Zoom AC-2 Acoustic Creator DI Pedal

The Zoom AC-2 Acoustic Creator is an acoustic-instrument DI and preamp pedal designed to help restore body character that can be reduced when using an onboard pickup. It is made for performers and recording musicians who need a direct connection to a PA, acoustic amplifier, mixer, recording device, or headphones. Its 16 source-guitar presets provide selectable tonal starting points for different acoustic body styles and instruments.

Choose the pickup setting for piezo, magnetic, or off, then use the single Volume control to manage the preamp input gain and output level. A three-band EQ provides bass, middle, and treble adjustment for adapting the final sound to a room, amp, or sound system. The Reverb control adds adjustable depth and width without requiring a separate effects pedal.

The AC-2 is suited to solo performers, acoustic guitarists, nylon-string players, 12-string players, and upright-bass users working with pickup-equipped instruments. Its selectable source types include dreadnought, orchestra, jumbo, parlor, resonator, silent guitar, upright bass, and nylon-string options. This lets players begin with a preset intended to complement the physical character of their instrument.

For stage use, the pedal includes a footswitchable boost with up to 9 dB of additional gain and an anti-feedback function that searches for and cuts a feedback-causing frequency band. A chromatic LED tuner is built in, and engaging the tuner mutes the output for quieter tuning. The low-noise preamp specification lists a 120 dBu signal-to-noise ratio and a -100 dBu residual-noise floor.

The AC-2 can be placed between an acoustic guitar and an amplifier, PA system, mixer, or recording setup. Its balanced XLR output includes selectable pre/post processing and ground-lift functions, while two 1/4-inch outputs support mono or stereo connections. It can operate from the included Zoom AD-16 adapter, two AA batteries, or USB bus power through its Micro-B USB port.

Key Features

• 16 Source-Guitar Presets: Selects a tonal profile for varied acoustic body styles and instruments.
• Pickup Selector: Optimizes the input stage for piezo or magnetic pickups.
• Three-Band EQ: Adjust bass, middle, and treble to suit the system and room.
• Anti-Feedback Control: Locates and reduces a feedback-causing frequency band during performance.
• Footswitchable Boost: Adds up to 9 dB for solos or changing playing dynamics.
• Balanced XLR Output: Connect directly to a mixer or PA with pre/post and ground-lift switching.

Design & Installation

The AC-2 uses a compact pedal-format enclosure measuring 158 mm deep, 107 mm wide, and 52 mm high. Its control layout includes source-guitar selection, pickup selection, EQ, reverb, volume, boost, anti-feedback, and tuner controls. Front-panel LED indicators show operating status, including power, boost, tuner, and clipping indication.

Connect an acoustic instrument to the 1/4-inch input with a shielded instrument cable, then route the output to an acoustic amp, PA, mixer, recording device, or headphones as needed. Use the balanced XLR output for a mixer or PA, selecting pre or post processing and engaging ground lift only when needed to address a ground-loop issue. Power the pedal with the included 9V DC Zoom AD-16 adapter, two AA batteries, or USB bus power via Micro-B USB.