Little Labs multi z pip rev.b User manual
LITTLE LABS
6711 Whitley Terrace
HOLLYWOOD CA 90068
E-MAIL:
WEB:
littlelabs.com
FAX, FOREIGN ORDERS, SERVICE
AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT:
323-851-6860
ORDER LINE IN USA EXCEPT ALASKA:
800-642-0064
Manual Printing & pdf formatting 6/2003
multi z pip rev.b
professional direct box /
instrument preamp / re-amplifier
Operators Manual
power in 48vdc only
re-amp
level
Little Labs®
multi z pip ® ©2003 all rights reserved
re-amp in
inst level hi z
main output
summing amp in
balanced only
expansion output
balanced main output
xfrmr custom option†
instrument thru or
custom option†
buffered out or custom
option†
†
please see manual for custom internal jumper
options including extra summing amp inputs vol pedal
insert pre main out balanced insert and others
451
263
7
earth
lift
instrument in
re-amp
out
ol out
ol in
input circuit
select
hi z
spkr
lo z
mid z
inst in
mid z
out xlr
pin 1
pr ofessiona l instrument
pr e-am p / di / re-a m p
attac h attac h
l e v e l
earth
lift
mult i z p i p 3.0
0
2
4
6
16
14
18
20
12
8
10
8
4
3
2
1
16
DIFFERENTIAL
FET MONOLITHIC
SUMMING
AMPLIFIER
+9dB
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
7
5
14
18
MALE
XLR
2
6
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
47V
47V
47V
+6dB
6
0
4
2
8
SUPER HIZ
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
DIFFERENTIAL
INPUT MID Z
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
+6dB
8
SPEAKER
LEVEL
ATTENUATOR
spkr
lo z
mid z
-26dB
ol out
re-amp level
LITTLE LABS HEAVY IRON CORE
CUSTOM WOUND AUDIO
TRANSFORMER
LITTLE LABS CUSTOM WOUND
VINTAGE PICK UP EMULATION
TRANSFORMER
(overload in)
ol in
hi z
input circuit select
(overload out)
Main instrument in. This front panel jack is where you plug your instrument in or, in a rack
mounted application, you can plug your instrument into the rear panel instrument thru jack.
Instrument thru. This can be used as a rear main instrument input jack OR a thru jack (mult) out
to feed your instrument amp(the default setting ) OR as a rear main instrument input jack that is
interrupted when you plug in the front (especially useful in a rack mounted situation ) OR as an
extra summing amp input.
Summing amp in. Use this input to sum with the main input devices such as bass pedals, key-
boards etc. The PIP can be used as a mini hi fidelity mixer!
Buffered output. Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed from either
pre or post the level pot (pre is the default setting) OR this output can be configured as a trs
volume (tip send /ring return)"expression" pedal jack pre or post level pot OR this output can
be an extra summing amp input.
Balanced only expansion out. This line level output can be used as a balanced insert send pre
the instrument level hi Z transformer out (re-amplifier) and, if installed, pre the line level or mic
level lo Z output transformer. This allows you to insert a piece of pro gear before the PIPs main
xlr output. This insert will also allow you to properly interface pro gear before your guitar amp
and still achieve the proper tone of a pickup plugged directly into the amp.
Re-amplifier input and instrument level hi Z main output (re-amp out).The re-amplifier section
can be used completely independent of the rest of the Multi Z PIP. Use it to re-amp guitars or
to use vintage pedals on a send, Use it in conjunction with The DI section (for gain make up) to
use vintage pedals on an insert. Re-amplifier level is set by a 10 turn trim pot located on the
rear of the PIP. The re-amplifier out is also the main guitar level/impedance, transformer
isolated, ground liftable output for the Multi Z Professional Instrument Preamp.
Balanced main XLR output. This ouput is available with three options. Line level transformer-
less out, Line level transformer isolated out, or mic level/impedance transformer isolated out.
Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed pre or post the re-amplifier
input jack or when using the mic transformer, pre or post the level pot.
level
12
20
10
22
guitar amp
in
power in 48vdc only
re-amp
level
Little Labs®
multi z pip ® ©2003 all rights reserved
re-amp in
inst level hi z
main output
summing amp in
balanced only
expansion output
balanced main output
xfrmr custom option†
instrument thru or
custom option†
buffered out or custom
option†
†
please see manual for custom internal jumper
options including extra summing amp inputs vol pedal
insert pre main out balanced insert and others
451
263
7
earth
lift
instrument in
re-amp
out
ol out
ol in
input circui t
select
hi z
spkr
lo z
mid z
inst in
mid z
out xlr
pin 1
pr ofessiona l instrumen t
pr e- am p / di / re- am p
attach attach
l ev e l
earth
lift
mult i z p i p 3.0
0
2
4
6
16
14
18
20
12
8
10
8
4
3
2
1
16
DIFFERENTIAL
FET MONOLITHIC
SUMMING
AMPLIFIER
+9dB
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
7
5
14
18
MALE
XLR
2
6
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
47V
47V
47V
+6dB
6
0
4
2
8
SUPER HIZ
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
DIFFERENTIAL
INPUT MID Z
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
+6dB
8
SPEAKER
LEVEL
ATTENUATOR
spkr
lo z
mid z
-26dB
ol out
re-amp level
LITTLE LABS HEAVY IRON CORE
CUSTOM WOUND AUDIO
TRANSFORMER
LITTLE LABS CUSTOM WOUND
VINTAGE PICK UP EMULATION
TRANSFORMER
(overload in)
ol in
hi z
input circuit select
(overload out)
Main instrument in. This front panel jack is where you plug your instrument in or, in a rack
mounted application, you can plug your instrument into the rear panel instrument thru jack.
