User guide

SWITCHBONE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Can I use any two ampliﬁers with the Switchbone?

Yes….the Switchbone should be able to be used with any two guitar ampliﬁers without

problems. Make sure you follow the set-up procedures to ensure your equipment is safe. If

you are not sure consult a qualiﬁed technician.

What happens when I reverse the polarity of the 2nd amp?

The polarity reverse allows you to correctly line-up the polarity of the devices that you are

using. For instance, some ampliﬁers will be ‘out of phase’ with others and some amp chan-

nels even on the same ampliﬁer will be out of phase with each other. The Switchbone allows

you to compensate or create new sounds by purposely setting one channel out of phase

with the other.

What is the difference between out-of-phase and polarity reverse?

In guitar lingo these terms are interchanged however in true electrical terms they are differ-

ent. Reversing the polarity is switching the positive and the negative wires around. Phase is

actually in the time domain. A signal can be 30 degrees out of phase with another causing

the sound to be muddy. 180 degree absolute phase shift is essentially identical to reversing

the polarity.

What is an AB box?

An AB box is a switcher that allows the musician to select one amp (A) or the other (B).

These are usually passive devices that are simply a switch wired to two outputs.

What is an AB-Y box?

This is a box that allows AB functionality as above with the added features of being able to

turn both amps on at the same time like a Y-jack.

How does the Switchbone eliminate Switch noise?

Most AB boxes cause a click or thump when switching. The Switchbone uses a series of ex-

pensive devices called photo cells (2 per switch) to perform this task. We go to this extreme

because when a guitar amp is set to distortion the input sensitivity is increased dramatically

and clicks and pops caused by switching are ampliﬁed.

Why do most AB-Y boxes sound so bad?

The problem is mostly due to the Y or when driving more than one ampliﬁer at the same

time. The moment you try to drive more that one ampliﬁer, the guitar level will drop by half

or 3dB unless ampliﬁed. This causes the guitar to lack punch and deﬁnition. You can ﬁx the

problem by introducing an ampliﬁer but unless done very carefully, the sound of the guitar

will change. Then of course you have to deal with the hum, buzz and polarity problems.

Why is there a mid boost connected to the power boost circuit?

Guitars live in the mid range. This means that if you want your guitar to cut through the mix

during a solo or if you intend to increase sustain, adding mid range is critical.

Will Drag™ Control still work if pedals are in front of the Switchbone?

Yes although it is most noticeable with true bypass pedals.

Can I use the Switchbone in the studio?

Yes of course! The Switchbone is extremely clean and will work ﬁne in the studio. You can

also use it to ‘re-amplify’ your amps or effects by recording a dry track, and then sending the

signal to the Radial X-Amp which converts low-impedance signals to high-impedance guitar

signals. The X-Amp would then be connected to the Switchbone.

Radial Engineering Switchbone Owner’s Manual

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