Got an RJM PBC10 a few weeks ago and now have it set up including MIDI control of 4 of the 10 pedals. I control the PBC preset changes (that include the MIDI commands for pedals) with Bandhellper app on my iPad over bluetooth, with a bluetooth dongle plugged into the PBC's MIDI in and out 5 pin DIN-connectors. Everything works like a dream!
Thanks so much, this was fantastic! I recently bought a PBC/6X and haven't set it up yet, as I've been trying to figure out how I want to arrange everything (well, that and I do not typically bond at all with tech!). That's when I began thinking about eliminating some analog pedals and bringing in a multi effect unit that I could control with the PBC via midi. But man, has it been an overwhelming learning process! Still trying to figure out exactly how to proceed, but this was a really helpful and clear video...and I have now subscribed! Thank you!
Yes! I've been gigging for decades, but Lately I've needed to incorporate loads of changes, plus, I'm the singer, so I can't be tap dancing over pedals etc. Totally blind to midi, butI knew i had to investigate to get on top. So informative. Thanks so much! I'm subscribing.
Thanks tony. Going to be putting out some more midi vids soon starting from the basics / getting more complex. Let me know if there is anything in particular that you'd like to see more on!
@@GoodwoodAudioThanks for you response! I've got myself a morningstar mc8, H9, timeline, Bigsky etc, and am looking at getting a morningstar ml5 switcher to add my non-midi pedals with the others mentioned. Is it possible that you do a setup or at least a diagram of this kind of setup in a future tutorial? Again thank you.
@@tonyadams6985 I'll keep this in mind for sure. I don't have an MC series controller with me, but I will teach you what you need to know to get that happening over the next couple vids!
I might need a bit more clarity on what you mean by 'match eachother'? Do you mean communicate over midi? If so, the POD doesn't have a midi input or output if I'm not mistaken. So I don't think you'll be able to do that here. let me know if I'm misunderstanding though.
I MIGHT be biased. But I'm a big fan of Goodwood Audio Midi Cables. haha. Other than that there are some other amazing companies out there - BTPA, Disaster Area also make them... lots to choose from.
Great video! Thank you for all thesE explanations. I have a question if you may. I try to midi sync my arturia microfreak synth with my triple delay but i dont think i can do it so far unless i purchase a disaster clock as i have seen. I dont know if you are familiar with that synth, there are some settings at midi control center but i m a bit lost and dont know if its even possible. I have a groovebox(mc 101) as the brain and midi sync all the way through. Thank you in advance!!
Awesome vid. How do I figure out if I need a Midi Merger vs Midi Thru? I want to control guitar pedals through the Morningstar MC, and will have 3 guitar tones through a 3 loop box and HX Stomp with a pair of Eventide H9's.
A midi merger is much less common. Unless you're needing to merge midi signals so they can go to one destination, you don't need a merger. Sounds like you need a midi splitter. Check out the Midi Solutions Quadra Thru (4 split). YOu want to try and keep your total midi chain down to about 4-5 devices to be safe. A midi splitter can help with this.
Great video, perfectly done! Learned a lot. I have one question regarding different types of midi inputs (outputs?). There seems to be one that’s neither trs nor 5-pin...am I right or crazy? And if so what’s this about? Thanks!
there are multiple alternatives out there although they are more rare. Some companies use 1/8" (headphone jacks) for Midi, others will use alternative midi style jacks (mini, 7 pin with additional options etc). You only really need 3 pins for normal midi function though which is why TRS 1/4" jacks work well for midi.
I'm more old school but what I'm trying to accomplish is to reduce my huge pedal board down to just my amp controller, midi pedal, and wah pedal. Put all my dry effects pedals in a drawer on my rack I'm building, route those through a rack mounted loop switch like voodoo labs gcx or similar and control each effects pedal like and old loop switch pedal like the ones swift pedals make but instead of running 16 coax cables from the stomp boxes in the rack out to a loop switch pedal I would like to run a simple midi pedal with about 6 selectors or so that I can select one at a time or multiple. Do they make a midi pedal or maybe an interface box that I could use that converts all those effects unit into 1 cable to run from the rack to the pedal board then splits them back out to the inputs on the back of a loop switch ? Sometimes I want to add an effect on the fly while playing that is not normally used in a song to give it my own little personal spin so to speak. Basically a box at the rack that takes the output the midi out of the gcx that then sends through a mid or etherneti or maybe even a fiber optic cable to a box on the pedalboard that converts back to the 1/4 inch jacks from each pedal so I can manually select each effects pedal on my loop switch pedal. What if I ran my effects pedals into a rack mounted gcx, then send out to the pedal board over a midi cable to another gcx to be basically a loop out to my loop switch pedal ? Could you interface the gcx over a laptop to tell one gcx to send to the other gcx so that you could split back out?