Instrument thru. This can be used as a rear main instrument input jack OR a thru jack (mult) out
to feed your instrument amp(the default setting ) OR as a rear main instrument input jack that is
interrupted when you plug in the front (especially useful in a rack mounted situation ) OR as an
extra summing amp input.
Summing amp in. Use this input to sum with the main input devices such as bass pedals, key -
boards etc. The PIP can be used as a mini hi fidelity mixer!
Buffered output. Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed from either
pre or post the level pot (pre is the default setting) OR this output can be configured as a trs
volume (tip send /ring return)"expression" pedal jack pre or post level pot OR this output can
be an extra summing amp input.
Balanced only expansion out. This line level output can be used as a balanced insert send pre
the instrument level hi Z transformer out (re-amplifier) and, if installed, pre the line level or mic
level lo Z output transformer. This allows you to insert a piece of pro gear before the PIPs main
xlr output. This insert will also allow you to properly interface pro gear before your guitar amp
and still achieve the proper tone of a pickup plugged directly into the amp.
Re-amplifier input and instrument level hi Z main output (re-amp out).The re-amplifier section
can be used completely independent of the rest of the Multi Z PIP. Use it to re-amp guitars or
to use vintage pedals on a send, Use it in conjunction with The DI section (for gain make up) to
use vintage pedals on an insert. Re-amplifier level is set by a 10 turn trim pot located on the
rear of the PIP. The re-amplifier out is also the main guitar level/impedance, transformer
isolated, ground liftable output for the Multi Z Professional Instrument Preamp.
Balanced main XLR output. This ouput is available with three options. Line level transformer-
less out, Line level transformer isolated out, or mic level/impedance transformer isolated out.
Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed pre or post the re-amplifier
input jack or when using the mic transformer, pre or post the level pot.
level
12
20
10
guitar
out
PIP example 4
splitting to two amps with ground isolation
note: for convienience this diagram uses non default option
1a, if it was in default mode the guitar would be plugged in the
front. instrument in.
guitar amp
in
Dear Audio Professional,
Congratulations on your purchase of the Multi Z Professional Instrument Preamp. The
Multi Z PIP 3.0 is a completely updated, refined successor for the now classic Little Labs
Multi Z Direct Box. The original source impedance optimized Little Labs circuit found
in the original Multi Z DI and now in the Multi Z PIP, is highly regarded for its clarity,
punch, bottom, and its ability to cut through a track with three dimensional excitement.
Little Labs added so many features to the original Multi Z Direct Box, we couldn't call
it just a direct box anymore hence the name change to Professional Instrument Pre-
amp. Every custom mod that was asked of Little Labs over the past ten years, of which
there were many, has been incorporated into the new, but still compact, Multi Z PIP.
Use it as a super instrument preamp, use it as a re-amp, use it as a DI, use it as a mini
instrument mixer, use it all together at once...The Multi Z PIP is all about flexibility
and superior sonics!
This PIP is hand made. All the parts, passive and active, were selected carefully for
superior sonic quality. While you might not be able to run a truck over the Multi Z
PIP (you know the ad), getting past the chassis you will see a product built with an at-
tention to detail more like an audiophile preamplifier than a commercial audio device.
Quality of construction I realize means nothing if the sound is not stellar. So please,
after reading this manual LISTEN for yourself on all your instruments. Take the time
to compare to whatever direct you were using before. I want you to appreciate the un-
surpassed sonics and uncompromising flexibility the PIP offers. I am confident you will
find the Little Labs Multi Z PIP to be one of your wisest pro audio purchases.
I realize you are anxious to get on with reading this manual, but I would like to take
a moment to give credit to Chalice Studios, Conway Studios, the old A&M studios
(now owned by the Henson company) and all the great engineers who helped me in
developing Little Labs products.
Yours truly,
Jonathan Little
Little Labs
21
daw or
tape
in out
guitar amp
in
PIP example 3
re-amping guitar
note: for convienience this diagram uses non default option 1a, if it was
in default mode the guitar would be plugged in the front. instrument in.
power in 48vdc only
re-amp
level
Little Labs®
multi z pip ® ©2003 all rights reserved
re-amp in
inst level hi z
main output
summing amp in
balanced only
expansion output
balanced main output
xfrmr custom option†
instrument thru or
custom option†
buffered out or custom
option†
†
please see manual for custom internal jumper
options including extra summing amp inputs vol pedal
insert pre main out balanced insert and others
451
263
7
earth
lift
instrument in
re-amp
out
ol out
ol in
input circui t
select
hi z
spkr
lo z
mid z
inst in
mid z
out xlr
pin 1
pr ofessiona l instrumen t
pr e- am p / di / re- am p
attach attach
l ev e l
earth
lift
mult i z p i p 3.0
0
2
4
6
16
14
18
20
12
8
10
8
4
3
2
1
16
DIFFERENTIAL
FET MONOLITHIC
SUMMING
AMPLIFIER
+9dB
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
7
5
14
18
MALE
XLR
2
6
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
47V
47V
47V
+6dB
6
0
4
2
8
SUPER HIZ
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
DIFFERENTIAL
INPUT MID Z
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
+6dB
8
SPEAKER
LEVEL
ATTENUATOR
spkr
lo z
mid z
-26dB
ol out
re-amp level
LITTLE LABS HEAVY IRON CORE
CUSTOM WOUND AUDIO
TRANSFORMER
LITTLE LABS CUSTOM WOUND
VINTAGE PICK UP EMULATION
TRANSFORMER
(overload in)
ol in
hi z
input circuit select
(overload out)
Main instrument in. This front panel jack is where you plug your instrument in or, in a rack
mounted application, you can plug your instrument into the rear panel instrument thru jack.
