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Radial Engineering SW8-USB Owner's Manual

Auto-switcher and usb playback interface
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True to the Music
SW8-USB
Auto-Switcher and USB Playback Interface
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Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam BC V3C 5M5
tel: 604-942-1001 • fax: 604-942-1010
www.radialeng.com
email: info@radialeng.com • web: www.radialeng.com
Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 2019 Radial Engineering Ltd.

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Summary of Contents for Radial Engineering SW8-USB

  • Page 1 ’ wner anual Radial Engineering Ltd. 1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam BC V3C 5M5 tel: 604-942-1001 • fax: 604-942-1010 www.radialeng.com email: info@radialeng.com • web: www.radialeng.com Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2019 Radial Engineering Ltd.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    We encourage you to read through this manual to familiarize yourself with the many features available on the SW8-USB, allowing you to get the most out of this powerful interface and auto-switching device. If you have any questions not answered in this user guide, please visit our website at www.radialeng.com for additional resources and frequently asked questions.

  • Page 3: Overview

    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.

  • Page 4: Front Panel Features

    AUTO: Recessed switch determines whether the SW8-USB switching is controlled manually by the user or set to Auto-Switch mode where the SW8-USB will automatically select the B inputs should a fault be detected on the A side. Press in to engage Auto- switch mode, the LED below will illuminate.

  • Page 5: Rear Panel Features

    SW8-USB. Compatible with Mac OS only, featuring 192kHz/24bit converters. AUTO-SWITCH INPUT: Selects whether Tone via SPDIF or MTC is used for the auto-switch inputs of the SW8-USB. Tone (SPDIF) should be used for the lowest latency when switching over to the B inputs.

  • Page 6: Powering The Sw8-Usb

    True to the Music GETTING STARTED Before connecting to the SW8-USB, it is always best to turn your audio system levels down in order to prevent plug- in transients that could damage more sensitive components such as high frequency drivers.

  • Page 7: Setting The Digital Audio Resolution And Selecting Outputs

    CONNECTING THE ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUTS The SW8-USB has two sets of analog audio outputs: the XLR connectors on the front panel to feed the main PA system, and the rear panel DB25 and 1/4” TRS connectors for monitoring outputs at your playback control station.

  • Page 8: Operating In Manual Switch Mode

    MANUAL SWITCHING VS. AUTO SWITCHING The SW8-USB can be used to manually select between the two playback computers, or it can be set to automatically detect a drop-out or failure on your primary system and immediately switch to the backup system to ensure a seamless performance.

  • Page 9: Auto-Switch Mode Overview

    Auto-Switch inputs of the SW8-USB. This signal can be either MTC (MIDI Time Code) or an audio tone track that is fed to the SW8-USB via the SPDIF inputs. The PLAYBACK ACTIVITY LEDs on the front panel light up when this signal is detected from each computer.

  • Page 10: Operating In Auto-Switch Mode

    MTC or Tone via SPDIF to the Auto-Switch inputs. If the PLAYBACK ACTIVITY B LED is not illuminated, the SW8-USB will assume that the backup playback system also has a fault, and it will not switch over to the B inputs.

  • Page 11: Synchronizing Playback Computers Overview

    SYNC LOCK switch as mentioned above and connect your external device to the MIDI IN jack on the rear panel. You will also need to enable the SW8-USB as a MIDI input device in the DAWs on both playback computers, and configure the peripherals settings in each DAW to allow for external transport control.

  • Page 12: Using The Sync Lock Feature

    Backup (B) Computer settings On the backup (B) computer, change your DAW synchronization settings so that the SW8-USB is selected as the MTC source. You will also need to set your DAW to syncronize to incoming timecode: in ProTools this is accomplished by pressing Command+J to enable online playback, or by pressing the clock face icon in the transport window.

  • Page 13: Using The Alarm Output

    ‘Use’ box to select the connected SW8-USB. Connect the next two SW8-USB units to your computer in turn, checking the box next to the name ‘Radial SW8-USB’ each time to add them to the aggregate. In your Digital Audio Workstation, select your aggregate device as the enabled output device.

  • Page 14: Troubleshooting Guide

    Check that both your power supplies are plugged in and using the correct adaptor cable for your region. USB A and B LEDs are lit on the back panel of the SW8-USB even though the device is not powered. This is normal operation for the SW8-USB, the USB cards in the device that connect to your computers are bus powered, meaning that the connected computer provides the power to the USB converter.
  • Page 15 The Playback LEDs will not light when I’m trying to feed MTC or Tone via SPDIF to the auto-switch inputs. First ensure that you have the correct setting on the Auto-Switch button on the rear panel of the SW8-USB. Move this button to the ‘in’...

  • Page 16: Warranty

    RADIAL ENGINEERING LTD. 3 YEAR TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY RADIAL ENGINEERING LTD. (“Radial”) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and work- manship and will remedy any such defects free of charge according to the terms of this warranty. Radial will repair or replace (at its option) any defective component(s) of this product (excluding finish and wear and tear on components under normal use) for a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase.

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