zapco DSP-Z8 IV AT User manual

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Before o erating the unit, lease read this manual throughly and retain it for future reference.
The com lete GUI user’s manual is available on za co.com/download
DSP-Z8 IV AT / ADSP-Z8 IV-6AT
Quick Guide

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Table of Contents
The Zapco DSP AT Series ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Before you start your installation ....................................................................................................................... 6
Upgrading a Factory Stereo ....................................................................................................................... 6
All Wire is not created equal .................................................................................................................................. 6
Planning your power connections ................................................................................................................... 7
Wire size ............................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Mounting your unit ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
DSP-Z8 IV AT Panels ................................................................................................................................................ 10
ADSP-Z8 IV-6AT Panels ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Remote Control .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
The Microphone ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
The raphical User Interface ............................................................................................................................. 13
Technical Specifications ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Protect your audio investment by using the correct type of wire for Power and round.
See All Wire is not created equal on Page 6
The C rogram (GUI) for Control of this DS
Please download the UI immediately at www.zapco.com/download
The UI does not require installation, simply download the .exe file and put it on your
desktop or in a folder. We recommend that you create a folder "Zapco DSP-AT", where
you can store the UI file and also save you tuning presets.

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The Zapco DS AT Series
Congratulations on your purchase of this new Zapco product. It has been designed and
built to give you many years of reliable, industry leading performance and true audiophile
level sound quality.
Zapco introduced the world to full function in-car digital processing in 2004 with the
Zapco DSP-6 and the Zapco Digital Processing Network. This was the first full function
DSP for the car and included a full line of amplifiers with full function digital processing
build right in. In 2016 we brought out our fourth generation of processing in the Zapco
DSP-Z8 IV. The Z8 IV was a mid-priced unit designed to bring audiophile processing in
an affordable package, and it did just that. The Zapco DSP-Z8IV met rave reviews, out
performing DSPs costing twice as much, with a straightforward, easy to navigate interface
so tuning would be a breeze, and an analog signal to noise of -106dB (-110dB Digital).
The DSP-Z8 IV II series processing took the IV to a whole new level. Sonically the DSP-Z8
IV II has all the qualities of the original IV with an even lower noise floor. For advanced
tuning possibilities the IV II had a much-improved UI with many important upgrades.
In addition, for all those who need everything in a very small package, the DSP-Z8 IV II
series brought all this great processing to the ADSP-Z8 IV-8, an eight-channel full range
Class D amplifier with 80 Watts RMS per channel, at 4 ohms. That put the Z8 IV II processing
and an 8-Channel amplifier in a single convenient one-box installation.
This year we present the Zapco DSP-Z8 IV AT and the ADSP-Z8 IV-6AT amplifier. What’s
new with the Series IV AT? New features and new control. The sharp look matching the
Black and Copper theme of the AP amplifiers is only the beginning. The new coaxial and
optical digital inputs accept the digital signal from your head unit or from a portable HD
player. The DSP-AT units also have a port for HD Bluetooth streaming (with the optional
HD-BT module). An interactive digital port will expand your options even more. The port
accepts the control input from the included Dash Remote so you can change input source,
select your song, control the master volume and even control the output of your system’s
bass amps. The new ADSP-Z8 IV-6AT amplifier has now 2 RCA outputs to feed the mono
amp (ADSP-Z8 IV-1A). About the UI, the added Advanced menu also has a Mixing Set
(you can make your own configuration with complete control of how much of each
input you assign to each processing channel) and an AutoTune function (that gives you
automatic Calibration for Equalization, Phase, and Signal Delay), when you add the
optional calibrated tuning microphone. Drop-down menus let you assign each channel
the correct designation for your system. You can create an AUX input from any unused
pair of line inputs using your presets. Inputs are now designated channel numbers
(i1 through i8) to reduce confusion.
MISSION STATEMENT
Committed to Excellence
ZAPCO is dedicated to the pursuit of audio fidelity. Our prime objectives are to design
and manufacture audio products of unsurpassed quality, to provide unparalleled
support and service for these products and to conduct business in a manner that will
enhance the quality of life for all involved.
Experience
(Knowledge from doing)
There is absolutely no substitute for experience; that is a simple fact of life.
Another simple fact is that ZAPCO has, for over forty years, been the leader in defining
quality standards for the car audio industry.
These years of experience have led to a thorough understanding of the challenges
that are unique to the world of car audio. ZAPCO's relentless quest for sonic purity
consistently yields imaginative designs that utilize the most innovative technologies.
The resulting products set the criteria by which all others in the industry are judged.