Instrument thru. This can be used as a rear main instrument input jack OR a thru jack (mult) out
to feed your instrument amp(the default setting ) OR as a rear main instrument input jack that is
interrupted when you plug in the front (especially useful in a rack mounted situation ) OR as an
extra summing amp input.
Summing amp in. Use this input to sum with the main input devices such as bass pedals, key-
boards etc. The PIP can be used as a mini hi fidelity mixer!
Buffered output. Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed from either
pre or post the level pot (pre is the default setting) OR this output can be configured as a trs
volume (tip send /ring return)"expression" pedal jack pre or post level pot OR this output can
be an extra summing amp input.
Balanced only expansion out. This line level output can be used as a balanced insert send pre
the instrument level hi Z transformer out (re-amplifier) and, if installed, pre the line level or mic
level lo Z output transformer. This allows you to insert a piece of pro gear before the PIPs main
xlr output. This insert will also allow you to properly interface pro gear before your guitar amp
and still achieve the proper tone of a pickup plugged directly into the amp.
Re-amplifier input and instrument level hi Z main output (re-amp out).The re-amplifier section
can be used completely independent of the rest of the Multi Z PIP. Use it to re-amp guitars or
to use vintage pedals on a send, Use it in conjunction with The DI section (for gain make up) to
use vintage pedals on an insert. Re-amplifier level is set by a 10 turn trim pot located on the
rear of the PIP. The re-amplifier out is also the main guitar level/impedance, transformer
isolated, ground liftable output for the Multi Z Professional Instrument Preamp.
Balanced main XLR output. This ouput is available with three options. Line level transformer-
less out, Line level transformer isolated out, or mic level/impedance transformer isolated out.
Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed pre or post the re-amplifier
input jack or when using the mic transformer, pre or post the level pot.
level
12
20
10
guitar
out
Contents
Before reading this manual
Warm up time........................................................................1
Custom Congurations .........................................................1
Using with speaker level outputs ..........................................1
Impedance the Big Z
Circuit topology ....................................................................2
Hi Z .......................................................................................2
Mid Z ....................................................................................2
Lo Z.......................................................................................3
Speaker in .............................................................................3
Gain & Noise
Passive Direct Box voltage loss............................................4
Active Direct Boxes and line level inputs.............................4
Little Labs Multi Z PIP gain structure ..................................5
Re-amp level .........................................................................6
Speaker outputs & speaker/amp simulators
Direct signals with amp harmonic overtones........................5
Capturing the artist / instrument / amp performance ............5
PIP examples
Interfacing guitar stomp boxes in the pro world...................6
Interfacing pro gear in the guitar world ................................6
Default and custom PIP congurations
6. The front of the direct box is now one piece.
7. With the 7/16” nut driver tighten the pad assembly nut. A 7/16 “ nut
driver of the excelite brand, as well as most others, has an outside diameter
which will center the pad in the decorative panel properly.
8. Tuck power supply wires inside then slide black textured cover onto
extrusion base. Be careful to slide it all the way in and over the lip of
the front plastic frame. Install rear panel and plastic frame in position
on rear of unit.
9. On the rear panel, screw in the four allen button head screws with
1/16” allen hex driver.
10. Note by looking at rear of knobs which goes where (the switch and
pad knob are different ) and gently push them in place.
11. Pop on knob caps note line orientation.
That’s it!
20
Instrument in (jack 8)............................................................7
Instrument thru (jack 1) .................................................7&11
Jumper locations ...................................................................8
Centerfold PIP info
Front and rear panel description ....................................9&10
Internal Block Diagram..................................................9&10
Default and custom PIP congurations (cont.)
Buffered out (jack 3)....................................................11&13
Jumper locations .................................................................12
loz & level control impedance ...........................................13
Main output xlr (jack 7) ......................................................13
Jumper locations .................................................................14
Main Output transformer options.................................15&17
Jumper locations .................................................................16
Disassembly & Assembly
Disassembly Steps 1-11 ......................................................18
Assembly Steps 1-7.............................................................19
Assembly Steps 8-11...........................................................20
PIP examples
Re-amping guitar ................................................................21
Splitting to two amps with ground isolation.......................22
er .washers. If you are replacing the input select switch assembly you
will pull the two ribbon jumpers out of the 20 pin socket. You could at
this point, if you really want to go all the way,unsolder the power sup-
ply leads. You are now stripped down to bare stuffed circuit board.
ASSEMBLY
I have made the assembly instructions a little more detailed, just in case
you went gung ho on the disassembly. Hopefully you didn’t lose any
parts down the crack of your couch. I recommend reading the instructions
fully before starting.
1. Install spacer washers which consist of a lock washer (which comes
with the switch), a metal cup washer & a 3/8” ber shoulder washer, onto
the center switch assembly switch bushing . Attach switch assembly to
utility (not screened) panel with the black plastic frame around it. Note
orientation of round hole cutouts for toggle switches. Carefully attach the
nut to switch bushing with a 14mm nut driver. The shaft is plastic and
care must be taken not to strip it.