I think I may need to understand a bit more what you're trying to avoid. Typically in this instance you'd have the rack (with switcher) and a midi controller in front of you on stage to select which loop(s) are on/off etc. You would plug guitar into your pedalboard (if using a cable), send to the rack after a buffer, all loops for dry effects, send back to your pedalboard (for wet effects), then out to your amp. So, 2x Cables going to and from the rack PLUS the midi cable to control the switcher. Are you asking to take those 3 cables and turn them into 1? For send, return and mini control? The other option to keep things simple / easier to troubleshoot in future is just get a loom with those 3 cables in it. (send, return and midi).
Hey! We actually don't make any midi controllers. We use other companies and integrate them into our builds. I would suggest checking out Morningstar FX if you want a very easy to use unit OR RJM PBC6x if you want a more comprehensive unit but it comes with a bigger learning curve.
Awesome video! I've been mystified by these "multi-effects looking" boards for months. Glad to finally know what it is and how it's used (thank God it's not actually an M-E pedal LOL)
Really cool. I'm setting up my PBC/6X. I do have a Goodwood Output TX! I'm stuck on something. If I go from a preset to a preset that turns on an Eventide H9 with a PC message, do I have to send another message to turn it off when I move to a different preset that doesn't use the H9 at all? Sounds like this is the way, but I'm wondering, do I need to have PC or CC messages on EVERY preset that doesn't use the H9, to make sure it turns off no matter what preset I go to after using it?
This is where you can customise things a bit to your needs. If the H9 is in a loop on the 6x, you can turn the loop off. If the H9 is out of a loop, you can turn the H9 off with midi (bypass) yes. But you are correct, unless you tell the H9 to turn off, it won't. Good question!
So... I've been looking at guitar amps such as the Fender GDEC 3 series. I have a DAW and am wondering, "why not just buy an interface and plug my guitar in to the PC?". What I think I need is a MIDI guitar controller pedal - I assume would be Plugged into a USB port on my PC or the MIDI in on my interface(?) which I could configure to work with a guitar VST having a loop pedal. I would then have to setup the pedal (controller)(?) I want to be able to record loops (start/stop and over dub) for example. Is this the way to think about doing this and do such VSTs exist? Any advice is much needed at this point re: Pedal/controler and VST sortware (preferable free) -Thanks. Mike
Hey Mike. Great question. I have to be honest at the outset, I've never gone deep into VSTs, but I know there are endless options available (similar to guitar pedals, its more about finding the one(s) you connect with / enjoy using rather than if they exist). You're correct on the external midi controller though. You can get something like an RJM GT series or LT if you want to do midi control. OR look into a morningstar MC series controller. The cool thing about these is that midi can go both ways (your computer can talk to your controller AND your controller can talk to your computer... depending on what you end up doing, this can be helpful, or you might never touch it. At the very least, your midi controller will be able to control parameters of your DAW / VSTs.
@@GoodwoodAudio Thanks Goodwood Audio! I've noticed in at least one of my VSTs a "Learn" mode. I'm busy building my DAW table at the moment but I do hope that some of these apps/VSTs learn MIDI commands. I hope that for instance a VST stomp box can learn a stomp from a MIDI controller. This way I can use the MIDI controller as I play rather than having to stop and use a mouse. The question remains; "which VST's are geared towards this kind of manipulation"? I'm afraid that most are not as their programmers do not have a MIDI controller to sell. Most are just happy to use the VST ont heir DAW for recording etc... So... the MIDI tools.... Are they 'hooked' in these VST....!? Maybe I'll get back and let you know once I begin to try. Thanks again -Mike
@@mikel9319 great questions. Im pretty sure you'll be able to control most parameters though. Midi is such a common language in the music industry, I'd be surprised if you couldn't! Let me know what you find!
