Mixer, Dante Interface, and MIDI Control Surface
An all-in-one personal monitoring mixer, Dante audio interface, and MIDI control surface, the Hear Technologies Switch Back PLUS consolidates multiple functions that would typically require multiple hardware units. This indispensable tool enables you to mix up to 32 stereo channels of Dante and four zero-latency local inputs to stereo line-level outputs and dual Headphone outputs. Additionally, you can transmit your stereo mix and local inputs back to the Dante network. Moreover, the Switch Back PLUS’s knobs can send and receive MIDI CC data, enabling it to function as a network-based MIDI controller. Deploying the Switch Back PLUS is incredibly straightforward; simply connect it to a PoE+ network switch via Ethernet, then route audio to and from your Dante-equipped devices. You can add multiple Switch Back PLUS mixers to scale and decentralize your audio inputs or to give each artist their own monitor mixer. Beyond that, you get discrete Dante channels for using the local inputs as an intercom source. Finally, the Switch Back PLUS provides you with a robust 5-watt headphone amplifier to ensure clean monitoring, along with a studio-caliber mic preamp, selectable phantom power, a built-in EQ and compressor, and vivid OLED graphical displays.
One box gives you complete control
Seamlessly melding personal mixing, a Dante audio interface, and MIDI control into a compact, network-driven unit, the Switch Back PLUS allows you to control volume, panning, and stereo width of 32 stereo Dante channels with zero latency. As a personal monitor, the Switch Back PLUS features a Master volume knob, a 4-band parametric EQ, balanced stereo outputs, two Headphone jacks, and easy-to-read OLED screens displaying channel names and statuses. As an audio interface, the Switch Back PLUS includes four local inputs comprising an XLR Mic input with switchable +48-volt phantom power, a hi-Z Instrument input, and two balanced line-level inputs, all of which can be routed alongside the main stereo mix to any device on the Dante network. Moreover, you get four discrete default-muted Dante channels that you activate via the Broadcast button, transforming any local input into a fully functional intercom. At Sweetwater, we’re also impressed by the Switch Back PLUS’s MIDI capabilities, which enable you to send and receive MIDI CC data over the same network connection as Dante. This allows you to use the unit’s knobs to control both software and external hardware, complete with real-time CC value feedback.
Hear Technologies: trusted tools for clearer sound
Leveraging decades of engineering expertise and attentive audio research, Hear Technologies has built a reputation for delivering not only a reliable lineup of creative-minded products but also the knowledge and expertise that go hand in hand with every design. Committed to durability and top-shelf sound, the company arms musicians and producers with user-friendly monitoring tools that keep workflows seamless and performances sounding their best — whether it’s the renowned Hear Back PRO and OCTO systems, Mix Back controllers, or a range of external audio accessories. Today, Hear Technologies continues this decades-long practice with a focus on integrability and versatility, serving everyone from traveling musicians to mobile studios.
Hear Technologies Switch Back PLUS Features:
- An all-in-one personal monitoring mixer, Dante audio interface, and MIDI control surface
- Connects to a PoE+ network switch via Ethernet, then routes audio to and from Dante-equipped devices
- Mixes 32 stereo ch. of Dante and 4 zero-latency local inputs
- Studio-caliber mic preamp with switchable +48V phantom power, 50dB of gain, and 100Hz HPF
- hi-Z Instrument input with 32dB of gain and 100Hz HPF
- 2 balanced line-level inputs and outputs
- Robust 5W headphone amp ensures clean monitoring
- Transmits your stereo mix and local inputs back to the Dante network
- Personal mixer allows control over volume, panning, and stereo width
- Master volume, 4-band parametric EQ, and built-in compressor
- Add multiple mixers to scale and decentralize your audio inputs or to give each artist their own monitor mixer
- Discrete Dante channels for using the local inputs as an intercom source
- Knobs can send and receive MIDI CC data, functioning as a network-based MIDI controller
- Vivid OLED graphical displays for channel labeling and statuses
- Mounts on a standard mic stand receptacle
- PoE+ provides straightforward, 1-cable connection for both audio and power
