Genz Benz Shuttle Max 9.2 User manual

Owner’s Manual
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – The SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 bass amplier has been designed with our unique ultra light
unied design process, yielding a 900 watt professional high powered tour-class bass guitar amplier weighing only
6.75 lbs! The SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 is the 2nd generation of Genz Benz SHUTTLE® MAX ampliers which now
incorporates our new 3-Dimensional Power Management circuitry. Our proprietary 3DPM™ technology insures
greater and more solid sounding output while retaining the feel and playability of a more traditional tube based power
amplier. When driving the power amp hard, the player can feel increased heft and girth of the individual notes,
while maintaining dynamics and articulation. The result is an amplier that achieves a more 3 dimensional tone
and feel, like a tube amplier power section, without the anemic atness other amplier designs can exhibit. This
PATENTED compact design blends the best of analog and digital platforms to produce the ultimate in warmth, punch
and power.
The SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 is equipped with a ¼” unbalanced instrument input; input stage clip detector; mute
switch with LED indicator; FET and 12AX7 tube preamps each with high/low gain stage settings and 4 band active
equalization with 2 sweepable midrange bands; 3 switched SIGNAL SHAPE lters with level adjustments; master
volume; proprietary 3DPM™ technology; tuner out; aux input; 3 effects loops; balanced direct output with ground lift,
pre or post EQ, and mic/line switches; headphone output; 2 Neutrik NL-4 Speakon™ speaker jacks; and a 5-button
footswitch.
The power amp is a powerful, lightweight Class D design and is supported by a state-of-the-art high frequency
Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS), which does away with the weight of a traditional power transformer. The
SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2’s power supply is usable from 100-240 volts, lending itself well to international touring players.
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FRONT PANEL
INPUT – The SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 is equipped with a standard ¼” unbalanced input. The input sensitivity range is from
40 mV to over 1.6 volts. The input impedance is >500K ohms. The input stage contains a precision high order active
high pass lter (more effective and less intrusive than the more common 6 dB lters) and an “RFI” lter (radio frequency
interference) to eliminate unwanted noise. The input gain stages consist of a feedback type variable gain circuit that
provides wide range, continuously variable gain with minimal noise. The preamp contains an FET input amp circuit based
on our highly regarded GBE series touring ampliers.
INPUT SIGNAL MUTE SWITCH – With this MUTE switch, you can place the amplier (and Direct Output) in standby
mode between sets without having to change any of your amp settings. This feature can also be used for silent tuning
since the TUNER OUT stays active when the MUTE is engaged. A red LED indicates when the MUTE is active. This
function is not operable from the included 5-button footswitch, however, a rear panel jack is provided so that a standard
single button footswitch can be used to remotely engage this function. The switch on the amplier’s faceplate must be in
the out position for the footswitch to work properly.
FET/TUBE CHANNEL SELECTOR SWITCH – This switch is provided to select either the FET channel or the TUBE
channel. This function can be remotely engaged via the 5-button footswitch. The front panel switch must be in the out
position for the footswitch to engage the function.
CHANNEL MIX SELECTOR SWITCH – When engaged this switch combines the signal of the FET and TUBE channels
together. This function can also be remotely engaged via the 5-button footswitch. The front panel switch must be in the
out position for the footswitch to engage the function.
FET CHANNEL—
GAIN SWITCH (LOW/HIGH) – This switch sets the gain sensitivity for the FET channel. It works somewhat like an
Active/Passive switch. The amber LED indicates that the HIGH setting is selected. The difference between the LOW and
HIGH gain positions is approx. 10dB. Since there is a GAIN Switch provided for each channel this allows the player to set
different gain structures for the FET or TUBE channels. For the cleanest possible signal, we recommend that the LOW
setting be used for basses with hotter output or active pickups (generally most basses using one or two 9 volt batteries to
power their on-board preamp or those with an output sensitivity over 1 Volt) and the HIGH gain setting be used for basses
with lower output or passive pickups.
