Source Audio ZIO User Manual
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Source Audio ZIO User Manual

Analog bass preamp + di
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USER'S GUIDE

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing the ZIO Bass! ZIO Bass is an all-analog bass-tuned preamp & boost with audio,
direct (XLR) and headphone outputs for ultimate flexibility when optimizing your bass rig. ZIO Bass
utilizes the same high-quality, low-noise Burr Brown OP-amps as the original guitar-focused ZIO,
expressly selected and tuned for maximum performance on bass. We reunited with our good friend and
collaborator, Christopher Venter of SHOE Pedals, who worked on the original ZIO, Atlas Compressor, and
other previous Source Audio effects to create this homage to the bass-playing tonal connoisseur.
ZIO Bass incorporates a fully featured EQ section, allowing the player to perfectly shape their bass's low
and high-end response. The BASS and FOCUS knobs are two highly interactive controls that define the
tone of your note fundamentals: a 100Hz-boosting shelving and a sweeping high-pass filter create a
custom peak response when combined. The TREBLE control is an active cut/boost shelf set to 1kHz
focused on dampening or accentuating harmonic overtones. ZIO Bass also features two optional circuits:
the GRIT and SCOOP toggle switches. GRIT introduces a warm, organic, transformer-style distortion
caused by the effect "hysteresis", the level of which can be set by the GAIN trim pot. SCOOP removes
some lower midrange frequencies that have the potential to overpower the signal.
The word "ZIO" is an acronym for Impedance (Z), Input (I), and Output (O). The goal in creating this
pedal remains the same: we wanted to "make everything sound better." We hope you'll agree.
—The Source Audio Team
SA272
ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + D.I. User Guide
1

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Summary of Contents for Source Audio ZIO

  • Page 1: Welcome

    The word "ZIO" is an acronym for Impedance (Z), Input (I), and Output (O). The goal in creating this pedal remains the same: we wanted to “make everything sound better.” We hope you’ll agree.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Compact Design – The anodized bent aluminum housing, with its slim profile and small footprint, is built for the rigors of the road. Discrete Analog Circuitry – ZIO Bass utilizes high-quality Burr Brown OP-amps , perfectly tuned for maximum performance.

  • Page 3: Connecting The Pedal

    Direct XLR Output – ZIO Bass features a direct balanced XLR Output for easy connectivity to an audio interface, mixing console, PA, or other destination that utilizes a balanced connection. This output has phantom power protection. Connecting the Pedal Power To power the unit, connect a 9V DC negative-tipped power supply to the jack labeled DC 9V on the back panel.
  • Page 4 You can adjust this setting with a small Phillips head screwdriver to give the GRIT circuit more or less drive, based on your instrument and preferences. Please note, setting this trim pot only applies to the GRIT switch and not the ZIO Bass’s overall gain level in your ecosystem. SA272...
  • Page 5 Power Connections DC 9V (Power) Connect the ZIO Bass to the included, or a pedalboard’s, 9 Volt DC power supply. The power supply must be regulated at 9 Volts DC (direct current), able to source at least 200 mA (milliamps) of current, and the plug should have a tip-negative, barrel-positive polarity.

  • Page 6: Controls

    -6dB. In addition to a powerful clean boost, the OUTPUT knob can also be used to turn the ZIO Bass into an “underdrive” when set to a gain level lower than the bypass signal. BASS Knob The BASS Knob is a low-end boost and is a shelving filter centered at 100Hz.
  • Page 7 Flat: BASS 9 o’clock (subtle boost): BASS 3 o’clock (large boost): SA272 ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + D.I. User Guide...
  • Page 8 Shown below are spectrum analysis charts of the TREBLE control, starting with all controls flat, then TREBLE at minimum, followed by TREBLE at maximum. Flat: TREBLE at minimum (full Treble cut): SA272 ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + D.I. User Guide...
  • Page 9 Thus, you can tweak the GRIT Gain trim pot for more or less SA272 ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + D.I. User Guide...
  • Page 10 As you can see, there is not much of a tonal change when GRIT is enabled and all other controls are enabled, except for a minor treble fall-off beginning around 1100Hz. SA272 ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + D.I. User Guide...
  • Page 11 Here are spectrum analysis figures for the FOCUS knob function, starting with all controls flat, followed by the FOCUS at Noon (subtle high-pass filtering), followed by the FOCUS at maximum (pronounced high-pass filtering). Flat: FOCUS at Noon (moderate HPF): FOCUS at maximum (significant HPF): SA272 ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + D.I. User Guide...
  • Page 12 This circuit is an emulation of the Pultec equalizing trick, similar to the “Studio” mode on the original guitar-focused ZIO: essentially a gentle low-mid cut to reduce “muddy” frequencies, countered by a very subtle bass boost centered at 40Hz, and a rather dramatic shift in the high frequencies, starting at 750Hz and peaking around 6kHz.

  • Page 13: Specifications

    Dimensions • Length: 4.13 inches (105mm) • Width: 3.07 inches (78mm) • Height: 1.54 inches (39mm) • Weight: 0.45kg / 1lbs Power • 140mA (without headphone input) / 200mA @ 9VDC SA272 ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + D.I. User Guide...

  • Page 14: Troubleshooting

    Other equipment: Remove other effects from signal chain; see if noise persists. Bad cables: Swap out audio cables. Ground loop with amp: Make sure your ZIO Bass is running on the same power mains circuit as your guitar amplifier. While using DIRECT OUT: Try flipping the Ground Lift switch to the right if you are experiencing excess noise while using the DIRECT OUT XLR connection.

  • Page 15: Rubber Feet

    The ZIO Bass comes standard with a flat aluminum bottom, making it easy to apply Velcro and mount to a pedalboard. Additionally, adhesive rubber feet are included in the ZIO Bass box. Applying the rubber feet to the ZIO Bass can help prevent it from sliding on flat surfaces such as a hardwood floor. Waste Disposal Notes If possible, dispose of the device at an electronics recycling center.

  • Page 16: Version History

    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.

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