Electro Harmonix Switchblade Pro

A Modern Switcher in the Lineage of Switchblade Solutions

The Switchblade Pro belongs to the family of switchers designed to solve a simple but crucial problem: regaining control over a pedalboard and backline that become more complex (multiple effects chains, multiple amps, or multiple instruments on stage).

Where a basic A/B selector merely routes a signal, this "Pro" version goes further with a routing-oriented approach: series/parallel loops, mixing, dry blend, and quality buffers to avoid high-frequency loss and the "tone suck" sensation often associated with long chains and vintage pedals that are not true bypass.

Who Is the Switchblade Pro For?

The Switchblade Pro is designed for guitarists and bassists who want a clean, coherent, and quick-to-operate setup live, without tap-dancing. In the studio, it becomes a true hub for comparing two effects chains, rearranging processing order, or testing combinations instantly.

It is also perfectly suited for multi-instrumentalists (guitar, bass, keyboard, electric violin, machines): you can gather several sources and send them to one amp or one input, while maintaining control over levels. Rock, pop, metal, ambient, electro: whenever your setup demands audio logistics, it becomes a huge time saver.

Routing, Controls, and Modes: The Swiss Army Knife of Pedalboards

The heart of the Switchblade Pro is its two loops (A and B) usable in series or parallel. In series mode, you can chain the two loops and even decide which loop goes first via A/B selection: ideal for quickly testing the impact of order (for example, drive before modulation, or vice versa). In parallel mode, both paths can be mixed, a powerful approach to layer textures without crushing the attack.

On the control side, everything is designed for efficiency: A Level, B Level, and Dry Level allow precise balancing of loop returns and the direct signal. Each level can go up to a clean gain of +6 dB, handy to compensate for a pedal that drops volume or to turn the Switchblade Pro into a transparent solo boost.

Switching relies on a mechanical true bypass while maintaining a soft switching feel underfoot. Additionally, the pedal integrates low-noise buffers and a large headroom to handle instrument or line signals without strain. Internal settings also allow phase inversion of outputs A and B, useful when combining effects or two amps that react differently.

Sound Quality

Here, "sound quality" is mostly measured by what the Switchblade Pro does not do: it is designed to remain transparent. High-quality buffers and high headroom help preserve clarity, attack, and frequency balance, even with long cables, vintage pedals, or loaded effects chains.

The Dry Level control is a major asset for bass: you can reinject your direct signal to keep a solid and clear low end while dosing the effect (fuzz, modulation, synth, etc.) in a separate path. The result: a "pro" routing that respects playing dynamics and limits unpleasant level surprises when switching loops.

Technical specifications

Effects	Boost, Mixer	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Black

Two effects loops	Loop A and Loop B	Audio output	6.35mm Jack
Routing modes	series or parallel	Loop sends	Send A (6.35mm Jack), Send B (6.35mm Jack)
Selection and combination	A/B and A+B	Loop returns	Return A (6.35mm Jack), Return B (6.35mm Jack)
In series mode	ability to define loop order via A/B selection	Buffers	high quality and low noise
Potentiometers	A Level, Dry Level, B Level	Input level accepted	instrument or line
Boost possible via level settings	up to +6 dB clean gain	Input impedance	2.2 megaohms
Switch	Series / Parallel	Output impedance (Send A/B)	220 ohms
Footswitches	Bypass, A/B, A+B	Return input impedance (Return A/B)	90 kiloohms
Audio input	6.35mm Jack