So useful! I’m looking into getting the MC-6 to control Tineline, Bigsky, Jackson Audio Golden Boy and Iridium. Will I need one of those MIDI junction boxes since Jackson & Iridium are TRS MIDI?
I think the MC-6 has only one TRS jack, so you'll need a junction box. Or get the MC-8, it's bigger but it has 4 jacks you can use. I have one on my pedalboard running an Iridium, a Compadre and a Chase Bliss Brothers via TRS with one jack left over for an expression pedal.
Yeah you would need a junction box for your Golden Boy and Iridium. With 4 pedals in the midi chain though it wouldn’t be a bad idea, just to minimize the amount of latency or glitches in your midi chain. Morningstar devices are awesome though, have the MC8 myself and it has made midi so accessible and easy to use.
@@Eivindbh something like that yeah. I’d probably put the junction box first, as most of them have a midi thru as well as TRS outs as well. That way each individual pedal has the shortest path from the controller to it. So MC6 -> midi box (GB & Iridium) -> TL -> BS would be how I’d route the midi. Keep in mind too that your midi signal flow doesn’t need to match your audio routing. So if it’s more convenient to patch your BS in first and then your TL, go for it. The Disaster Area Midi Box 4, or Meris Midi i/o would be good options to look at as far as junction boxes go too!
I am currently running a rack mount system (BOSS SE70 PRO & GT PRO) using a Midi Buddy foot controller and 1 control switch - What I love about this system is the ability to switch presets via midi but I am also able to, using the foot switch controller, change parameters within a patch - For example I have assigned the footswitch controller(Dunlop DFS-1), within the BOSS GT PRO, to control the distortion drive parameters as such (OFF Drive:25 / ON Drive:80) - What I don't love about my current rig is the sound is stale so and you get the effect you get and can't change or update them so this is why I am moving to a pedal board configuration. I was hoping not to lose the parameter changing capabilities, at least for the pedals I would be running that are midi capable. Is this even a possibility? So, I am looking for a footswitch controller that can handle midi parameter changes and also multiple effect loops to handle my analogue pedals. (For example: I have been looking at the RST by Custom Audio Electronics but not sure it suits my needs)
Obviously a midi controller won't be able to do much about a pedal that isn't midi compatible (as you mentioned), but if you want an in depth midi controller that can access a pedals full list of CC and PC commands, check out the RJM PBC10 or PBC6 (they have loops for analog pedals as well). By far my favourite on the market at the moment (and has been for the last decade). I've still never come close to using everything it has on offer.
What's the pedal on the right side of your thumbnail with the many white buttons, where some are lighted blue and yellow? Looks familiar but I forgot the name, can someone help?
Hi Grant, great video! quick question, from your experience, do you know if the DPC 8EZ from Disaster Area can send both CC and PC messages? most of its features are great for what I need but not too sure about its MIDI capability. What I want to do is to connect and SA Collider and a Wampler Terraform and control them with 8EZ but putting them out (after) the audio signal of the 8EZ. I've search a lot but can't figure it out just yet. Thanks!
@@GoodwoodAudio yes, I've just got an answer from them telling me that the best option for what I want would be the DPC-5. However, I think I will have a go over the MusicomLab EFX-LE II... any experience on that one? Thanks!
@@daniellarrea2583 ya, its also a good unit. We've done a few setups with it. Definitely check out RJM though - PBC6 and PBC10. My current favourites. The midi implementation and computer editor are top notch.
I don't have a ton of experience with external control of a program like cakewalk but have had customers in the past use a midi controller to get a similar result. Something like the Morningstar MC6 could be a starting point.
Gonna be honest - never had to program that. Im sure it's possible, but Im not the guy to tell you off the top of my head. I'd get in touch with Morningstar or RJM and ask them directly!
So I’m just getting loopers and midi. I got an ehx super switcher. It can basically send a single pc. But I have an h9, synesthesia and specular tempest that I want to change present. Basically send a program change to a unit that in turn can send out at least 3 PCs to my effects. Do you recommend something like the basilisk one control or is there something else out that can also do this? Thanks.
