Data Sheet-1
BB 44X
BALANCE BUDDY
Features
• 2 channels of -10 dBV to +4 dBu conversion
• 2 channels of +4 dBu to -10 dBV conversion
• Nickel core “80” Ni transformers
• Wide bandwidth
• Low distortion
• +24 dBu maximum levels
• RCA & XLR connectors
• Expandable to 8 channels with Option 88 accessory
General Description
The Rane BB 44X Balance Buddy is a handy professional-grade
tool used to convert and provide isolation for unbalanced -10
dBV consumer level RCA outputs up to ba4 dBu profes-
sional XLR inputs—and vice-versa. Two channels each way, or a
stereo pair each way (however you prefer to think about it). The
BB 44X converts one pair from -10 dBV to +4 dBu and another
pair from +4 dBu to -10 dBV simultaneously. There are two
female and two male XLR connectors, and four RCA jacks.
Unbalanced lines should always be kept to 10 feet (3 meters)
or less to prevent undesireable effects such as hum and noise. The
BB 44X allows conversion to balanced lines that can be run across
a studio or a house without loss of signal quality. For instance, a
stereo tape recorder with RCA connectors attaches easily—inputs
and outputs—to one BB 44X, allowing record source and play-
back amplifiers to be in another room.
Signal-to-noise performance is perfectly preserved using the
BB 44X, since it uses only passive transformers to convert signal
levels. It adds no additional noise whatsoever. Use of professional
quality nickel core (“80” Ni) transformers guarantee low distor-
tion, wide bandwidth and high signal level handling capability.
The BB 44X’s isolation transformers provide a quick and af-
fordable answer to most jobs requiring signal level conversion and
output balancing.
DATA SHEET / MANUAL
WEAR PARTS:
This product contains no wear parts.
BB 44X
BUDDY
BALANCE
Parameter
Specification
Limit
Units Conditions/Comments
Transformer Construction
Nickel Core Bobbin Wound
Grade “80” Ni
Turns Ratio
1:3.89
-10 dBV (316 mV): +4 dBu (1.23 V)
Maximum Levels
(In or Out )
..........-10 dBV
+10 (40 Hz-20 kHz); +4.5 (20 Hz)
0.5dB dBV
1% THD point
..........+4 dBu
+24 (40 Hz-20 kHz); +18.5 (20 Hz)
0.5dB dBu
1% THD point
Input Impedance
(Load impedances as shown)
..........-10 dBV
1k
5 %
Ω
Load impedance 15 kΩ
..........+4 dBu
15k
5 %
Ω
Load impedance 1 kΩ
Insertion Loss
0.5
0.1
dB
With recommended load impedance
DC Resistance
47.5 / 200
10%
Ω
-10 dBV / +4 dBu
Frequency Response
20 Hz -20 kHz
±2
dB
+4 dBu In or Out; rec. load impedance
THD + Noise
less than .05 (40 Hz-20 kHz)
max
%
+4 dBu In or Out
Unit: Agency Listing
UL, CSA, CE (EMC & Safety)
Exempt
Unit: Construction
All Steel
..........Size
1.75"H x 19"W x 5.3"D (1U)
(4.4 cm x 48.3 cm x 13.3 cm)
..........Weight
4 lb
(3 kg)
Shipping: Size
4.25" x 20.3" x 13.75"
(11 cm x 52 cm x 35 cm)
..........Weight
8 lb
(5 kg)
All specifications apply both directions, unless noted.
0 dBu = 0.775 volts; 0 dBV=1.0 volts
