Rack loop switcher: Help me choose one!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cirrus
  • Start date Start date
C

Cirrus

New member
At the moment I've got a GCX but truthfully I'm not totally happy with it for a few reasons;

- I'm using it with a Rocktron All Access, and I find the lack of program change options limiting as a result.

- The buffer feels a little stiff.

- It exhibits some strange behaviour - for example when my OCD is in a loop, unity gain is very high up the volume knob's travel, much higher than when it's just between two pedals. Overdrives also sound a bit more fizzy and thin. Could well be related to the buffer.

- Twice in the last month at gigs, it's randomly stopped responding - the LED lights go off, turning it off and on doesn't initialise it, but it continues to phantom power the All Access through the MIDI cable so it is receiving power. Strange it only happens on stage and not during the countless hours of personal and band practice it's used for, but there we go. It happened in the first song of our set last night, and it really was quite embarrassing - you can't bring a big old effects rack to a gig and have it fail! :lol: :LOL:

There's not a lot of alternatives in this field - I can't afford the Strymon or CAE switchers, so I think that pretty much limits me to the Rocktron Patchmate loop 8, or the RJM Effect Gizmo (or RG-16, but I don't need the amp function switches). So my question to you guys is, what would you suggest? The Rocktron is cheaper, and obviously there's something nice about using a Rocktron switcher with a Rocktron controller, but on the other hand it's so similar in design, function and price to the GCX I can't help but worry I'm going to have the same issues with it.

Any thoughts you guys could weigh in with would be really appreciated. :thumbsup:
 
RJM effects gizmo without thinking twice about it good stuff and Ron is very very helpful if you ever have problems or questions......

side note. have you tried powering the rocktron via its own power and not phantom power?
 
I agree... RJM... and not just because I said the same thing in response to your post on another site :-p.
 
Haha, thanks scottkahn - I was fully expecting to get one reply over the course of a week, so I thought I'd do the cross forum thing - had no idea I'd get replies so fast!

Looks like it's pretty clear cut - now to convince my financial mind (which shouldn't take too much - it's retarded at the best of times)

boof, I've never powered it up with its own power supply, mainly because at gigs I don't want to have to worry about getting power to the front of the stage, and I try to make the rig I gig with exactly the same as the rig I practice with. Do you think it might be related to the problem I had?
 
I've had a Groundcontrol too and recognize the limitations in programming.

I also had and RJM RG16 which sounded good but wasn't totally troublefree.

Contact Lord Riffenstein (Youri) about the pedals/switchers he is using. I keep forgetting it's name...

Giga
 
Cirrus":k1lvapsx said:
Haha, thanks scottkahn - I was fully expecting to get one reply over the course of a week, so I thought I'd do the cross forum thing - had no idea I'd get replies so fast!

Looks like it's pretty clear cut - now to convince my financial mind (which shouldn't take too much - it's retarded at the best of times)

boof, I've never powered it up with its own power supply, mainly because at gigs I don't want to have to worry about getting power to the front of the stage, and I try to make the rig I gig with exactly the same as the rig I practice with. Do you think it might be related to the problem I had?
Click to expand...

I use an AA and it was always a bit flaky with using phantom power to a triaxis so I just started to power it on the pedal board and all problems went away hence the suggestion. bit of a shot in the dark but thought it worth mentioning.
 
I have both a Rocktron Patchmate 8 and a GCX, controlled by an All Access. I use the Rocktron for my loops, and the GCX for the amp switching functions for the reasons you've described. Get the Patchmate 8 and I think you may be surprised.
 
It could be problems with the AA communicating with the GCX too. I had some similar results with the AA controlling an Eventide Eclipse under its own power. It locked up a couple times playing live. It doesn't take but one gear fuck up to make me want to pile shit up in the closet. If it happens once, it will happen again. I always end up going back to my Bradshaw 4x4 and RS10 if loop duties are needed. The RG16 had a ground loop I couldn't break, but supposedly there is a quick fix for it. I have a brand new Patchmate too, but have never used it. Made in China makes me frown, but that's my own phobia to get over. If you can ever find a 4x4 on ebay, grab it. RS10's pop up all the time.

Steve
 
Effect Gizmo ordered, should be here tomorrow so I'll have it set up in time for Tuesday night practice. Cheers all! In the spirit of diminished responsibility, if it's not brilliant i'll hunt you all down, except racerevlon.

:gethim:

:lol: :LOL:
 
Cirrus":2q2vbibs said:
Effect Gizmo ordered, should be here tomorrow so I'll have it set up in time for Tuesday night practice. Cheers all! In the spirit of diminished responsibility, if it's not brilliant i'll hunt you all down, except racerevlon.

:gethim:

:lol: :LOL:
Click to expand...

look forward to your review :)
 
Sound Sculpture Switchblade! Takes some time figuring out but one you understand it its easy as pie.

However, the next one I get is from Rhodes Amplification.
 
The sound sculpture switchblade is $850, plus whatever shipping to the uk would be, plus 20% import tax, plus a £10 holding fee. That puts it a bit above my price range, though it does look wicked.

But at any rate, I've paid for the Effect Gizmo now. So you're too late! Maybe in the future...
 
I like the G-Lab stuff, it´s also pretty affordable for us euro guys.
 
quinnethan":2ij6raha said:
Sound Sculpture Switchblade! Takes some time figuring out but one you understand it its easy as pie.

However, the next one I get is from Rhodes Amplification.
Click to expand...

Thanks Quinn! I've got some more teasers to send you... This new product line is on track for March release. :)
 
I didn't see this thread before but I would have recommended the MarkL looper. I used to have a GCX, tried the RJM and prefer the MarkL looper. It simply sounds better and is noise-free, unlike the GCX and RJM.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top