2. On the front phone plug bushing and potentiometer bushing install
spacer washers consisting of a 3/8” ber shoulder washer on the phone
plug bushing and a 3/8” ber shoulder washer as well as a metal cup
washer on the pad bushing. Slide utility panel with black plastic frame
and switch assembly attached, onto the phone plug and potentiometer
bushings. This will slightly push the switch assembly on to the circuit
board, which is normal.
3. Attach nut to phone jack rmly with a 1/2” nut driver.
4. Attach nut to pad assembly loosely with a 7/16” nut driver.
5. Place screened decorative front panel on top of utility panel, slide
circuit board into base extrusion and screw in the two allen button head
screws with 1/16” allen hex driver.
19
1 18
If you never read manuals and prefer to dive in blind please at least read
the following before starting.
After powering up the Multi Z PIP wait at least one minute before changing
any switch settings. The unit has to stabilize its large reservoir capacitor
and zero voltage sources. If you do not wait, loud pops will occur when
changing settings. These pops could be damaging to other equipment.
The Multi Z PIP has many options, be aware of how the PIP is congured.
If you chose some of the custom options read the jumper settings part
of this manual carefully before moving the jumpers and of course do it
with the power off.
Plug your speaker output into the Multi Z PIP only after selecting the
speaker in, then do not change the input select while speaker level is feed-
ing the Multi Z PIP, (otherwise damage to the internal electronics could
result from the excess level being fed into it). When using the speaker in
mode, keep in mind this is not a power soak. Many ampliers require a
load and could be damaged when not using either a power soak or speaker
connected to its output. Do not plug the speaker out of the amplier
into the Multi Z PIP and then plug the speaker through the Multi Z PIP
Instrument thru. This will send excessive current through the internal
traces of the Multi Z PIP and burn the traces up.
There you have it, but please read on for more information and tips that
should help the inexperienced and experienced engineer alike in obtain-
ing the highest performance out of the Little Labs Multi Z Professional
Instrument Preamplier.
read this before using the
little labs multi z pip
1. With a 1/16” Allen hex remove the two rear panel capscrews and the
2 xlr cap screws.
2. The rear panel and the plastic frame should come right off. A service
loop is provided so keep the power connector attsched.
3. Slide the black textured steel cover carefully off of the base extru-
sion.
4. This will expose the insides to your leering eyes. Nicely made eh.
Stop here if you just need to change jumper positions.
5. If you need access to under the circuit board use a 1/16” Allen hex to
remove the front screened panel screws. The circuit board should now
easily slide out from the base.
6. Unless you have to replace the pad or switch assembly, I do not
recommend removing the front utility (not screened) panel. If you
must, noting which knob went where, gently but rmly pull off the two
knobs.
7. Use a 1/2” nut driver to remove the front phone jack nut.
8. Use a 7/16” nut driver to remove pad assembly nut.
9. Slide out utility panel and plastic frame so the switch is still at-
tached, and then remove spacer washers from phone jack and pad
assembly. Do not lose these.
10. With a 14mm nut driver or crescent wrench, carefully remove
switch nut, remove utility panel, sliding out the leds then remove spac-
DISASSEMBLY
IMPEDANCE SELECTION
THE BIG
Z
The letter Z, common abbreviation for impedance. The Multi Z PIPs se-
lectable input circuits (hi, mid, lo and speaker) are designed for optimum
performance on different source impedances. It is not switching input
resistors in circuit as some DIs do, or an actual potentiometer in circuit
(sometimes called a drag control) which basically work as primitive tone
control or dulling load. The Multi Z PIP has a different circuit topology
for the mid and hi and for the lo and speaker we bypass the active input
circuitry altogether (Why? Because it sounded better without). Each im-
pedance optimized circuit brings out the full tone of an instrument, we
leave the EQ up to you. The following is a rough guide to follow as far
as what type of instrument sounds best with which input setting.
HI Z
Hi impedance input, use with a passive instrument (no onboard preamp)
like a Precision Bass™, Stratocaster™, Les Paul™ or piezo type pickup
instrument.
Tip: The Ovation™ guitars have piezo pickups but use an internal battery
powered preamp. This preamp can be internally bypassed with a female
mini plug to 1/4” plug adaptor. Running the Piezo pickups directly to
the Multi Z bypassing the Ovation preamp, will drastically improve the
sound of this instrument.
MID Z
Mid Z, use for an active instrument (on board preamp) or keyboard. The
main advantage of the Mid Z position on the Multi Z Di is the ability to
isolate the ground on the input (see g.1). This works like a balanced in,
so if you have a keyboard rack cue mixer you can take your keyboard
output, mult off the Multi Z to the keyboard rack cue mixer, and send the
217
Non default option 1F
Transformerless, the naked truth. If you want you can order the Multi Z
PIP without an output transformer at all. The original Multi Z did not have
a transformer on the output. A transformer IMHO, on the Multi Z PIP at
least, is just better for ground isolation. The transformer used is very good
and was chosen not for a sonic foot print but for transparency, so if you
don't need it, or you are typically feeding an already transformer coupled
input, then save yourself a few bucks. Then again, the transformer can
eliminate headaches that only a transformer can solve, you won't regret it.
3 16
g.1 gnd. isolate advantage of Mid Z position
xlr blanced out to mic
or line balanced
inputs
pin 1
pin 2
pin 3
to main console
(neve ssl amek etc.)
balanced input.
front & rear
instrument input
(labeled instrument/ spkr in)
OUTPUT
INPUT
MULTI Z
DI MID Z
POSITION
lift
RACK KEYBOARD
CUE MIXER
KEYBOARD
earth
Multi Z balanced feed to the main console. This enables the ground of the
console, the ground of your keyboard, and the ground of the keyboard
rack cue mixer to be isolated from each other. (Thus eliminating a source
of possible ground loops).
