Radial Engineering PZ PRO

Radial Pz-Pro is a studio-quality audio preamplifier designed for acoustic musical instruments. PZ-Pro provides you with 2 channels with separate semi-parametric EQs, piezo input amplifiers on both channels, an XLR microphone input with phantom power on channel 2, and assignable Loop FX with associated wet/dry control.

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

The PZ-Pro is designed for instrumentalists and artists who take an uncompromising approach when it comes to sound, whether on stage or in the recording studio. Dual input channels allow you to alternate or mix two sources, with full control over the sound of each input. Each channel has its own semi-parametric equalization section and its own input level control to which individual filter controls are added to reduce any feedback. The second channel of PZ-Pro also has a microphone input to allow the use of any dynamic or condenser microphone, including clip-on instrument or vocal microphones. An FX Loop with a wet/dry potentiometer provides the ability to mix from the footswitch an external effect, which can be activated with the dedicated footswitch. Finally, the PZ-Pro is highly configurable, so you can adapt it to meet the needs of your performance, instead of modifying your performance to fit the limits of your gear. Connect magnetic pickups, instruments with built-in preamplifiers, or piezoelectric transducers and optimize the sound of each with powerful EQ controls and a variable notch or high-pass filter. Combine an instrument microphone with your pickups, switch between instruments, or connect a vocal microphone and feed it through guitar pedals. The FX loop can be assigned to channel A, B or both at the same time, you can activate it with a footswitch or assign it so it is always on, saving the footswitch control for the variable clean boost function. With the PZ-Pro, you get the durability and performance for which the Radial brand is internationally renowned, along with all the features you need to create an unforgettable live performance.

RADIAL PZ-PRO FRONT PANEL

• LEVEL: sets the volume on each input channel
• 3 BAND EQ: variable eq for each input with bass control, semi-parametric midrange and high frequency boost/cut
• FILTER: with the 3-position switch and variable control, a filter can be activated for targeted removal of a frequency, or a high pass to limit the bass band.
• FX BLEND: the WET/DRY control allows you to mix the input sources (DRY) with the FX loop (WET)
• FX LOOP ASSIGN: selects whether the pedals connected to the FX Loop affect the signal on input A, B or both
• FOOTSWITCH ASSIGN: used to set the BOOST/FX LOOP pedal. You can decide whether to have them activate the Boost, the FX Loop or both
• BOOST: sets the amount of clean boost when the Boost loop is active
• TOGGLE: the footswitch allows you to select between input A and B with the LED indicating which input will be active. This switch is bypassed when the switch in the rear panel is activated.
• BOOST/FX LOOP: The footswitch activates the Clean Boost or FX Loop. It works in conjunction with the Footswitch assign switch.
• MUTE: mutes all outputs except the tuner output. Use it for silent tuning or instrument changes.

RADIAL PCS-PRO REAR PANEL

• INPUT A: ¼ TS jack format instrument input for channel A
• INPUT B: ¼ TS jack format instrument input for channel B. This input is turned off when the MIC ON switch is on.
• 180°: The polarity reversal switch for input B helps correct phase problems when summing both inputs together. This switch also affects the microphone input of channel B.
• A/B: Sums inputs A and B together after their respective EQ sections. Activating this switch activates both inputs simultaneously and deactivates the TOGGLE footswitch.
• 48V: activates phantom power on the microphone input of channel B to power condenser microphones.
• MIC ON: activates the XLR microphone input of channel B, disabling the instrument input on the same channel.
• MIC INPUT B: XLR input for connection to a microphone on channel B. Compatible with dynamic and condenser microphones.
• TUNER OUT: buffered output on ¼ TS jack for connection to a tuner pedal. This output will always be active even when the MUTE footswitch is activated, allowing tuning at any time.
• AMP OUT: Instrument output ¼ jack for connection to an amplifier. The output signal includes all EQ settings, along with LOOP FX and BOOST function.
• FX SEND and RECEIVE: instrument jacks on ¼ jacks for connection to external effects pedals. Activated by the BOOST / FX LOOP footswitch.
• PRE EQ OUT: balanced XLR direct box output for sending a signal to the PA or an audio interface for recording. This output is not affected by EQ settings or FX/BOOST functions
• 180°: reverses the polarity of the PRE EQ OUT.
• LIFT: disconnects pin 1 of the XLR Pre Eq Out to eliminate hum or ground loops.
• POST EQ OUT: balanced XLR direct box output to send a signal to a mixer, sound system or audio interface for recording. This output is affected by EQ settings or FX/BOOST functions
• 180°: reverses the polarity of the POST EQ OUT to help eliminate feedback on stage or correct phase problems when summing the DI output with a miked amplifier.
• LIFT: disconnects pin 1 of the XLR Post Eq Out to eliminate hum or ground loops.
• 15 VDC: connection for the Radial 15VDC/400mA power supply (included).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RADIAL PZ-PRO

