The front of the preamplifier has the power button, headphone
jack, IR sensor, volume knob, input status LEDs, tape monitor LED,
input selection button, tape monitor button, menu navigation
buttons, and the display.
The back of the preamplifier features the IEC connector, power
switch, two sets of RCA outputs, tape in, tape out, four sets of RCA
inputs, and one set of XLR inputs.
Inputs
There are five total inputs: four RCA and one XLR. The XLR provides
an optional transformer-coupled balanced input. Using an input
transformer, the balanced input signal experiences no voltage loss
and maintains its high noise rejection as it is converted into a
single-ended signal.
If you choose not to get the transformer option, the XLRs are wired
as single-ended inputs, with the negative signal voltage tied to
ground. Though there is voltage loss, using the XLR inputs with a
balanced source may sound better than using the single-ended
output from that same source; it would be equivalent to using an
XLR > RCA cable.
Outputs
The two preamplifier outputs are paralleled and will put out the
same amount of power. If you are using both outputs at the same
time, the output voltage of the preamplifier will be shared.
The headphone output is a 1/4” jack. When a headphone plug is
inserted, the preamplifier inputs are muted.
Tape Monitor
The Tape Output always functions as an unattenuated output
directly from the selected input. When Tape Monitor is selected via
the button on the front panel, the microZOTL Preamplifier outputs
the signal from the Tape Input, while still sending the selected, non-
Tape input to the Tape Output.