LO Z
Lo Z, use on active instruments (on board preamp), or keyboards. The
Lo Z position has the least amount of active circuitry in the signal path.
SPEAKER
Speaker in, use on the speaker output of an instrument amplier, or on
any very high level output instrument or keyboard (I can’t imagine an
instrument with an output level this high, but if there is one, this is the
input to use). No ltering or speaker simulation is utilized in the Multi
Z DI. The high level speaker or instrument signal is simply attenuated
30 decibels.
JUMPER LOCATIONS
4
15
GAIN & NOISE
Proper gain between stages in an audio system is critical for low noise
and low distortion. A passive type Direct Box using a transformer has
to lose voltage in order to have its input (primary) impedance high and
its output (secondary) impedance low. Typical voltage loss for this type
passive device is 20dB. That is the only reason Direct Box outputs have
always been run into the microphone inputs of a console.
With an active Direct Box voltage loss is not a problem. In fact the active
stages typically sound better with gain (something more than unity). Most
passive instruments need very little or no gain to run into a microphone
preamplier. Most active instruments have more than enough gain to
bypass the microphone preamplier stage altogether and run directly
into a line input. It is important to note this because if you nd yourself
heavily padding an instrument in order to run it through the high gain
input section of your console (the microphone preamplier) you will get
a dramatic increase of NOISE. The proper way to run a Direct Box in this
situation is to feed the Direct Box output into your console line inputs
rather than the console microphone inputs (use the balanced XLR out for
balanced console line inputs and the unbalanced 1/4” jack for unbalanced
console line inputs). This way no gain is unnecessarily added or padded,
and a happy gain structure (low noise and low distortion ) is the result.
The Little Labs Multi Z PIP is capable of putting out +32dB on the bal-
anced expansion output and the balanced main output (xlr 7). The actual
gain of the PIP is 6dB on the input stages of the hi & mid Z stages, unity
on the lo z stage and -30DB on the speaker stage. The PIP output stage
has 9dB of gain . So the maximum gain through the Multi Z PIP is 15dB
in Mid Z or Hi z or 9dB in Lo z. The summing amp in (jack 6) is fed after
the input stage so it will have just the 9dB of gain from the output stage.
The seperate re-amp section will drop the balanced signal feeding it by
a minimum of 15dB (adjustable with the rear re-amp level trim). Note:
the re-amp in (jack 6)is normaled to the balanced only expansion output
so pro level gear can be inserted after the balanced only expansion
out (jack 4) and returned into the re-amp in jack, effecting only what
is feeding the instrument level hi z main out (jack 5) and not the xlr
balanced main output (jack 7). Jumper #71&72 jumper 1&3.
Non default option 1D
The xlr balanced main output (jack 7) is fed post the re-amp in (jack
6) so pro level gear can be inserted from the balanced only expansion
out (jack 4) and returned into the re-amp in (jack 6) effecting what
is feeding the instrument level hi z main out (jack 5) and the xlr bal-
anced main output (jack 7). Jumper #71&72 jumper 2&3.
Other main output xlr (jack 7) options
The stock model for Multi Z PIP has a Line level 600 ohm trans-
former feeding the balanced main output (jack 7).
Non default option 1E.
The Multi Z PIPs output transformer can be swapped out (or ordered)
with a mic level output transformer, recommended if you use the
Multi Z PIP for mostly live work. Stage Splitters are happier with a
mic impedance/level out. You can feed this transformer the same way
the line level 600 ohm transformer is fed but I have made the follow-
ing option available for the purist, but it will eliminate the summing
inputs feeding your main output, which is a nice feature.
In the mic transformer model, you can feed the mic level out trans-
former directly after the rst stage, eliminating the electronics in the
output stage, for a slightly quieter and more purist signal path (if you
care). In this mode the mic transformer will follow what is feeding the
buffered out or volume pedal send, depending on the conguration
chosen see (buffered out congurations) it will not work in non default
option 3B. Also it should be noted the summing amp in (jack2) (and
any jacks congured as such) will only feed the instrument level hi
z main out (jack 5) and balanced only expansion out (jack 4) but not
your balanced main output xlr (jack 7).Jumper #71&72 jumper 4&3
5 14
utilizing speaker outputs
to feed the multi z professional
instrument preamplifier
Before feeding the Direct with speaker level read the cautions under the
"Read this before using the Little Labs Multi Z PIP" section. Utilizing
the speaker output of a musical instrument amplier to feed the Multi
Z PIP is one way to use the harmonic overtones of an amplier as part of
the direct signal. This method preserves the instrument / amplier sound
while eliminating leakage, and there are other often overlooked advantages
to this technique. Recording guitars this way will sound, in the control
room, overly bright due to the studio monitors being full range and not
having the mellowing effect of the guitar ampliers limited range speaker
cabinets. Once on tape the performance, in which the artist utilized the
musical instrument amplier as an integral part, is captured with the amp
settings preserved. This signal can now be utilized to feed any low distor-
tion monitor type amp back out to a guitar speaker which could be put in
any room and recaptured at a later date. You might say, well I can do that
with the regular guitar out feeding the direct then later feeding back out
to a guitar amp / speaker. This is true but musicians, especially guitarists,
utilize their amplier with feedback, sustain etc. as very much a part of
their musical performance. The technique I described will preserve this
performance.
