VH4: Regarding the MIDI In connection

[audiochild]

Hi, I've got a question regarding the MIDI In connection in my VH4

I'm going for the following (MIDI) setup:

(MFC-101 Footcontroller >) Axe Fx 2 > Voodoo Lab GCX > VH4

in order to control all units with the MFC.

The GCX passes the MIDI signal on to the VH4 on the standard pins (4 and 5) and the VH4 receives MIDI on those.

1. Since the VH4 passes on Mass on 1 and 6 and 12V on 3 and 7 will I be able to connect the GCX and the VH4 with standard (5 Pin) MIDI-cable (since that one has Pins 1 and 3). I don't wanna fry the GCX.

2. Or should I just cut out the Pins 1 and 3 on the VH4 side of the MIDI cable?

thank you very much!

 

[i.ak]

Why don't you just use a MIDI cable that has 3 pins connected between GCX and VH4? Usually cables have 5 pin connectors, but they do not neccesarily still have all 5 pins connected (1 & 3 are unconnected). Personally, I would not cut any pins as they fit more firmly this way.

By the way, I guess you have noticed that GCX send Phantom power as well so don't fry your AxeFX either (esp. as it is digital thingy and those tend to be a bit prone breaking)?

Another comment, have you checked wether the MIDI flows through Axe FX and GCX if they are turned off? Because some units do not pass MIDI when they are off, I always wire my rig so that the first in chain (from controller point-of-view) is amp and then the other FX stuff, etc. This is because during a gig I do not really care if my FX does not change, but if the amp's channels are not changing there's a big problem. Another solution is to split the MIDI signal.

 

[audiochild]

Why don't you just use a MIDI cable that has 3 pins connected between GCX and VH4? Usually cables have 5 pin connectors, but they do not neccesarily still have all 5 pins connected (1 & 3 are unconnected). Personally, I would not cut any pins as they fit more firmly this way.

By the way, I guess you have noticed that GCX send Phantom power as well so don't fry your AxeFX either (esp. as it is digital thingy and those tend to be a bit prone breaking)?

Another comment, have you checked wether the MIDI flows through Axe FX and GCX if they are turned off? Because some units do not pass MIDI when they are off, I always wire my rig so that the first in chain (from controller point-of-view) is amp and then the other FX stuff, etc. This is because during a gig I do not really care if my FX does not change, but if the amp's channels are not changing there's a big problem. Another solution is to split the MIDI signal.

Hi, thanks for your answer!

Yes, the phantom power on pins 1 and 3 in the Pedal In of the GCX was my first concern. Fractal Audio support told me the MIDI thru connection follows MIDI standards which means 1 and 3 are not used (but are they also not connected?).

However, I've bought 2 MIDI cables (Cordial CFD series) yesterday. They got 5 pins but the salespersons couldn't tell me whether all of them are connected.
Internet says they have just 3 pins connected which should erase all my concerns regarding power through the MIDI cable.

You've got a valid point there!
I didn't try to have everything working yet since the before mentioned problem was my main concern.
The reason for the units in this order are:

1. MFC.-101 is connected with a RJ45 Powerlink cable (CAT plugs) to the Axe 2.
2. I'd like to have as few cables between rack and amp as possible (already using Axe 2 in 4CM).
3. VH4 would receive by far the fewest MIDI commands.
4. I'm not sure if the VH4 can power the MFC properly with a 7 (or 7 to 5?) pin cable.

Please let me know if I am missing something here.
Thanks again!

 

[i.ak]

These Cordials should have connectors that can be opened. I also think they have only 3 wires connected. Does your MIDI cable have connectors that could be opened (a metal chasis with a screw) or are they molded with plastic on top? Because the easiest way to make sure is if you open them up. If you happen to have 5 pins connected you can just unsolder the two unused wires - Especially if you "ruined" the cable and hence cannot return it anymore .

As such there is no problem that the MIDI chain goes so that the VH4 is the very last. This is just a point I have learned the hard way. Nevertheless, every rig has its own problems and this is definitely not the biggest. Another problem in relation to this is if your FX is in serial loop and the unit does not pass audio if it is turned off. ...but this is already out of the original scope of your question so I don't go there.

AFAIK 7 to 5 pin cable should work, but this is not a fact altough I see no reason why it would not if only the pins are connected correctly. However, I think this is not the best option in your case.