Before you start your installation
ZAPCO highly recommends that a fuse or circuit breaker be placed within 18" of the
battery. Although you will add a fuse or fuse block near the amplifier it is still a possibility
that a pinched power wire between the component fuse and the battery could result in
a short, or even a fire. The protection device should be placed where it can be accessed
easily and all wiring should be routed safely and correctly according to the following
guidelines:
• Do not run wiring close to hot or spinning objects.
• Always use wire grommets when routing wire through the firewall or any other
metal panels.
• Make sure that the potential for pinched wiring is avoided by routing all wires away
from moving objects, including brake, gas and clutch pedals, etc.
When connecting our amplifiers to pre-wired stock speakers, care must be taken that there
are no common connections between left and right speaker wires, i.e. two or more speakers
using the same ground connection (very common in pre-85 cars), as this will cause the
amplifier to go into immediate protection or may cause damage to the amplifier. Output
connections are not common chassis ground. Please follow the hookup instructions in
this owner's manual. Any questions should be directed to your local ZAPCO dealer.
Upgrading a Factory Stereo
If you are upgrading a factory stereo, the ADSP-Z8 IV-6AT amps have a separate speaker
level input plug that senses current, so you do not need to run a turn-on wire. However,
auto-on is not useful in all cars as the amplifier can come on in some cars even when the
stereo is not on, because of the car's electrical system. The ADSP-Z8 IV-6AT amps have a
switch that allows you to defeat the auto-on if you do not want to use that function.
All Wire is not created equal
Please do not use CCA wire with Zapco amplifiers
It is easy to think of wire as just wire but the fact is there are major differences between
the types of wires being offered today. The price of copper has gone up quite a bit lately,
but you will notice that you can still buy heavy primary wire at very reasonable prices.
How can this be? Simple... That lower price wire is not all copper, it is CCA wire.
CCA stands for Copper Clad, Aluminum. That means it is aluminum wire with a thin coating
of copper around the outside of the wire. Does it look like copper wire? Absolutely. But
does it conduct electrical current like copper? Absolutely NOT!
If the wire does not say OFC Copper wire or olid Copper wire do not use it.
Two things can and likely will happen:
• Because CCA wire can not conduct DC electrical current like copper wire can, your amp
will not get the current it needs to produce its rated power. That means you get less
power and more distortion. It also taxes the amplifier that is trying to make its power,
shortening the life of the amp.
• CCA wire corrodes quickly and causes terminals that used to be tight to become
loose. This causes arcing when electrons to fly around all the open space lookin for
more copper. This causes heat that damages connections and can even eventually
melt the terminal blocks on your amplifier.
In short: While CCA wire is excellent for high frequency AC current (like tweeter voice
coils), it is absolutely bad for high current 12V DC like power and ground for a car audio
amplifier.
We have seen CCA wire become a major cause of amplifier failures as buyers are offered
CCA as a low cost alternative to pure copper wire. So always look at the description of the
contents of wire that you purchase. When someone offers to save you some money with
CCA wire just say "No, thank you". Protect your investment with real copper wire.
lanning your power connections
The power end plate of the ADSP-Z8 IV-6AT has the speaker connections, the main
12-volt power input, the 12-volt turn-on wire, and the main round connection.
• The 12-volt power input must be connected the vehicle battery's positive (+)
terminal, and a main system fuse should be placed close to the battery
• The round connection must be securely attached to bare metal at the vehicle frame,
or other heavy chassis component with a direct connection to the frame
Note: eat bolts and seat belt bolts are NOT good ground points
• The small terminal between the main power and ground is the +12 turn-on input and
can be connected to the head unit turn-on output wire. If none is available it can be
connected to an accessory (ACC) terminal. You should avoid using any ignition-on
(I N) wire, as they can be noisy
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Wire Sizing Chart
4 ft 7 ft 10 ft 13 ft 16 ft 19 ft 22 ft 28 ft
0-20 amps 14 12 12 10 10 888
20-35 amps 12 10 886664
35-50 amps 10 8866444
50-60 amps 88644442
65-85 amps 66442220
85 -105amps 66422220
105-125 amps 44422000
125-150 amps 22220000
Let's look at a fairly small system. If you use a 50 watt/ch amp (25 amps) for the highs and
a 100 watt/ch amp (40 amps) for the woofers, you need at least a 4-gauge and maybe a
2- uage wire to provide 65 amps at the trunk. Use the Wire Sizing Chart. Add up the fuse
values on the amplifier(s) then choose the proper size wire based on the distance from
the car battery to the amplifier location. Always use the same gauge wire for the main
ground as you do for the main power. Always make your ground as short as possible and
secure it to a clean solid surface, preferably the vehicle frame.
Mounting your ADS -Z8 IV-6AT amplifier
Mounting your Zapco amplifier is easy. Just keep in mind a few guidelines:
• The amplifier can be mounted in any direction, on wood, metal, or carpet but not
upside down as heat rises and will build up if it is mounted upside down
• The metal chassis of the amp can be grounded or left isolated
• The amplifier requires adequate ventilation. Creating power creates heat, and
cooling requires air. Position the amplifier with sufficient surrounding area for air
supply and keep the end plates clear for future access
• Keep the amplifier out of the engine compartment or other locations that may
cause excessive heat or moisture
• Do not mount the amplifier to a subwoofer box or other place that may have
excessive vibration
etting Gains: Input gain pots on the DSP-Z8 IV AT and ADSP-Z8 IV-6AT should be set so
that when playing the loudest music you will play, the clip lights just barely start to flash,
but never stay on. If the clip lights stay on more that just a bare fraction of a second then
you will have audible distortion on the input stage, and distorted signal at the input will
absolutely mean distorted sound at the output.
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Note: The AD P-Z8 IV-6AT amplifiers have terminals that do not require connectors. You
simply insert a bare portion of wire and tighten the connection with the supplied Hex tool.
As the wire conforms to the connector the connection can loosen. You should re-tighten
the connection after about a week.
More words about ower and Ground
The second most common cause of under performing amplifiers is insufficient power
current or a poor power connection. The most common cause of under performing
amplifiers is insufficient ground current or a bad ground connection.
12-volt current: Battery power works only if it travels in a complete circuit from the battery
positive terminal to the battery negative terminal. Main power input, of course, is attached
to the battery positive terminal. round current is returned to the battery through the
chassis to the point where the battery is grounded.
The current available for your amplifier to use to produce power will be restricted by the
smallest gauge of wire in the circuit and by the weakest physical connection in the circuit.
Wire Size
It's often surprising how many people will obsess about signal wire but routinely provide
the amplifier with only a fraction of the current it needs to do its job. The most common
wire gauge used in car audio is 10-gauge, and the most common location for amplifiers
is in the trunk. That will only be good for about 100 watts (See the chart next page).
Length of Run
Turn-on trigger wire
+12 volt at Battery positive terminal Ground to chassis