(jack 4). The resulting level of the PIP from instrument in to instrument
level hi z out was designed to be unity or less.
JUMPER LOCATIONS
6
13
Non default option 2B
The buffered out (jack 3) becomes a volume pedal insert with the jack
functioning as a “trs” type with the tip being a post pip level control send
to the volume pedal and the ring being the return to the pip. The lower
impedance volume pedals (typically 25k ohms) are recommended for
this application. You can use a pre made cable such as a hosa 3SR-03Q
to seperate the send and return, or some expression pedals will work as
a volume pedal, these have a sngle send/return plug.#112 jumper 2&3 /
#128 jumper 2&3 / on #129 jumper 2&3.
Non default option 3B
This will turn the buffered out (jack 3) into a summing input jack. It will
then function the same as the summing in (jack 2). This will sum after
the main input stage with whatever is plugged into the instrument input
(jack 8),and the summing in (jack 2). See non default option 2A for more
information.#112 jumper 1&3 / #128 jumper 4&3 / on #129 jumper
1&3.
Jumpers #190 and #191, determine the lo z setting input im-
pedance and the level control impedance.
The default impedance for the lo z setting and the level control is
10k ohms. Jumper #190 & #191 jumper 2&3
Non default option 1C
This sets the level control and the lo z input impedance to 5k ohms useful
in the volume pedal default option 2B setting and the non default option 1B
setting because you can use a longer cable if the send to the volume pedal
or the buffered out is a maximum of 5k ohms rather than the maximum
10k ohms( at 10k ohms the hi end frequency response could be affected).
Jumper #190 & #191 jumper 1&3.
Jumpers #71 and #72 determine the functionality of the main output
xlr (jack 7)
The default function for this jack is as follows:
The xlr balanced main output (jack 7) is fed pre the re-amp in (jack 6)
power in 48vdc only
re-amp
level
Little Labs®
multi z pip ® ©2003 all rights reserved
re-amp in
inst level hi z
main output
summing amp in
balanced only
expansion output
balanced main output
xfrmr custom option†
instrument thru or
custom option†
buffered out or custom
option†
†
please see manual for custom internal jumper
options including extra summing amp inputs vol pedal
insert pre main out balanced insert and others
451
263
7
earth
lift
instrument in
re-amp
out
ol out
ol in
input circui t
select
hi z
spkr
lo z
mid z
inst in
mid z
out xlr
pin 1
pr ofessiona l instrumen t
pr e- am p / di / re- am p
attach attach
l ev e l
earth
lift
mult i z p i p 3.0
0
2
4
6
16
14
18
20
12
8
10
8
4
3
2
1
16
DIFFERENTIAL
FET MONOLITHIC
SUMMING
AMPLIFIER
+9dB
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
7
5
14
18
MALE
XLR
2
6
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
47V
47V
47V
+6dB
6
0
4
2
8
SUPER HIZ
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
DIFFERENTIAL
INPUT MID Z
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
+6dB
8
SPEAKER
LEVEL
ATTENUATOR
spkr
lo z
mid z
-26dB
ol out
re-amp level
LITTLE LABS HEAVY IRON CORE
CUSTOM WOUND AUDIO
TRANSFORMER
LITTLE LABS CUSTOM WOUND
VINTAGE PICK UP EMULATION
TRANSFORMER
(overload in)
ol in
hi z
input circuit select
(overload out)
Main instrument in. This front panel jack is where you plug your instrument in or, in a rack
mounted application, you can plug your instrument into the rear panel instrument thru jack.
Instrument thru. This can be used as a rear main instrument input jack OR a thru jack (mult) out
to feed your instrument amp(the default setting ) OR as a rear main instrument input jack that is
interrupted when you plug in the front (especially useful in a rack mounted situation ) OR as an
extra summing amp input.
Summing amp in. Use this input to sum with the main input devices such as bass pedals, key-
boards etc. The PIP can be used as a mini hi fidelity mixer!
Buffered output. Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed from either
pre or post the level pot (pre is the default setting) OR this output can be configured as a trs
volume (tip send /ring return)"expression" pedal jack pre or post level pot OR this output can
be an extra summing amp input.
Balanced only expansion out. This line level output can be used as a balanced insert send pre
the instrument level hi Z transformer out (re-amplifier) and, if installed, pre the line level or mic
level lo Z output transformer. This allows you to insert a piece of pro gear before the PIPs main
xlr output. This insert will also allow you to properly interface pro gear before your guitar amp
and still achieve the proper tone of a pickup plugged directly into the amp.
Re-amplifier input and instrument level hi Z main output (re-amp out).The re-amplifier section
can be used completely independent of the rest of the Multi Z PIP. Use it to re-amp guitars or
to use vintage pedals on a send, Use it in conjunction with The DI section (for gain make up) to
use vintage pedals on an insert. Re-amplifier level is set by a 10 turn trim pot located on the
rear of the PIP. The re-amplifier out is also the main guitar level/impedance, transformer
isolated, ground liftable output for the Multi Z Professional Instrument Preamp.
Balanced main XLR output. This ouput is available with three options. Line level transformer-
less out, Line level transformer isolated out, or mic level/impedance transformer isolated out.
Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed pre or post the re-amplifier
input jack or when using the mic transformer, pre or post the level pot.
level
12
20
10
stomp box
in out
mixing console
send return
PIP example 1
Interfacing guitar stomp boxes in the pro world on an insert .
note: for convienience this diagram uses non default option 1a, if it was in
default mode the stomp out would be plugged in the front. instrument in.
