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Other BigShots:
ABY  •  EFX   •  i/o
MIX  •  PB1  •  SW2

Retail: $139.99, Our Price: $180.00

BigShot SW2 - Slingshot™ dual remote control switcher

• Universal foot switch for two amps or devices
• Link feature to switch both amps at same time
• Latching or pulse output to work with all amps
• Switches other Slingshot™ equipped devices
• Ultra compact–great for pedalboard use

The BigShot SW2 is a two channel universal remote control that can be used to replace two amplifier foot switches and combine their main functions with a single pedal. This is of primary importance for pedalboard users that always find themselves short on space. Both latching and pulse outputs are supported enabling the SW2 to control both older amps with contact closure style channel switching and newer amps with electronic pulse sensing. These options are augmented by the 'LINK' function that can gang both remote commands onto either foot switch. This could, for instance, switch both amp channels in a stereo rig from a clean rhythm to a distorted lead channel with one single foot stomp. No tap dancing!

For Tonebone pedal users, the SW2 provides a compact Slingshot™ remote switching controller that can be used to remotely switch amp heads ( Headbone ) or speaker cabinets ( Cabbone ). When combined with guitar amps, the switching capabilities are huge!

The SW2 – the world’s first universal remote switcher!

In this setup:

• SW2's R-2 jack connects to reverb switch jack on one amp.
• R-1 jack connects to channel switching on the other amp
• Set Pulse/Latch and Closed/Open switches for each amp as required

BigShot SW2 - Slingshot with Headbone™
The SW2 can be used as a remote switch with the Radial Headbone to switch amp heads. Change amp channels with the other footswitch for added tonal range!

In this setup:

• Headbone's Slingshot input connects to SW2's R-2 jack
• Amp channel switch jack connects to SW2's R-1 jack
• LED indicators show amp and switch status at a glance

In this setup:

• Reverb jack on one amp to SW2's R-1 jack, chorus to SW2's R-2 jack
• BigShot 'LINK switch set to 'R1 to R2' position, pulse/latch as required
• Press R-2 footswitch to change both amp features at once

When we introduced the Slingshot concept, a new approach to amp and pedal switching came to be. Using the tried and true switching systems that guitar amps have employed for years, Slingshot combines the simplicity of regular ¼” guitar cable interconnect with on-off functionality of a basic MIDI system – albeit without the pre-required electronic degree.

From a controller like the Tonebone Loopbone, all of a sudden you can engage several effects pedals and change channels on your amp with a single foot stomp. With the Headbone in tow, you could remotely switch heads with any footswitch. With Cabbone, you could switch amp channels and speaker cabinets with one tap.

The SW2 Switchbone represents a natural evolution by providing a compact remote control with two footswitches that now lets you control either Tonebones or amps from a single device. And by adding the latch function, now multiple devices can ‘snap’ into action with a single foot stomp.

Obviously, to do all of these tricks, the SW2 is not just a simple low-cost mechanical foot switch. Beneath the surface, complex electronics are employed to make the SW2's seemingly simple functions look easy. This is why the SW2 can be as a stand alone device and needs to be powered with a 9V supply to perform its tasks. But for those that want the power of a custom made switcher, the BigShot SW2 provides incredible value.

Features & Specifications

• Active proprietary switching circuit

• Independent open / closed selector switch

• Independent latch / pulse selector switch

• 3-position link switch

• Heavy-duty high-cycle footswitches

• 9 VDC - 40ma center negative power

• 14 gauge steel, baked enamel finish

• Size: 3.6"w x 3.9"d x 2"h (92 x 99 x 51mm)

• Weight: 1.25 lb (0.56 kg)

• Radial 3-year limited warranty

The BigShot SW2 Slingshot is straight forward, but does require some technical understanding in effort to get the most out of it. Begin by connecting a standard Boss style 9 to 12V power supply. Simply connecting the power supply turns the unit on.

Following the block diagram, you can see that each remote output is equipped with two switches: The 'OPEN' and 'CLOSED' switch lets you toggle between a ‘normally closed’ or ‘normally open’ status to match the way your amp has been designed. For instance, if you are using the SW2 to switch the channel on your amp, you would likely set the OPEN-CLOSED so that when the LED on the SW2 is off, your amp would have channel-1 active.

The PATCH and PULSE switch lets you select the type of control signal going to your amp. Older amps generally use a latch type control circuit whereby the footswitch dictates the amps status. On the other hand, newer amps with electronic switching tend to use a momentary pulse to send a switching function to the amp. Your SW2 Slingshot does both.

Should your amp employ a ¼” TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) jack or some other kind of multi-pin connection for the foot switch, you may have to build a break-out adaptor cable to allow the SW2 to work with your system. For the most part, all you will need is a simple Y-jack that is available from any music store. To be safe, we suggest you discuss your specific needs with a qualified tech to ensure you get the right adaptor.

At the center of the SW2 control panel is the 'LINK' switch. This handy device lets you assign one of the two footswitches as the master and the other as the slave. This enables the SW2 to toggle two different devices simultaneously by depressing a single switch. There is no difference - either switch can be selected as master. The SW2 is set up this way to let you select the switch that best suits your pedalboard.

Hookup is of course super easy! Just connect standard ¼” guitar cables between the SW2 and whatever devices you would like to remotely control. Distances of 100 feet (30 meters) or more are not a problem. You are now ready to control the world!

WARNING - Possibility of electrical shock hazard exists. Please read the warnings in the user manual before attempting to connect amplifiers to any device.

BigShot SW2- FAQ

Q: Can the SW2 remote control all amplifiers and effects devices?
A: This is impossible to say. There are simply too many devices made to tell. If the device in question uses a typical 1/4" jack type footswitch, then it will likely work. The SW2 is equipped with the features you need to make most amps work.

Q: Why is the SW2 so expensive?
A: Because it is not a simple dedicated footswitch. A host of electronic circuitry and components such as relays are required to generate the pulses and universal functionality that allow the SW2 to work with most gear.

Q: Is there any advantage to using the SW2 instead of my amp footswitch?
A: There is no difference on the switching. The SW2 is likely smaller and when controlling two different amps, you can eliminate a footswitch from you pedalboard where space is always at a premium!

Q: Can I use the SW2 to remotely control an effects device to turn it on and off?
A: Yes – so long as there is some type of remote on-off switch. Most recording devices are equipped with a typical ¼” jack and footswitch to do this.

Q: Can I use the SW2 to remotely control a punch in function on a recorder?
A: Yes - so long as there is some type of remote on-off switch. Most devices uses a typical ¼” jack with a latching function to do this.

Q: Can I use the SW2 as a sustain pedal?
A: You could in a pinch, but it is not ideal. Sustain pedals are relatively inexpensive and would likely do a much better job.

Q: Can I use the SW2 as a remote mute for tuning if my tuner is set up this way?
A: Yes. Once again, so long as there is some type of remote on-off switch. Many devices are equipped with a typical ¼” 'footswitch' jack with a latching function to do this.

For additional info, press and user manuals, please visit Radial Engineering  (opens in a new window).