Buzzaudio Zodiak Tilt-n-Filter User manual

Zodiak
“Tilt-n-Filter”
Equalizer
Users Manual

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Welcome…
Thank you for choosing the Buzz Audio Zodiak “Tilt-n-Filter” Equalizer. In this manual
you will find important information regarding the use of the Zodiak and we suggest you
do read it before using the unit to become familiar with all the controls and their
function.
If after unpacking the Zodiak you find any damage to the unit you should contact your
dealer or supplier immediately for advice on what to do.
We also suggest you retain the original packaging at least during the warranty period
in case you need to return the unit for servicing, however we are confident this will not
be necessary!
Contents
1] Installation Precautions ........................................... 3
2] The Mains Input ........................................................ 3
3] Audio Connections ................................................... 3
4] Controls and Indicators ......................................... 4
5] Specifications ............................................................ 6
6] Service Information ................................................. 6
7] Warranty Information ............................................. 7

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1] Installation Precautions
The Zodiak is available in 3 versions, the ICT, ICX and DCX. The IC versions use
integrated circuit amplifiers which do not generate much heat. However, the DCX
version uses discrete Class A amplifiers and these plus the power supply do generate a
fair amount of heat. Normally the Zodiak can be mounted into a rack without any
special ventilation needed. If there are other units in the rack that also run hot, it may
be necessary to allow for ventilation gaps between the units to avoid over heating.
Excessive heat for long periods can shorten the life of all electronic devices.
2] The Mains Input
The Zodiak mains input can be set to run from 110V or 230V. On the rear panel you
will find a circular voltage selector switch to set this. Generally the Zodiak mains
voltage is set for the country to which it has been initially sent, but before powering up
the unit, please check the voltage selector.
POWERING UP THE UNIT WITH THE WRONG VOLTAGE SETTING MAY CAUSE BURN
OUT OF THE POWER TRANSFORMER!
It is also important to fit the correct mains fuse. Below the IEC inlet you will see the
fuse draw. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, you can flick open the draw and
change the fuse if required. The fuse draw also has a place to hold a spare fuse (the
square tube).
The correct fuses are;
110V = 1.0 amp slow blow
230V = 0.5 amp slow blow
These fuses will either be fitted in the fuse draw, and/or supplied in an accessory bag
with the Zodiak.
3] Audio Connections
On the rear panel of the Zodiak you will find the XLR input and output connectors. All
these connectors are wired as follows;
Pin 1 = Signal Ground
Pin 2 = Signal + (hot)
Pin 3 = Signal – (cold)
Note that the pin 1 connection of these connectors is not part of the audio path, and is
provided to shield the interconnecting cable. Leaving pin 1 free at one end of the cable
can help reduce earth loops with other equipment as only the signal hot and signal cold
are required to pass audio.
The Zodiak-ICT model has an electronically balanced output stage which is capable of
also driving unbalanced loads but the head room is reduced. The ICX and DCX versions

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have the Lundahl output transformer which is also capable of also driving unbalanced
loads.
4] Controls and Indicators
The Zodiak has two separate channels of equalization each with identical controls. If
using the unit on stereo material, it would be normal to set the controls identically on
each channel. As the name Tilt-n-Filter suggests, the unit features a Baxandall style tilt
eq control along with complimentary filter sections.
LO-CUT SECTION
This control is used to attenuate low frequencies (high pass filter), and is adjustable
from 26Hz to 220Hz. The slope (roll-off) of the filter is set to a Bessel 12dB per octave
with frequencies marked on the front panel being the -3dB point of the roll-off curve. It
can be switched in and out of circuit with the IN push button switch below the knob.
HI-CUT SECTION
This control is used to attenuate the high frequencies (low pass filter), and is adjustable
from 2.3kHz to 21kHz. The slope (roll-off) of the filter is set to a Bessel 12dB per octave
with frequencies marked on the front panel being the -3dB point of the roll-off curve. It
can be switched in and out of circuit with the IN push button switch below the knob.
BELL SWEEP SECTION
The Bell Sweep is a parametric equalizer that allows you to reduce or increase
resonance in the mid-range frequencies, and there are 3 controls associated with it.
The entire section can be switched in and out of circuit with the IN push button.
CUT/BOOST – sets the amount of attenuation or gain applied at the centre frequency
of the section, and is calibrated in decibels (dB).
FREQ – adjusts the centre frequency of the bell filter between 65Hz to 720Hz, or 770Hz
to 8800Hz when the high range mode is engaged with the HI switch below the knob.

