Q: Can I use the SW8 backwards to direct a bunch of signals and toggle them between two outputs?
A: Sure! Keep in mind that you should only use the D-subs as the XLRs are tied to the transformers. You can still have the SW8 switch using a footswitch or this same input for remote switching via MIDI controlled contact closure or some other system.

Q: Can I use one D-sub and one set of ¼” inputs and toggle between them?
A: Yes; the inputs are paralleled so using either or is fine.

Q: Can I switch a bunch of mics with the SW8?
A: Probably not… and certainly not when they are phantom powered as you may encounter a huge ‘boom’ in your audio system as the phantom re-energizes the capsules.

Q: Why did Radial put direct box transformers in the SW8?
A: Mic levels coming off the stage are easy to manage. By incorporating mic-level isolated direct box outputs, you can easily dovetail the SW8 right into any standard concert touring snake system without having to run dedicated line level signals for the playback system.

Q: Why do system techs break out the mix to several outputs in playback?
A: When bands travel from one venue to another, the sound changes. This is why live sound engineers are needed. They adjust the mix between instruments such as the balance between drums and bass depending on the size and sound of the venue. Weather you are dealing with live musicians or playback tracks, the same applies. You may find that your brass section is too loud in one venue or not loud enough in another. By breaking out the sections in stereo sets, this lets you adjust the mix as needed.

Q: Can I use any steady tone for the auto-switch function?
A: Yes. Some techs have suggested that you can even use digital tones like SMPTE to do the switching. We have added a selectable band-pass filter to help accommodate the various type of signals that folks will try. Using the filter can also help eliminate crosstalk in more sensitive environments.

Q: Why do you use plastic jacks on the SW8?
A: Actually, they are glass filled nylon and tougher that steel! We use ‘plastic’ so that we can completely isolate each of the channels and reduce noise. A full ground plane is employed and we build a virtual ground inside the SW8 to further advantage noise reduction.

Q: Why do you use a stupid wall wart!
A: Today, manufacturers must adhere to very demanding electrical codes from countries around the globe. This includes both electrical and radio frequency issues. If we were to manufacture products to meet each country’s specific requirements, we would incur huge cost increases which we would have to pass along. By using external power supplies, we can buy these in large quantities and make sure they are tested to pass electrical requirements. This saves you money. (Not the perfect solution, but the best we can come up with so far!)

Q: Can I use the SW8 as an 8-channel direct box for keyboards?
A: Sure. Just keep in mind that you do not have dedicated throughputs. Therefore you would connect your keyboards to the ¼” input set-A and use the input-set A D-sub as your throughput. The XLR transformer coupled outputs would then connect to the mic inputs on your mixing console.

Q: Is there a second monitor output?
A: Nope. This would entail a whole bunch more switching. We discussed headphones, built-in mixer etc… but at the end of the day, we decided that reasonable affordability and simplicity would be critical – the rest could be accomplished with external devices depending on how the tech set his system up.

Q: What happens if power goes down?
A: We designed it to work like an alarm system. If power goes off, the unit will revert to Input-A and pass signal and the global -20dB pad will revert it's default setting of 'off'. The audio path is 100% passive so power will not affect the audio… only the lights and switching.