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Joe West Demonstrates Radial's PZ-Pre

Radial Engineering

collapse expand iconDescription

The Tonebone PZ-Pre Acoustic DI Box Preamp is equipped with piezo acoustic input signal boosters to allow both add-on instrument pickups and built-in, integral active preamps to be combined for a more natural rendering. It is compact yet full featured, designed for both studio and live performance.

The Tonebone PZ-Pre instrument preamp begins with two inputs for two instruments, which can be toggled using the toggle footswitch. If you want to use two pickups on a single guitar, a unique Mix function is provided that converts the two channels from "either-or" to both. There are separate level controls for each input.

The tone shaping on the PZ-Pre preamplifier is simple yet extremely musical. It features powerful bass and high controls with a semi-parametric mid. This is supported with a feedback eliminating notch filter with variable frequency sweep control and choice of normal and extra deep notch filtering. To help eliminate troublesome resonance, a dual slope low cut (high pass filter) is also provided. An internal polarity reverse can also be engaged to help eliminate run-away feedback.

To augment on-stage performance, the PZ-Pre Direct Box Preamp is equipped with a combination power booster and effects loop bus. This allows you to introduce an effect such as a chorus, or boost the signal for soloing with a simple foot stomp. A separate tuner out has also been provided along with a mute footswitch for on-the-fly tuning.

To facilitate all kinds of monitoring, the Radial PZ-Pre offers the most comprehensive output array ever: A standard instrument amp output sends the instrument signal to your personal amplifier. A pre-EQ balanced lo-Z balanced output is used to route the flat, pre-equalized signal the signal to the front of house mix position, while a second XLR out is post-EQ for onstage monitoring and in-ear systems so that the musician can get the sound he wants. XLR outputs are equipped with polarity reverse and ground lift.

Like all Radial products, the PZ-Pre features heavy-duty 14-gauge construction and is supported with a 3-year transferable warranty. Comes equipped with an external 15VDC power supply.
Open Box Radial Engineering Tonebone PZ-Pre Acoustic Direct Box Preamp Level 1
Open Box Radial Engineering Tonebone PZ-Pre Acoustic Direct Box Preamp Level 1
Open Box Radial Engineering Tonebone PZ-Pre Acoustic Direct Box Preamp Level 1

collapse expand iconFeatures

Piezo acoustic input signal boosters
Designed for studio and live performance
Unique Mix function
1 -gauge construction
3-year transferable warranty

collapse expand iconSpecs

External 15VDC power supply
Input impedance regular: 6.8 kOhm
Input impedance piezo: 10 MOhm
PZB boost level: 10dB
Low cut roll-off pos-1: 75Hz
Low cut roll-off pos-2: 220Hz
Notch frequency range: 56Hz to 330Hz
Notch Q setting-1: 8dB
Notch Q setting-2: 15dB
Low frequency type and spec: Shelving type +/- 12dB @ 75Hz corner freq
Mid frequency range, type and spec: Parametric +/- 12dB 82Hz to 5.6Khz
High frequency type and spec: Shelving type +/- 12dB @ 7.5Khz corner freq
Boost level: 12dB
Effects send & receive : -10dB, Send 1 kOhm, Return 15 kOhm
Polarity Switch: 180 degrees (absolute phase reversal)
Input-1: 1/4" unbalanced
Input-2: 1/4" unbalanced
Insert send & receive: Send 1 kOhm, Return 15 kOhm
Output instrument: Hi-Z, coaxial, 1 kOhm
Output Tuner: Hi-Z, coaxial 6.8 kOhm
Pre-EQ: XLR male balanced mic level 600 ohms
Post-EQ: XLR male balanced mic level 600 ohms
Dimensions: 8" x 4-1/4" x 1-3/8" (203x108x35mm)

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collapse expand iconReviews

4.2

5 Reviews

50%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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Reviewed by 5 customers

  • best acoustic guitar preamp

    5

    submitted8 years ago

    byworthmore

    fromsarasota fl

    Being a tone junky I tried many preamps for my acoustic, including rack mounted ones and ones with tubes. I got this one because it is affordable, sounds the best, and is easy to use.

  • Noisy piece of garbage.

    1

    submitted9 years ago

    byotter

    fromon the road

    I got the ToneBone because i needed something to replace my Dtar DI box and a friend recommended it. The Dtar was problematic because depending on the electricity at a venue or studio it would add a horrible noise in the high end. When it worked great it was clean and perfect. But I couldn't accept that it was so unreliable when playing nice theaters and festivals. So I bought the tonebone. It colors the sound (not nicely) and is SUPER NOISY. I use K & K 2 way pickups that sound amazing in my acoustic guitars. The Dtar did not color the sound at all, but running thru the tonebone is like pushing the suck button. In the studio i have to disconnect it and I can not use it on stage because it sounds horrible. I have tried to make adjustments with other engineers and the consensus is, ths piece of gear is just noisy. YUCK.

  • Technology Is A Wonderful Thing

    5

    submitted12 years ago

    byPhil Clement

    fromToronto, Ontario Canada

    Been playing for almost 40 years and it's interesting to reflect on all of my gear changes over the years. Teenage years and into my 20's - full stack Marshall and Les Paul. Went to a half stack and a bazillion pedals in my 30's. Changed to combo amps and modelling amps in my 40's. I can now basically sell the entire works of it because it can all be replaced with the Yamaha THR-10 and the Tonebone PZ-Pre. Remarkable engineering.

  • Radial's PZ-Pre

    5

    submitted15 years ago

    byWayne Scott Farley

    fromEaston, PA

    I am a professional player with over forty years playing/touring experience. It is a rarity to find such a fine unit as the Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre Preamp. It is built like a tank, has a very useful layout, and excels both in sound quality and it's superbly quiet electronic design. Everything sounds great through it, not just acoustics, mandolins, or basses. But Tele's, Strats, Gretches, the works...even through guitar amps. Fantastic addition to the sound of any instrument which is (normally) plugged straight-in to a PA. I am really glad to have purchased this item, as it solved problems that were "worked around" at best for many years. Cheers Radial!!!

  • Very nice front end for my acoustic guitar

    5

    submitted17 years ago

    bySteve

    fromChicago, IL

    I've used a Boss AD5 for years, but recently thought it was time to simplify and upgrade my acoustic rig. The PZ-Pre is the best-sounding box I've ever heard. Top-level signal path with excellent sound-shaping options. I love the on-board mute and looping chain as well as all of the routing options. It delivers a strong, pristine signal straight into the PA as well as through my Loudbox. My Taylor and Larrivee guitars sound killer. My only wish is that the mute switch was a couple inches lower on the left side. I have to be careful not to hit the Boost and Bass buttons above it when stomping. That aside, serious acoustic players should take a serious look at this this box.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byPeader

    fromBoston

    I want to run one guitar into input 1 and a second guitar into input 2. Does this DI save/remember custom settings for each input channel, or will I need to manually adjust settings when I swap instruments/inputs?

    I want to run one guitar into input 1 and a second guitar into input 2. Does this DI save/remember custom settings for each input channel, or will I need to manually adjust settings when I swap instruments/inputs?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Depending on your amp, It will remember them, but you can only have one layout at a time so you may need to make adjustments when switching out pickups to ensure optimal performance.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byDan

    fromCoalville, Utah

    What does open box mean on this preamp? Demo?

    What does open box mean on this preamp? Demo?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    It's either a demo, or it was returned and has an open box.