Interstellar Transformer
Overview
Section titled “Overview”Interstellar Transformer is a high-end professional balanced output DI: a premium, transformer-balanced Direct Injection (DI) designed for Eurorack and engineered specifically for the modular synthesist. It bridges the gap between wild Eurorack levels and professional studio environments with pristine, uncompromised signal integrity.
At its core are two Sowter Type 8044 DI transformers. They absorb massive modular voltages, so your patches hit the mixing desk or audio interface exactly as you sculpted them: rich, dynamic and completely free of interference.
The transformers are a matched pair, so you can use Interstellar Transformer in stereo or as dual mono.
- Headroom for modular signals: a maximum level of +29 dBu (at 50 Hz) absorbs 10 Vpp+ modular swings without clipping, with a clean, natural step-down to balanced level audio signals.
- Noise rejection: built for high electrical noise environments, like cases packed with digital modules and switching power supplies. The transformers have double Faraday (electrostatic) shields that reject noise on both the input and output stages, and Mumetal cans for magnetic shielding.
- Analog fidelity: Mumetal cores keep harmonic distortion low (0.25% at +20 dBu), with a frequency response of 10 Hz to 20 kHz (±1 dB).
- Galvanic isolation and ground lift: the transformers decouple your modular rig from your recording gear, and a switchable ground lift gives grounding flexibility in the studio or on stage.
Interstellar Transformer in the Morph Modular shop
Specifications
Section titled “Specifications”| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | 1U (Intellijel format) |
| Circuit type | Passive direct injection (DI) |
| Transformers | 2 × Sowter Type 8044 DI transformers |
| Core and shielding | Mumetal core, double Faraday shields, Mumetal outer can |
| Turns ratio | 12:1 |
| Maximum input level | +29 dBu (0.5% THD at 50 Hz) |
| Distortion | 0.25% at +20 dBu (50 Hz) |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz to 20 kHz (±1 dB) |
| Primary inductance / DC resistance | ~570 H / 3500 Ω |
| Secondary inductance / DC resistance | ~3.9 H / 59 Ω |
| Inputs | Unbalanced 3.5 mm TS |
| Outputs | Balanced TRS (compatible with Morph, Befaco and Intellijel cases) or XLR (on request) |
| Power | Fully passive |
| Width | 12 HP |
| Depth | 20 mm |
| Weight | TODO |
| In the box | TODO |
Installation and safety
Section titled “Installation and safety”Interstellar Transformer is fully passive: it has no power requirements.
TODO: Mounting, connecting the outputs, and any safety notes.Panel and connectors
Section titled “Panel and connectors”| Connector | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs | Unbalanced 3.5 mm TS | Count: TODO |
| Outputs | Balanced TRS, or XLR on request | Count: TODO |
| Ground lift | Switch | Lifts the ground. Position: TODO |
Usage and wiring examples
Section titled “Usage and wiring examples”Use it in stereo (the transformers are a matched pair) or as dual mono, to send modular signals to a mixing desk or audio interface. The switchable ground lift gives grounding flexibility in any studio or stage environment.
TODO: Wiring examples.Troubleshooting and FAQ
Section titled “Troubleshooting and FAQ”Revision history
Section titled “Revision history”| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 2026-09-29 | First draft, based on the product page, ModularGrid and Federico’s answers. |