DATA SHEET BB 44X

BALANCE BUDDY

BB 44X
BALANCE
BUDDY

General Description
The Rane BB 44X Balance Buddy is a handy professional-grade stereo tape recorder with RCA connectors attaches easily—inputs
tool used to convert and provide isolation for unbalanced -10 and outputs—to one BB 44X, allowing record source and play-
dBV consumer level RCA outputs up to balanced +4 dBu profes- back amplifiers to be in another room.
sional XLR inputs—and vice-versa. Two channels each way, or a Signal-to-noise performance is perfectly preserved using the
stereo pair each way (however you prefer to think about it). The BB 44X, since it uses only passive transformers to convert signal
BB 44X converts one pair from -10 dBV to +4 dBu and another levels. It adds no additional noise whatsoever. Use of professional
pair from +4 dBu to -10 dBV simultaneously. There are two quality nickel core (“80” Ni) transformers guarantee low distor-
female and two male XLR connectors, and four RCA jacks. tion, wide bandwidth and high signal level handling capability.
Unbalanced lines should always be kept to 10 feet (3 meters) The BB 44X’s isolation transformers provide a quick and af-
or less to prevent undesireable effects such as hum and noise. The fordable answer to most jobs requiring signal level conversion and
BB 44X allows conversion to balanced lines that can be run across output balancing.
a studio or a house without loss of signal quality. For instance, a

Features
• 2 channels of -10 dBV to +4 dBu conversion • Low distortion
• 2 channels of +4 dBu to -10 dBV conversion • +24 dBu maximum levels
• Nickel core “80” Ni transformers • RCA & XLR connectors
• Wide bandwidth • Expandable to 8 channels with Option 88 accessory

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: Conformity CE, FCC Exempt
..........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

WEAR PARTS: This product contains no wear parts. Data Sheet-1

BB 44X
BALANCE BUDDY

Block Diagram
T4 T2
9 2 2 9
INPUT 1 OUTPUT 1 INPUT 3 OUTPUT 3
32 +4 dBu -10 dBV -10 dBV +4 dBu 3
2
1 1
11 4 4 11

T3 T1
9 2 2 9
INPUT 2
32
OUTPUT 2 INPUT 4 OUTPUT 4
2
OPTION 88 Accessory
+4 dBu -10 dBV -10 dBV +4 dBu 3
1 1
11 4 4 11

OPTION 88

Rear Panel
1 3 5 7
1 2 +4 dBu -10 dBV -10 dBV
3 4
+4 dBu
BB 44X
RANE CORP.
5 6
+4 dBu -10 dBV -10 dBV
7 8
+4 dBu
INPUTS OUT IN OUTPUTS INPUTS OUT IN OUTPUTS

BALANCED WIRING:
PIN 2 = POSITIVE
PIN 3 = NEGATIVE
2 4 ACN 001 345 482
6 8
PIN 1 = CHASSIS GROUND BALANCED UNBALANCED BALANCED BALANCED UNBALANCED BALANCED

Application Information
Conversion Ratio are tied for the Inputs and the Outputs but not to each other.
The casual observer would think to convert -10 dBV to +4 dBu, This allows ground isolation of stereo Input and Output pairs. A
you would need 14 dB of gain. The casual observer would be positive signal applied to pin 2 of the XLR connectors causes a
wrong. You only need 12 dB of gain. The reason is not only do positive signal to appear on the tip of the associated RCA jacks,
you change levels, you also change reference levels—from dBV to and vice-versa.
dBu. The first (dBV) references everything to 1.0 volt, while the
second (dBu) references everything to 0.775 volts (this comes Signal Direction
from the old power reference of 0 dBm, which equaled 1mW into Signal can be converted through the channels either direc-
600 Ω, which equaled .775 volts). tion. That means there is the possibility of having four channels
-10 dBV unbalanced to +4 dBu balanced, or vice versa (in the
Driving Impedances standard unit). The only problem arises in the gender of the
Some people wrongly feel you cannot use a transformer to XLR connector. The solution requires same-sex XLR adaptors or
convert between -10 dBV and +4 dBu because of low imped- special cables.
ances. This is not a problem as long as you use them to intercon-
nect equipment with at least 15 kΩ input impedance. Since most Chassis Grounding
professional products have input impedances of 20 kΩ or greater A tapped hole and a #6-32 screw is provided for chassis ground-
(50k and 100 kΩ are not uncommon), this should never be dif- ing purposes. Good practice dictates earth-grounding the
ficult. A 15 kΩ load winds up looking like 1 kΩ to the equip- BB 44X. If the grounding integrity of the rack screws is in doubt,
ment with the -10 dBV output (due to transformer action). This run a wire from this screw to a known earth ground.
may seem excessively low, but is not in practice. The maximum
transformer output level of +24 dBu occurs with an input level of OPTION 88
+10 dBV, which equals 3.16 volts. And 3.16 volts driving 1 kΩ The OPT 88 (Option-88) expands the BB 44X into an eight
only requires 3.16 milliamps, which is a very modest requirement channel model. The OPT 88 consists of a printed circuit board
for any -10 dBV equipment to deliver. with four additional transformers and jacks soldered in place. The
OPT 88 installs easily in the blank side of the BB 44X. Assembly
Wiring is simple: remove the cover, install the board in place, and secure
The BB 44X follows AES/ANSI/IEC standards of pin 2 positive with the supplied mounting screws. No soldering required; all
and pin 3 negative. Note the shields (commons) of the RCA jacks you need are #1 and #2 Phillips screwdrivers.

©Rane Corporation 10802 47th Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5000 TEL 425-355-6000 FAX 425-347-7757 WEB rane.com
Data Sheet-2 All features & specifications subject to change without notice 1-2014