The SWITCHBLADE MATRIX
At the core of this powerful system lies the Matrix.
which rewires your entire rig on the fly according to settings you create and save in user memory "preset" slots. True matrix switching networks are recognized by the industry as the most powerful type of switching arrangement possible. With an incredible 16-IN x 16-OUT matrix (8 x 8 for the Switchblade 8 and 8B) you can connect any input to any output simultaneously including unlimited merge and split (up to 32 "patches total for GL, 16 for SB8B and SB8). Create series, parallel, or wild interconnected networks in single or multi-amp setups, all without ever touching a patch cord.

WHAT ABOUT SOUND?

All this power would be meaningless without quality. That's why the audio signal paths in the Switchblade have been engineered with performance and quality in mind. The frequency response, signal to noise ratio, distortion and phase properties allow crystal clear passage of your instrument sound through your effects. The dynamic range (headroom) can handle switching even the hottest preamps and overdrive effects.

LEVEL CONTROL AT EVERY CONNECTION

Besides interconnection, the switchblade offers powerful mixing capabilities. The volume level of every connection or "patch" is independently programmable over a 48dB range in calibrated increments. This gives you the power to adjust the level of the signal going to or returning from your effects, instruments, and amps to control the balance between effects, control the drive to and from preamps, control noise levels and even pan signals in stereo or multi-channel images. Exciting new sounds can be created as never before by tapping the signals at various points in the effect network, remixing to new levels and assigning the final mix to other outputs. It's a realm of flexibility and power that takes your stage rig or studio rack to an entirely new level of use.

ADVANCED REALTIME CONTROL

Each Switchblade preset includes two built in realtime controllers which can be used to independently control the input or output gain for any number of patches simultaneously. When used in this fashion the results are truly impressive. One controller can be used to crossfade between effects in a network, increasing or decreasing their individual "presence" with respect to other effects in real time, while the other controller can be used to "cross-pan" effects or instruments across a stereo image or to change overall volume. An internal "Auto Sweep" function can be used in place of one of the controllers for hands off automatic sweeping. Several different Auto Sweep functions are available with adjustable times to over 12 seconds. The Switchblade also incorporates an exclusive circuit we call "Seamless Sweeping" to remove zippering noise when used with even low resolution continuous controllers. An intelligent algorithm monitors each input signal and only allows gain changes during zero crossing times, effectively removing the steps that create zipper noise.

THE SMOOTHEST PRESET SWITCHING ON THE MARKET

The Switchblade allows you to store up to 125 presets (75 for the 'Switchblase 8 and 8B models), any of which can be loaded instantaneously by midi program change. An advanced switching algorithm offers the most musically transparent switching of any system available, utilizing an intelligent analysis so that any patches that are the same between the two presets are left untouched for glitch free operation. And whether you need instant switching or long blends, the Switchblade will meet your exact needs. Switching time is programmable from zero to 1000 ms.  With longer times the signals ramp down and up for new patches or make smooth gain sweeps if the patch remains the same.

Even without midi program changes, you can use a single momentary footswitch to cycle through a list of Switchblade programs. And of course there's always the front panel.

An alternate mode allows you to operate the switchblade by sending Sysex messages to the Switchblade to clear or create patches on the fly. For more on this advanced operation, download the Switchblade manual.

FULL MIDI CAPABILITY

The Switchblade can also operate as a central midi controller to send "scenes" or sets of presets to your other midi gear.  In this mode, select a preset and the Switchblade sends a burst of up to 16 different MIDI program changes over different midi channels (8 for the Switchblade 8 and 8B). Of course this setting can be switched OFF too if you're already handling this capability. 

FOOTSWITCH SIMULATION 

Throw out your footswitches! The Switchblade has "footswitch simulation" circuits that will do relay switching for you under preset/midi control. And since relays are used instead of the usual transistor switches, the control signals can be plugged into any amplifiers or non-MIDI effects you care to use. Four footswitch simulators are offered on the GL model and two are offered on the Switchblade 8 and Switchblade 8B.

EASY TO PROGRAM

The programming menus of the Switchblade have been created to be user friendly. You can operate the unit from logical menus at the Front Panel, or use the highly intuitive WinBlade Software with your PC to design and upload (or download) your preset scene memories.

From the front Panel, A "Setup" menu allows you to assign names and MIDI channels to all devices connected to the Switchblade. Here is where you'll also find Preset Manager, foot pedal programming, preset copy, backup utilities, and more.

The "Preset" menu is then used to connect INs and OUTs, set levels, and assign controllers. Other preset menus allow programming of outgoing MIDI program change commands and sweep parameters.

READY FOR THE ROAD!

Let's face it: this is not a piece of gear for a garage band, so we built the Switchblade to be EXTREMELY rugged and durable. A solid chassis and securely mounted audio jacks ensure the Switchblade will withstand the trials and rigors of even the most brutal touring schedule. Highest quality audio components and thorough factory testing (including burn in) ensure the Switchblade won't go down when you need it the most.

A look at the community of professional players and artists who depend on the Switchblade serves as evidence towards its quality and reliability.

POWER IN THE STUDIO

The Switchblade's high integrity audio paths and midi capabilities give it tremendous capabilities in the studio environment. As the an incredibly advanced patchbay, it allows routing "on the fly" with Sysex from your sequencer or control rig. Separate commands are available to clear the entire matrix, create and delete individual patches and assign controller numbers to each patch. In fact, when used in this fashion, each individual patch can be assigned 2 controller numbers (a linear curve and a log curve) allowing both panning and gain change using the pan pot and graphic faders of your favorite software or hardware control surface. As with preset changes, all remote switching commands are handled intelligently to insure glitch free operation. With this power to instantly patch all audio signals in your studio and control individual gain levels as well, your entire studio can be fully automated.

VU METERING

All Switchblade models also have a VU bar graph menu allowing the user to select and monitor the audio levels (in dB) of the individual inputs. This metering function can also be sent out in real time over the MIDI OUT port for computer programs that can monitor such activity. With the ability to monitor the input levels, maximum signal to noise ratios can be achieved and headroom can be monitored carefully when required.

DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS

Check out every other switching system on the market and then take a close look at the Switchblade. Regardless of price, you won't find another system offering the features and quality of the Switchblade. Not even close!