The CNZ Audio SAC-20 is an acoustic modeler pedal: plug an electric guitar into it and, in the maker's words, "It takes your electric and sonically molds it to sound like an acoustic."1 CNZ Audio bills it simply as a pedal that "Makes Electric Guitar Sound Acoustic," and it sits in the wider family of acoustic pedals and equalization pedals.1
Under the hood, CNZ Audio is candid about how the effect works: "It's not magic, it's really just a series of well-calibrated EQ circuits, parameters, and notch filters."1 In other words, it is an acoustic modeling and EQ effect rather than a sample-based simulator, shaping the frequency content of your electric signal to suggest an acoustic instrument.1
The controls: Piezo, Standard and Jumbo modes
The SAC-20 keeps things simple: a three-way toggle switch, two knobs and a footswitch. The toggle "allows you to set the base of your tone by flipping between Piezo (pickup), Standard (body size)" and Jumbo positions.1
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| 3-way toggle | Selects between the Piezo, Standard and Jumbo tonal families1 |
| Body knob | Changes the overall fullness or tone: more body gives a louder, warmer, fuller tone; less body suits picking and treble sounds1 |
| Volume knob | Sets the pedal's output level, "easily changed by the user"1 |
| Footswitch | Firm foot switch for engaging the effect1 |
The three toggle positions each describe a different kind of acoustic voice:
- Piezo: "having a bit less body and more treble," suggesting a piezo pickup1
- Standard: "having a basic great acoustic sound"1
- Jumbo: "giving a very full, deep tone"1
Power, connections and housing
The SAC-20 runs from a 9VDC input with a center-negative, positive-outside plug and draws 10 mA.1 Its input is a 1/4 inch jack with a 470K Ohms input impedance, and its output is a 1/4 inch jack with a 470 Ohms output impedance.1 The pedal is built in a solid aluminum housing on all sides with a firm foot switch.1
The maker's page lists a 9VDC input but no battery option, so a 9V DC center-negative supply is the way to power it.1
Size and on the board
CNZ Audio lists the SAC-20's dimensions as 3.75 L x 1.77 W x 1.9 H inches, with a weight of .53 lbs including the box.1 That compact footprint and light weight make it an easy fit alongside other pedals, whether you are pairing it with overdrive pedals or a compressor pedal on an electric rig. CNZ Audio also lists the SAC-20 under the name "AC Stage Pedal" in its range.2
Questions
Is the CNZ Audio SAC-20 true bypass?
Yes. CNZ Audio describes the SAC-20 as true bypass, which the maker says provides a transparent tone when the pedal is switched off. That means your guitar's signal passes to the amplifier unchanged while the effect is disengaged, and the pedal only shapes the tone when it is on.
Does the CNZ Audio SAC-20 take a battery?
The maker's product page lists a 9VDC input with a center-negative, positive-outside plug drawing 10 mA. It does not list a battery option, so plan to power the pedal from a 9V DC center-negative supply rather than expecting an internal battery compartment.
What is the difference between the Piezo, Standard and Jumbo settings on the SAC-20?
The three-way toggle sets the base of the modeled acoustic tone. CNZ Audio describes Piezo as having a bit less body and more treble, like a piezo pickup, Standard as a basic great acoustic sound, and Jumbo as giving a very full, deep tone, suggesting a large-bodied acoustic guitar.
What size is the CNZ Audio SAC-20?
CNZ Audio lists the SAC-20's dimensions as 3.75 inches long by 1.77 inches wide by 1.9 inches high, and a weight of .53 lbs including the box. That compact footprint suits a crowded pedalboard.
What does the Body knob do on the SAC-20?
The Body knob changes the overall fullness of the tone. CNZ Audio says adding more body makes a louder, warmer and fuller tone, while taking body away suits picking and treble sounds. A separate Volume knob sets the pedal's output level.
Sources (2)
- SAC-20 | AC Stage Acoustic Modeler Pedal | CNZ Audio, CNZ Audio
- GEQ-5 | EQ Pedal | CNZ Audio, CNZ Audio
