ART CoolSWITCH A/B-Y Switch Pedal

The ART CoolSWITCH is a compact A/B-Y switch pedal that sends one guitar, bass or keyboard to either of two amplifiers, or to both at once, made for players who want to blend two amp tones, switch between a clean and a dirty amp, or share one amp between two instruments. It’s a simple, affordable way to add a second amp or channel to your rig.

Three ways to route your signal

• A: your instrument goes to the A output only.
• B: your instrument goes to the B output only.
• Y (A+B): both outputs are fed in parallel, so you can run two amps at the same time for a bigger, layered sound.

Two footswitches handle the routing: one chooses between A and B, and the other engages Y. LEDs show which output is active, and both light when you’re in Y mode.

Common setups

• Clean amp and dirty amp: keep one amp set clean and the other driven, and switch with your foot instead of tap-dancing on pedals.
• Two amps at once: use Y to blend two different guitar amps, such as a bright combo with a darker one.
• Switching amp channels: on some amps with two separate inputs, the CoolSWITCH can choose between them.
• Two instruments into one amp: connect two guitars, or a guitar and a keyboard, to the A and B jacks, and run the Common jack to the amp. Switch between A and B only. ART advises against using Y in this setup.

Parallel Common jacks for your tuner

There are two Common jacks wired in parallel. One connects to your instrument (or the amp, when switching two instruments). The other can feed a tuner, so it sees your signal whichever output is active.

Compact and battery powered

The CoolSWITCH measures 90 x 63 x 40 mm and weighs 454 g, so it fits easily on a pedalboard. It runs on a 9V battery, which is included.

Who is the ART CoolSWITCH for?

• Guitarists and bassists who want to try a two-amp setup on a budget.
• Players sharing one amp between two guitars, for example standard and alternate tunings.
• Keyboard players who want to switch one keyboard between two amps or a monitor and a PA input.
• Rehearsal rooms and teachers who need a simple way to route instruments.

It’s a basic switch, without ground isolation. When you run two amps at the same time in Y mode, the amps’ grounds are connected through the pedal, and some combinations of amps can produce hum. If you plan to use two amps together often, an isolated A/B-Y switch such as ART’s CoolSWITCH Pro is the better choice.

CoolSWITCH vs CoolSWITCH Pro

The standard CoolSWITCH covers simple A, B and Y routing in a small, low-cost box. The CoolSWITCH Pro is ART’s isolated A/B-Y switch, designed to reduce hum when two amps run at the same time. If you mostly switch between amps rather than run them together, or you share one amp between two instruments, the standard CoolSWITCH is enough. For more ways to split and isolate signals, see our signal splitters and isolation range.

Tips for using two amps

• Set both amps’ volumes in A and B separately first, so switching doesn’t cause a big jump in level.
• In Y mode, if the sound gets thin or loses bass, one amp may be out of phase with the other. Try a different amp, or an isolated switch with a phase option.
• If you hear hum in Y mode only, it’s likely a ground loop between the amps.
• Use good quality, well-fitting cables, and route them so they aren’t pulled when you step on the switches.

Key features

• A/B-Y switching
• Two footswitches: A/B select and Y
• LED indicators for A and B (both lit in Y)
• Two parallel Common jacks
• One-in, two-out or two-in, one-out routing
• 9V battery powered (battery included)
• Compact pedalboard size

Frequently asked questions

What does an A/B-Y switch do?

It sends one signal to output A, output B, or both at once (Y). The ART CoolSWITCH lets you switch between two amps or run both together.

Can I connect two guitars to one amp with the ART CoolSWITCH?

Yes. Plug the guitars into A and B, and the Common jack into the amp. Switch between A and B, but don’t use Y mode in this setup.

Why do I hear hum when using two amps?

Running two amps at once can create a ground loop. The CoolSWITCH isn’t isolated, so for regular two-amp use, an isolated switch such as the CoolSWITCH Pro helps.

Does the CoolSWITCH need power?

It runs on a 9V battery, which is included.

Can I use it with a bass or keyboard?

Yes. It works with guitar, bass or keyboard signals.