Q: Can I use line-level studio effects with the PZ-Pre?

A: Sometimes. It depends on the effects processor. Check to see if it is designed to accept instrument levels. If it is, you should be fine. If not, you may find that the PZ=Pre is not generating sufficient level for the effects processor and therefore you will likely encounter added noise.

Q: Can I drive a power amplifier directly from the PZ-Pre?

A: No. The PZ-pre outputs are in the -60dB range with is normal for instrument and mic level devices. Power amplifiers usually require -10dB or +4dB line level signals.

Q: Why is the XLR output mic level like a direct box?

A: This allows the system tech to match all of the signals on stage so that any source, be it microphone, keyboard, bass or acoustic instrument all be at mic level. This then allows the signals to go through professional mic splitters without incident or distortion.

Q: Can I use the PZ-Pre to record direct into my computer?
 
A: Yes, as long as you have a mic level input on your interface or preamplifier. As mic inputs are the most common form of input on a mixer, this should not be a problem.

Q: What Radial DI is used for the PZ-Pre outputs?
 
A: The balanced XLR outputs on the PZ-Pre are proprietary active outputs designed specifically to maximize the performance of the PZ-Pre. They are similar to the outputs stage used on the Radial J48 direct box.

Q: Can the PZ-Pre power up a phantom powered microphone?
A: No. The PZ-Pre’s external power supply is 15 volts and proper phantom powering requires 48 volts. This is better done with a phantom power supply.

Q: Can I control the EQ for each channel separately?
 
A: Not directly. The best way to do this would be to add an external EQ pedal in between the instrument and PZ-Pre connection.

Q: Can I use the PZ-Pre with a bass guitar?

A: Why not? You will need to make sure your microphone is high impedance for best results.


Q: Can I use the XLR output from the PZ-Pre to connect directly
to a powered monitor?

A: As long as your speaker is equipped with a 'mic level' input,
the answer is yes. Just turn up the sensitivity so that it can handle a
mic input and you should be good to go.

Q: Can you the PZ-Pre with a wireless (radio mic) system?

A: Yes, the PZ-Pre will work fine using a radio mic, however most radio mics will not deliver the same audio quality as a direct connection as they are confined to size and efficiency due to the battery life. The advantages of a radio mic are of course on-stage mobility.

Q: Will the PZ-Pre work with 48V phantom power?

A: No. The PZ-Pre is in fact a preamplifier. And in effort to
provide sufficient headroom and dynamic range, the PZ-Pre needs power. Power is a function of current plus voltage and although 48-volt
phantom power has plenty of voltage, the current is typically a mere
0.005 amps. (5 milliamps) which is perfectly fine when charging the
capacitive plates in a condenser mic, but simply way too limited to
power a high performance preamp.

Q: Will my PZ Pre be damaged by seeing my mixers globally switched 48V phantom power?

A: No. The PZ-Pre has built-in safety caps on the input for this. So, phantom power will not hurt your PZ-Pre. You are safe to plug in as normal.

Q: Are there any manufacturers that make multi-power supply bricks for Tonebones?

A: Yes; The Cioks DC10 and AC10 both have 15V outlets for Tonebone pedals.

Q: Which pedal would you recommend for use switching between acoustic and electric guitar?
  
A: It depends on what you are trying to do:

For a simple selector, the BigShot i/o has two inputs and one of these has a level control to attenuate the signal. If you do not need any control for feedback or tone, this one works great. I would connect the acoustic guitar which is usually louder using the channel with the level control so that you could turn it down to match your electric guitar.

If you want a bit more control, the Bassbone is a good choice. I would use the electric guitar on the 'flat' channel so that it can feed your guitar amp with the original signal. I would use channel two on the acoustic where you would be able to control the tone. For the most control over feedback, the PZ-Pre will let you adjust the filters to help the acoustic, but these settings will also affect the electric. Most purists would use the BigShot i/0 as it is very simple and it also costs less!

Q: How does the DI output on the PZ-Pre compare to the J48?
  
A:The audio circuits in the PZ-Pre and J48 are both active and employ a very similar approach to the way each buffers the signal. Where they differ is that the J48 is limited by the low current of phantom power while the PZ-Pre has a dedicated power supply with more headroom. With less current in the J48, we have to be very careful on what we ask it to do, while the PZ-Pre can be adorned with extras such as an EQ. For instance, when you increase the bass, you are actually increasing the output level at a particular frequency. This places more demand on the power supply which is not a problem on the PZ-Pre. If you are looking for a pure signal, the J48 would be ideal. If you are looking to modify the signal with EQ to tailor your sound, then the PZ-Pre would be the choice.

Q: If I run a compressor after my instrument into the PZ-Pre will it damage the inputs? Where do you recommend putting a compressor?
  
A: If the compressor is being used to level out the peaks of your signal, then I would probably put it after the PZ-Pre. If the output of your instrument is extremely powerful and you are concerned about overloading the PZ-Pre, then it could be used before. As a rule, I would put it after, but it really depends on why the compressor is being used.

Q: Can I use the PZ-Pre with an electric guitar?
  
A: Yes, the PZ-Pre will act as a high-end buffer for your electric guitar while maybe giving you a few extra features such as the feedback filters that you may or may not choose to use. To begin, since there are two inputs you could connect two different electric guitars. Then, with the effects loop, you could insert a series of pedals into the signal chain and then take them out for less noise when not in use. With the mute function you could of course enjoy quiet on-stage tuning and the boost would enable you to increase your level for soloing. The PZ-Pre EQ is very powerful and therefore small changes will have dramatic effects. This can be helpful with some amps that have limited EQ range or can be used to create new sounds for certain songs. The balanced direct outputs could be used to record a dry track for later
re-amping in the studio.

Q: I plugged in my Strat and I am getting hiss. What could be causing this?
  
A: Make sure you turn OFF the PZB boosters... They are designed for piezo pickups, not magnetic... so when on, they add a lot of gain which in turn could add hiss.