PREAMP GAIN CONTROL – This control sets the gain level of the preamp to the output of your bass. If the red
OVERLOAD (O/L) LED ashes when setting up your input levels, reduce the preamp GAIN control to eliminate any input
preamp overload. You may want to check the setting of the GAIN switch as well. This GAIN control, in conjunction with
the preamp VOLUME control allows you to set the signal level to the EQ section. The MASTER VOLUME then controls
the total output level of the power amp.
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O/L LED – In the FET channel this LED senses the condition of the input signal after the GAIN control and also senses
and warns of possible clipping in the EQ network. The O/L sensing circuit is very dependent upon the output of the bass
instrument pickups, the GAIN and VOLUME level settings of the FET channel and the amount of EQ used i.e. the more
radical the EQ boost and volume level of the preamp VOLUME control, the more possibility of an overload condition.
If overloading of the FET channel is occurring, adjusting the preamp GAIN and/or preamp VOLUME down will reduce or
eliminate the overload condition and adjusting the MASTER VOLUME up will return the overall loudness.
NOTE: It is OK for this LED to ash occasionally with your hardest notes played and it may ash even if the TUBE
channel has been selected for use. This is normal and is due to the mixing topology for the 2 channels.
PREAMP VOLUME CONTROL – This control sets the volume of the preamp after the input and FET channel gain stages
and before the EQ controls. Use this control in conjunction with the GAIN control and the MASTER VOLUME control for
your overall output level.
TUBE CHANNEL—
GAIN SWITCH (LOW/HIGH) – This switch sets the gain sensitivity for the TUBE channel. It works both like an Active/
Passive switch and like a gain boost switch. The amber LED indicates that the HIGH setting is selected. The difference
between the LOW and HIGH gain positions is approx. 10dB. Since there is a GAIN switch provided for each channel this
allows the player to set different gain structures for the FET or TUBE channels.
If warm, clean tube tone is desired, we recommend that the LOW setting be used for basses with hotter output or active
pickups (generally most basses using one or two 9 volt batteries to power their on-board preamp or those with an output
sensitivity over 1 Volt) and the HIGH gain setting be used for basses with lower output or passive pickups.
If tube compression, growl, or all-out distortion is desired then the HIGH gain setting may be used regardless of the pickup
sensitivity. The “hotter” the pickup output, the more tube distortion can be achieved.
PREAMP GAIN CONTROL – This control sets the input sensitivity gain of the 12AX7 tube preamp after the GAIN switch.
The design of the TUBE GAIN control allows you to set your tone from rich, clean tube tone, to mild tube compression, to
warm tube growl, to all-out aggressive tube overdrive. The volume of the signal is then controlled by the TUBE preamp
VOLUME control and also the MASTER VOLUME control. The higher the GAIN settings are, the lower the channel
VOLUME will need to be set, so as not to overload the EQ network.
NOTE: It is generally recommended when using heavily distorted tones with a tweeter loaded cabinet, that you reduce
the high frequency settings on the amp or cut the tweeter level control of the cabinet.
O/L LED – In the TUBE channel, this LED senses the condition of the input signal after the GAIN control and also senses
and warns of possible clipping in the EQ network. The O/L circuit does not sense distortion or overdrive in the tube. Your
ears are the best judge of that for your desired tone. The O/L sensing circuit is very dependent upon the output of the
bass instrument pickups, the GAIN and VOLUME settings of the TUBE channel and the amount of EQ used i.e. the more
radical the EQ boost and volume level of the preamp VOLUME control, the more possibility of an overload condition.
If overloading of the TUBE channel is occurring, adjusting the preamp VOLUME and/or preamp GAIN controls down
will reduce or eliminate the overload condition and adjusting the MASTER VOLUME control up will return the overall
loudness.
NOTE: It is OK for this LED to ash occasionally with your hardest notes played and it may ash even if the FET channel
has been selected for use. This is normal and is due to the mixing topology for the 2 channels.
PREAMP VOLUME CONTROL – This control sets the volume of the preamp after the input and TUBE channel gain
stages and before the EQ controls. Use this control in conjunction with the GAIN control and the MASTER VOLUME
control for your overall output level.