Great question. The Super Switcher is pretty limited on midi. You could use the OMNI setting but you would have to be pretty specific on setting ALL pedals up on the same PC message (preset) which would get very frustrating if you ever wanted to adjust / change PC messages for one pedal for one preset. My favourite midi controller / looper is the RJM PBC10 (most similar to the Super Switcher specs) or the PBC6x. Midi control is infinitely better / more customisable. If that is too intense you could look up the morningstar products (midi only, no built in loops unless you add an external, midi controlled loop switcher like the Morningstar ML5. This is a massive topic, but hopefully this helps! feel free to email with more questions - info@goodwoodaudio.com
Great informative video. I have a GR55 and a Pod Go. I am interested in getting a midi controller to interface with both. The GR55 has midi in and out. The Pod Go only has usb. How do I connect the midi out from the GR55 to the USB on the Pod Go?
Great question. I'd get in touch with Line 6 directly to see if you can connect midi NOT using a DAW and just using a midi controller. The manual says 'don't use a USB hub', so not sure if its doable or not. Let me know what you find!
There are any hardware Solutions to convert audio signal to midi signal? I need to use this System for Brass instruments and banjo. Actually I use Midi Guitar 2 but the result is too poor
This was very informative…but what if I only use a few MIDI pedals but would still like to control my non MIDI pedals? Example, Like…lets say I have 2 regular overdrive pedals that I like to stack but then want to be able to push one switch to turn them off while simultaneously recalling a specific tone from my Big Sky reverb and activating a non midi(analog?) delay as well as a chorus pedal? All with one switch… This is so confusing for me.
Great question. You would need a way to turn those overdrives (non midi pedals) on and off. The easiest way to do this is with something like an ML5 (by Morningstar FX). It's a midi controlled 5 channel looper. Super easy to use. That way you can turn the loops (with your overdrives in them) on and off via midi at the same time as controlling your midi capable pedals.
Depends if they accept midi or not (depends on the boss pedal.) There are two options. Put them in a loop (if they don't have midi) and you can turn them on and off from the midi controller via a true bypass loop OR you can connect them to midi (if they have a midi input) and control all sorts of parameters.
I use a Musicomlabs MKIV, but would it be possible to do what the RJM PBC's can do to the Jacksonaudio pedals? also, can you just go straight from say a timeline into a jacksonaudio pedal viz midi using a midi to trs midi cable like the disaster area cables?
You can do what the PBC does with the MKIV, just not to nearly the same depth. But yes, it will still have midi control over your pedals - Musicom makes some great stuff! You can also use 5 pin to TRS cables to control certain pedals via TRS. Every manufacturer does this a bit different (depending on what they send to tip and what they send to ring), so if its not in the user manual, just send them an email and ask! I've done this with great success in the past. Just know that it won't work for every pedal.
Maybe this question has been answered but, I don't see a lot of professional players using midi for pedal control via true bypass loopers. Instead, they use their pedals directly. Is there a reason for that besides them possibly only needing a simple pedal set up?
Obviously every player is different (pro rigs as well). A lot of pro's will have complex rack setups with expensive redundancies (which is incredible if you can both transport it and afford it). These midi / true bypass loopers are a compact version of what a lot of those guys use. But you're also right - some pros use the most basic setup and love it.
You can do this via midi IF the midi controller is talking to a device that swaps pedal order. Most often though this is built into midi controllers. Check out the RJM PBC6X (midi controller / looper and order switcher). Boss ES8 is also an option... there are a few out there.
Hi Grant and @goodwoodaudio team, you mentioned that you’re able to send the RJM PBC-10 settings file to your customer, would you be able to make one for me and send? What do you need from my end.
We can do that yes. Just send us what you're hoping to achieve / do with your PBC, the midi pedals you have connected, where you're stuck etc. Then we can talk about time / price to do a program for you, or if its a simple fix, then we can sort you out in a few min.
Is it possible to simply sync two MIDI-connected pedals without a controller so that tap tempo on one would also control the other? Say, some sort of master/slave thing?
