Galaxy Audio Cricket Polarity Tester

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. Galaxy 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.