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ACTIVE EQUALIZATION (both channels) – The SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 contains two active 4 band equalizers (one for
the FET and one for the TUBE channel) each with 2 sweepable parametric midrange frequency networks (LOW-MID
and HIGH-MID) that offer 15dB of cut or boost with a bandwidth of approximately 1 octave wide. These are slightly
overlapping lters to provide ultimate exibility. Parametric lters are typically (but not always) used to reduce or remove
offending frequencies in the instrument’s pickup response, or to boost response to achieve a particular voicing. Spend
some time experimenting so that the process becomes creative as well as corrective.
LOW FREQUENCY CONTROL – The LOW frequency EQ section is an 80 Hz shelving curve with 15dB of cut or boost.
LOW-MID FREQUENCY FILTER – The center frequency of the LOW-MID lter is continuously user adjustable from 120
Hz to 2 KHz with a single control. The LOW-MID GAIN control sets the amount of level (cut or boost) for the specic
frequency set by the LOW-MID FREQUENCY control.
HIGH-MID FREQUENCY FILTER – The HIGH-MID frequency is continuously user adjustable from 300 Hz to 5 KHz with
a single control. The HIGH-MID GAIN control sets the amount of level (cut or boost) for the specic frequency set by the
HIGH-MID FREQUENCY control.
HIGH FREQUENCY – The HIGH frequency EQ section is a 4 KHz shelving curve with 15dB of cut or boost.
NOTE: These equalizer networks are similar to those found on professional sound consoles and are very useful tools.
These active equalizers are very wide response type lters and a little “tweaking” goes a long way.
SIGNAL SHAPE – The SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 is equipped with 3 SIGNAL SHAPE circuits, each with a level control to
adjust the amount of level the tone shaping circuit produces. LED indicators are provided to visually show when each
lter is engaged. Each lter Q (bandwidth) is optimized for its particular function and is different for each lter. These
functions are also foot-switchable from the 5-button footswitch. The switches on the amplier’s faceplate must be in the
out position for the footswitch to work properly.
L.F. BOOST – This lter adds low frequency peaking gain in the 35-65 HZ band range. This is especially effective when
used with a 5 string bass. The level control has a range of 0 to +7dB. This lter is unique in that it provides compound,
asymmetrical slopes critical to achieving well controlled low frequency extension.
MID SCOOP – Engaging this switch generates a midrange frequency cut centered at 600 Hz. The level control adjusts
the amount of cut from 0db to –15dB.
H.F. ATTACK – This lter adds high frequency peaking gain in the 2.5K – 16 KHz range. The level control has a range of
0 to +7dB.
MASTER VOLUME – The MASTER VOLUME control adjusts the overall volume of the amplier and the effects return.
Typically, best results are obtained when this control is operated between the 9:00 and 3:00 positions.
MASTER SECTION STATUS INDICATORS -
•The POWER light indicates that the amplier is ON and the low voltage power supplies are active.
•The red PROTECT LED indicates when the amp enters PROTECT mode. This LED may ash during power turn-on
and turn-off. This is normal. It will also illuminate during any internal fault condition. If this happens, turn the amp off and
consult a repair technician.
•The blue SIGNAL LED indicates that the power amplier has received signal (over several watts output) and is
performing properly.
•The amber PEAK LED indicates that the power amp has reached maximum power. Under high output conditions it
is normal that this LED will light with the strongest pulses of the signal. Driving hard beyond this point will cause the
amplier to gradually begin audible distortion.
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5
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SETTING YOUR INPUT SIGNAL – There are a wide variety of variables that can impact
your signal and tone in the design of all ampliers. Below are some basic guidelines to consider when beginning to set
your tone on the SHUTTLE®MAX 9.2.
• Begin a basic set up for the FET and TUBE channels with all EQ settings set at the 12 o’clock position.
• If you are using an Active bass, begin with the channel GAIN switches in the LOW positions. For a Passive bass begin
with these set in the HIGH position.
• Set the GAIN control for each channel to approx. 10-12 o’clock positions. Now, bring up the preamp VOLUME control to
approximately the same position ---10-12 o’clock.
• At this time you may want to set the MASTER VOLUME to the 9 o’clock position.
