Rack Questions on Foot Switching

[Nimitz]

So I definitely want to try out a 31 band EQ for my setup... that's easy enough to operate and hook up.

But I've always loved a good Chorus and since it looks like I'm going to get into the rack game (why not right) I'm thinking about this FX processor... http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-a...e-fx-processor

My question is can I switch from my lead channel distortion (no FX) to clean channel with FX in just one switch?

My amp is the Peavey JSX.

Basically lets say I'm playing Fade to Black... switch from clean chorus to lead distortion... or would I still have to change the channel on my Amp with foot switch provided and use another foot switch to bypass the rack effects... keeping the EQ active the entire time.

I plan on running the rack EQ and FX through the loop... so if I used the loop switch to turn the FX on and off on my amp I would also be turning the EQ on and off... confusing no?


Maybe I'll just sell all my gear buy a nice Martin and become a dirty hippie...

[straycat]

That unit may do the job just fine.
I use an older Rocktron Intellifex and just hit the bypass button on my midi board to shut off the processor and hit the channel two button on my Mesa Quad pre amp and get all the OD I need there.

[Nimitz]

What midi board are you using?

Instead of an expensive midi board which is not needed because I could just switch effects by hand between songs.

Could I just put an on/off or cut in the 1/4 loop where needed?

I mean this is America right... anything is possible.

[Nimitz]

Something like this?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ABY/

or this... http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ampli...selector-pedal

[roodyrocker]

I'm not familiar with how the JSX switches channels. Is it midi or 1/4" jacks? Some effects units and some switching systems let you switch effects programs by midi and at the same time switch amp channels through 1/4" jacks.

[Nightbat]

That unit may do the job just fine.

Though I'd be wary and check specs if possible
Studio FX don't often need (or focus on) quick changes of presets

[warlok]

Nimitz - neither of those are going to switch channels oin your amp. That's what you're looking to do, right? Something that can change the channel of the amp and a patch on a FX unit with one button push? I use a Intellifex and a Behringer FCB1010 MIDI controller but my amps (Randall RM100 and RM50) are MIDI controllable. One button picks the channel (module) and the FX patch on the Intellifex.

Roodyrocker - I though only an amp that is MIDI controlled could have channels switched by a MIDI board/MIDI fx unit. I was overly stoked when I realized I could do that with the Randall MTS setups.

[warlok]

Hmmmm.... Just looked at specs for the FCB1010.. Look here.. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/keybo...footcontroller#
"2 programmable, relay-controlled footswitch jacks are great for switching guitar amp channels via MIDI."

Maybe you could use this with a midi cable to switch a patch on a FX unit and the 1/4" outputs to switch the amp. So it's possible. I'll shut my mouth now so more helpful people can chime in.

[Nimitz]

My amp foot switch is a seven pin connector.

Nimitz - neither of those are going to switch channels oin your amp.

The pedals I posted would only be turning the FX module on and off... bypass.

So I would still have to stomp 2 buttons... which isn't a big deal, but if my amp can be controlled with a midi switch who knows. This stuff is very interesting and researching should keep me busy.

Thanks guys!

[warlok]

Stupid Peavey and their MIDI plug that's not a MIDI control plug!!! lol. If it's any consolation, I just realized the RM50 I have on the way isn't MIDI controllable but looking for your solution probably just solved a problem I didn't know I even had.. Woohoo! Good luck..

[Nimitz]

I found out that some guys like FJAMods make custom cables so you can switch channels via midi... XXX/JSX/3120.

I guess it'll come down to how much I want to spend.


I just realized my 1/4 bypass switch idea makes no sense at all.

I really never cared for any other effects other then chorus so maybe just a nice pedal in the loop. :idea:

Decisions Decisions Decisions

[markD]

unless you are doing a lot of intricate effects/channel switching, a stompbox in the loop might just be the best way to go - especially if you really only like chorus.

[markD]

oh, i will tell you this - once you enter the world of midi switching and effects routing, the $$$$$ adds up FAST!!! i have gone through several approaches and just ended up buying a gcx/ground control pro system for my rig. that just enables me to route/switch a wide variety of things, at the great price of $850. now i have to buy all the cabling, the rack trays for my stomp boxes, extra midi cables, a midi control box from rivera - or decide if i want to go BACK to using a preamp/poweramp set-up.....talk about decisions and costs!!!! but, the music calls for it, so what can i do, hahaha....

[BayRocker]

Hmmmm.... Just looked at specs for the FCB1010.. Look here.. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/keybo...footcontroller#
"2 programmable, relay-controlled footswitch jacks are great for switching guitar amp channels via MIDI."

Maybe you could use this with a midi cable to switch a patch on a FX unit and the 1/4" outputs to switch the amp. So it's possible. I'll shut my mouth now so more helpful people can chime in.

This is exactly how I run my rig...The FCB1010 changes the patch on my GSP1101 via MIDI, and the channel on my non-MIDI Carvin V3M using 1/4" cables, simultaneously. Works great. Of course your amp would need to be switchable using 1/4" cables.

[Nimitz]

a stompbox in the loop might just be the best way to go

Still trying to figure out where the switch would go... I already can turn the effects loop on/off with the amps footswitch.

Unless I put the FX module in front of the amp I don't see how I could turn the FX on/off without effecting the EQ... maybe just buying a midi foot switch would be the same amount of $$$ spent on cables and stomp boxes.

I don't even have any of this gear yet...