FTSW stands for “Footswitch.”
On a guitar amplifier, the FTSW input is a dedicated jack designed to receive a signal from a footswitch. This footswitch allows you to remotely control various functions of the amp without having to reach for the front panel knobs.
Common functions controlled by a footswitch include:
Switching between channels: Many amps have multiple channels (e.g., clean and overdrive) that can be toggled using a footswitch.
Engaging or disengaging effects: Some amps have built-in effects like reverb or delay that can be activated or deactivated with a footswitch.
Changing amp settings: More advanced amps may allow you to adjust parameters like gain or EQ remotely using a footswitch.
Important Note: Not all amps have a FTSW input. If your amp does, it usually requires a specific footswitch model designed for that particular amp. Check your amp’s manual for compatibility information.
Here’s a visual representation of a typical FTSW input on a guitar amp:
By using a footswitch, you can conveniently control your amp’s settings during a performance, allowing for dynamic and expressive playing.