• From this point you can set your EQ settings to your desired taste.
• If the O/L light on either channel is blinking, you should back down either your preamp GAIN control or preamp VOLUME
control so that it blinks with only the very hardest notes played --- or not at all.
• If you set radical EQ settings this may impact the level of your signal causing the O/L light to engage more. If so, then
reduce your preamp VOLUME control a little more.
• In the TUBE channel the O/L light will not sense tube overdrive so you will be able to get varying amounts of tube
compression or distortion without the O/L light coming on. If you do see the O/L light blinking on the TUBE channel then
you will want to reduce your preamp VOLUME control.
• As you ne-tune your settings and levels and get your tone ready for a performance level of output, it is suggested you
try to keep your preamp VOLUME levels and your MASTER VOLUME levels operating in approximately the same range,
generally between 9 – 3 o’clock. This is not a hard-fast rule, but it is a good starting place.
NOTE: In the TUBE channel if you are using an aggressive tube distortion your preamp GAIN may be set very high and
your preamp VOLUME set very low to keep the O/L LED from lighting. In this case the MASTER VOLUME will primarily
be used to set your nal output level. For heavy distortion, you may want to use the HIGH GAIN switch with a hot Active
bass.
It is generally recommended when using heavily distorted tones with a tweeter loaded cabinet, that you reduce the high
frequency settings on the amp or cut the tweeter level control of the cabinet.
3DPM™ --- 3 DIMENSIONAL POWER MANAGEMENT --- Our proprietary 3DPM™ technology insures greater and
more solid sounding output while retaining the feel and playability of a more traditional tube based power amplier.
When driving the power amp hard the player can feel increased heft and girth of the individual notes, while maintaining
dynamics and articulation. The result is an amplier that achieves a more 3 dimensional tone and feel, like a tube
amplier power section, without the anemic atness other amplier designs can exhibit.

REAR PANEL
DIRECT OUTPUT – An XLR balanced DIRECT OUTPUT is provided for connection to a PA system or directly into a
recording studio console or A/D converter. The DIRECT OUTPUT signal may be switched between MIC and LINE level,
PRE and POST EQ, and the audio signal ground may be connected or lifted from pin 1 with the GND LIFT switch to
eliminate hum due to ground loops. The DIRECT OUTPUT is fully protected against 48 volt phantom power and may be
used for driving microphone lines of up to 300 feet without problems.
AUX INPUT – A 1/4” unbalanced line level AUXILIARY INPUT is provided. It sums directly to the main output bus, and
is controlled by the MASTER VOLUME control. This input is ideal for practicing with recorded tracks from a CD player,
iPOD, or MP-3 player. This input is a tip-ring-sleeve type jack with built-in summing resistors that sum left and right
signals when used with a stereo cable. This input will also work with a mono tip-sleeve plug. Adjust the level of the
playback source to balance with the bass guitar’s volume.
TUNER OUTPUT – The SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 is equipped with a fully isolated TUNER OUTPUT. This jack is located after
the front end scaling preamplier but pre-SIGNAL SHAPE circuits and pre-EQ. This output may also be used to drive
a separate direct box or high-impedance recording device. The TUNER OUTPUT remains active when the amplier is
muted with the front panel MUTE switch, allowing silent tuning on stage.
EFFECTS LOOPS – The serial EFFECTS LOOP jacks are provided to allow access to the signal for the purpose of
inserting signal processing equipment such as compressors, chorus, delay and reverb processors. Individual pre-EQ
loops are provided for the TUBE channel and the FET channel. An additional MASTER post EQ loop is provided for the
summed (TUBE + FET) signal. This loop may also be used as a PREAMP OUTPUT or POWER AMP INPUT patch point.
SEND (output) and RETURN (input) are nominal +4 dB level.
