Locomotive Audio Z CAR DI Box and Reamp

The Locomotive Z CAR revolutionizes the way you capture and audition your performances. This compact unit allows you to connect any instrument to your favorite microphone preamplifier and record your signal. But that's not all – with ZCAR, you can send the recorded signal back to your preferred pedal chain or amplifier, all from one device! One of the ZCAR's distinctive features is its mu-metal shielded transformer. This transformer ensures that the 1/4" jacks and the XLR jacks are isolated from each other, providing appropriate input and output impedances on each side. This means you can focus more on your performance and less on technical requirements. Plus, because ZCAR is a passive device, it requires no external power source – just plug and play, anytime, anywhere!
The name "ZCAR" comes from the concept of impedance in audio, denoted by the letter Z. The Locomotive ZCAR lives up to its name by incorporating a high-quality transformer that ensures appropriate impedances are available throughout the signal chain.
As a passive DI (Direct Injection) box, the ZCAR takes your instrument's signal and transforms it into a format suitable for any microphone preamplifier. This gives you the flexibility to choose how much coloration you want for your captured signal. Use a clean preamplifier to maintain your instrument's natural characteristics, or add some grit and character before sending the signal back to your amplifier in Amp-Up mode. The ZCAR features a three-position switch, allowing you to select your desired attenuation level.
Once you have recorded your signal into your DAW, you can send it out to any amplifier of your choice. The Amp-Up feature offers two modes: a standard frequency response mode and a "Big Roll" mode. In "Big Roll" mode, the signal experiences a high-frequency roll-off at a rate of 6dB per octave, starting from 1kHz.
The Locomotive ZCAR is built to last, with its robust steel enclosure designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, whether in the studio or on the road. It also features a versatile pad switch that works in both DI and Amp-Up modes, providing additional control over your signal. The DI output and Amp-Up input XLRs are balanced and isolated from each other, ensuring optimal signal integrity.
Capture your performances with ease and audition them later through any pedal or amplifier with the Locomotive ZCAR. Experience the convenience, flexibility, and sonic possibilities that this versatile unit has to offer.

Specifications

• Custom wound MuMetal American Shielded transformer
• Converts instrument level signal to mic level in DI mode
• Converts line level signal to instrument level signal in Amp-Up mode
• Heavy-duty steel enclosure
• Pad: 0dB, -12dB, and 18dB works in both DI and Amp-Up modes
• Amp-Up "BIG ROLL" sets a gentle high-frequency roll-off from 1kHz at 6dB/octave on the signal
• Amp-Up Input Impedance: > 2 kΩ
• Di Input Impedance: 324 x connected preamplifier’s input impedance, 388 KΩ (-12 dB pad), 324 kΩ (-18 dB pad)
• Balanced XLR Output: DI source impedance ÷ 324 (no pad), 330Ω (-12dB Pad), 140Ω (-18dB Pad)