I have a voodoo lab px-8 plus and a voodoo lab control midi control switcher in order to change channels on two amps at the same time. I’d like to add my Strymon cloudburst into the midi to free up a loop. Do I just need the midi to trs cable? Does anything need to go from the output of the cloudburst? Basically, what would the connection look like with all of that? The rest of the pedals I have are all analog.
you'd need to optically isolate the midi input on the cloudburst with a special midi cable. I think strymon makes these for cloudburst (this is something you have to do for all strymon 1/4" or 1/8" midi pedals, NOT for standard 5pin midi pedals). But yes, your signal chain is correct. Output of cloudburst to the next thing in your chain receiving audio... another pedal, your amp etc.
So question, I’ve got a PBC6, HX Stomp, Big Sky, Volante, and Sunset on my board all using midi. I want to add a POG 2 and possibly a Boss MD500. Would I need a quada-thru for all that? I understand it’s a lot in chain. Because if I get the Quadra, will certain pedals be on the same channel?
I realised afterwards I should have made this more clear, but signal chain for midi is different to signal chain for your guitars audio path. Channel specific midi commands will only be sent to the pedal on that specific channel REGARDLESS of signal chain. So even on the quadra thru, you can essentially just set all your pedals to their own channel and regardless of how they are physically connected (quadra thru, in series etc) the command will go to the pedal that matches the channel you programmed on your controller. I would definitely recommend a quadra thru for your proposed midi chain yes. Put the quadra thru early on as well.
Good explanation thanks ! But I do I when manual doesn't says anything and brand support can't tell me anything neither about PC, CC and all that stuff ? I'm willing to control my triple delay by TC Electronic
you're right. When I read this I thought, "no way, of course they have a PC/CC list in the manual" nope. I was wrong. Looks to be a frustrating pedal to control via midi. PCs should be easy enough to set (PC 1 should equal preset 1, PC 2, preset 2 etc). But for CC's, it's hard to find any info thats conclusive... I'd honestly go through TH-cam at this stage to see if anyone has 'How To' videos for the Triple delay there... Wish I could be more help here!
@@GoodwoodAudio Yep ! But there's no video lol I've asked several time the support about this pedal and they can't tell me anything about CC cause the only thing this pedal can do is switching preset with PC. Support can't even tel me how to do it and I'm looking for an answer for two or three weeks... Thanks for your answer !
@@GoodwoodAudio another question for you cause no one is answering me... I've got a One control oc10w and a chase bliss audio brothers, when the brothers is linked to my computer to my Roland quad capture card thru midi with a disaster area CBA cable I can tweak presets and the pedal is receving midi but when it's linked directly into my Oc10w Switcher, nothing happen... Why ? No one is answering me and that's kinda non sense...
@@brunodeoliveira331 That's a great question actually. I would confirm that the OC10 is sending the correct midi messages on the right channel. Assuming you're using the same cables it won't be them (if they are working with your computer). I would start by testing the OC10 with other pedals on the same midi channel, then swap over to the Brothers. But I agree, sounds like a frustrating one!
Sorry, for some reason I wasn't notified of comments anymore. With the key word being "Easy" - yes. but pedals without midi in/out are still pretty easy to set up, you just need to get a midi splitter if you have more than one of them in your chain...
Pedal recommendations requested: I’m looking for a pedal that is pretty much exactly like the MXR Studio Compressor (or Bass Compressor - same thing), but with midi, preferably running at under 100 mA, and not larger than a standard boss pedal. It’s OK if it is boutique; I’m willing to spend some money for the right unit. Thanks!
Jackson Bloom is an EQ/compressor with midi, but it's just a single compression control. Analog, though. Strymon Compadre is a boost + compressor with midi as well. This one has a compression control, level, and blend. It sounds quite good, too. Eventide H9 apparently also has a compressor onboard, as do several other digital units like the Line 6 stuff. Otherwise... MIDI is quite rare for compressors I'm afraid.
@@EnterJustice Thx! I considered all of those. I thought it through & decided to give up on midi for this, got a golden ratio instead. I’m happy w/ the choice.
Nope! You can just chain those with standard 5 pin midi cables. We can make those custom for you on our site with low profile right angles as well if you like! goodwoodaudio.com/products/midi-cable-designer?variant=32490231726127
Great video! Im looking for an Android app to control my pedals by wireless BLE. I've tried several MIDI controller apps without luck yet. Thanks in advance anyone who can help
I know. Frustrating eh. That's my rookie video editing skills (lack of skills). I've changed this for all future videos... should be a lot better now. Sorry for your ears!
