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Audere preamp users - how often do you use the Z-mode switch?

How often do you use the Z-mode switch on your Audere preamp?

  • All the time!

    Votes: 31 42.5%

  • Occasionally.

    Votes: 17 23.3%

  • Almost never.

    Votes: 25 34.2%
  • Total voters
    73
fourstringbliss

fourstringbliss

Supporting Member
Oct 5, 2003
12,443
6,017
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Puyallup, WA
#1
I've got a Lakland 55-01 and I want to change the preamp. I want to go with an Audere preamp because of the DC coupling and active blending, but I'm not sure how much I would use the Z-mode switch.

If you have an Audere JZ3 or 3ZB preamp - how often do you use the Z-mode switch?

If you use it all the time, why?

If you almost never use it, why?

Thanks!
 
#2
i answered almost never, because that's how much i use it playing shows...but at home, i really like to use the low-z with my bridge pickup soloed and the tone rolled off for a lot of stuff

i'm working through sounds that i can incorporate into my bands' music

the cool thing is that if you never even use it once, the preamp is still worth it
 
#3
All the time. I just mentioned in another thread how I'm able to get a near-perfect "dub" sound on Low Z, an unaffected sound (just "regular kick butt tone") on Mid Z, and a gritty tube-like sound on High Z. The options are really nice, and to me sound more "organic" than using a pedal or changing the EQ just for one song. I am VERY happy with my preamp. :D
 
#4
I have the JZ5 Audere on my Jazz and I use it constantly. I use as many as 3 settings in one song in certain cases.There are times I just set it and forget it, but in lieu of footpedal effects? I much prefer the control I get right at hand. Great product. Highly recommended.
 
#5
It depends on what I'm playing. I have a JZ3 on my SX SJB-75Mid Z is when I need a standard jazz sound. Lo Z gives me a more modern DEEP bass tone. And when I slap, I go to Hi Z. It's like I have 3 basses at the flip of a switch! :hyper:
 
#7
I have the regular drop in Audere, not the one mounted underneath the jplate, but I keep it in Low Z mode about 90% of the time-makes my 8 string sound MASSIVE, but it doesn't bring any mud with it like by say turning up the bass or low mids too much.
 
#8
CopperheadLXXIX said:
I have the regular drop in Audere, not the one mounted underneath the jplate, but I keep it in Low Z mode about 90% of the time-makes my 8 string sound MASSIVE, but it doesn't bring any mud with it like by say turning up the bass or low mids too much.
Click to expand...

This helps alot, because I was thinking about just boosting bass - that does add mud, though, huh?
 
#9
i don't use it much at all. but it comes in really handy when finding the sound that goes best with a different amp/cab. as my gear has changed over the years i'v found that different settings sound best with different gear, for my sound anyway. once that's done set it and forget it.
 
#11
With Low Z, you can get a nice bridge tone on a jazz. Or, you can blend the pups, boost the higs, and you have a niced scoop tone. Boosting the lows, at least on the Audere, in Mid Z is not the same as switching to Low Z because of the way Dave has engineered the bass boost. It's just another tone in the bass, and it changes the way the pickups react to your playing beyond just thickening up the bottom. You just have to hear it to understand I think.
 
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#14
I use it a decent amount, although I experience a slight pop when changing settings (I have the 5 position selector) so don't use it during songs. It's not necessary by any stretch...my next bass I might not bother with it.

Marshall
 
#18
4StringTheorist said:
If you're convinced that you won't use the Z-mode switch, but you still want the DC coupling to the pickups and the active blend, the Audere Classic preamp has all of the features of the Z-mode preamps, just without the Z-mode swtiching. :)
Click to expand...

I should have been more clear. I started this thread because I'm debating between the Classic and the 3ZB. It sounds like the Z-mode switch is a good thing, though. Sounds like it's worth the extra money.
 

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