Wiring an Alps BX2 balance pot

[ChuckORWC]

I'd like to replace the dual mono volume pots in my HV V2 with a stereo volume pot plus a balance pot. I know there are varying opinions on using balance pots; I'm not interested in that debate... Let's just say there are WAF considerations...

Anyway, I have the Alps BX2 balance pot pictured here. It seems to be uncommon, and I can't find any info on how to wire it in a preamp. The pot has 4 pins per channel, and I've included a schematic. I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around how to wire it to attenuate one channel while leaving the other channel unattenuated. Any suggestions?

 

[jimk04]

Don't we need a GND in that scheme?

 

[ItsAllInMyHead]

^ That's just the schematic for the pot itself noting the pins.

@ChuckORWC - I can't seem to find anything about that specific pot. It's a unicorn... Assuming it's 10k, and assuming it's linear...

This post in this thread may be useful

 

[Mooly]

Is that a 'balance' pot or a volume control with a loudness tapping?

Scroll down this page to see how balance pots can be configured.

https://sound-au.com/pots.htm

https://sound-au.com/project01.htm#s5

 

[Zen Mod]

Is that a 'balance' pot or a volume control with a loudness tapping?

judging by picture of pot, it is, 158% sure

 

[chrisng]

I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around how to wire it to attenuate one channel while leaving the other channel unattenuated. Any suggestions?

I think the best way is to use a MN taper potentiometer.

If you want to use your existing 10KBX2 with center tapped potentiometer, my suggestion would be to try wiring it up as per the schematic below, just an idea, not sure if it's actually feasible.

 

[Boydk]

judging by picture of pot, it is, 158% sure

AX(2) are logarithmic potmeters.
BX(2) are linear potmeters.
The one in the picture is indeed a balance pot. Although a special version with a mid-point.
So..... @Zen Mod and @Mooly .......... for once in your lives....... you´re about 158% wrong 😎

 

[Mooly]

Well now 😛 ... I actually said 'is it?' and not 'it is'. You know how it is 😉

Years of forum experience say never set yourself a 158% chance of a fall 😀 😀 😀 even if I did give @Zen Mod a thumbs up.

 

[Zen Mod]

AX(2) are logarithmic potmeters.
BX(2) are linear potmeters.
The one in the picture is indeed a balance pot. Although a special version with a mid-point.
So..... @Zen Mod and @Mooly .......... for once in your lives....... you´re about 158% wrong 😎

in decades of service work, I learned to trust only in/to DMM

not even datasheets, in some cases

or was it that datasheet was OK, but part wasn't (original)?

so, in time I simply abandoned even trying to remember A and B designations, always using DMM for actual determination, sorta trice checking A/B when buying by label

anyhow, best balance pots are those having zilch attenuation in mid position, then involving resistance if moved from mid

I would be glad that OP is having right thing in hands, me being wrong - I'm used to that. ZM Omniwrong



in short - use gglmojo, find datasheet for actual pot.......

some starting info here... or option, if show ALPS goes nowhere

https://eu.mouser.com/c/passive-com...jC3N2-1dgN5mAFJDnSh4xuMufOJKhvVmzVcVYYbEsd5O8

 

[ChuckORWC]

Thanks all for your input.

There is a detent at mid rotation, and there is indeed zero R between 2 and 4 at that position. That suggests to me it's a balance pot. I think Chris's suggestion might be the solution. Should be easy enough to try out.