“Series” devices (such as compressors and gates) require that the signal ow out from the SEND jack on the amplier,
through the processing device, and back into the RETURN jack on the amplier. Parallel or mixed signal devices (such
as chorus, delay and reverb processors) require that the signal ow out of the SEND jack on the amplier, and into the
processing device where it is split into a dry (unaltered) signal and a wet (processed) signal. On the processing unit, you
will use the mixed signal output to return the signals (both wet and dry) to the RETURN jack on the amplier. The ratio
between the wet signal and the dry signal is heard as the amount of effects added back to the original signal, which is
controlled by the mix knob (also called “balance”) on the effects processor. This may be a real knob (as in the Alesis®
Microverb) or software controlled (as in the Yamaha SPX-90, SPX900 or SPX 990). Set the input sensitivity on the effects
processor according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The front panel MUTE switch will also mute all of the SEND outputs when engaged.
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HEADPHONE OUT – A 1/4” TRS jack is provided for connection to headphones for silent practice use. A speaker load is
not required. Do not connect this output to anything but headphones.
POWER AMPLIFIER – The SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 uses a state-of-the-art, Class D power amplier with a high frequency
Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) to achieve unprecedented high performance and light weight packaging. Switch
Mode Power Supplies convert the AC line directly to high voltage DC. Then the precision PWM (pulse width modulation)
inverter creates a new AC power signal at a frequency more than 1000 times higher than the original wall frequency of
50/60Hz. This new high voltage, high frequency power signal is then fed into a custom high frequency transformer that
steps the voltage down. A high frequency rectier and high ESR lter capacitors nish the process off by converting
the high frequency AC signal back to the DC voltages that the amplier’s internal circuitry uses. One advantage of this
conversion process is that the DC power supply rails are refreshed more than 1000 times more often than in traditional
linear supplies, thus reducing annoying hum in the audio signal. The high frequency switching is used to reduce the
size and weight of the magnetic and lter components while increasing the performance by recharging the power supply
rails more often. The Class D amplier uses digital PWM techniques similar to those in more familiar digital to analog
converters to reduce the size and weight by a factor of 10 times that of a comparably rated conventional Class AB
amplier. Essentially, a Class D amplier converts the analog signal into a logic level PWM digital signal with an analog
to digital converter, level shifts this PWM signal up to a higher voltage and current and then reconstructs the analog signal
by passing it through what is essentially a power digital to analog converter. Additionally, we developed our proprietary
3DPM™ technology to give a distinctly analog feel and sound to the Class D platform. This system provides exceptional
performance even for low frequency applications such as bass guitar.
SPEAKER OUTPUTS – The SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 provides two Neutrik Speak-On™ connectors (wired 1+/1-). The
speaker jacks are paralleled. The minimum speaker load is 4 ohms. Do not ground either the “+” or the “-” outputs.
POWER INPUT – VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH - The SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 utilizes a selectable universal power
supply that operates from 100 to 240 volts, 50 to 60 Hz for worldwide use. Simply set the voltage selector switch to the
appropriate AC mains voltage BEFORE connecting to the power source.
Utilize the proper IEC cord-set appropriate for the country the product is being used.
For countries using 100V, 110V, 115V and 120V AC mains, select the voltage selector switch to the 115V position.
For countries using 220V, 230V, and 240V AC mains, select the voltage selector switch to the 230V position.
There is no externally accessible AC mains (line) fuse. The internal fuse is integral to the SMPS power supply and is
not user serviceable. This fuse will not fail except under very unlikely fault conditions to the SMPS, and if this occurs a
qualied service technician is required to correct the problem.
CHASSIS DESIGN – The SHUTTLE® MAX’S ULTRA LIGHT DESIGN utilizes the highest quality aircraft grade, computer
machined aluminum chassis. To clean the amplier, nothing more than a damp cloth and a little bit of glass cleaner (like
Glass Plus™) should be used.
FOOTSWITCHES – A DIN connector is provided for connecting the
included 5-button footswitch. Model# F/S-STL-MAX. This footswitch
controls CHANNEL switching and mixing along with all the global
SIGNAL SHAPE circuits. Additionally a ¼” footswitch jack is also
provided for switching the MUTE function separately. Any single
button latching style footswitch will operate this function.
NOTE: The switches on the amplier’s faceplate must be in the out
position for the footswitch to work properly.

