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The Output Transformer Circuit
Mercury's circuit equivalent of an Output Transformer
C
1
C
Primary Self Capacitance
1
C
Secondary Self Capacitance
2
C
Interwinding Capacitance
3
L
Primary Leakage Inductance
PL
L
Secondary Leakage Inductance
SL
The above circuit reveals the properties of an audio output transformer. The transformer is a reactive
component—its values change depending upon the information feeding it. Transformers for
tube-based electric guitar amps are designed to intentionally provoke the tubes into distortion—
the polar-opposite of demands of hi-fi. The best guitar tone comes from harnessing and manipulating
the inherent flaws of the imperfect transformer. This is where art meets science in our pursuit of
great guitar tone.
Orange "Tiny
Terror" • Mercury "Holy Terror" Upgrade Kit
This project and its documentation is the result of technical investigations made by the engineering staff of Mercury
Players who know tone insist on
R
L
P
PL
L
P
"Blessed are the Tone Makers"
Consider the above vs. this typical
dummied-down transformer symbol
the furnishing of these documents does not constitute an expresed or implied license to use such materials.
C
3
L
SL
R
R
H
E
L
Primary Inductance
P
R
Primary Resistance
P
R
Secondary Resistance
S
R
Core Eddy Current Losses
E
R
Core Hysteresis Losses
H
Magnetics. The disclosure of the information herein may pertain to proprietary rights and
Mercury Magnetics
transformers
R
S
C
2
—Sergio Hamernik
55
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