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Retail: $300.00, Our Price: $229.99
North American Version, 120 VAC
For other versions, see "Power Supplies" here

Notice for orders shipping to the EU:
This item can not be shipped into the European Union at this time due to WEEE / RoHS (environmental / hazardous materials) regulations.  This unit will be compliant in the near future, possibly by early 2007.

Specifications:

Input Impedance (un-buffered): 100kOhms
Input Impedance (buffered): 10kOhms
Input switching type: Photocell
Speaker switching type: Silver plated relay
Relay rating: 100 Watts RMS rated at 10,000,000 cycles
Switching system: Programmable Interrupt Controller (PIC)
Switching time: 11.2 milliseconds
Audio signal path: 100% discreet component Class-A circuit
Slingshot ratings: Latching
Construction / finish: 14-gauge steel / baked enamel finish
Size: 8"W x 6”D x 2"H (203mm x 152mm x 51mm)
Weight (boxed): 2.6lb (1.8kg)
Warranty: 3 years, limited (see owner’s manual for details)
Power supply: Included, 15VDC 400mA; center pole positive; 120 VAC source for US, Canada, Mexico and Taiwan. Others are available as follows: Australian - European - United Kingdom - Japan. Please specify.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I heard that tube amps must always see a speaker load or else they will blow up?
This is true. To deal with this, the Headbone is equipped to manage two loads: the speaker for the active amp and a load resistor for the standby amp. The Headbone transitions between these two loads when the status is changed.

Why does the Headbone use photocells and relays to switch the guitar and amp signals?
The choice for circuit designers comes down to electronic switching using VCA's or voltage controlled amplifiers, photocells or relays or maybe converting the signal to digital and then back to the analogue domain. The type of guitarist that uses a Radial product is generally a purist and is very concerned about retaining the natural tone of his instrument. VCA and digital circuits are not acceptable as they mess with the tone of the instrument. We use photocells on the hi-impedance circuits to eliminate all switching noise and relays on the speaker level signals where high voltage is present.

I have heard that using a delay with a head switcher can cause a problem with the amps. Is this true?
It depends on where the delay is positioned. If the delay is placed before the Headbone, there is no problem. If the delay device is placed after the Headbone or in an amplifier's on board effect loop, you can have a problem because the echo or reverb device will continue to generate a signal and send it through the amp with no speaker connected. It is generally not good to run a tube amp this way as the output transformer can heat up and ultimately short out.

The Headbone turns on and off both the input going to the amp and the output going to the speaker – but if the delay is placed anywhere after the Headbone, it no longer control the signal. Thus, always put delay devices in the signal chain before the Headbone.

Can I use the Headbone like an AB box?
It certainly could be done, but you may encounter ground loop problems as the Headbone is not set-up for this function. The Switchbone would definitely be a better choice.

I have a solid-state amp and a tube amp and want to switch between them. What should I use?
The Radial Switchbone is an ABY box that is designed to toggle between to amps. Although not quite the same as switching heads, the Switchbone works very well, sounds amazing and will do the job.

Can I use the Headbone with a MIDI switcher?
Yes. Most MIDI switchers are equipped with a contact closure output jack. This would be connected to the Headbone’s Slingshot input remotely control.

If I do not want to use the Slingshot remote, how far from the amps and speaker can I be?
As a rule, the further away from your amp you are, the larger the speaker cable you will need. As a general rule, we do not recommend running cables any more than 20 feet as you are also subjecting the input cables to more noise caused by interference. If you are intent on doing so, use 14 gauge speaker cable.

What happens if I use another supply instead of the 15VDC one that comes with the Headbone?
Never use an alternate power supply except one that exactly matches the same voltage, current and polarity as the one that comes with your Headbone. The Headbone is designed to work with this specific power and changing this could cause system failure, which of course would not be covered under the warranty.

If I have a 300 Watt amp, can I modify the Headbone?
Yes. In fact we have included a provision in the design to allow a 350 Watt relay to be factory installed in the Headbone. Simply contact you Tonebone dealer for details on how you can order this special high power version.

What if I have two amp heads; one tube head and one solid state; do I use the VT or the SS?
Unfortunately the world of tube cannot collide with the world of transistors due to the way that the amps are designed. We are however working on the Headbone TS that will allow you to do this. We should have a prototype in the next 30 days and if it is ok, delivery in the fall. Until then, you would have to use a product like the Tonebone Switchbone and carry two speakers...

Retail: $300.00, Our Price: $229.99
North American Version, 120 VAC
For other versions, see "Power Supplies" here