8
RACK MOUNTING – The SHUTTLE® MAX is designed
for optional rack mounting in a standard EIA style 19”
equipment rack or tour-case. An optional rack mounting kit is
available from your dealer. Model# STL-MAX-RK.
GIG-BAG – A custom padded carry bag with shoulder strap is available
as an optional accessory from your dealer. Model# STL-MAX-BAG. Do
not operate the amplier inside the carry bag as the aluminum chassis
construction and cooling fan inlet vents are part of the amplier’s cooling
mechanism.
Accessories:

9
Specications
SAFE OPERATING REQUIREMENTS:
• Never set an amplier on anything that will tip over or collapse under its weight.
• Provide a minimum distance of 25.4 mm (1 inch) around all sides of the amplier for sufcient ventilation.
The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the amplier’s vent openings with items such as newspapers,
tablecloths, curtains, etc.
• No naked ame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 amplier.
• This amplier should not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects lled with liquids, such as vases or
drinks, shall be placed on this product.
• The SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 amplier should be connected to a mains socket outlet (power receptacle) with a protective
earth (ground) connection at all times.
• The ampliers mains plug (power plug) is considered the disconnect device, and the connection must remain
accessible at all times.
• This amplier is capable of producing sound pressure levels that may cause hearing loss.
• There are no user serviceable parts and hazardous operating voltages are present inside this unit. Always consult a
qualied repair facility for service.
WARNING!
• The use and operation of this device constitutes an agreement of full release of any and all liability connected with its
use. Only persons familiar with the operation of high-powered professional audio equipment should attempt to
operate this device.
• In addition, by use of this device, the user agrees to hold Genz Benz and its designers, sales agents and all other
afliates and related parties harmless in the event of any accident, injury, damage or loss resulting from such use.
• The manufacturer’s sole responsibility is to provide a warranty on the specied performance of the product under
normal operating conditions for a period of 3 years.
WARRANTY:
• Genz Benz warrants the SHUTTLE® MAX 9.2 to be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of 3 years from the date of purchase, when purchased from an authorized Genz Benz dealer.
• Preamp tubes are warranted for a period of 6 months from the date of purchase.
• This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear incurred from the normally designed use of the product.
• This warranty is effective only if a copy of the original sales receipt is presented at the time of warranty service.
• This limited warranty is completely transferable to any subsequent buyer as long as the original sales receipt is also
transferred to such subsequent buyer.
• All warranty service must be performed by a Genz Benz authorized service center.
• Before returning any unit for service, a returned merchandise authorization number (RMA#) must be
obtained by calling 480-941-0705.
• This warranty is valid in the US and Canada only. For all products sold outside the USA, warranty is handled through
our international distributor for each country. For more information visit our website: www.genzbenz.com.
STL-MAX 9.2
(Product covered under U.S. Patent #8,130,495.)
Rated Power:
500 Watts @ 8 ohms
900 Watts @ 4 ohms
Dimensions:
3.5”H X 13.5”W X 13”D
Weight:
6.75 LBS

10
Declaration of Conformity
(89/336 EEC-EMC Directive)
Manufacturer’s Name: Genz Benz, a division of KMC Musicorp
Manufacturer’s Address: 7811 East Pierce Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85257, U.S.A.
Product Type: Audio Amplier
Model Number: SHUTTLE® MAX (all versions)
Operating Power Condition: 100/115/230/240 V, 50/60 Hz
Effective Date: 01-01-2011
Conforms to the Following Standards: [X] EN 55013: 2001 + A1: 2003
[X] EN 55020: 2002 + A1: 2003
[X] EN 60065: 2001+A1
[X] IEC 61000-3.3: 1994 + A1: 2001
[X] IEC 61000-4.2
[X] IEC 61000-4.3
[X] IEC 61000-4.4
[X] FCC 15.107 and 15.109
[X] RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC
[X] WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC
[X] CE Mark LV Directive 73/23 EEC
KMC Musicorp
7811 E. Pierce St. Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Ph: 480-941-0705 Fax: [phone]
www.genzbenz.com
REV 3
BLOCK CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
Genz Benz and Shuttle® Max are trademarks of Genz Benz and KMC Musicorp