ZZ9000 Compendium

More than a modern Amiga graphics card
Compiled by a ZZ9000 owner and enthusiast

Updated: December 11, 2025 | ZZ9000 is © 2019-2025 MNT Research GmbH

Preface | Specifications | Requirements / Compatibility | Production / Shipping | Installation | Screen Modes
Add-Ons and Tweaks | Apps 'n ARMs | Benchmarks | Features | Support / Troubleshooting | F.A.Q. | Links | Contact

Add-Ons and Tweaks

ZZ9000AX Audio Module | ZZ9500CX Denise Adapter | ZZ9000 Heatsink | ZZ9000CX Cable 'Tweak'

ZZ9000AX Audio Module

The ZZ9000AX is the audio module for the ZZ9000 multi-functional Amiga expansion card, bringing your Amiga audio experience to the next level. Important: Requires a ZZ9000 card to operate. Includes all necessary cables and steel slot bracket.

Please note: There is an important hardware fix for the ZZ9000AX.

As relayed by Jope (via Discord), "Paula audio distorts real bad when you use the ZZ9000AX's RCA outputs to listen to Amiga audio."

The fix is to desolder (or otherwise remove) the opamp at U4 (circled in yellow), which clears clipping and distortion from Paula audio. Basically, the opamp was adding needless gain, and distorting the audio.

Source(s): Discovered by "minute" (via IRC) back in August 2025 and relayed by "Jope" via Discord in the Acill Classics/MNT Hardware Support (Unofficial)/#zz9000ax-support channel.

Photo credit: erkorh (Discord). Used with permission.

RC1 module shown below:


 Features:[source]
  • High fidelity Analog ADAU1701 audio codec (50 MIPS digital audio processor) with 28/56-bit SigmaDSP© processor
  • 16-bit (per channel) stereo sound output at 48000 Hz (DAT quality)
  • Mix in and enhance Amiga Paula audio and/or analog CD Audio
  • 16-bit stereo sampling
  • Four RCA connectors for line inputs and outputs
  • AHI driver
  • Add dynamic effects like graphic EQ or reverb and create your own DSP programs with free SigmaStudio software (on Windows)
  • Active op-amp output filter stages
  • Four-layer design with solid ground planes for optimal signal quality
  • Open source drivers and firmware, PDF schematics
  • Additional features and capabilities will be available via ZZ9000 firmware updates (e.g. MP3 decompression)
  • Includes all required cables to connect to ZZ9000

Additional notes:

  • No soldering is required to mix/connect the Amiga's Paula audio with the ZZ9000AX. As Lukas noted on Jan. 8, 2022: "There's a cable included that you connect to the analog audio header on ZZ9000. The signal comes from the video slot." [source]
  • Works with the first batch (rev. 1) of ZZ9000 cards, so will work with all ZZ9000 revisions. [source image]
  • Mix audio from other audio sources by using the pin headers on the card. [source image]
  • Intended as an expansion for the MNT ZZ9000 Amiga graphics/network card, but could be used as a building block in other audio projects as well. [source]
  • October 25, 2021: "Support for playback by ZZ9000AX is done (Oct. 25, 2021), but not yet for sampling and updating the SigmaDSP. There will be another update." [source]

ZZ9500CX Denise Adapter

Important: To use the ZZ9000 with an Amiga 500, you will need a Zorro II adapter like Rob Cranley's Z-500 or the Checkmate 1500 Zorro adapter.

A little interposer PCB that plugs into the Denise socket of your Amiga 500 (or other custom Amiga), and Denise then goes into ZZ9500CX's socket in turn.

The digital video output of Denise will then be available on the IDC Socket which you can connect to the ZZ9000 to gain scandoubler functionality on Amigas that have no video slot.

Warning: For advanced users only. Requires opening your Amiga and replacing a socketed chip, which can lead to damage if done improperly.

If you want to use this with your existing ZZ9000, please put the Amiga 500 firmware (BOOT.BIN) on the ZZ9000's microSD card for correct operation.

ZZ9000 Heatsink (ZYNQ chip)

To ensure a long life for your ZZ9000, use this highly recommended add-on.

LTN20069 is a passive heatsink for the ZZ9000's main ZYNQ chip:

  1. Just peel off the foil on the back to reveal thermal adhesive.
  2. If your ZYNQ chip has a sticker on it, carefully remove it.
  3. Firmly press the adhesive side of the heatsink on the ZYNQ chip.

The exact model is Vakefield-Vette LTN20069. If you're not in Europe, you might be able to get it cheaper from other distributors.

Pre-release firmware 1.7.0 Beta 1 or higher includes temperature monitoring, also available to the Amiga side.

Notes:

See also: English Amiga Board post notes.

ZZ9000CX Zorro III Cable 'Tweak'

Please note: This user-assembled option/modification does not originate from MNT.

ZZ9000 user Wade M. shares a tweak for the ZZ9000CX Zorro III cable:

The current "short cable" supplied by MNT is 4 in. [10.16 cm] long, which allows some flexibility in offsetting the installation by one Zorro slot if necessary. I think most users probably utilize the Zorro slot in-line with the video slot.

The provided cable bows upward enough because of the extra length to interfere with an adjacent full length Zorro card if installed. I did a quick measurement and fabricated my own 2.5" [6.35 cm] cable, which is the exact length to fit straight across with no excess.

The fact that the connector and ribbon cable is the same as a standard Amiga floppy drive [minus any floppy ribbon cable 'twist'] makes this even easier to source.

Photo credit: Wade M.. Used with permission.