Rack Effects: what are the basics?

[Frankie]

Ok guys, I've been playing a while now, and the whole time i have been using floor based multi-effects units......

I am now considering putting together a rack for all my effects needs.

I have read a lot of good things about TC electronics gear, and i am considering the G-Major for all my effects needs.

What i would like to know is: what other things do i need in the rack apart from the G-major (assuming that the G-major is the only effects processor i'm getting for now)?? (Eg: power supply etc)

Also, if i wanted to use the distortion channel of my amp instead of using the effects processor/pedals to produce distortion, how do i integrate the rack effects and the distortion channel of my amp? (i.e. would i be able to switch from one patch to another and go from a clean sound to the distortion channel, using the rack's midi floorboard?? or would i have to press the footswitch of my amp to get to the distortion channel, then go to the rack's midi floorboard to layer on effects from the rack?? )



I am also thinking of purchasing the boss GT6 multi-effects in the meantime (as i dont have an amp with good distortion channel) in order to get a nice warm distortion similar to a vai/petrucci tone & to act as my main effects processor before i get the rack which will be a while down the track! Is this unit capable of producing such distortion tones??

When and if i get the rack effects, i will then be able to use the GT6 as a midi floorboard to control the rack effects right??

My main uses of this gear will be for gigging and home recording.......

Sorry about the long post guys............i look forward to your help!!

Thanx!!

[texshred777]

Well, the g major has a built in relay switcher that will change your amps channel along with a patch designated for said channel. If you get a rack based effects device that does not have that...if Im not mistaken, there are a lot of foot controllers that will control the processor's patch and channel on your amp. I think the cgx or something like that has one. I'd say get a g major and a rocktron midi mate (if you dont need an expression pedal...) and you should be set. I dont use rack gear so other guys on here would probably know much more than I. I prefer to keep it simple with a guitar, a wah, and an amp. Maybe a delay or chorus here or there.

[Frankie]

Well, the g major has a built in relay switcher that will change your amps channel along with a patch designated for said channel.

Thats brilliant! Thats what i wanted to hear!!........ I just haven't been able to try the G-major out yet - i cant find a damn store that has it!!

Thanx for the input texshred!!

[texshred777]

That's what I thought when I read about that. I dont want to do a damned tap dance on stage...(if i were into effects that much), if so just use pedals eh? I at one time was thinking about getting one...and later on i might just for delays and chorus/flange patches...but i doubt it. Best of wishes.

[Frankie]

Yeah - the tap-dancing factor was my major concern - but that a great feature of the G-major if it has the ability to switch your amp's channel


Thanxs for your input!!

Anyone else got answers for my other questions!?

[oooo]

I'm using a G-Major to switch my amp channel. Basically it is programmable to be switched as a CC switch (step on an assigned switch and just the amp changes... nothing else) or like I use it, it can be programmed into you processor banks. In other words I've got mine set to where on my midi foot controller button #1 is clean (amp channel 2) and chorus with a little delay. Button #4 is distortion (amp channel 1) and delay. It can be programmed to do whatever you want.
Also, If you have a CC type foot controller you can do tap tempo, mute, etc.
It has 2 relays that operate through "Y" plug (stereo to two mono's)if you want to use them both. I just have a mono patch cable since I only use one relay to switch my amps channel. Works great.
One button and I've completely changed.
Oh yea, the latest version (can be downloaded into the processor from TC's web site) has Midi mapping and para EQ. It's great the way they keep improving the thing and all you have to do is download the upgrades.