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BANDWIDTH – is used to adjust the width of the bell filter, sometimes called a “Q”
control. A narrow width (CCW) is useful when you want to target a small range of
frequencies whereas a wider shape (CW) is used for more broader equalization.
TILT EQ SECTION
This control is used to adjust the overall spectrum of the sound you are processing.
Turning the control clockwise results in a boost in high frequencies and attenuation of
the low frequencies. Turning the control counter clockwise results in the opposite
effect where the lows are boosted and the highs attenuated. All this action occurs
around a centre frequency of 700Hz with a gentle slope of around 4dB per octave
(Baxandall style). The Tilt control is always in circuit, as long as the Channel is switched
IN.
OUTPUT
Finally, the output level of the Channel can be trimmed using the knob and it has a +/-
8dB range. The Channel IN push button switch below the OUTPUT knob is used to
switch the entire Zodiak channel in or out. When switched out, the input XLR is
connected directly to the output XLR via a relay (bypass). On power up the, the unit is
always bypassed for a few seconds.
PEAK
This red led will light when the internal operating level has reached +22dB peak level
indicating a possible clipping situation. It monitors the Zodiak signal path at several
points, and may light up if the Bell section has a lot of boost dialed in, even when not
switched in.
POWER ON
This switches the mains power to the Zodiak on and off. A red bezel indicator tells you
when you have it switched on correctly. The bypass relays are engaged for a few
seconds at power up.

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5] Specifications
Mains Voltage; 110-115Vac or 220-240Vac switchable.
Size; 1U high rack mount case, 482Wx250Dx45H (mm)
ICT Model
Maximum Input Level; +29dBu
Maximum Output Level balanced; +28dBu
Maximum Output Level unbalanced; +22dBu
Noise; -88dB A weighted.
Frequency Response (Hi and Lo cut filters out); 4Hz to 185kHz (+1dB/-3dB).
Harmonic Distortion;
0.009% @ 100Hz, 0.009% @ 1kHz, 0.009% @ 10kHz, 0.01% @ 100kHz
Weight; 2.8kg
DCX Model
Maximum Input Level; +29dBu
Maximum Output Level balanced; +29dBu
Noise; -84dB A weighted.
Frequency Response (Hi and Lo cut filters out); 3Hz to 245kHz (+1dB/-3dB).
Harmonic Distortion;
0.4% @ 100Hz, 0.07% @ 1kHz, 0.03% @ 10kHz, 0.03% @ 100kHz
Weight; 3.0kg
6] Service Information
We are confident that you will receive many years of trouble free operation from your
unit. If however you experience any technical problem with your Zodiak, contact your
dealer or Buzz Audio for recommendations on what to do. The Zodiak is constructed
with non-surface mount serviceable parts, this means most electronic faults can be
easily repaired.
Please note there are no user serviceable parts inside the Zodiak and attempting any
internal adjustments without the alignment instructions and correct test equipment
may render the unit un-operational.
For on line support visit our web site www.buzzaudio.com
Buzz Audio Ltd, PO Box 171, Blenheim 7240, New Zealand.
Phone [phone]. Email; [email protected]

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7] Product Warranty
 Disclaimer
Buzz Audio Ltd is not liable for any damage to microphones, amplifiers, consoles,
speakers or any other equipment and/or electric shock to humans that is caused by
negligence or improper installation and/or use of the Zodiak Tilt-n-Filter Equalizer.
 Standard Product Warranty
Buzz Audio Ltd guarantees the Zodiak Tilt-n-Filter Equalizer to be free of defective
materials and/or workmanship for a period of 1 year (12 months) from the date of sale,
and will replace defective parts and repair malfunctioning products under this warranty
when the defect occurs under normal installation and use – provided the unit is
returned to our factory (or duly authorised service centre) via prepaid transportation
with a copy of the proof of purchase, ie, sales receipt. This warranty provides that
examination of the returned product must indicate, in our judgment, a manufacturing
defect. This warranty does not extend to any product that has been subjected to
misuse, neglect, accident, improper installation, or where the date code has been
removed or defaced. The standard warranty is NOT transferable.
 Product Warranty Extension
The above Warranty may be extended to a period of 2 years (24 months) from date of
sale provided the Warranty Registration form on our website is completed with 28
days (4 weeks) from the date of purchase. The Extended Warranty is transferable.
http://www.buzzaudiocom/register.php