The American Loopers A/B MIDI Switcher is a small, passive box that routes MIDI signals. It accepts a single MIDI input and uses a toggle switch to send that signal to either of two independent MIDI outputs, so you can choose where your MIDI data goes without repatching cables1. American Loopers describes it as giving you "precise control over signal routing in your setup"1.
Unlike most MIDI pedals, this is not an effects unit. It carries no audio and processes nothing. It is a routing tool: one MIDI controller or pedalboard output can be pointed at one of two MIDI destinations, and the box is fully passive, with no electronics or transformers in the signal path1.
What the A/B MIDI switcher does
The core job is simple: one MIDI input, two MIDI outputs, and a toggle switch that selects which output is live. American Loopers states the device "accepts a single MIDI input and lets you toggle between two independent outputs"1.
A practical example: a pedalboard with one MIDI controller output feeding two different MIDI-equipped rigs. Instead of moving the cable, you flip the toggle and the MIDI stream goes to the other destination1.
The box is also reversible. Run it the other way and it becomes a 2 IN to 1 OUT switcher, letting you A/B between two MIDI sources into a single MIDI destination1. That covers the two common routing problems a MIDI player runs into:
- Single MIDI IN, two MIDI OUTs: one controller, two destinations, toggle to choose1
- Two MIDI INs, one MIDI OUT: the same device works in reverse, two controllers, one destination1
Because it is passive, with no electronics or transformers, the switch simply connects the selected path1.
Inputs, outputs and power
The unit needs no power to do its job. American Loopers states that the "9v 2.1mm Boss type connector is only needed for LEDs, unit is 100% passive"1. Without a supply, the switching still works; you just lose the indicator lights. With a supply, any standard 9V Boss-style center-negative pedal supply with a 2.1mm plug lights the LEDs.
Power is optional. The switcher is fully passive, so a battery or power supply is only needed if you want the LEDs to show which output is active1.
One limitation worth knowing before you buy: the box does not handle phantom power. American Loopers states plainly that "It will not kill or pass through Phantom Power"1. If your rig sends phantom power over the same connection, this is not the switcher for that setup.
Build and construction
American Loopers builds the A/B MIDI Switcher in the USA1. The enclosure is die cast aluminum in black with powder coated paint, which the maker describes as providing "max durability"1. Inside, the wiring is military spec1, and the signal path is described as "No transformers, - No electronics - 100% analog"1.
At 4.77" x 2.6" x 1.39" (121.1 x 66 x 35.3mm)1, it is a compact box that fits alongside other pedalboard gear rather than competing for footswitch space, since it is operated by a toggle switch rather than a stomp switch.
The maker covers it with a 1 year warranty1, the same warranty American Loopers lists across its range of A/B boxes and junction boxes.
Questions
Does the American Loopers A/B MIDI Switcher need power?
No. The unit is 100% passive and needs no power to switch MIDI signals. A 9V 2.1mm Boss type connector is only needed if you want the LEDs to light, so you can run it with no power supply at all on a passive board.
Does it pass phantom power?
No. American Loopers states the unit will not kill or pass through phantom power. If your setup relies on phantom power carried over the same lines, this switcher is not the right tool for that job.
Is the American Loopers A/B MIDI Switcher made in the USA?
Yes. American Loopers lists the A/B MIDI Switcher as made in USA, and the company builds its switchers with military spec wiring in die cast aluminum enclosures with powder coated paint.
What is the warranty on the A/B MIDI Switcher?
American Loopers covers the A/B MIDI Switcher with a 1 year warranty, the same warranty the maker lists across its line of A/B and junction box products.
Sources (1)
- American Loopers A/B Midi Switcher product page, American Loopers
