Using MBOX Studio
51
About Variable-Z
(Variable Impedance)
MBOX Studio Mic/Line/Inst inputs 1–2 and Mic/Line inputs 3–4 provide Variable-Z input impedance selection for mic, instrument,
and effect compatibility, tone, and “feel.” In addition,
FX Sends 1–2 offer optional Hi-Z output impedance. Using different impedance
settings on microphones gives different tonal characteristics to the mic. With guitar, Variable-Z alters the frequency response by loading
the pickups in the same manner as plugging into a real amp or effect. This setting only affects instruments with passive pickups. Gen-
erally, the lower the impedance setting the darker it might sound.
FX Sends 1–2 on the back panel operate by default at Line/Lo-Z for connection to external, line level devices such as effects proces-
sors. These outputs can be individually switched to Hi-Z (high impedance) for connection to stomp boxes and other devices that expect
a high impedance signal. The front panel
Hi-Z Out to Amp connector always operates at high impedance. An optional ground (earth)
lift can be applied in MBOX Control Preferences. (The Hi-Z Out to Amp mix always mirrors FX Send 2.)
+ CAP
Impedance settings with “+ Cap” in their name indicate settings that also apply modeled input capacitance. Variable Z is an all analog
circuit including the + Cap capacitor. For a basic guideline, try one of the + Cap settings when using an amp simulation plug-in preset
that has a tube (valve) amp, or a stomp box as the first device in the chain. In MBOX Control you can choose a
+ Cap setting from the
Z selector in Channel Focus. You can also choose +Cap settings from the MBOX Studio top panel.
To choose + CAP values using the MBOX Studio top panel:
1 Press and hold the Z button to enter +CAP mode. The Z button pulses slowly to indicate impedance settings are now including +CAP.
2 Press Z again to exit +CAP mode to cycle through impedance values without +CAP. Button should reflect value selected in software,
solid color without +CAP and slight pulsing color with +CAP.
Mic and Instrument Impedance Settings
The following impedance settings are available for mic and instrument inputs. (For a good explanation of input impedance and some
specific recommended settings for different equipment, see The Truth about True-Z.)
MBOX Studio Mic and Instrument Input Impedance Settings
Mic Instrument
Impedance Color Indication Impedance Color Indication + Cap Indication
1K Ohm 1M Ohm (Hi-Z)
(white)
Light pulses
5k Ohm (white) 1M Ohm + Cap
10k Ohm 230k Ohm
(cyan)
230k Ohm + Cap
90k Ohm
(blue)
90k Ohm + Cap
70k Ohm
(violet)
70k Ohm + Cap
32k Ohm
(fuchsia)
32k Ohm + Cap
22k Ohm
(yellow)
22k Ohm + Cap
HiZ
(red)
HiZ + Cap
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