Radial Engineering Ltd.
SW8
™
MK2 User Guide
1
OVERVIEW
The Radial SW8 is an eight channel redundant switcher designed primarily for live concerts where backing tracks are used to reinforce
the performance. Should the primary playback machine suffer a failure, the SW8 can switch to a backup machine either automatically,
manually, or by remote control.
The SW8 lets you select between two groups of eight audio inputs and route either group to eight discrete outputs. Input connections are
made with your choice of standard eight channel 25-pin D-Sub connectors or individual ¼” TRS phone jacks for easy interface with a variety
of audio playback systems. Choice of outputs include an eight channel balanced line-level 25-pin D-Sub or eight transformer isolated mic-
level XLR outputs. Most system techs employ the D-Sub output to feed their personal payback system for monitoring and use the front
panel XLR outputs to connect to the mic splitter and snake system for the PA.
PRIMARY-A
MULTI-TRACK
BACKUP-B
MULTI-TRACK
PLAYBACK SYSTEM
CONTROL
SOUND REINFORCEMENT
SYSTEM
8-CH AUTO
BACK-UP
SWITCHER
LIFT
PIN-1
LIFT
PIN-1
LIFT
PIN-1
LIFT
PIN-1
LIFT
PIN-1
LIFT
PIN-1
LIFT
PIN-1
LIFT
PIN-1
PAD AUTO
THRESHOLD
INPUT SELECT
BA
ALARM
TONE
CONTROL MONITOR
GLOBAL
ON
STANDBY
BA
®
MUTE
TONE
BELOW
THRESHOLD
The SW8 can operate in three modes; manual, remote and auto-switch. Depending on your personal preference, experience and confi dence
with your setup, you will likely choose one of these approaches and stick with it. Some techs prefer a hands-on approach where they run
two computers completely separately so that should one fail, the other is autonomous. They will typically start both laptops at the same time
and then manually switch between them if a problem is encountered. Others prefer to automate the process whereby they will lock both
devices together with time code. Should the master playback system fail the SW8 will automatically switch to the backup.
Manual switching is accomplished using the front panel AB select switch. In situations where the SW8 may be remotely stationed, a remote
switch may be connected. This can be done using a simple latching footswitch such as the type used on a guitar amp to change channels
or turn on a reverb, or by using the optional Radial JR2 remote. This dual-function footswitch gives you control over AB select and standby
functions along with LED status indicators. When set to auto-switch mode, the SW8 can detect a machine malfunction and switch to a
backup player to ensure a seamless performance. You merely record a 1kHz tone onto the primary recorder (drone track) and send the
signal into the SW8’s auto-switch gate input on the rear panel. As soon as the drone track disappears, the SW8 diverts the inputs to the
backup system. For larger playback system requirements, several SW8 units may be linked together to create 16, 24 or 32 track systems.
You simply designate the fi rst SW8 as a master unit and link as many slaves as you like using the JR2 link jacks.
The Radial SW8 has gained international notoriety as is used on stage every day with artists as diverse as U2, Lady Gaga, The Eagles,
Radiohead and Cirque Du Soleil.
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