DACS HeadLine
The DACS HeadLine is to designed to enable guitarists a fast and simple way to audition multiple combinations of amplifiers and cabinets. The HeadLine by DACS allows users to connect 8 amplifiers and 4 speaker cabinets. With an amplifier selected it can be routed to any connected speaker and if desired, two speakers simultaneously.
The HeadLine comes as two 1U rack enclosures. The first unit houses the user interface for the guitarist or engineer and the second unit is a relay switching box that sits next to the amplifiers. The units connect with a standard RJ45 network cable for easy routing and cable management.
User Interface/Selector Unit
The HeadLine selector unit has 12 illuminated buttons, 8 red and 4 blue. The red buttons are for selecting guitar amplifiers and the blue for selecting loudspeaker cabinets. The loudspeaker connections are continuously monitored. This ensures that there is a functioning loudspeaker present and there is no short or open circuit.
When routing, available speaker outputs will be shown by a dimly lit switch. Unavailable outputs will not be illuminated.
To label each amplifier and cabinet we use a Neodymium magnetic strip set into the case, onto which white magnetic labels are placed (we supply pre-cut strips with a whiteboard pen in a drawstring bag). The strips are cut to size. We have supplied extra labels, so you can keep a collection of prewritten labels or printed tape labels ready for use on a new session.
Relay Switcher Unit
The HeadLine switcher unit switches all screens/0V lines with the signal lines ensuring total isolation between amplifiers, and total fidelity of transmission.
On unselected amplifier inputs, the signal and screen are linked (like a ‘silent switch’ jack) to ensure there is no hum or other interference picked up by the amplifier. Unselected amplifier outputs are connected to a dummy load to ensure that sensitive valve output stages are not compromised.
When a new amplifier or loudspeaker is selected, the first step is to disconnect the currently active amplifier input line and link the signal and screen. Very shortly after this the selected amplifier output is routed to the selected loudspeaker, then the guitar input is connected.
The very short delay gives the amplifier a chance to settle, and any reverb to dissipate before disconnecting its output. Changing loudspeakers follows the same procedure.