What does the transformer in the Sputnik do?

[Esppse]

Hey,

I was looking at the Spaceman sputnik schematic, and saw the audio signal was going through the xfmr on one side, instead of having the coupled like a normal xfmr in the broadcast.

https://u.cubeupload.com/HH1978/Capturedecran2020072.png

Is there a purpose to this?

[antonis]

As I see it, it forms a Low-Pass filter (LR integrator) with R2 (2M7)..
(don't ask me the reason for not implementing a more space/cost saving RC combination.. )

[Ripthorn]

As I see it, it forms a Low-Pass filter (LR integrator) with R2 (2M7)..
(don't ask me the reason for not implementing a more space/cost saving RC combination.. )

A simpler, more cost saving combination is not the Spaceman way...

[EBK]

Is it trying to simulate pickup loading?

http://www.muzique.com/lab/pickups.htm

[anotherjim]

I'd say it was a pickup inductance simulation too, but that's usually done if there's a buffer driving the input and that isn't provided in the design!
The marketing says...

The transformer based pickup simulation of the Sputnik II ensures that the Sputnik III will behave anywhere in your signal chain.

...so I suppose it must be ok to follow a real pickup with a simulator?