Radial Engineering PZ-Deluxe

The Radial PZ Deluxe is a preamplifier for acoustic instruments capable of handling an extended dynamic range to suit all instruments from acoustic guitar to double bass, mandolin to violin, etc. regardless of the type of pickup system used.

The EQ allows you to shape the tone of the instrument, along with a low cut filter and 180° polarity reversal switches. Through a special PZB gain stage you can make the best use of instruments equipped with piezoelectric transducers. The PZ-Deluxe also features a high-quality DI.

Controls of the Radial PZ-Deluxe

Features Radial PZ Deluxe

VIDEO: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RADIAL PZ PRO, PZ PRE AND PZ Deluxe

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Radial PZ Deluxe

Does the PZ-Deluxe sound the same as the PZ-Pre?

Yes. It has the same audio signal path.

Why do I need to use a booster for a piezo pickup?

Piezo transducers are generally very low output devices. They need a very sensitive input and a lot of boost to make them work properly. The PZB also boosts the input impedance to optimize the frequency response.

What is the PZ-Deluxe input impedance?

When the PZB is off, the input impedance is 6.8 kOhm. When PZB is on, the impedance rises to 10 megohms to better accommodate piezoelectric transducers.

Can I use PZ-Deluxe with any instrument?

Yes. It is a high-quality preamplifier. It will work with any instrument.

Can I use PZ-Deluxe for recording?

Absolutely, yes. Just connect the XLR to the input of your recording system or mixing console. It will work very well and you may be surprised how good your pickup can sound!

Can I use the EQ on the PZ-Deluxe as a notch filter?

Not really. Notch filters generally employ a very narrow Q that is shifted to find a specific feedback problem and then remove it. The Q on the PZ-Deluxe is wider and more musically pleasing and is better suited for tone shaping.

Can I connect in-ear monitors to the PZ-Deluxe?

Yes, as long as the in-ear system is equipped with a headphone amplifier.

Can I use phantom power to power PZ-Deluxe?

No, a 15 V DC power supply with 400 mA is used.

Can phantom power damage the PZ-Deluxe?

Don't worry, the special capacitors on the XLR input protect it from phantom power.

Can I use the output of the PZ-Deluxe amplifier to connect to a guitar processor or pedal?

Yes. The output of the amplifier is buffered so that it can drive a pedal without affecting the piezo-optimized input.

I have a phantom + 48V power supply that I use to power a condenser microphone, do I need a special cable to connect the XLR output of the power supply to the input of the PZ-Deluxe?

You will need an adapter from female XLR to male ¼ TS jack with pin 3 (ground) connected to pin 1 (cold pole)

Is the sound quality and performance of the PZ-Deluxe the same as that of the PZ-Pre?

Yes. The PZ-Deluxe has fewer functions and a smaller footprint. But the main audio circuit is the same.

Is the PZ-Deluxe a good choice for a classical guitar?

Yes. Fantastic choice! If you have a piezo transducer you will simply have to turn on the PZB booster. If you have built-in electronics you do not need to turn on the PZB booster.