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ZIO Analog Front End + Boost User Guide
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the Source Audio ZIO! ZIO is an all-analog preamp/boost pedal that was
designed for those who want to take their tone to the next level. The ZIO is our first all-analog effect
pedal and was a collaboration effort with Christopher Venter of Shoe Pedals. Christopher is a
longtime friend of Source Audio and a true connoisseur of sound. He has previously worked with us
on other projects such as fine-tuning the True Spring Reverb and selecting its core set of sounds, as
well as other successful projects such as the DOD Looking Glass Overdrive.
The word "ZIO" is an acronym for Impedance (Z), Input (I), and Output (O). The goal in creating this
pedal was simple yet ambitious: we wanted to "make everything sound better." ZIO serves two
primary functions. First, it offers not one, but FOUR distinct preamp circuits that not only boost your
signal level up to +20dB, but also provides four choices of preamp coloring. Second, it acts as a
"buffer that doesn't sound like a buffer," and has the capability of restoring volume and high-end loss
from long cable runs and large pedalboards. The TONE switch gives you three different levels of
capacitance (or simulated cable length) to brighten or darken your tone.
The ZIO's simple control set makes it easy to find the perfect "base tone" for any guitar and ensures
that the dry signal hitting your pedals and amp remains strong and consistent. We hope that you
find the ZIO to be the "better box" for your tone that you have always been searching for.
—The Source Audio Team
SA271
ZIO User Guide
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Summary of Contents for Source Audio ZIO
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Page 1: Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the Source Audio ZIO! ZIO is an all-analog preamp/boost pedal that was designed for those who want to take their tone to the next level. The ZIO is our first all-analog effect pedal and was a collaboration effort with Christopher Venter of Shoe Pedals. Christopher is a longtime friend of Source Audio and a true connoisseur of sound. -
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Up to +20dB of Clean Boost – Boost your output level heading into your amplifier, interface, FOH, or other output destination. True Bypass – The ZIO features true bypass signal path architecture, so it can be run anywhere in your chain of effects. -
Page 3: Connecting The Pedal
UTPUT second amp, connect it to O UTPUT When the power and audio connections have been made, ZIO is ready for use. Input Side Connections INPUT is the primary input for guitar, bass, or other instruments. It can also accept line-level inputs NPUT and will work in your amp’s effect loop. - Page 4 2 acts as the secondary UTPUT audio output. It carries an audio signal when the ZIO is configured with a signal routing that uses stereo outputs. Connect it to your amplifier, recording interface, or the next device in your effects signal chain using a mono (TS) ¼” cable.
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Page 5: Preamp Modes
DC 9V (Power) Connect the ZIO to a 9-18 Volt DC power supply. The power supply must be regulated at 9 to 18 Volts DC (direct current), able to source at least 20 mA (milliamps) of current, and the plug should have a tip-negative, barrel-positive polarity. - Page 6 "mud" frequencies, a gentle presence boost in the upper midrange, and a natural- sounding high pass filter to reduce low frequency rumble. With this mode, you can achieve a more "polished" sound that is intended to fit guitars and basses more clearly in a mix without excessive mud SA271 ZIO User Guide...
- Page 7 The ZIO can internally recreate the sound of a short cable run after the echo unit (as if it were sitting near or on top of the amplifier) and a variable length of cable in front of the unit, using the TONE switch.
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Page 8: Where Do I Put The Zio
The ZIO is a great candidate to be the first pedal in your signal path. This is the most common place to put the ZIO in your chain. It can be used to “drive” the rest of the signal path and sculpt the tone &... -
Page 9: Controls
-∞ dB (zero volume). In addition to a powerful clean boost, the OUTPUT knob can also be used to turn the ZIO into an “underdrive” when set to a gain level lower than the bypass signal. Unity gain, or 0dB, is set to be around the 9:00 point of the OUTPUT knob. -
Page 10: Specifications
Click the footswitch to engage or bypass the pedal. In BYPASS mode, the footswitch acts as a normal engage/bypass footswitch, and you will still hear the bypassed signal when the ZIO is off. In MUTE mode, switching the Zio OFF will mute the MAIN OUTPUT, killing the outgoing signal entirely. -
Page 11: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the ZIO in my amp’s effects loop? The ZIO audio inputs can handle up to 8.76 dBu or 6.0 Volts peak-to-peak, which allows it to work in most amp effects loops. Be sure to check your amp’s documentation to verify that the maximum send level is less than the ZIO’s maximum input level. -
Page 12: Warranty
Source Audio. Warranty Information Source Audio may, at its option, require proof of the original purchase date in the form of a dated copy of the original authorized dealer’s invoice or sales receipt. Service and repairs of Source Audio products are to be performed only at the Source Audio factory or a Source Audio authorized service center. -
Page 13: Version History
This Limited Warranty only applies to products sold and used in the USA. Source Audio shall not be liable for damages or loss resulting from the negligent or intentional acts of the shipper or its contracted affiliates. You should contact the shipper for proper claims procedures in the event of damage or loss resulting from shipment.
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