The Saturnworks Rotary Switch is a switching pedal that uses a knob rather than a footswitch to route your signal: Saturnworks describes it as a way to "switch between multiple inputs/outputs or loops with the turn of a knob"1. Turn the knob and the pedal selects one channel at a time, sending one guitar to several amps, or several instruments into one amp. Saturnworks also points to it for keyboard players and for selecting or testing preamps1.
Jack layouts: standard, reversed and TRS
The line comes in three jack layouts, and the difference is purely which side your cables leave from1:
| Layout | Jack arrangement |
|---|---|
| Standard | One jack on the right, three on the left1 |
| Reversed | Three jacks on the right, one on the left1 |
| TRS | 1/4" TRS jacks on the inputs and outputs1 |
The TRS versions are for TRS switching applications such as stereo or balanced audio signals or expression controllers, and Saturnworks notes they also work with standard TS signals1. If you are routing ordinary mono guitar signals, the standard or reversed layout is what you want; the choice between them is simply which side of the pedal the single common jack sits on.
Versions and what each does
Saturnworks builds the rotary switch in a range of channel counts and configurations1:
- 3-Channel Rotary Switch
- 3-Channel Reversed Rotary Switch
- 3-Channel Rotary Switch TRS
- 3-Channel Reversed Rotary Switch TRS
- 3-Channel Reversed Rotary Switch with Volume Controls
- 5-Channel Reversed Rotary Switch
- 6-Channel Reversed Rotary Switch with Volume Controls
- 3-Loop Rotary Looper
- 5-Loop Rotary Looper
Both the standard and reversed switches work the same way: switching through one channel at a time with a knob1. The reversed 5-channel version switches five inputs to one output, one at a time, and adds a sixth "off" position1.
On the versions with volume controls, Saturnworks fits volume knobs on the inputs "so that you can pre-set the levels of the various inputs relative to each other"1. That matters when the sources you are switching between, say a guitar and a keyboard, put out different levels.
The rotary loopers
The rotary looper variants apply the same knob idea to effects loops. The 3-loop rotary looper switches between three true bypass loops with a single channel selector knob, and a fourth knob position bypasses all three loops and sends the input directly to the output1. The 5-loop rotary looper works the same way with two extra loops, and its rotary switch has a sixth bypass position1.
Because these use a knob rather than a footswitch, Saturnworks positions the rotary looper for keyboard players, who typically operate gear by hand rather than by foot1.
Price
Saturnworks lists the rotary switch line at a price range of $49.00 through $109.00 USD, as stated on the maker's product page dated 26 July 20251. Where a given version falls in that range depends on its channel count, jack layout and whether it carries volume controls.
Questions
What does a Saturnworks Rotary Switch do?
It uses a knob to switch between multiple inputs, outputs or effects loops. Saturnworks describes it as a way to switch one input to various outputs, such as one guitar between several amps, or to switch multiple instruments into a single amp. It is also useful for keyboard players and for selecting or testing preamps.
What is the difference between standard and reversed versions?
The difference is the jack layout. The standard version has one jack on the right and three on the left, while the reversed version has three jacks on the right and one on the left. Both work the same way, switching through one channel at a time with a knob, so the choice comes down to which side of the pedal your cables need to run from.
Can the Saturnworks Rotary Switch switch between amps?
Yes. Saturnworks lists switching one guitar between various amps as a primary use, along with switching multiple instruments into a single amp. The same routing also suits keyboard players and players who want to select or test between different preamps.
Does the Saturnworks Rotary Switch have volume controls?
Some versions do. The versions with volume controls feature volume knobs on the inputs so you can pre-set the levels of the various inputs relative to each other, which matters when you are switching between instruments or sources of different output strength.
How much does a Saturnworks Rotary Switch cost?
Saturnworks lists the rotary switch line at a price range of $49.00 through $109.00 USD as of July 2025. The range covers the different channel counts, jack layouts and volume-control options, so the version you choose sets the price within that range.
What switch does Saturnworks use in the Rotary Switch?
Saturnworks says the rotary switch switches input or output channels using a high quality all-metal Alpha brand switch. Alpha is the component maker whose rotary switch sits at the heart of the pedal.
Sources (1)
- Rotary Switch, saturnworkspedals.com, 2025-07-26