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MIDI Switching/Loop Systems
Thanks to the development of some of the really cool MIDI
control technology mentioned above, we can now set up the
GT-3/5 to control both MIDI and non-MIDI devices such as
our "dumb" guitar amplifiers (and other devices that use tip-
to-ground and momentary footswitches – including the GT-
3/5 itself!). We can also control the signal path of guitar
using the loop control/switching available on many of these
devices. Companies such as Digital Music Corporation,
Rocktron Nobels, Axesss Electronics, MIDI Solutions and
others have developed devices that will switch relays based
on specified MIDI commands. OK, that sounds really
impressive, but what the hell does it mean to me, the
average guitar player?
In past few decades folks like Bob Bradshaw and Pete
Cornish have made a killing by building custom made rack-
switching systems that were (and still are) out of reach for
the regular musician. The development of cheap MIDI
controlled switching and relay boxes has changed all that
now mates!
MIDI Switching Control
As we have discussed in this section, the GT-3/5 can be
programmed to send out lots of MIDI information. By
installing a simple MIDI Relay in our rack (or the back of
the amp), we can now command non-MIDI devices to play
along with our patch or controller changes.
Here's a simple diagram on how to do it:
Guitar Amp
Clean
R2
MIDI SWITCH
MIDI Loop Control
Many of the switching units (listed below) also have the
ability to control the signal path of your guitar. These units
© Copyright 2000-2002 Barry S. Pearce et al.
Lead
LOOP
MIDI OUT
Section 28
allow you to specify the direction of the guitar signal along
with your patch changes (Program Change Messages). So
what good is all this nonsense? It will allow you to switch in
or out an effects units (like the effects loop on most amps),
allowing you to route the signal to different amps (in a
multi-amp set-up, or select which input you want to go to
the what amp (i.e. route the magnetic pickups to the guitar
amp, the piezo pickup to an acoustic amp, or the synth
output to the keyboard amp)! This adds complexity to
things, but if you can sit down and map things out, it will
allow you to radically change your rig (and sound) with the
touch of one button.
There are numerous MIDI Switching units that will do some
or all of these functions:
1. Nobels MS-4: a 4-channel switch relay that's about
DM 245 at:
www.music-productiv.de
PDF manual at
www.nobles.com
2. Axess Electronics CFX4 : a 4-channel switch relay that
you order direct for $160.00. More info at
electronics.com
They also make custom products for
specific amps such as ENGL.
3. MIDI Solutions R8 : an 8-channel switch relay that
retails for $429.
www.midi-classics.com
www.midisolutions.com
4. DMC GCX Ground Control Switcher : 8 channel
switcher and Loop controllerGet info on the system:
http://www.voodoolab.com/gcsystem.html
5. Peavey MIDI Pro (out of production): an 8 channel
MIDI switcher and 4 channel A/B Loop controller.
Download the PDF manual at:
6. Rocktron
Patchmate
programmable switching system with nine stereo
loops/controls and one stereo channel of HUSH noise
reduction.
Download
www.rocktron.com
7. Kenton GS8 (out of production): a 2 channel switcher,
and 6 channel loop controller loop. Download the PDF
manual at
www.kenton.co.uk
8. Mesa Boogie Matrix (out of production): Supposedly
the king of all MIDI switchers, but REALLY hard to
find, and expensive. This thing will make breakfast for
you, I think!
9. Scholz/Rockman Octopus (out of production):
10. Sound Sculpture Switchblade 8 /8B / GL : Rack
mount units about ($750-2000).
www.soundsculpture.com
switcher called the Foot Sim.
11. Other units: Kitty Hawk Switcher, Ibanez EPP-400 3
stereo / 2 mono Looper, Custom Audio Electronics
4x4, Roctron / Bradshaw RSB-12 / 16, Lab Systems
Plus, DW Labs Quick Change Artist, MXR Loop
Selector, Peavey RMC-4512.
All About MIDI
Download the
www.axess-
You can find it for
Download the PDF manual at:
www.Peavey.com
(out
of
production):
the
PDF
manual
See more at
They also make a 4 channel
$329 at
a
at:
133
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