Z-Mode Onboard Preamp - Overview

The 3ZB model is our highly configurable offering. It has a bass guitar preamp and Z-Mode impedance control all in one module. The preamp pictured below has an Active/Passive switch, 2 bands of eq control and a tone or passive type treble rolloff. You can go up to a 4 bands of EQ or simplify all the way down to no EQ, it's up to you.

Features:

• Z-Mode switch: Standard on all units, selects one of three sounds while playing: High Z, Mid Z, and Low Z.
• Adjustable capacitance loading (this link opens in a new window): Set for each pickup, it allows you to adjust the resonate peak frequency in High Z mode.
• Adjustable gain: Set for each pickup, it allows you to adjust the gain in Low Z mode (see section on Adjustments below).
• LED Battery Level Indicator: On power up, it's flash sequence gives an intuitive indication of your battery's strength
• Flexible configuration options:: • Volume/Volume, or Volume, Balance Controls
• Optional Active/Passive Bypass Switch
• Highly configurable EQ:: • No EQ;
• Passive Style High Frequency Roll Off;
• Active Style EQ;
           1 Band;
         2 Band;
         3 Band with or without a Mid Frequency selection switch; or
         4 Band EQ
(more info on Active versus Passive EQ)
• Pre-wired to your specification for easy installation • 9 or 18 volts with long battery life • Works with Passive pickups, single or dual • Small module - 1"W x 2"L x 0.5"D • Stacked or Individual controls (knobs are not included).

Give it a try for 10 days with our Satisfaction Guarantee.

Adjustments on the Module Top

Each module has 4 adjustments to optimize the preamp for your personal sound.

#1) High Z-Mode Capacitance for the Bridge Pickup - top left
#2) and Neck Pickup Capacitance - top right
#3) Low Z-Mode Gain for the Bridge Pickup - bottom left
#4) and Neck Pickup Gain - bottom right.

These adjusters are very high quality and feature 11 turns of adjustment range. A 1mm jeweler's screwdriver is provided to make adjustments fast and easy.

Controls

Our high quality pots are compact for ease of fit: 6mm shaft diameter (combined 8mm when stacked), with a 10mm bushing length to fit both panels and solid wood top construction; 9mm square and 7mm deep for singles, 12mm deep for stacked pots.

Volume and Balance Controls: A single pickup preamp comes with one Volume control.
Dual pickups can use a wider range of options and come in Master Volume and/or Volume & Volume or Vol/Vol stacked or Volume and Balance configurations.
Tone Controls: Passive Treble Roll Off, No tone controls, or up to 4 band EQ. We've have 7 different options to choose from - and that's just the tone section. See the 3ZB Tone Control or Frequency responses in FAQ (will open in a new window).
Switches: The Z mode switch comes with the base module and we offer versions with an Active/Passive switch (passive override). The switch bushings are 1/4" diameter, 9.0mm length; the finish is chrome and each switch comes with additional decorative washer and nut sets; in both Black Nickel and Gold for versatile finishing.

Important Details:

Wiring: You configure the preamp to suit your bass and we will do the wiring. High temperature Teflon jacket is used for the wires preamp installers will need to make solder connections with, for example, pickup connection leads. All wiring is color coded and the wire is 24 AWG with 19 sub-strands for increased flexibility.
Size: Our on-board preamp module is just about the size of a 9V battery: 2.0"L x 1.0"W x 0.55"H as can be seen in the picture (width same as battery).
Installation: The module is pre-wired per your order, you will need to attach the pickup wires, install the Battery Indicator LED and attach the controls to the body.
Mounting: Double sided tape patches are included

Give it a try for 10 days with our Satisfaction Guarantee.

Order Configuration Steps:

Confirm your guitar pickups are passive, most are. If your pickups have a semiconductor component in them they are not passive and do not work with our impedance control.
Decide how many potentiometers (pots) and switches you want to install. Remember the Z-Mode switch is included with all base modules and the Single pickup version includes the Volume Pot.
A selection is required in each category and each switch option. If you don't want the switch, just select the "No" option.
Choose the optimal configuration for your style. Notes:
• The hash mark "/ " indicates a stacked pot or pot/switch.
• SW is for switch.
• The number of pots is indicated on each option
• If an option has a cost differential, it will be listed on the option
Refer to the PDF drawings if you need additional dimensional information.
There is a note field before you finish checking out for your comments (on the shipping page).
Plan on 3 to 5 working days for us to wire to your specification and ship.

NOTE:

To use our preamp, you must have PASSIVE PICKUPS, meaning that the pickup does NOT have a semiconductor component in it (transistor, op-amp etc). If you are uncertain about your pickups, check with the manufacturer or send Sales an email.

There is additional details on the controls and installation in the FAQs.