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VCA and digital circuits are
not acceptable as the 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.
Q: I have heard that using a delay
with a head switcher can cause a problem with the amps.
Is this true?
A: 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.
Q: Can I use the Headbone like an AB box?
A: 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.
Q: I have a solid-state amp
and a tube amp and want to switch between them. What should
I use?
A: The Radial
Switchbone is an ABY box that is designed to toggle between
two amps. Although not quite the same as switching heads,
the Switchbone works very well, sounds amazing and will
do the job.
Q: Can I use the Headbone with
a MIDI switcher?
A: Yes. Most MIDI switchers
are equipped with a contact closure output jack. This would
be connected to the Headbone’s Slingshot input remotely
control.
Q: If I do not want to use the Slingshot remote, how far
from the amps and speaker can I be?
A: 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.
Q: What happens if I use another
supply instead of the 15VDC one that comes with the Headbone?
A: 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.
Q: Are there any manufacturers that make multi-power supply bricks for Tonebones?
A: Yes; The Cioks DC10 and AC10 both have 15V outlets for Tonebone pedals.
Q: I have a 200W amp. Can I still
use the Headbone?
A: yes, but you have
to be careful. The impedance of your amp will actually determine
the current capacity that can drive through the Headbone.
Go to Maximum Power Ratings for more details.
Q: If I have a 300 Watt amp, can I modify the Headbone?
A: Yes. In fact we have
included a provision in the design to allow a 350 Watt relay
to be factory installed in the Headbone. Contact you Tonebone
dealer for details on how you can order this special high
power version.
Q: What if I have
two amp heads; one tube head and one solid state; do I use
the VT or the SS?
A: The Headbone
TS allows for one tube and one solid-state amp.
Q: Is it possible
to run an overdrive pedal to just one of the amps
with a Headbone switcher? (i.e. overdrive pedal after the
Headbone)?
A: Yes. The Headbone signal
path is as follows: guitar signal goes into
Headbone, from the Headbone you would insert a pedal, then
into amp-1. The Headbone would also feed amp-2. Then the
signal would come back from both speaker outputs from the
two heads, back into the Headbone and then to the speaker.
Q: Are there any problems
using attenuators with the Headbones?
A: There is no problem with
using an attenuator or load with a Headbone.
All of the Headbones look at the source devices (heads)
and apply the output as if a speaker. So if your head is
fine with an attenuator, the Headbone will simply pass along
the signal as if connected directly.
Q: Can
I place one power attenuator between my headbone and my
cab, so the power of both heads would be attenuated?
A: Yes, the power attenuator
wil act just like a speaker... so it will be fine.
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