True to the Music
Radial Engineering Ltd. SW8-USB™ Owner’s Manual
2
OVERVIEW
The SW8-USB is an eight channel switching device designed primarily for live concerts where backing tracks are
used to reinforce the performance. Should your primary playback source suffer a failure or dropout, the SW8-USB
can switch to a backup source to prevent any negative effects on the performance. This switching can be done
automatically by the SW8-USB, or it can be performed manually using a switch on the front panel or by remote
control.
Typical playback systems require a computer as the digital audio source, along with an audio interface in order
to provide analog audio outputs to feed the PA system. For a redundant playback system, the list of equipment
required is doubled: two computers, and two audio interfaces to pair with them. One of the advantages that the
SW8-USB provides over this typical setup is that it allows you to connect directly to your playback computers
over USB, eliminating the need for additional audio interfaces which in turn reduces the weight and cost of your
redundant system.
The SW8-USB is equipped with Type-B USB connectors and 24bit/192kHz digital audio converters that provide
eight channels of high quality audio playback over balanced XLR outputs. Designed to feed the PA system, these
mic-level outputs are transformer isolated to eliminate noise from ground loops, and they can also be set to line-
level operation. Additional line-level outputs are provided for local monitoring of your playback signals, with the
choice of DB25 or 1/4” TRS connections.
In addition to passing audio over USB, the SW8-USB is also able to function as a MIDI interface: providing you
with the ability to use the SW8-USB with show control systems to trigger lighting or video cues, or to control and
synchronize audio playback on your primary and backup computers. For larger shows that require more than eight
channels of audio playback, up to three SW8-USB units can be linked together for a total of 24 output channels.
Typical stage setup for playing backing tracks through the SW8-USB
Front of House (FOH)
Primary Computer (A)Backup Computer (B) JR-2 Remote
(Optional)
Playback System
Control
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