Radial PZ-Pre Acoustic Guitar Preamp Pedal

The Sanctuary Perspective

The Radial PZ-Pre is an acoustic instrument preamp engineered to deliver studio-quality tone and total signal control in demanding live performance environments. Designed to work with virtually any acoustic instrument—including steel-string acoustic guitars, nylon-string classicals, double basses, mandolins, and violins—the PZ-Pre features two independent input channels capable of handling magnetic pickups, active onboard systems, or raw passive piezo transducers. Equipped with parametric feedback elimination filters, dual XLR direct outputs, a power booster, and a dedicated tuner output, the PZ-Pre is the definitive acoustic front-end for touring artists and gigging musicians.

Product Intelligence & Tone Shaping Profile

• Best For: Performing Acoustic Guitarists, Multi-Instrumentalists, Double Bassists, Mandolin/Violin Players, and Live Stage Acoustic Rigs.
• Sound Character: Extremely pristine, open, and natural with ultra-low noise, smooth 3-band EQ shaping, and zero piezo "quack."
• Compared To: Offers significantly more headroom, stage routing flexibility, and feedback management than standard single-channel acoustic DI pedals, while providing dedicated high-impedance piezo boosters on both channels.
• Sanctuary Expert Note: "The PZ-Pre is a total game-changer for stage acoustics. If you swap between two different acoustic instruments during a set—or run a dual pickup system in one guitar—the ability to independently gain stage, notch out feedback frequencies, and feed FOH and stage amps simultaneously makes soundchecks dynamic and effortless."

Key Features & Stage Engineering Highlights

• Dual Independent Input Channels: Toggle seamlessly between two acoustic instruments or blend two distinct pickup systems (magnetic + piezo) together on a single instrument.
• PZ-B Piezo Boosters: Recessed ultra-high 10M-Ohm impedance buffers on each channel eliminate harsh piezo "quack" and load-matching distortion without altering natural acoustic resonance.
• Surgical Feedback Elimination: Integrated notch filter with variable frequency control sweep and a 3-position low-cut filter (notch out stage boom and handling noise instantly).
• Dual Balanced XLR Direct Outputs: Features a Pre-EQ direct box output for clean FOH mixes and a Post-EQ/Effects output for stage monitors or localized sound shaping.
• Combination Boost & FX Loop: Assignable footswitchable power boost with up to +12dB of clean gain, plus a series FX loop to integrate external delay, chorus, or reverb pedals smoothly into your acoustic chain.
• 14-Gauge Steel Construction: Built housed in Radial's signature roadworthy steel enclosure to withstand decades of heavy touring and stage abuse.

Technical Specifications

• Audio Circuit Type: Class-A Discrete FET Preamp with Integrated ICs
• Number of Channels: 2 (Selectable Single Channel or Dual Channel Blend)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (± 1dB)
• Dynamic Range: 105dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.005% @ 1kHz
• Input Impedance (Standard): 6.8kΩ at Input Jack
• Input Impedance (PZ-B Active): 10MΩ Ultra-High Piezo Buffers
• Output Impedance: 1kΩ Balanced XLR / 10kΩ Unbalanced 1/4"
• Equalization: High (+/-10dB @ 10kHz), Low (+/-12dB @ 75Hz), Mid Parametric (Sweep 150Hz – 8kHz)
• Filters: Variable Notch Filter (50Hz – 500Hz), High-Pass Filter (Flat, 80Hz, 200Hz)
• Switches: Mute, Toggle/Blend Input Select, Boost/FX Loop, Phase Invert, Ground Lift
• Connections: 2 x 1/4" Inputs, 1 x 1/4" FX Loop, 1 x 1/4" Amp Out, 1 x 1/4" Tuner Out, 2 x XLR Balanced Outs (Pre & Post EQ)
• Power Requirement: 15VDC 400mA Supply Included
• Chassis: 14-Gauge Heavy Duty Steel