The A/B Toggle footswitch has no effect and both A and B LEDs are lit, is something wrong?

Check that the A + B mixing switch on the back of the PZ-Pro is turned off, as this will turn both channels on and turn off the Toggle footswitch.

Can I turn Boost and FX Loop on and off separately?

You can use the Boost and FX Loop alone by activating the LOOP ON switch on the side panel. This makes the FX always on and allows you to turn the Boost on and off using the footswitch. Otherwise, you can use the Boost / FX Loop button to activate one or the other, or both at the same time.

Can I use a dynamic microphone for the XLR input of channel B on the PZ-Pro?

Yes, the Radial PZ-Pro works perfectly with both dynamic and condenser microphones. When connecting dynamic microphones to the PZ-Pro, simply leave the 48V switch off.

Is the Boost before or after the FX Loop?

The Boost is after (post) the FX Loop on the PZ-Pro, so it will not affect guitar pedal levels, but it will allow you to push the front of your amp harder or simply boost the output intended for the PA system.

How much gain is provided by the Boost control?

20 dB. Gain is when the Boost control is turned all the way down.

Does the Mute switch cut off the DI outputs?

Yes, the Mute pedal cuts off the signal from the XLR outputs of the PZ-Pro, as well as the 1/4 output used to power a stage amplifier. The Tuner output remains operational when the Mute switch is on, so you can tune your instrument on stage without being heard by the audience.

I notice a pop through the PA system when changing settings on the FX Loop Assign and Footswitch Assign switches, is this normal?

Yes, a small amount of unavoidable noise is created when changing settings on these switches. Always be sure to activate the Mute pedal before changing these switches.

Can I use a microphone and the 1/4 input for channel B at the same time?

No, to use the microphone you must turn on the Mic On switch, which turns off the 1/4 input for channel B.

When you sum the inputs together, is each signal still equalized separately?

Yes! When you select A+B, both inputs are summed after their respective Level, EQ and Filter controls, allowing you to fully control the tone of each input before they are mixed together.

When summing the inputs, can I still use the FX Loop Assign switch to have my pedals on only one of the channels?

Yes. The FX Loop Assign switch will still allow you to move your pedal effects to one or both inputs, even when the A+B switch is selected. For example, you can mix your instrument pickups and a clip mic together, but only your pedals will affect the pickup or vice versa.

What do the PZ Boost switches do?

PZ Boost switches change the impedance of the 1/4 jack inputs for each channel to a very high 10Meg Ohm. Since piezos typically have a low output, these switches simultaneously activate a Class A input boost that increases the signal by 10dB on the selected channel.

Can I use balanced TRS connectors to use FX Loops with line-level studio effects?

If studio effects units can accommodate instrument level signals, they can be used with PZ-Pro, but the FX Send and Receive jacks are unbalanced TS connectors. You can connect TRS cables to these jacks, but the ring conductor will simply be ignored. In that case, be sure to use short cables when connecting to the effects units.

Can I use the Pre EQ and Post EQ XLR outputs at the same time?

Yes. Both of these outputs will be active simultaneously, provided the Mute pedal is off. This allows you to take the Pre EQ output to the PA system, feeding the Post EQ output to a stage monitor.

Can I use my multi-pedal power brick to supply power to the PZ-Pro?

As long as you provide the correct voltage, current, and connector polarity, you can use PZ-Pro with alternative power supplies. The PZ-Pro requires a 15V DC 400 mA power supply with a positive connection to the center pin, like other Radial/Tonebone 15V products. For more information on alternative methods of powering the PZ-Pro.