Amp Channel Switching via MIDI

[Aris_T]

I always wanted to control my amp channels through my pod xt live but since my amp didn't have midi connections I didn't know how to do it. That was until yesterday, when I saw a video about g lab mgc-6. I was really uninformed about this type of connection. After some searching in thomann I found an engl z11 midi switcher that seems suitable for what I'm looking for.

So far so good. The thing is that I cannot understand is how it's connected to the amp. It must be from the footswitch input, but how?

It says that it's used for amps that are controlled via single or dual footswitches. I got a Marchall VS102R (three channels, dual footswitch).

[Algiman]

Generally, with these types of devices you need to custom make a cable specific to the type of amp you are controlling, and yes it is done via the foot switch input.
These are reckoned to be excellent too:
http://www.axess-electronics.com/sc/...r-p-16136.html
I've used some of their stuff before and it has all been high quality, but I've not tried this switcher.

[Aris_T]

So this means that I need a cable with a stereo 1/4" jack on one end and 3 1/4" mono on the other? If yes, is this possible? Or do I just need a Y cable?

[Algiman]

Does your foot switch have a stereo plug on the end of the cable? If so then I suspect that the VS102R would work with the axess using a y (2 monos, one stereo) and that the Engl would just take a normal stereo cable, but couldn't be sure without checking how the amp's switching is wired.

If your foot switch does have a stereo plug on it, then you can check by plugging a normal stereo cable into the foot switch socket on the amp, then use a wire to short out sleeve to tip on the on the other end, and then sleeve to ring. One should flip between 2 of the channels, and the other should activate the 3rd channel. If that's how it works, then the Engl would be fine with the stereo cable, or the axess with a Y. Shop around though, there are lots of other manufacturers.

[Aris_T]

Yeah it's stereo. Seems I'll have to try it out somehow. Thanks for the input!

[reguv760]

I have the Z-11 (and got it for a decent price with the bracket)... it's really a 2 stereo and 2 mono switcher. With your amp, you could either connect it with a stereo cable or a y-cable. Fairly straight forward to program/set-up.

Reg

[Aris_T]

Thanks for the reply! It solves a lot!

[kaiu]

Hey guys,

I have an amp controller problem and was wondering if a Y cable would work for this:

I've just bought an Ampeg SVT 2 Pro bass amp which has a graphic EQ that can be used as a second channel. This can be done by using a stereo jack plugged into the footswitch socket at the back. Here is what ampeg say:

Footswitch: This is a stereo jack which will operate with a standard dual footswitch. The tip of the plug controls the mute operation, the ring controls the graphic eq operation, while the sleeve acts as a common ground to both. With the footswitch inserted, both the front panel and the footswitch mute switches are active.

However all I have is four single latching footswitches in the form of the Axess Electronics Amp Controller CFX4. Is it possible to take two outputs from the CFX4 using a Y cable (Stereo to 2 mono) and plug the stereo end into the Ampeg? So that one preset controls the mute and the other the eq?



Any help would me much appreciated,

Thanks,

Ed

[reguv760]

Originally Posted by kaiu

However all I have is four single latching footswitches in the form of the Axess Electronics Amp Controller CFX4. Is it possible to take two outputs from the CFX4 using a Y cable (Stereo to 2 mono) and plug the stereo end into the Ampeg? So that one preset controls the mute and the other the eq?

Should work, just plug the stereo end to the amp. connect tip connection to CTL1 and connect ring connection to CTL2.

Reg

[kaiu]

Thanks! I'll get myself a cable and give it a go,

Ed