Preamps and Processors:  Preamplifiers

Radial Engineering BigShot i/O Deluxe A/B Switch

Manufactured by: Radial Engineering

Radial Engineering has another device for doublers that don't require the sophistication of the Bassbone... The BigShot i/O. This heavy duty footswitch also allows you to switch between two instruments - and while it has fewer "bells and whistles," it's also very well thought-out with some useful, gig-worthy features.

The BigShot i/O is made from 14-gauge steel that will provide years of use without flexing. This helps to protect the internal connections and reduces the potential for problems over time. The unit is 1¼ lbs. and about 3¾ inches square

This unit offers much more than a simple A/B input switcher, offering the following features:

Input 1 is straight through, so it may be best for your upright bass depending on your rig, especially if it is coming direct from your pickup and relying on the impedance of the preamp or amp. The BigShot i/O has no impedance value of its own, so whatever is plugged into Input one sees whatever is plugged into the output.

Input 2 may be best for an active instrument, especially if this second instrument has a higher output than the first. This is because of the ability to reduce the signal level to match the first input so one instrument is not louder than the other.

• Select Footswitch toggles between Input 1 and Input 2.
  
  
  
• Mute Footswitch lets you kill the output signal to the amp when you are tuning or switching between instruments, a very useful feature. It does not cut the signal to the Tuner Output, so you can mute the out to your amp while tuning.
  
  
  
• Dim Level Control is a slotted adjustment screw on the back of the unit that reduces the volume of Input 2.
  
  
  
• Bright Switch is a three position switch to adjust for the potential effects of the volume reduction of the Dim Level control. It has two different bright settings or can be turned off completely.
  
  
  
• Dim Switch bypasses the Dim circuitry if it is not needed.
  
  
  
• Tuner Switch lets you choose whether to keep the tuner output active at all times or only when you click the Mute Switch.
  
  
  

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