User guide

True to the Music
PZ-Pre User Guide
Radial Engineering Ltd.
True to the Music
Radial Engineering Ltd. PZ-Pre User Guide
Pre-EQ Balanced XLR Output
This balanced XLR output is
essentially an active direct box. It
produces a 600 ohm, mic-level signal
suitable for connection to microphone
snakes and mixing consoles. It taps
the signal before the filters and
equalizer section and is not affected
by the PHASE, BOOST and LOOP
functions. It is intended to feed a PA
or recording system with a clean,
unprocessed signal.
Ground Lift for Balanced XLR Outputs
The balanced XLR outputs are equipped with a recessed set-
and-forget ground LIFT switch on the rear panel to reduce hum
and buzz from ground loops. The best setting for this switch is
lifted (pushed in) to eliminate hum and buzz when connecting
your PZ-Pre to a mixing console.
Low-Cut Filter
The three position low-cut f lter (also known
as a hi-pass f lter) is designed to eliminate
low frequency resonant feedback. Selecting
either the 80Hz or 200Hz positions will roll-
off low frequencies preventing uncontrolled,
run-away resonant feedback. The LO-CUT
f lter can be removed from the signal path
by setting it to BYPASS.
Notch Filter
To help control second order harmonic
feedback, a sweepable notch f lter allows
you to focus on a very narrow frequency
and surgically remove it without af fecting
the over-all tone of the instrument. The
notch f lter on the PZ-Pre has two controls:
NOTCH sweeps the frequency spectrum
of the f lter from 56Hz to 220Hz while the NOTCH Q switch
controls the width and attenuation of the f lter. The NORMAL
setting introduces an -8dB notch, the DEEP setting introduces
a -15dB notch. The notch f lter can be removed from the signal
path by setting it to BYPASS.
3-Band Semi-Parametric EQ
This three-band semi-parametric EQ is shared between the two
inputs. HIGH and LOW are shelving type EQ and adjust the
treble and bass response. The sweepable midrange EQ uses
two controls: MID controls the amount of boost or cut, while FREQ
sweeps the frequency spectrum.
Phase Reverse (¼” Stage Amp Output only)
Technically speaking, this is actually a
polarity reverse switch that lets you control
the polarity of the signal at the ¼” instrument
OUTPUT. This switch is used to help reduce
feedback when the monitors or PA system
coincide with the instrument amp to cause
a feedback hot-spot where the performer is
situated on stage.
Boost and Effects Loop
The PZ-Pre is equipped with a power
booster and ef fects loop that can be
kicked in to create dynamic solos or avant-
garde textures. The power boost and
effects loop may be activated together or
separately, depending on the position of the
FOOTSWITCH ASSIGN switch.
Boost
When the FOOTSWITCH ASSIGN is set to
BOOST, depressing the BOOST footswitch
will only turn on and off the variable power
booster (effects loop is bypassed). The
BOOST knob sets the level of the power
booster with a maximum of +12dB of clean
boost. When set to BOTH depressing the
footswitch will turn both the ef fects loop
and power booster on or of f. An LED
illuminates when the loop, booster , or
both, are active.
Effects Loop
When the FOOTSWITCH ASSIGN
is set to LOOP , depressing the
BOOST footswitch will only turn
on and of f the ef fects loop (power
booster is bypassed). The ¼” effects
loop SEND and RETURN jacks are
used to interface with standard guitar
effects pedals such as reverb, chorus
and delay.
7
6
Bal.
Driver
3-Band EQ
GAIN
LOO P
F/X
BOOST
LOW-CUT FILTER
BYPASS
75 Hz
220 Hz
FREQ
NOTCH FILTER
-8dB
-16dB
BYPASS
PHASE REV
GN D LIFT
PRE-EQ
DI
OUT
FILTER and EQ SECTIONS
Mixing Console