Galaxy Audio Cricket Polarity Test SetGalaxy Audio's battery powered Cricket Polarity/Continuity Test Set makes it easy to determine whether every component in an audio system from patch bay to console to speakers is in or out of polarity. The Cricket tests balanced and unbalanced cables of up to 2,000 feet in length. It will drive a "snake" (even one with transformers), and indicate which of a microphone's XLR connector pins is hot. The Cricket can also plug directly into a speaker cabinet and drive the components. A glance at the Cricket's red and green LEDs can save hours of troubleshooting. No wonder it's an indispensable tool for sound system owners, operators, installers and sound rental companies.
In even the simplest sound systems there are all sorts of ways for polarity to become reversed; the more complex the system, the greater the potential for problems. The Cricket can test the polarity of wireless microphones, mixers, effects devices, amps, cables, and speakers. Polarity, should it become reversed, can play havoc with a sound system. If two sources are emitting the same electrical or acoustic tone (frequency), and one of those sources is in a state of inverted polarity, those tones, when combined at a given point, will cancel each other. While cancellation does not always indicate a complete loss of all sound, it does result in diminished sound quality. Unlike phase, polarity (at all distances and times) is either in or out. It's absolute.
Specifications:
Cricket Send Pulse Generator • Pulse waveform polarity: positive-going balanced line output pulse, switch selectable for hi or low level balanced signal with positive pressure produced at the tip of 1/4" jack and pin #2 of XLR jack • Speaker output pulse: Accepts 2 ohm (or greater) load with positive pressure produced at the tip of a 1/4" speaker jack and positive terminal of an internal speaker • Dimensions: 3.375" W x 1.812" H x 6.25" L • Weight: 1.10 lbs.
Cricket Receive Pulse Detector • LED Indicators: Green: indicates positive-going pulse polarity with power switch in "ON" position and battery status with power switch in "BAT" position, Red: indicates negative-going pulse polarity • Inputs: one 1/4", balanced; one XLR, balanced • Mic sensitivity: -64 dB, +3 dB • Weight: 1.02 lbs.
