Radial SW8 8-Channel Audio Switcher (B-Stock)

Front End Audio has a fantastic deal on this factory direct B-Stock unit, and stock is limited! Radial quality control has deemed this as "B-Stock" so expect a minor cosmetic flaw or blemish. But, rest assured that this will have absolutely no impact on the functionality or performance of this unit. Radial fully inspects and tests every B-Stock product AND they are covered by a full manufacturer warranty. This is your opportunity to grab a great deal on an otherwise "just like new" SW8 from Radial!

The Radial SW8 8-Channel Audio Switcher is a professional automatic backup switcher designed to provide seamless redundancy for live touring, broadcast, and mission-critical playback systems. Engineered to instantly switch between primary and backup multitrack sources, the SW8 ensures your show continues without interruption, protecting performances from computer crashes, playback errors, or signal failure. The Radial SW8 is built for high-stakes live productions that rely on multichannel playback systems. It features eight channels of balanced audio switching and automatically detects signal loss on the primary source, instantly switching to a backup system without clicks, pops, or noticeable interruption. This makes it an essential tool for touring acts using playback rigs, theatrical productions, houses of worship, and broadcast environments where reliability is paramount. In addition to audio switching, the SW8 includes MIDI monitoring and switching capabilities, allowing synchronized control data to follow the selected audio source. Front-panel LED metering provides clear visual confirmation of signal presence and system status, while transformer-isolated outputs ensure clean, noise-free performance. Housed in a rugged rackmount chassis, the SW8 is purpose-built for demanding professional applications where redundancy is not optional.

Radial SW8 8-Channel Audio Switcher Features

• Automatic 8-channel audio switcher for redundant playback systems
• Instantly switches to backup source upon signal loss
• Seamless, click-free switching for live performance use
• Balanced inputs and transformer-isolated outputs
• Integrated MIDI switching and monitoring
• Front-panel LED metering for signal and status indication
• Designed for touring, broadcast, theater, and worship applications
• Rugged rackmount chassis for professional deployment

Radial SW8 8-Channel Audio Switcher Applications

The following are three common scenarios used today in live production. For obvious reasons, the Radial has removed the names of the bands and technicians who provided this info as many artists like to keep their production secrets, well... secret! Each scenario might have a click track going on a separate out, usually only to the drummer, very rarely if ever, to the front of house. Sometimes alternate click tracks are sent, via the monitor desk, to individual band members that need to start at the top of a given song.

• Fly-in Scenario: This is setup is most commonly employed in the club scene and for fly-in promotional TV and video tours. In these scenarios, everything is mixed to a single stereo or even a mono output to feed the PA system and broadcaster. Some bands have done this with great success but this takes a lot of hard work to get the balance just right.
• Moderate Scenario: Here, 16 backing tracks are mixed down into stereo subgroups. This is the most common form of backing tracks as the musicians are doing all of the main work and the playback machines are adding icing to the cake. In these systems, you'll see extra left and right drums, percussion & beats, keyboards and orchestration, guitars & backing vocals and often all of the vocal effects.
• Superstar Scenario: Everything is on backing tracks: drums, electronic beats, instruments, backing vocals, vocal effects and in some cases, even lead vocals. Here we are talking about the various pop bands that incorporate huge, over-the-top production. Every track is broken out to individual channels so the monitor engineer can send different players different mixes & the front of house mixer has total control.

Radial SW8 8-Channel Audio Switcher Specifications

• Technical Specs:
  • Audio Circuit Type: Passive signal path with active relay switching
  • Input Impedance: 140k Ohms, balanced
  • Output Impedance: 150 Ohms, balanced
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz ~ 20KHz
  • Gain: -20dB
  • Dynamic Range: >120dB
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.002%
  • Noise Floor: -115dBu
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: >94dB
  • Equivalent Input Noise: -95dBu
  • Maximum Input: 26dBu
  • Phase Deviation: -2° @ 20Hz
  • Intermodulation Distortion: >0.002%
  • Common Mode Rejection Ratio: -112dB at 50/60Hz
• Features:
  • Number of Channels: Eight channels
  • Switching: Local, remote, and auto-switching with gate
  • Transformer: Eclipse ET-DB2
  • Pad: -30dB
  • Ground Lift: Disconnects XLR pin-1 at isolated output
  • XLR Configuration: AES standard Pin-1 ground, Pin-2(+), Pin-3(-)
  • Connectors: ¼" TRS, DB-25 inputs; XLR-F, DB-25 outputs
• General:
  • Construction: 14 gauge steel chassis & outer shell
  • Finish: Durable powder coat
  • Size (L x W x H): 17.5" x 6" x 1.75" (44.5cm x 15.25cm x 4.5cm)
  • Weight: 9.2 lb (4.2kg)
  • Shipping Size (L x W x H): 22" x 10.375" x 4.5" (55.9cm x 26.4cm x 11.4cm)
  • Shipping Weight: 9.7 lb (4.4 kg)
  • Power: Two +15VDC/400mA power supplies included
  • Conditions: For use in dry locations only between 5°C and 40°C

Radial SW8 8-Channel Audio Switcher Includes

• Radial SW8 8-Channel Audio Switcher
• Power Supply
• User Guide
• Manufacturer Warranty