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 fi lter (also known
as a hi-pass fi 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
fi 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 fi lter allows
you to focus on a very narrow frequency
and surgically remove it without affecting
the over-all tone of the instrument. The
notch fi lter on the PZ-Pre has two controls:
NOTCH sweeps the frequency spectrum
of the fi lter from 56Hz to 220Hz while the NOTCH Q switch
controls the width and attenuation of the fi lter. The NORMAL
setting introduces an -8dB notch, the DEEP setting introduces
a -15dB notch. The notch fi 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 effects 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 effects loop
and power booster on or off. 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 off the effects 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-BandEQ
GAIN
LOOP
F/X
BOOST
LOW-CUTFILTER
BYPASS
75Hz
220Hz
FREQ
NOTCHFILTER
-8dB
-16dB
BYPASS
PHASEREV
GNDLIFT
PRE-EQ
DI
OUT
FILTER and EQ SECTIONS
Mixing Console
