DEUCE F.A.Q.

• What the "Deuce" Dual Channel Isolation Box does? The Deuce can be used to isolate and eliminate signal-level ground loops. It works on low level, to line level signals. Two channels are provided for dual independent mono, or stereo isolation.
• What's a ground loop, and why do I care? In general a shield is meant to be connected to ground only once in a balanced system. Multiple connections can make a "loop". A ground loop is caused when audio signals, at any level, are connected in a manner which allows the ground, or common to be at different potentials. This potential can appear as a "pseudo-signal", which is amplified by subsequent stages. This causes a NOISE.
• What kind of noise? Hum, Buzz, or a combination. The situation cancels the shield designed into your system and leaves part of your equipment and/or cabling susceptible to electro-magnetic and electrostatic pickup.
• How does it work? The Deuce is passive iso-transformer based. The transformer has unique properties which allows us to couple the signal while lifting the ground, and busting the loop.
• Why not just lift the A.C. ground? NEVER lift the A.C. safety ground for any reason. The safety ground is designed to shunt any A.C. fault to ground, thus tripping the breaker, or blowing the fuse, before any harm comes to humans, or a fire starts. Disregarding this rule is NOT ACCEPTABLE, and POTENTIALLY FATAL. Please deal with this problem at the signal level, which is completely safe and reliable.
• What's the best way to proceed if I have a hum problem? To avoid complex problems, logically monitor, and correct problems as they occur. When a signal connection causes a hum, first confirm with a multimeter that it is not an electrical fault. This indicates a ground loop, or some other problem, such as bad cable. Next insert the Deuce, which will correct the former, but not the latter.
• What else should I know? Basically, the transformer blocks D.C. voltage, ultra-low rumble, and rolls off radio frequency interference. The quality of the transformer determines the maximum signal without distortion, the low frequency response, the accuracy of phase and frequency response, and the signal loss, among other factors. Ours are designed and built to be the best available.

For best results:

1. ALWAYS Confirm that there is no dangerous A.C. potential.
2. NEVER defeat an A.C. safety ground.
3. Try to place the Deuce near the input of the next device, as opposed to near the source for best results.

There are many articles on the subject. Doing a little research can greatly improve your trouble-shooting skills. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call 800) 817-2683 or email info@ramtech.net and we'll be happy to help in any way - Curtis Craig, Senior Engineer Ramtech.

*Also available with combination (1/4” or XLR Inputs) Neutrik connectors. (RAM-2CHLI-C)

Ramtech Line Isolation Transformer Specifications:

Turns Ratio: 1-1
Frequency Response: +/- .5dB 20Hz – 20 kHz
Distortion: 1% @ 20Hz, +24dB
-3dB Response: >150 kHz
Common Mode Rejection: 130 dB typ