Midi Implementation - Peavey Transtube Series Operating Manual

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Transformer

MIDI Implementation

The Transformer is designed to be an all-in-one guitar amplification system using the PFC 4
footswitch. However, the numerous other uses for the MIDI jacks will be discussed here. We'll start
with the simpler stuff, and move on to the more complicated stuff later.
MIDI Channel on the Transformer
The Transformer's MIDI channel is 1 by default (after re-initialization). This means that any channel
messages that are received on another channel are ignored, and any channel messages that are
generated are sent on this channel. To change the channel, hold the STORE button down for at
least a second, and (while holding) select channel 1 - 16 using the Preset Matrix selector.
MIDI Out as a MIDI Thru
Most likely, you'll be using the PFC 4 to drive the MIDI In, since it adds so much to the usability of
the amp. If you decide to link another Transformer up for stereo operation, you can have the second
one be slaved to the first one's PFC 4 by connecting a MIDI cable from the first's Out to the
second's In. They will track program changes, EFX mode changes, TAP tempo, other preset edits,
etc. Even if the audio link is from the first's effects send to the second's effects return, it's still useful
to have the same presets in the second amp and link them since the Amp Model selection (which
changes per preset) affects the voicing of the power amp.
The MIDI Out jack will echo virtually all commands that arrive at the MIDI In (with the exception of
certain Sysex messages meant for the Transformer), so it can be used in the middle of a MIDI chain
when driving a rig from another MIDI source, instead of using the PFC 4. This is called a "soft" thru,
which means it is dependent upon the software (processing power and MIDI buffer) of the unit. A
"hard" thru refers to a jack labeled "Thru" and not "Out" or "Out/Thru." It's usually accompanied by a
separate MIDI In and Out, and it's usually in the middle. Most importantly, it's directly driven from the
In jack, so it is not dependent on the software to do the echoing work. So if your other MIDI units are
"three-jack" units, it may be wise to put the Transformer at the end of the chain, since a soft thru is
never quite as bulletproof as a hard thru.
Preset Synchronization with an External Effects Unit
You may have a programmable effects unit with a MIDI In that you want to use in the Transformer's
effects loop. If you want this unit to change presets when the Transformer does, connect a MIDI
cable from the Transformer's MIDI Out to the MIDI In of the effects unit. Then the first 16 presets in
the effects unit will be aligned with the 16 presets in the Transformer.
For this to work, the MIDI channel of the effects unit must either be set to OMNI, or match that of the
Transformer.
Preset Backup
You can back your presets up to a computer, sequencer, or other type of MIDI librarian/recorder. You
can also transfer them to another Transformer! Connect a MIDI cable from the Transformer's MIDI
Out to the MIDI In of the recording device. Prepare the recording device or software program to
receive data. (In the case of transferring to another Transformer, it just needs to be on.) You are now
ready to send the presets.
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