack input with mono/stereo selector, useful for applications such as injecting a mono signal into both channels.
- Two isolated unbalanced RCA outputs.
- Two balanced XLR outputs, for direct connection to professional amplifiers, active speakers, or mixers with balanced inputs.
All outputs are completely isolated from the inputs, ensuring the elimination of ground loops and hum-related noise.
Bidirectional Operation
A key feature of the TwinCore 600 is its bidirectionality: the transformers have no fixed signal direction, allowing the unit to be used in reverse as well:
- Input from a balanced XLR source (for example, from a mixer or professional DAC),
- Output to unbalanced RCA, while maintaining full galvanic isolation and proper impedance matching.
Applications
Compatible with both stage and studio environments, the TwinCore 600 is also designed for hi-fi use: connecting audio players to balanced amplifiers, integrating vintage and modern equipment, eliminating noise and hum caused by shared grounds, and generally for any setup where signal quality and consistency must be enhanced. TwinCore 600 is already available from our workshop. Contact us for more information or to reserve your unit.
Split 600 B Transformer Also Available
The Quality of the TwinCore 600, Ready for Your Own Projects
For those wishing to integrate the same TwinCore 600 quality directly into their amplifiers, preamps, or other audio devices, the Split 600 B audio transformer used inside the TwinCore box is now available separately.
The Split 600 B is a wide-bandwidth audio isolation transformer designed specifically for use with 600 ohm sources and loads. Its frequency response extends well beyond 1 MHz in unbalanced mode and easily reaches 20 kHz in balanced configuration. Built with premium materials and precision winding techniques, it ensures an exceptionally flat amplitude response with no coloration.
Technical Data and Real Measurements
Each Split 600 B transformer is supplied with:
- Frequency-response plot with a strict ±1 dB scale, measured with the transformer driven unloaded to highlight the true useful bandwidth and build quality.
- Square-wave test waveforms up to 100 kHz, demonstrating outstanding transient behavior and low phase distortion even at the upper limits of the audio band.
These measurements speak for themselves: the Split 600 B is a professional-grade component, ideal for both audiophile and studio applications requiring maximum transparency, galvanic isolation, and reliability.
100 kHz Square Wave
The transformer can be ordered in matched pairs, perfect for stereo or balanced installations. Ideal for those who wish to implement unbalanced/balanced conversion directly inside their chassis or build custom interface modules.