PIP example 2
Interfacing professional gear in the guitar world.
note: for convienience this diagram uses non default option 1a, if it was in
default mode the guitar would be plugged in the front. instrument in.
guitar amp
in
pro gear
in out
power in 48vdc only
re-amp
level
Little Labs®
multi z pip ® ©2003 all rights reserved
re-amp in
inst level hi z
main output
summing amp in
balanced only
expansion output
balanced main output
xfrmr custom option†
instrument thru or
custom option†
buffered out or custom
option†
†
please see manual for custom internal jumper
options including extra summing amp inputs vol pedal
insert pre main out balanced insert and others
451
263
7
earth
lift
instrument in
re-amp
out
ol out
ol in
input circui t
select
hi z
spkr
lo z
mid z
inst in
mid z
out xlr
pin 1
pr ofessiona l instrumen t
pr e- am p / di / re- am p
attach attach
l ev e l
earth
lift
mult i z p i p 3.0
0
2
4
6
16
14
18
20
12
8
10
8
4
3
2
1
16
DIFFERENTIAL
FET MONOLITHIC
SUMMING
AMPLIFIER
+9dB
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
7
5
14
18
MALE
XLR
2
6
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
47V
47V
47V
+6dB
6
0
4
2
8
SUPER HIZ
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
DIFFERENTIAL
INPUT MID Z
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
+6dB
8
SPEAKER
LEVEL
ATTENUATOR
spkr
lo z
mid z
-26dB
ol out
re-amp level
LITTLE LABS HEAVY IRON CORE
CUSTOM WOUND AUDIO
TRANSFORMER
LITTLE LABS CUSTOM WOUND
VINTAGE PICK UP EMULATION
TRANSFORMER
(overload in)
ol in
hi z
input circuit select
(overload out)
Main instrument in. This front panel jack is where you plug your instrument in or, in a rack
mounted application, you can plug your instrument into the rear panel instrument thru jack.
Instrument thru. This can be used as a rear main instrument input jack OR a thru jack (mult) out
to feed your instrument amp(the default setting ) OR as a rear main instrument input jack that is
interrupted when you plug in the front (especially useful in a rack mounted situation ) OR as an
extra summing amp input.
Summing amp in. Use this input to sum with the main input devices such as bass pedals, key-
boards etc. The PIP can be used as a mini hi fidelity mixer!
Buffered output. Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed from either
pre or post the level pot (pre is the default setting) OR this output can be configured as a trs
volume (tip send /ring return)"expression" pedal jack pre or post level pot OR this output can
be an extra summing amp input.
Balanced only expansion out. This line level output can be used as a balanced insert send pre
the instrument level hi Z transformer out (re-amplifier) and, if installed, pre the line level or mic
level lo Z output transformer. This allows you to insert a piece of pro gear before the PIPs main
xlr output. This insert will also allow you to properly interface pro gear before your guitar amp
and still achieve the proper tone of a pickup plugged directly into the amp.
Re-amplifier input and instrument level hi Z main output (re-amp out).The re-amplifier section
can be used completely independent of the rest of the Multi Z PIP. Use it to re-amp guitars or
to use vintage pedals on a send, Use it in conjunction with The DI section (for gain make up) to
use vintage pedals on an insert. Re-amplifier level is set by a 10 turn trim pot located on the
rear of the PIP. The re-amplifier out is also the main guitar level/impedance, transformer
isolated, ground liftable output for the Multi Z Professional Instrument Preamp.
Balanced main XLR output. This ouput is available with three options. Line level transformer-
less out, Line level transformer isolated out, or mic level/impedance transformer isolated out.
Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed pre or post the re-amplifier
input jack or when using the mic transformer, pre or post the level pot.
level
12
20
10
guitar
out
mixing console
line in
insert
712
the default and custom configuration
options for the multi z
professional instrument preamp
The following describes where the blue jumpers inside the PIP must be set
in order for it to function, either in its default mode or other custom modes
to suit your needs. To gain access to the PIP jumpers you need to remove
the rear panel and the top cover. In order to do this you need a 1/16” Allen
hex tool to remove the two rear panel cap screws and the 2 xlr cap screws.
The rear panel and the plastic frame should come right off. A service loop
is provided to keep the power connector attached.
Jumpers #30,#31,#35 and #75 all determine the functionality of the
instrument input (jack 8) and Instrument thru (jack 1). Please Note:
These jumpers and the default has changed on Revision 2
The default function for these jacks is as follows:
Whatever is plugged into the instrument input (jack 8) will appear at the
Instrument thru (jack 1). Useful when you would like to use the PIP as a
traditional DI with the instrument “Yed” feeding the instrument input (jack
8) and instrument amp at the same time. With nothing plugged in the instru-
ment input (jack 8), the input to the PIP is shorted and the outputs will be
quiet, useful when you are leaving the PIP connected to a console or amp.
#30 and #31 jumper 2& 3 / on #35 jumper removed on #35X jumper
installed / on #75 jumper 2&3 (see jumper locations on the following
page).
Non default option 1A
Whatever is plugged into the Instrument thru (jack 1) is interrupted by what
is plugged into the instrument input (jack 8). With nothing plugged in the
Instrument thru (jack 1), or the instrument input (jack 8), the input to the
PIP is shorted and the outputs will be quiet, useful when you are leaving
the PIP connected to a console or amp. #30 and #31 jumper 1 & 3 / on
#35 jumper installed on #35X jumper removed/ on #75 jumper 2&3.
(see jumper locations on the following page).
JUMPER LOCATIONS
Non default option 2A.
