About the Radial Engineering BigShot ABY Bypass Switch Pedal
The Radial Engineering BigShot ABY is a professional-grade, passive switching pedal designed to solve a fundamental need for guitarists and bassists: routing a single instrument signal to two different amplifiers or signal chains. Crafted with Radial's reputation for robust build quality and transparent signal integrity, this pedal provides a reliable and tone-neutral solution for players who wish to run a bi-amp setup, A/B test different amps, or blend the distinct characteristics of two amplifiers simultaneously. Its completely passive design means it requires no batteries or external power, drawing its operational capability directly from the instrument's signal, which many players believe contributes to a purer, uncolored sound path.
The pedal's functionality is centered around a straightforward yet versatile three-way switch. This allows the musician to select output A only, output B only, or both outputs at once (the "Y" mode). A particularly critical feature in any ABY device is phase correction, and the BigShot ABY addresses this with a dedicated phase switch. When two amplifiers are running together, phase cancellation can cause a thin, hollow sound; flipping this switch inverts the polarity of one output to ensure the signals sum together powerfully and coherently. Additionally, an isolation transformer can be engaged via a ground-lift switch, which eliminates disruptive hum and buzz caused by ground loops when connecting two amps, a common issue in complex setups.
Housed in a heavy-gauge steel chassis, the BigShot ABY is built to withstand the rigors of nightly gigging and touring. Its top-mounted jacks help conserve pedalboard space and reduce the risk of cable damage. The thoughtful design prioritizes noise-free operation and signal preservation, ensuring that the nuanced details of the player's tone are faithfully delivered to both amplifiers without degradation. For guitarists seeking a simple, bulletproof, and sonically transparent method to expand their tonal palette through multiple amplifiers, the Radial Engineering BigShot ABY serves as an essential and trustworthy utility device on the pedalboard.