Cheapest way to set up pedalboard with MIDI

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CaseyCor

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I really want to get all of my pedals set up on a MIDI system, so I can set up patches and rack the actual pedals. I've wanted to do it for years now, and never got around to it because it's such an expensive job. For the price, I could just buy mid-level multi-fx floorboard and ditch my pedals, but I'd rather keep my pedals than do this.

Ideally, I would need to be able to control an EQ, a couple boosts, fuzz, chorus (possibly 2 of them), flanger, compressor, and a reverb. I would most likely incorporate a rack mouned effects unit into the rig at some point along with some pedals.

I at least want to be able to get rid of the tap dancing I have to do while playing. My original metal songs have a lot of clean guitar breaks in them, so I need to go from my main rhythm sound (lead channel with boost) to a clean sound (rhythm channel, compressor, various effects).

How do I get this done on the cheap? It doesn't have to be great, since I'm not playing guitar in any bands (just drums). I will upgrade to a better system once I have the cash. I just want to get my rig running more efficiently, as cheaply as possible right now
 
I'd be interested to know as well cause I'm in the same boat
dirty channel + boost is my main sound, but i want to switch over to clean channel or to a clean channel with a fuzz on the fly.
 
Rocktron PatchMate 8 (not the floor model) and a Rocktron MidiMate.

Patchmate 8 = $379
Midi Mate = $189

That's if you buy them new, but this will solve your problems. If you need to switch amp channels that are not MIDI-enabled amps, I'd go with a GCX audio switcher ($399 new) and you can use it for both loop-enabling AND channel switching of the heads.

(I have mine set up like a mini-RJM-16.... four loops and four control ports.)

The RJM-16 solution is cool, but more $$.

PM me if you want details... or just wait for one of the uber-smart rack rig guys to respond. This is actually easier to do than it seems, and actually resurrected my use of pedals. If you can find cool used gear, you can easily do this for under $500, and even if you go new it's under $600.

You can see my setup here with the pedals (sloppily) put in the bottom of the rack, but connected to the PatchMate 8. The MIDI turns them on/off.

http://www.moglbob.com/gear/Rig2010_1.jpg

Hope this helps,
 
I know how do it, the process behind it. I'm just looking for the cheapest gear to get the job done.

I need to be able to switch channels on my Mesa via MIDI, since I want to set up patches that change channels and turn on/off effects with the push of one button. My Mesa doesn't have MIDI, it uses a single 1/4 cable for channel switching.
 
I'm in the same boat, don't know whether to rack my pedals or build a pedalboard with a looper/switcher on the board.

Bro, for what you want to do, I agree that the Voodoo Lab GCX or the Rocktron Patchmate unit is your best bet. If you only need one loop for channel switching, then you'd have the remaining 7 as loops for pedals. I've been back and forth on buying one so many times now...

Then you can buy a cheap midi floor board and you're set. :thumbsup:
 
CaseyCor":2fi5uo4a said:
I know how do it, the process behind it. I'm just looking for the cheapest gear to get the job done.

I need to be able to switch channels on my Mesa via MIDI, since I want to set up patches that change channels and turn on/off effects with the push of one button. My Mesa doesn't have MIDI, it uses a single 1/4 cable for channel switching.
Click to expand...

I've done this exact thing with my Mesa Mark V combo. I created a 4-cable snake and use 4 ports on my GCX to do the channel 2 on/off, channel 3 on/off, eq on/off, and solo on/off. You CAN do it... it just eats 1/2 of your GCX or PM8. I haven't tried the F/X on/off but I'll take a look and see if that has a 1/4 foot switch as well... if it does, same principle applies.

Hope this helps,
 
racerevlon":c6al7whd said:
CaseyCor":c6al7whd said:
I know how do it, the process behind it. I'm just looking for the cheapest gear to get the job done.

I need to be able to switch channels on my Mesa via MIDI, since I want to set up patches that change channels and turn on/off effects with the push of one button. My Mesa doesn't have MIDI, it uses a single 1/4 cable for channel switching.
Click to expand...

I've done this exact thing with my Mesa Mark V combo. I created a 4-cable snake and use 4 ports on my GCX to do the channel 2 on/off, channel 3 on/off, eq on/off, and solo on/off. You CAN do it... it just eats 1/2 of your GCX or PM8. I haven't tried the F/X on/off but I'll take a look and see if that has a 1/4 foot switch as well... if it does, same principle applies.

