Anyone Have Any Experiences With The Radial Headbone ? (2 heads into 1 cabinet)

crusty philtrum

crusty philtrum

Vintageologist
Specifically the VT version, that allows for two tube amps to be switched to one speaker cabinet, but i imagine the other models (for two s/s heads, or one s/s and one tube) function in pretty much the same way.

I've been rehearsing and playing with a new band and have been giving a lot of thought to a rig that will give me the greatest versatility with the easiest transportation, and it looks like the Radial Headbone head-switching unit would be the solution.

Anyone have any experiences they can share about using one of these units ? (thanks in advance for any insights you might have).
 
Re: Anyone Have Any Experiences With The Radial Headbone ? (2 heads into 1 cabinet)

I have only used one in the shop. We tested several heads with it...into the same 2x12, for about a year. Maybe 30-40 pairs of heads.
Like I say, this was not on the road, but in the shop, where a head was On for 5-10 minutes...we never had an OT problem. Switched back and forth a few times with each pairing.
They seem to work fine. I guess the only potential for disaster would be during switching, but I think even then, it would be a Cumulative/Long Term concern.
I hate to say it, but have you checked on TGP.? There are probably quite a few threads about it. You could probably even do a search...some guys have qualms about logging on there.
What have you heard so far.? Any, much, complaints of amp problems because of this switcher.?
best
 
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Re: Anyone Have Any Experiences With The Radial Headbone ? (2 heads into 1 cabinet)

The only thing i've heard so far that could be an issue is about the use of delays directly in front of either head or in the effects loop of either head (i.e. anywhere AFTER the Headbone unit). Trailing delays will still reach the head which is being switched 'off', and it seems the output protection for the 'off' head is only a load for the amp at idle with no signal, not a full dummy load. Meaning that the amp being switched 'off' will not want to be trying to amplify delay trails while the other amp has been connected to the speakers.

This would not be a problem for me though as my two main delay pedals (TC Nova and Strymon El Capistan) can be set to have either delay trails or 'immediate and full OFF' (no trails), I would just have to ensure i set them for the latter type of operation.

Purely for the sake of interest, the two amps in question will be my homebrew Matchless DC30/Vox AC30 head and a 40-watt Pro Reverb 2 x 12 combo. The idea would be to sit the AC30-based head on the combo and select which chasis drives the combo's pair of 12s. This would also mean I have two amps available and could continue to play even if one of them became problematic.

A second option will be to make a head cabinet for the combo chasis and run both the heads into the two 2 x 10 cabs i am currently using. Either of these ideas will help create the versatility i need with minimal stage space required, ease of transportation and the 'backup' factor of having two amps available in case one decided to quit mid-show. Not to mention I'd only have one cabinet to be mic'd in bigger situations, although i guess that would mean a sound guy/gal might need to keep a closer ear on what was hitting the mic at any given time.
 
Re: Anyone Have Any Experiences With The Radial Headbone ? (2 heads into 1 cabinet)

I'm not 100% sure, but having your delay before the switcher should be OK as any trailing delay would be sent to the 'active' amp. Depending on settings it may not sound great, but it shouldn't be a cause for concern OT-wise.
 
Re: Anyone Have Any Experiences With The Radial Headbone ? (2 heads into 1 cabinet)

super awesome invention! for those that hate modelers, you could go tube, and then switch to modeler or other head etc and signal is in tact

I remember Gearjoneser saying the possibility that it malfunctions and fries an amp scares me though
 
Re: Anyone Have Any Experiences With The Radial Headbone ? (2 heads into 1 cabinet)

Kind of a dilemma.
I suppose you have played your AC30 through the speakers in your Pro Rev, and the sound suits you.......
 
Re: Anyone Have Any Experiences With The Radial Headbone ? (2 heads into 1 cabinet)

I've had one for about three years and haven't had a single problem at all. I've got it hooked up to a Marshall Vintage Modern and a Bogner head. I've run them through a 2x12 and now they're going through a 1x12. Works great.
 
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