This will turn the Instrument thru (jack 1) into a summing input jack. It
will then function the same as the summing in (jack 2). This will sum
after the main input stage with whatever is plugged into the instrument
input (jack 8), and the summing in (jack 2). You can also congure the
buffered out (jack 3) jack, as a summing input but we’ll get to that later.
Look at the block diagram to get a better idea of where this summing
junction is. The input impedance here is about 50k ohms suitable for
active devices like keyboards or active pickups. The level control will
control the instrument in level but not the summing in levels. Theses
summing inputs were intended for someone who might along with there
main instrument use a keyboard (mono or stereo) or a theremin or bass
pedals ala John Paul Jones. Having your main instrument as well as
your other occasional instruments to feed the instrument amp with the
PIPs instrument level hi Z main output and the balanced main output
to hit the mixer seems tidy and saves you the expense of extra DIs and
more mic cables. Besides all that the summing quality is super hi del-
ity!
#30 remove jumper and #31 jumper 3 & 4 / jumper installed
on #35 and on 35X / on #75 jumper 1&3.
Jumpers #112, #128, and #129, determine the functionality of the
buffered out (jack 3).
The default function for this jack is as follows:
The buffered out (jack 3) is tapped after the main input stage, pre the
level control. This can be used for a line driver with 6dB of gain in the
mid z or hi z position, useful when a long guitar cord is used to eliminate
high end loss (when using passive pickups) or for feeding a tuner. #112
jumper 1&3 / #128 jumper 1&3 / on #129 jumper 1&3.
Non default option 1B
The buffered out (jack 3) is tapped after the main input stage as in the default
setting, but post the level control. #112 jumper 1&3 / #128 jumper 2&3 / on
#129 jumper 1&3.
11 8
JUMPER LOCATIONS
power in 48vdc only
re-amp
level
Little Labs®
multi z pip ® ©2003 all rights reserved
re-amp in
inst level hi z
main output
summing amp in
balanced only
expansion output
balanced main output
xfrmr custom option†
instrument thru or
custom option†
buffered out or custom
option†
†
please see manual for custom internal jumper
options including extra summing amp inputs vol pedal
insert pre main out balanced insert and others
451
263
7
earth
lift
instrument in
re-amp
out
ol out
ol in
input circuit
select
hi z
spkr
lo z
mid z
inst in
mid z
out xlr
pin 1
pro fessional instrument
pre - a mp / di / re-amp
attac h attac h
l e v e l
earth
lift
mult i z p i p 3.0
0
2
4
6
16
14
18
20
12
8
10
8
4
3
2
1
16
DIFFERENTIAL
FET MONOLITHIC
SUMMING
AMPLIFIER
+9dB
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
7
5
14
18
MALE
XLR
2
6
FRONT
PANEL
EARTH
LIFT
SWITCH
47V
47V
47V
+6dB
6
0
4
2
8
SUPER HIZ
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
DIFFERENTIAL
INPUT MID Z
OPTIMIZED FET
MONOLITHIC
AMPLIFIER
+6dB
8
SPEAKER
LEVEL
ATTENUATOR
spkr
lo z
mid z
-26dB
ol out
re-amp level
LITTLE LABS HEAVY IRON CORE
CUSTOM WOUND AUDIO
TRANSFORMER
LITTLE LABS CUSTOM WOUND
VINTAGE PICK UP EMULATION
TRANSFORMER
(overload in)
ol in
hi z
input circuit select
(overload out)
Main instrument in. This front panel jack is where you plug your instrument in or, in a rack
mounted application, you can plug your instrument into the rear panel instrument thru jack.
Instrument thru. This can be used as a rear main instrument input jack OR a thru jack (mult) out
to feed your instrument amp(the default setting) OR as a rear main instrument input jack that is
interrupted when you plug in the front (especially useful in a rack mounted situation ) OR as an
extra summing amp input.
Summing amp in. Use this input to sum with the main input devices such as bass pedals, key-
boards etc. The PIP can be used as a mini hi fidelity mixer!
Buffered output. Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed from either
pre or post the level pot (pre is the default setting) OR this output can be configured as a trs
volume (tip send /ring return)"expression" pedal jack pre or post level pot OR this output can
be an extra summing amp input.
Balanced only expansion out. This line level output can be used as a balanced insert send pre
the instrument level hi Z transformer out (re-amplifier) and, if installed, pre the line level or mic
level lo Z output transformer. This allows you to insert a piece of pro gear before the PIPs main
xlr output. This insert will also allow you to properly interface pro gear before your guitar amp
and still achieve the proper tone of a pickup plugged directly into the amp.
Re-amplifier input and instrument level hi Z main output (re-amp out).The re-amplifier section
can be used completely independent of the rest of the Multi Z PIP. Use it to re-amp guitars or
to use vintage pedals on a send, Use it in conjunction with The DI section (for gain make up) to
use vintage pedals on an insert. Re-amplifier level is set by a 10 turn trim pot located on the
rear of the PIP. The re-amplifier out is also the main guitar level/impedance, transformer
isolated, ground liftable output for the Multi Z Professional Instrument Preamp.
Balanced main XLR output. This ouput is available with three options. Line level transformer-
less out, Line level transformer isolated out, or mic level/impedance transformer isolated out.
Internal user configurable jumpers can set this output to be fed pre or post the re-amplifier
input jack or when using the mic transformer, pre or post the level pot.
level
12
20
10
multi z professional Instrument preamp
front and rear description
internal block diagram
9 10
Table of contents
