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Ground Lift Switch
The Ground Lift Switch isolates the input signal ground from the chassis ground. This often
helps eliminate ground loops that result from a different electrical ground potential between
the Z-12 and other components connected to it.
In the Normal position, the input ground is connected to chassis ground. In the Lift position,
the input ground is disconnected, or “lifted” from chassis ground.
Automatic Turn On Options
For automation and convenience, the Z-12 can be turned on and off by applying a trigger
voltage or by the presence of an audio signal at the Main Left and Right RCA input jacks.
Auto On Select Switch
In the upper position of the Auto On Switch, the Z-12 is turned on and off with an external
+9 V to + 12 V trigger voltage.
In the middle position of the Auto On Switch, the auto on function is disabled and the
Z-12 can only be turned on and off manually by the Power Switch on its front panel.
In the lower position of the Auto On Switch, the Z-12 is turned on and off when an audio signal
is present at the main Left and Right Input jacks.
Trigger Input Connection
The Z-12 can be triggered on with an external DC voltage source that ranges from between
+9 V and +12 V. Many audio video controllers such as the Parasound AVC-2500 have trigger
outputs for this task.
To activate the Z-12 with an external voltage source, connect one end of the provided 2.5 mm
sub-mini plug to a +9 V to +12 V source and the other end to the
+12 V Trigger Input of the Z-12.
With a DC voltage source, the trigger plug tip must be positive and its sleeve negative. The
trigger circuit is optically coupled and requires only 15 mA of current to be activated.
Trigger Loop Out Connection
The Trigger Loop Output jack lets you “daisy chain” the trigger source to additional
amplifiers and other components. Once you have connected the trigger source to the Z-12
Trigger Input Jack, a second 2.5 submini plug inserted into the Trigger Loop Out jack will
route it to additional components.
Audio Trigger Sensitivity Adjustment
The Auto On Audio Sensitivity Control adjusts the signal level required to turn the Z-12 on
with an audio signal. You can adjust the audio trigger sensitivity level from 20 mV (fully
counterclockwise) to 200 mV (fully clockwise). There is a detented notch in the center
position corresponding to 70 mV that should be a suitable in most cases.
