The ART COOLSwitchPro is a foot-operated A/B-Y switch with transformer isolation, made by ART (Applied Research and Technology). It lets you switch an instrument signal, whether guitar, bass or keyboard, to either of two amplifiers or amp channels, A or B, or send the input to both at once. Because it is passive, it needs no power and provides true bypass, and its switchable transformer isolation between the input and OUTPUT B is there to help prevent shocks and remove hum1.
What it does for a player
An A/B-Y switch solves a routing problem: one instrument, two destinations. With the COOLSwitchPro, a player can flip between two amplifiers or between two channels of one amp, or press the Y footswitch to feed both outputs at the same time. The transformer isolation on OUTPUT B addresses the noise and safety problems that can come up when two amps are powered from different circuits, where ground loops produce hum and, in worse cases, a shock risk. ART describes the case as a rugged all aluminum case that sits flat, with footswitch spacing arranged for easy operation1.
Controls and jacks
The unit is operated from the front panel with rocker switches and footswitches, and connected entirely with 1/4-inch jacks1.
| Connection | Function |
|---|---|
| INPUT | Plug your instrument (guitar, bass, or keyboard) or other signal source into this jack; 1/4-inch TS mono unbalanced1 |
| OUTPUT A | To the main amplifier or amp channel1 |
| OUTPUT B | To the secondary amplifier or channel; the functions controlled by the rocker switches on the front panel are applied to this output1 |
| A/B switch | Selects which output, A or B, receives the input signal1 |
| Y footswitch | Pushing this footswitch alternates between connecting the INPUT jack to both the OUTPUT A and the OUTPUT B jacks, or to just one jack selected by the A/B switch1 |
| Isolation switch | Switchable transformer isolation between input and OUTPUT B, to help prevent shocks and remove hum1 |
The rocker-switch functions on the front panel are applied to OUTPUT B only, so the isolation transformer sits between the input and the B output, not the A output1.
Power and bypass
There is no power connection to make. ART's user guide states that passive operation requires no power and provides true bypass, so the COOLSwitchPro works without a battery, adapter or pedalboard supply, and the signal passes through unaltered when the switching is not engaged1.
Warranty
ART covers the COOLSwitchPro against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from the date of purchase, in the USA only, with repair or replacement at ART's option and proof of purchase required. The warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product, unauthorized alterations or repairs, or altered, defaced or removed serial numbers1.
Sources (1)
- COOLSwitchPro User's Guide, ART (Applied Research and Technology), 2025