The Decibel Eleven Switch Witch is a MIDI controller and loop switcher made by Decibel Eleven. It combines programmable MIDI control, true-bypass audio effects loops, and amp channel switching in one floor unit, placing it among MIDI pedals and switching pedals rather than with sound-shaping effects. Its list price was $425, with a street price of $2991.
Loops, switching and the buffer
The Switch Witch provides up to 4 true bypass pedal effects loops1. True bypass means a pedal sitting in a switched-out loop is taken completely out of the signal path, so its tone character does not remain in the chain. Alongside the audio loops, the unit offers switch control functions for amp channel switching, letting one preset change both your effects and your amp's channel at the same time1.
For players worried about tone loss through long chains of cables, Decibel Eleven includes an optional analog discrete Class A input buffer, described as retaining top end sparkle and preventing pickup loading1. Because it is optional, it can be switched off if you prefer the unbuffered response of true bypass throughout.
The buffer is optional by design: players who want the direct feel of guitar into true bypass loops can leave it out, while players with long cable runs can engage it to counter high-end loss1.
Presets and MIDI control
The Switch Witch stores 128 presets, each capable of sending a variety of MIDI program changes, controls and messages with expression pedal MIDI continuous controller data1. In practice, that means one switch can recall a whole rig state: which loops are on, what channel the amp is on, and what values are sent to connected MIDI gear.
Presets can also be recalled remotely by MIDI for syncing multiple switchers and controllers1, so a larger rig can keep several units following the same preset changes.
Two operating modes cover different ways of working:
- Preset mode: recalls stored 128-preset configurations, sending the programmed MIDI program changes, controls and messages1
- Direct mode: provides instant access to individual switches for the effect loops and control switching, for turning single loops on and off by hand1
Price and where it sits in the range
The Switch Witch carried a list price of $425, with a street price of $2991.
Videos
Premier Guitar
Sources (1)
- Switch Witch: Decibel Eleven's New MIDI Controller, Premier Guitar, 2013-07-10