Hope this helps,
Click to expand...
It will be much more simple for me, as I'm running a Series 1 Single Rectifier. The only relay I have is switching between the Rhythm and Lead channels.
 
Thanks for the help everyone, appreciate it.

I would like to be able to have both preset patches and on/off for each effect available at the same time, so it seems like the GCX is the best call. Presets organized by banks on the bottom row, and assign the rest of the switches to my racked pedals for on/off. That way I can program patches for each song, but still have instant access to everything when I'm just jamming/writing.
 
Hmm..that Rivera box is pretty cool. Only 4 loops though..I might be able to consolidate my pedals into 4 groups, but then I wouldn't be able to turn individual pedals on and off on the fly when jamming and writing. I would be restricted to using the loops I've got set up.

That wouldn't be that bad though, if it means I can do it on the cheap...hm...

Thanks for posting that video Motorpud, gives me a lot to think about.
 
Oh, also, I would need to be able to run whatever device I choose in the 4 cable method, as I have a boost and fuzz pedal I want up front, and chorus/flanger I want in the loop.
 
Motorpud":1fj3gnpv said:
Dude, this might be what you want. I got one used a few months ago for $225 with the wah pressure plate. They were $399 but now I know there are stores blowing them out for $299 new :thumbsup:


http://www.rivera.com/products/footswitches/rm1.php
Click to expand...

This is a G-Lab GSC-1 and 299 is actually not cheap for it. Unless you wanna pay for the Rivera Label.

http://www.glab.com.pl/gsc_en

I can vouch for their stuff, I got my GSC-3 from steve_k on here and it works and sounds great!
 
Just did a quick configuration of my needs as far as patches goes. Here's what I came up with. I'd prefer to have each pedal in it's own loop for switching effects on/off on the fly, but I was trying to consolidate everything down to the smallest amount of loops possible, so I can use one of the cheaper units.

Effects Set-Up

Compressor, Chorus, Flanger, Reverb, Boost, Fuzz

Clean Sounds - 6 Pressts
Rhythm channel: reverb compressor - Loop 1 and 3
Rhythm channel: reverb compressor chorus - Loop 1,3, 4
Rhythm channel: reverb compressor flanger - Loop 1, 3, 5
Rhythm channel: fuzz - Loop 1 and 7
Rhythm channel: fuzz chorus - Loop 1, 4, 7
Rhythm channel with fuzz and flanger - Loop 1, 5, 7

Rhythm/Lead sounds - 7 Presets
Lead channel: dry - Loop 2
Lead channel: boost - Loop 2 and 6
Lead channel: flanger - Loop 2 and 5
Lead channel: boost and flanger - Loop 2, 5, 6
Lead channel: fuzz - Loop 2 and 7
Lead channel: fuzz and flanger - Loop 2, 5, 7
Lead channel: fuzz and boost - Loop 2, 6, 7

13 Presets in total

Loop 1 - Rhythm Channel
Loop 2 - Lead Channel
Loop 3 - Reverb and Compressor
Loop 4 - Chorus
Loop 5 - Flanger
Loop 6 - Boost
Loop 7 - Fuzz
 
From there, it would be nice to organize those patches into banks for different songs. That way the board isn't cluttered. Just have the patches I need in front of me for the song I'm currently playing.
 
I have been home sick since Christmas eve and am somewhat medicated (Bronchitis), so hopefully this makes sense. This is just 1 possible scenario, utilizing a GCX switcher.

Suggest an inexpensive, yet nice sounding unit-- like a Rocktron Intellifex, or TC Electronic G-Major for Reverb, Delay, and Chorus.

Guitar Input (Front)
Feed Thru (Rear): Tuner Input
Guitar Output (Rear): Loop #1 (Input)

Loop 1:
Input: Guitar Output (Rear)
Send: Ex. Fuzz (Input)
Return: Fuzz (Output)
Output: Loop #2 (Input)

Loop 2:
Input: Loop #1 (Output)
Send: Ex. Compressor (Input)
Return: Compressor (Output)
Output: Loop #3 (Input)

Loop 3:
Input: Loop #2 (Output)
Send: Flanger (Input)
Return: Flanger (Output)
Output: Loop #4 (Input)

Loop 4:
Input: Loop #3 (Output)
Send: Boost (Input)
Return: Boost (Outputs)
Output: Loop #5 (Input)

