Rack is Built...now what does MIDI stand for again...

Gresh · #1 07-02-2002, 10:58 AM

More commentary than question...and I do know what MIDI means for all you smart alecs out there.

Just put together a new rack and I'm pretty stoked about it. It sounds amazing. Here's what I got going on:

Guitar>POD Pro>Effect Send to G-Major>BBE 482>Effect Return back to POD Pro>Stereo Out to Mesa 20/20 > Stereo Mesa 2x12 Recto with V30s.
Also run digital out to Audiophile 24/96, or analog XLR out to PA or all three simultaneously.

I wasn't going to pick up the BBE, but I thought what the heck...I can always take it back. I did have the AG Stomp to run a piezo out to a PA, but I took that back after auditioning the TC G-Major, it sounds great with the piezo on my 2027. I think the BBE is a keeper though, it really provides some extra kick in the sound. I really need to crank it up and see how it all sounds together and possibly fiddle with placement in the chain...but in order to take full advantage of my digital output, I needed everything in the effects loop of the POD Pro.

For anyone wondering, the TC G-Major is an incredible unit. The quality of the effects is astounding. I had been complaining of the shoddy effects in the POD Pro, and this blows them out of the water completely. I can't imagine the G-Force...that has just got to be awe inspiring.

Any advice on where the BBE unit should go in the signal path...before or after the effects?

jem7vwh · #2 07-02-2002, 11:03 AM

I don't have advice on the BBE, but a question.

Are you using the POD Pro as your pre-amp, or are you using the G-Major as a PreAmp and just routing the signal through the POD?

BrianH · #3 07-02-2002, 11:32 AM

They recommend putting the BBE as the last item in the chain, however I say experiment and see what you like best... however putting it last usually is the best way.

Gresh · #4 07-02-2002, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jem7vwh

I don't have advice on the BBE, but a question.

Are you using the POD Pro as your pre-amp, or are you using the G-Major as a PreAmp and just routing the signal through the POD?

The POD Pro is my pre-amp. The G-Major is just an effects unit, it does not contain any distortion algorithms or amp models of any kind. I have all the effects on the POD Pro bypassed completely, so I am only using amp models, gain and eq, and may end up using the wah in the POD rather than the wah in the G-Major...jury's still out on that one.

butch · #5 07-02-2002, 12:26 PM

Personally, I'd take the BBE out of the Pod Pro's effects loop. Run the BBE independantly, before the power amp. The "sparkle" that the BBE provides becomes more evident when run this way.

Cheers,
Butch

pri0531 · #6 07-02-2002, 12:51 PM

I would agree with Butch.
Out,
GP

Gresh · #7 07-02-2002, 01:42 PM

Thanks for the advice. I was planning on doing some major experimenting anyway, I'll do this tonight.

kent · #8 07-02-2002, 07:29 PM

My question is this: Did you go from using a Rivera amp to this Pod Pro Rack system? If so, it's kind of funny because I think I'm about to make the opposite switch. My rack is now a Pod Pro, Lexicon MPX G2 with R1 controller and a 900 watt Carver power amp into two 4x12 Marshall cabinets and I'm considering switching to a Rivera Knucklehead. I love recording with the Pod Pro but after using it live for the past two years I'm seriously considering getting a real amp for a number of reasons. I am also considering the G-Major as per your recommendation since my Lexicon unit has proven to be unreliable.

Did you ever get the foot controller thing figured out?

Kent

Gresh · #9 07-03-2002, 10:48 AM

Yes I did switch from the Rivera directly to the rack setup. It's kind of a drawn out story but the gist of it is that I needed to downsize considerably and add flexibility. The Rivera with the 4x12 was killer, no doubt about that...but to crank that up and record or practice at 3:00 am was inconceivable with my 2 boys (3 and 2). I also wanted to get into using 7 strings so I sold all that, got the rack setup and a UV. Now with the G-major this thing is killer. I had it up to good window rattling volume last night and man does it sound better. I really had to tweak the output and input signal levels a bit to get it all kosher...

I moved the BBE out of the loop as suggested, and put it last in the chain prior to the MESA power amp. You guys were dead on, worked like a charm and the sparkle does come through better. I can't believe how much better my set up sounds now.

I highly recommend getting the G-Major or the G-Force if you have the means. I haven't spent near enough time with it yet, and have yet to get it running via midi. The fly in the ointment with the midi controller is using the wah, there is no toe switch. The easy fix is a good old fashioned cry baby in the signal chain...but I would like to minimize the clutter and use all midi if possible.