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.

Q: I understand the Headbone will allow me to select between heads. But can I play both heads at the same time?

A: No. You cannot take the output from one head and have it connected in parallel with another as the amps would likely blow up. This would
inevitably occur if both were connected to the same speakers. You can get this 'effect' by wiring a 4x12 cabinet with two speakers per head and then using a Switchbone ABY switcher to select or combine amps.

Q: How do I use the Headbone VT to switch between 2 heads into a full stack, i.e. 2 4x12 cabinets?
 
A: Most amp cabinets have an input and a parallel (or series) output jack. You would connect the output from the Headbone to the first cabinet and then from the first cabinet to the second. If your cabinet is not equipped with a parallel jack, simply build a Y-Jack cable or junction box using heavy speaker wire.

Q: Is there any way to run two cabinets rather than just one with the Headbone?

A: Yes there are two ways: (1) You can use the parallel jacks on the cabinets - most have these, by connecting speaker cable into the next cabinet, or (2) you can split the output using a Y junction box or Y cable. We suggest you make up a simple Y junction using a metal box and 1/4" connectors. Make sure you use heavy 12 gauge wire inside for proper signal transfer.

Q: I understand that I cannot put an echo device on the amplifier effects loop when using a headbone, but is it also harmful to put something else, like a compressor, on the FXloop?

A: No problem to use anything that does not keep ‘playing’ after the head is no longer connected to a speaker. So for instance, you could use a delay, so long as it does not continue to repeat. If it does, you could blow you amp.

Q: Can I run the output of a Headbone into the input of the Cabbone, therby giving me the ability to select between 2 different cabs with either heads?
  
A: Yes. This makes for an awesome set up!

Q: If Im linking together an all tube head and a hybrid amp with an SS pre and tube power, do I use the Headbone VT?

A: Yes, it is the power section that determines the type of Headbone you should use.