Loop 5:
Input: Loop #4 (Output)
Send: Volume Pedal (Input)
Return: Volume Pedal (Input)
Output: Loop #6 (Output)

Loop 6:
Input: Loop #5 (Output)
Send: Misc Rack Unit (Input) Effects L/R Outputs to Power amp (L/R Inputs- if stereo, for w/d/w, or mono bridged for w/d)
Return:
Output: Loop #7 (Input)

Loop 7:
Input: Loop #6 (Output)
Send: Amp channel switching jack
Return:
Output: Loop #8 (Input)

Loop 8:
Input: Loop #7 (Output)
Send:
Return:
 
I'm not looking to set up the Wet/Dry rig yet Zach, that's way down the line as far as my gear goes. I've got way to many other things I need!

Makes since though. What MIDI foot controller should I use? I need on/off switches for..

Channel 1
Channel 2
Compressor
Chorus
Flanger
Reverb
Boost
Fuzz

So, 8 on/off switches, and then switches to change patches/banks of patches. That's a pretty tall order if I want to stay on a budget. Looks like the Liquid Foot Pro or the Rocktron All Access would be perfect, but expensive. Be nice to have the computer editing interface the LFP comes with as well.
 
CaseyCor":36moyvnw said:
I'm not looking to set up the Wet/Dry rig yet Zach, that's way down the line as far as my gear goes. I've got way to many other things I need!

Makes since though. What MIDI foot controller should I use? I need on/off switches for..

Channel 1
Channel 2
Compressor
Chorus
Flanger
Reverb
Boost
Fuzz

So, 8 on/off switches, and then switches to change patches/banks of patches. That's a pretty tall order if I want to stay on a budget. Looks like the Liquid Foot Pro or the Rocktron All Access would be perfect, but expensive. Be nice to have the computer editing interface the LFP comes with as well.
Click to expand...

Ahhh, My bad....

Guitar Input (Front)
Feed Thru (Rear): Tuner Input
Guitar Output (Rear): Loop #1 (Input)

Loop 1:
Input: Guitar Output (Rear)
Send: Ex. Fuzz (Input)
Return: Fuzz (Output)
Output: Loop #2 (Input)

Loop 2:
Input: Loop #1 (Output)
Send: Ex. Compressor (Input)
Return: Compressor (Output)
Output: Loop #3 (Input)

Loop 3:
Input: Loop #2 (Output)
Send: Flanger (Input)
Return: Flanger (Output)
Output: Loop #4 (Input)

Loop 4:
Input: Loop #3 (Output)
Send: Chorus (Input)
Return: Chorus (Outputs)
Output: Loop #5 (Input)

Loop 5:
Input: Loop #4 (Output)
Send: Reverb (Input)
Return: Reverb (Input)
Output: Loop #6 (Output)

Loop 6:
Input: Loop #5 (Output)
Send: Boost (Input)
Return: Boost (Input)
Output: Loop #7 (Output)

Loop 7:
Input: Loop #6 (Output)
Send: Volume pedal (For silent tuning, and not use up a loop for the tuner) to amp input
Return:
Output: Loop #8 (Input)

Loop 8:
Input: Loop #7 (Output)
Send: Amp channel switching jack
Return:

Just one switch for Ch 1/2 (Rhythm/Lead) In the Off position it'd be ex. Off= Clean, in the On position = Lead

DSCF0209.JPG
 
Yeah, you're right Zach. I was thinking about different loops for the 2 channels before because I was looking at those G-Labs boards, which are really cool. I'd go with one of those if there was one with 8 loops.

So it's looking like the best way to do this is exactly what I thought before I even made the thread, haha

Either a Rocktron Patchmate 8 or GCX Switcher with a Ground Control Pro footswitch

What's the going rate for these 3 units on the used market these days?
 
CaseyCor":24k6d0w3 said:
Yeah, you're right Zach. I was thinking about different loops for the 2 channels before because I was looking at those G-Labs boards, which are really cool. I'd go with one of those if there was one with 8 loops.

So it's looking like the best way to do this is exactly what I thought before I even made the thread, haha

Either a Rocktron Patchmate 8 or GCX Switcher with a Ground Control Pro footswitch

What's the going rate for these 3 units on the used market these days?
Click to expand...

about 300 for each.

But i have seen both before go for around 200 each :thumbsup:
 
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