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ADS -Z8 IV-6AT anels
10
DS -Z8 IV AT anels
1 2 3 4 5 6
11
7 8 9 10
12 13
1. Power-On LED
2. Auto-on switch for OEM integration
3. USB connector for PC control
4. Dash remote port
5. Protection LED
6. Microphone Input for Auto-Tuning
7. Comm Port for HD-BT module
8. Coaxial digital input
9. 8-Channel RCA inputs
10. 2-Channel RCA outputs
11. Speaker level input plug for OEM hookup
12. Variable gain controls with clip indicators
13. Optical digital input
14. Speaker output connectors for Ch 1~2
15. Speaker output connectors for Ch 3~4
16. Speaker output connectors for Ch 5~6
17. Power/Rem/ nd terminals
14 15 16 17
DSP-Z8IV AT
CH1 CH3 CH5 CH7
CH2 CH4 CH6 CH8
OFF
P
4
1 2 3
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1. Comm Port for HD-BT module
2. Coaxial digital input
3. 8-Channel RCA inputs
4. Speaker level input plug for OEM hookup
5. Variable gain controls with clip indicators
6. Optical digital input
7. 8-Channel RCA outputs
8. Microphone Input for Auto-Tuning
9. Dash remote port
10. USB LED
11. USB connector for PC control
12. Power-On LED
13. Power/Rem/ nd connector
14. Auto-on switch for OEM integration
+12V
GND
REM
OUT
REM
IN
PC USB
AUTO
ON OFF
POWERUSB
REMOTE
AUTO
TUNE
MIC
CH1 CH3 CH5 CH7
CH2 CH4 CH6 CH8
78913
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The Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Below is the layout of the control program ( UI) for the DSP AT processors.
Please see the full manual at www.zapco.com/download for a full description of the program,
including the Mixing et and Auto Calibration in the Advanced menu.
1. Main Menu for File (Save and Load files and presets), Advanced (Mixing Set and Auto
Calibration) and Help (Used for updating).
2. Input source selection for Line In, Bluetooth (with optional HD-BT module), and both
Optical and Coaxial digital inputs.
3. Input quick setup. Choose 2Ch, 4Ch, 6h, or 8Ch, w/ SUM if needed.
4. Here you choose the channel you want to work on.
5. System design section for channel function (by drop down menu), crossover, phase,
mute, solo. Here also is channel linking for Crossover, Signal Delay and Output Level
adjustments.
6. EQ Tuning Tools section.
7. EQ and Crossover graph.
8. Output level controls by channel or overall, by MAIN.
4
1
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2
Remote Control
The Microphone for Auto Tuning
(optional)
The M-AT1 is a special microphone for setting up the sound automatically, based on
the response characteristics of the speakers and auto detail detection of the car. After
detecting all the necessary information, the audio information screen will be transmitted
to the computer.
1. Connect the microphone to the dedicated port of the unit.
2. The microphone must be fixed on the headrest of the driving position. This position is
basically the same as the head of the driver.
12 3 4 5
1. Switch to the previous song (Bluetooth)
2. Switch to the next song (Bluetooth)
3. Mode switching
4. Source switching
5. Volume knob. Long press for 5 seconds
enter the switching mode between main
volume or subwoofer. Short press the mute
3 5
6

