Instruction Manual

Z-Systems Audio Engineering z-8.8 Manual
z-8.8 Digital Detangler Manual
The z-8.8 digital detangler is a digital audio router, patchbay, and distribution
amplifier, all in one package. Furthermore, if you have purchased a version of
the z-8.8 with any combination of AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and optical inputs and
outputs, it can act as a format converter, as well.
The first step in using the z-8.8 is to connect all of your digital audio equipment
to it. The unit's rear panel is shown in Figure 1. The top row of connectors is
labeled "digital sources (from)" and the bottom row is labeled "digital destinations
(to)." This makes it clear that outputs from digital sources (i.e., DAT machine
outputs, CD outputs, etc.) connect to the top row of connectors and that inputs
to digital sources (i.e., D/A converter inputs, DAT machine inputs, etc.), connect
to the bottom row of connectors.
Once your various devices are connected to the z-8.8, you now have the power
to dynamically change the pattern of "who's talking to who" at the touch of a few
Figure 1 -- Rear view of z-8.8 (shown configured with AES/EBU only)
Figure 2 -- Normal mode of operation