Running PS-100 as amp AND attenuator? Also, “Stacking” attenuators?

Stage & Studio ZMACS
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Hey all. The ZMACS has to be the most amazing of all “non-sexy” purchases (not a NGD/NAD) and I have been extremely eager to get one, anticipating one soon.

The units in play include NMV and MV Marshall (each 100W), Captor X, and PS-100, pushing 3 412s (120w, 240w, 400w).

I presume the standard setup would be for me to place each Marshall head into 2 of the 4 amp inputs, place the 3 cabs into 3 of the 4 cab outputs, and place the PS-100 and Captor X into the 2 attenuator slots. Here are the issues/concerns I have setting up as outlined above:

1. Do I lose dual-use for the PS-100?

In addition to using my PS to tame my unruly 1959, I love putting a preamp pedal into the LINE IN jack of the PS for a tube power amp to my SS preamp pedal(s). I do not have a Cyclops unit nor am I sure it would mitigate the issue. What I would hope to do would be able play the attenuator/FX Loop role to my Marshalls via PS > ZMACS Attenuator IN… AND use it as a power amp via Preamp unit/Pedal > PS-100 LINE IN > ZMACS AMP IN. I am wondering if this is a bridge too far and I have to do the cable dance to switch roles or this is possible with some patching (and maybe the Cyclops unit)

2. Can the ZMACS “stack” the two attenuators?

Prior to my beloved PS purchase, I had to play fast and loose with the 150W threshold of the Captor X and the 165W+ RMS output of the 1959, engaging the warning light often. This was easily mitigated by taming the 1959 with my PS then sending the reamped signal to the Captor X for late night headphone use. Now the question is whether I can engage both “attenuation units” simultaneously on the ZMACS (Attenuator 1 + Attenuator 2) or is this a binary choice where I can choose the PS path for in room use OR under-rated Captor X (alone) for headphones use?

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Well, you can use two attenuators in series, but you’ll have to use the PS100 in the switched loop to make it bypass. Or, you can put it in the unswitched loop and bypass it manually using its front panel Bypass switch. Either way, the ZMACS V2 will not switch the captor in and out.

No you won’t lose the PS100 dual mode function. You can switch that using the ZMACS Remote function to switch the PS-100 channels and FX loop bypass function.

Dave

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As I think about it, I imagine another workaround would be to assign the fourth cabinet slot to the cap X. That way I could switch to that cab slot or earphones and still have the PS-100 reamping and FX Loop in play for the Captor signal path. The only thing I lose is a cabinet slot, but that would seem to address all of my concerns.