For those of us constantly striving to maximize the potential of a hybrid workflow, the LPZ-2 from Avedis Audio can make the job a little easier. It offers two levels of stereo padding to convert balanced line level signal to microphone preamp input level, prevents nonlinear source/load impedance interactions, and includes a patented ground isolation system between the connected devices. The LPZ-2 is housed in a small 3.5-inch square metal box with rubber feet, and is fully passive and transformerless, preserving signal integrity.
The input impedance of the LPZ-2 is 10 kilohms. The -36 dBu mode features a 150 ohm output. It’s a textbook-perfect mic level for use in evaluating mic preamps with pre-recorded reference material or for processing recorded tracks through mic preamps and channel strips. The lighter -24 dBu mode has a 600 ohm output, which is ideal for padding DAW signal levels when transferring from audio interfaces to analog tape machines or outboard digital recorders with lower headroom.
Of course, driving an individual track with a mic preamp or channel strip can sound more interesting than using a simple saturation box. Since I often explore beyond manufacturer's recommendations, in this use the LPZ-2 can effectively pad the output of a gained-up mic preamp without (or in lieu of) an output trim. I also enjoyed using the LPZ-2 to pad full DAW mixes through a matched pair of mic preamps for makeup gain, approximating the impact of a line amp at the output stage of a ‘70s British console.
There is no magic sound in the LPZ-2 circuit. The wizardry here is that it creates a stable impedance buffer from DC to over 100 kHz between connected devices to operate and interact und er ideal conditions. For those who think and work outside of the box, the LPZ-2 is easy to integrate into any hybrid workflow and might even pay for itself in its first session.