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Technical Specifications
Type
DS rocessor
AD Signal Converter
DA Signal Converter
Hi-Level Speaker Inputs
RCA Inputs
RCA Outputs
Optical Digital Input
Coaxial Digital Input
Signal Stage
Equalizer
Delay/ olarity
Mute/Solo
Crossover Type
RMS ower
C Connection
BT Streaming
Remote Control
Size (mm)
DS -Z8 IV AT
8-Ch. DSP
Cirrus Logic CS47048
32-bit/192 KHz, 108 dB DR
THD+N -98 dB
Cirrus Logic CS47048
32-bit/192 KHz, 108 dB DR
THD+N -98 dB
Cirrus Logic CS8422
24-bit/192 KHz, 140 dB DR
THD+N -120 dB
8 Ch., 2-20 V
8 Ch., 1-5 V RMS
8 Ch., 1-5 V RMS
24-bit/192 KHz
32-bit/192 KHz
Freq. Response: 10 Hz - 22.5 KHz
S/N In: 110 dBA (D), 106 dBA (A)
THD+N In: 0,002% (D), 0,005% (A)
-
Crossotalk (1 KHz): 90 dB
-
1-6 Ch. r. & Par. / 31 poles (F/R)
7-8 Ch. r. & Par. / 11 poles (Eff.)
Range 0/15 ms, Step 0.02 ms
Max 515 cm, Step 0.68 cm
Polarity 0-180°
Yes, each channel
Linkw., Butterw., Bessel, Tsecheb.
-
-
USB 2.0
aptX HD (optinal ext. module)
1” LCD
Prev/Next/Mode/Source/Vol
213 (W) x 113 (L) x 50 (H) Software/PC requirements: Microsoft Windows (32/64bit): XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10. Continuous exposure
to excessive sound pressure levels may cause permanent hearing loss. ZAPCO strongly advises that you use common sense when
setting volume levels. Everything written in this manual is for the proper use of the products. Some features or specifications
could be modified during production to improve the product performance. The technical specifications and functionalities
stated here are current as of the time of publication. eneral instructions and safety warnings are intended in any case to be
always effective for this type of product. The latest manual with any updates is always available at www.zapco.com/download
ADS -Z8 IV-6AT
8-Ch. DSP + 6 Ch. Amp.
Cirrus Logic CS47048
32-bit/192 KHz, 108 dB DR
THD+N -98 dB
Cirrus Logic CS47048
32-bit/192 KHz, 108 dB DR
THD+N -98 dB
Cirrus Logic CS8422
24-bit/192 KHz, 140 dB DR
THD+N -120 dB
8 Ch., 2-20 V
8 Ch., 1-5 V RMS
2 Ch., 1-5 V RMS
24-bit/192 KHz
32-bit/192 KHz
Freq. Response: 10 Hz - 22.5 KHz
S/N In: 110 dBA (D)106 dBA (A)
THD+N In: 0,002% (D), 0,005% (A)
THD+N Analog In: 0,07% (DSP+Amp)
Crossotalk (1 KHz): 90 dB
Crossotalk: 45 dB (DSP+Amp)
1-6 Ch. r. & Par. / 31 poles (F/R)
7-8 Ch. r. & Par. / 11 poles (Eff.)
Range 0/15 ms, Step 0.02 ms
Max 515 cm, Step 0.68 cm
Polarity 0-180°
Yes, each channel
Linkw., Butterw., Bessel, Tsecheb.
6 x 80 (4Ω), 6 x 120 (2Ω)
3 x 240 Watt (4Ω/Bridged)
USB 2.0
aptX HD (optinal ext. module)
1” LCD
Prev/Next/Mode/Source/Vol
213 (W) x 222 (L) x 50 (H)

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Modesto, California USA
Since 1974
zapco.com