Axess Electronics UNZ1 Un-Buffer/Splitter User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- Axess Electronics
Table of Contents
Axess Electronics UNZ1 Un-Buffer/Splitter
The UNZ1 Un-Buffer allows dearly loved fuzz pedals and other impedance [aka Z] sensitive effect pedals to sound “right” when fed with a low Z signal; such as from a buffer, wireless receiver, a guitar with active pickups, or another effect pedal. The benefits of directly connecting a guitar to a good input buffer, before anything else, has been very well documented; buffers prevent the loading and loss of (1) high-end frequency response (2) signal level, and (3) low-end punch, due to cable capacitance and the imperfectly designed input stage/circuitry of some pedals. These problems still occur even if all of the pedals have true-bypass switching, which also adds inconsistent tone to the equation — because every time a different pedal is turned on or off, the guitar sees a different load, and it responds differently to each load. Every additional pedal and every extra foot of cable in a rig, results in more and more loss and loading, that only a buffer can prevent.
The UNZ1 Un-Buffer enables reaping the benefits of plugging a guitar directly into a buffer and still being able to use a fuzz pedal or other impedance- sensitive effects, anywhere in the signal path that follows. The active circuit converts a low impedance signal back to high impedance, restoring the magical interaction between guitar and fuzz pedal, even though they are not directly connected to one another. Analog effect pedals, and guitars, have a dynamic and interdependent relationship, and so when two devices are connected — they interact with one another. The signal that passes between the two devices is a unique result of the characteristics of the output and input circuits of those two devices. So, you cannot substitute one device or the other, and expect the exact same results, but you can get close! And the UNZ1 will get you there by making a buffered and/or low-Z signal “look like” a guitar’s pickup, allowing for a more authentic interaction with the input of fuzz pedals or other impedance-sensitive effects.
I/O DESCRIPTION
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A. INPUT is a ¼” TS (tip-sleeve) jack that accepts a low impedance signal from a buffer, wireless receiver, a guitar with active pickups, or an effect pedal.
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B. 9VDC is the external power supply jack and it accepts a standard 2.1mm x 5.5mm male barrel plug from a 9VDC wall-wart power adapter or pedalboard power supply with a NEGATIVE CENTER plug. Refer to the SPECIFICATIONS section for additional information and higher operating voltages.
⚠ ATTENTION⚠ Do NOT connect any other DC Voltage or AC Voltage power supply to this jack, other than that specified in this section and in the SPECIFICATIONS section. Doing so will result in damage — voiding the warranty. -
C. GREEN LED is the power LED and when it is lit up, it indicates the UNZ1 Un-Buffer is receiving power.
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D. OUTPUT is a ¼” TS (tip-sleeve) jack that provides a hi-Z version of the INPUT jack signal, and is meant to be connected directly to the input of a fuzz pedal or another impedance sensitive effect pedal.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Input Impedance: 1MΩ
- Output Impedance: Hi-Z
- Operating Voltage: 9VDC
- Current Draw: Less than 100mA@9VDC Dimensions (LxWxH): 3.65×1.52×1.22in.92.7×38.6x31mm
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
CONNECTION DIAGRAMS
The following pages highlight some of the different ways the UNZ1 Un-Buffer
can be utilized. Hi-res PDFs of the individual diagrams
are also available on our website.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @axsgtr to see how other people are
using their UNZ1 “Out In The Wild” and tag us using #axsgtr and
axesselectronics OR contact us for help by email or via our website, as
follows; [email protected] axesselectronics.com
FUZZ PEDAL WITH ACTIVE GUITAR/BASS PICKUPs OR WIRELESS RX/TX
Buffering) after the Fuzz is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended. Pedals before the UNZ1 input can be changed or removed entirely, for a direct connection with active pickups or a wireless unit. Line 6 G90 image via line6.com. Line 6 is a registered trademark of Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. is not affiWiated with, and does not endorse, sponsor, or support AXSGTRM and Axess Electronics M
FUZZ PEDAL WITH MULTI-EFFECTS LOOP-SWITCHER +OTS1 PATCH-BOX & 2/4CM
FUZZ PEDAL WITH ACTIVE GUITAR/BASS PICKUPS OR WIRELESS RX/TX & 2/4CM
Press the OTS1 Patch-Box 4CM/2CM button to instantly reconfigure the pedalboard signal path when using an amplifier with an effects loop, the 4CM IN, Or one without, the 2CM [OUT. Line 6 G90 image via line6.com. Line 6 is a registered trademark of Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, sponsor, or support AXSGTRTM and/or Axess Electronics 7M
FUZZ PEDAL WITH ACTIVE GUITAR/BASS PIcKUPS OR WIRELESS RX/TX
The signal path in this rig diagram is configured for 2CM only Line 6 G90
image via line6.com Line 6 is a registered trademark of Yamaha Guitar Group,
Inc. Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. is not affliated with, and does not endorse,
sponsor, or support AXSGTRTM and/or Axess Electronics TM