True to the Music
Radial Engineering Ltd.
SW8 Owner’s Manual
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 either standard DB25 D-sub
connectors or individual phone jacks to interface with a
variety of audio playback systems. The SW8 has two output
options; a direct thru-put of line-level signals for connection
directly to a mixing console, or eight transformer isolated mic-
level outputs allowing connection through a multi-channel
snake system to the PA and FOH console.
The SW8 can operate in three modes; manual, automatic
and remote. Manual switching is accomplished using the front
panel controls or an external latching footswitch. When set to
automatic mode, the SW8 can detect a machine malfunction
and switch to the backup machine to ensure a seamless
performance. Finally, the SW8 can be remotely controlled
by an external automation system using the contact closure
input.
Several SW8 units may be linked together for multi-track
playback systems with more than eight tracks. One SW8
is designated as a master unit and in turn, passes control
signals onto subordinate units through a link connection.
Playback A
Playback B
(Backup)
Connection through a mic snake using
the transformer isolated XLR outputs.
Tracks.
1-8
Tracks.
9-16
Tracks.
17-24
Playback A
Playback B
(Backup)
Switching between two 24-track playback
machines with three linked SW8 units.
Master
Slave
Slave
Link
Link
Playback A
Playback B
(Backup)
Switching between two 8-track playback machines.