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This was the best explanation on pedals with MIDI that I sound. THANK YOU!!!!
My pleasure! If you need any other topics covered, I'm all ears!
Got an RJM PBC10 a few weeks ago and now have it set up including MIDI control of 4 of the 10 pedals. I control the PBC preset changes (that include the MIDI commands for pedals) with Bandhellper app on my iPad over bluetooth, with a bluetooth dongle plugged into the PBC's MIDI in and out 5 pin DIN-connectors. Everything works like a dream!
Thats a great idea! Well done. I've never used that app / dongle. Was it pretty easy to set up? Pretty compatible with the PBC?
This is an excellent explanation of a topic that is voodoo to many guitarists (including me!)
Thanks Lou! Let me know if there are any other topics you'd like to see, always looking for ideas!
Thanks so much, this was fantastic! I recently bought a PBC/6X and haven't set it up yet, as I've been trying to figure out how I want to arrange everything (well, that and I do not typically bond at all with tech!). That's when I began thinking about eliminating some analog pedals and bringing in a multi effect unit that I could control with the PBC via midi. But man, has it been an overwhelming learning process! Still trying to figure out exactly how to proceed, but this was a really helpful and clear video...and I have now subscribed! Thank you!
thanks for checking it out!
Ron at RJM is extremely quick at answering questions and they have a forum on their website if you get stuck!
Great information on MIDI & great content👍
Can I use my NUX MG30 with midi controllers?
Looks like you can. I've never had one on a setup yet, but it does look like it has some decent midi controls!
Yes! I've been gigging for decades, but Lately I've needed to incorporate loads of changes, plus, I'm the singer, so I can't be tap dancing over pedals etc. Totally blind to midi, butI knew i had to investigate to get on top. So informative. Thanks so much! I'm subscribing.
Thanks tony. Going to be putting out some more midi vids soon starting from the basics / getting more complex. Let me know if there is anything in particular that you'd like to see more on!
@@GoodwoodAudioThanks for you response! I've got myself a morningstar mc8, H9, timeline, Bigsky etc, and am looking at getting a morningstar ml5 switcher to add my non-midi pedals with the others mentioned. Is it possible that you do a setup or at least a diagram of this kind of setup in a future tutorial? Again thank you.
@@tonyadams6985 I'll keep this in mind for sure. I don't have an MC series controller with me, but I will teach you what you need to know to get that happening over the next couple vids!
@@GoodwoodAudio Very cool. I love the prospect of having more scope over pedals through midi. Thanks!
Hey man great video thank you.i have line 6 floor pod plus and a mooer ocean machine.can these 2 match eatch other?
I might need a bit more clarity on what you mean by 'match eachother'? Do you mean communicate over midi? If so, the POD doesn't have a midi input or output if I'm not mistaken. So I don't think you'll be able to do that here. let me know if I'm misunderstanding though.
Really helpful video. Best midi cables for connecting my new switcher to my strymon pedals please? Thanks
I MIGHT be biased. But I'm a big fan of Goodwood Audio Midi Cables. haha. Other than that there are some other amazing companies out there - BTPA, Disaster Area also make them... lots to choose from.
@@GoodwoodAudio thanks. Can I get your cables in the UK? 🇬🇧
@@nicelliott209 yes! YOu can order at Goodwoodaudio.com and we can ship to you from there.
Thanks, Grant! Great job! Excellent explanation!
thanks!
Cool vid mate cheers
Great video! Thank you for all thesE explanations. I have a question if you may. I try to midi sync my arturia microfreak synth with my triple delay but i dont think i can do it so far unless i purchase a disaster clock as i have seen. I dont know if you are familiar with that synth, there are some settings at midi control center but i m a bit lost and dont know if its even possible. I have a groovebox(mc 101) as the brain and midi sync all the way through. Thank you in advance!!
Awesome vid. How do I figure out if I need a Midi Merger vs Midi Thru? I want to control guitar pedals through the Morningstar MC, and will have 3 guitar tones through a 3 loop box and HX Stomp with a pair of Eventide H9's.
A midi merger is much less common. Unless you're needing to merge midi signals so they can go to one destination, you don't need a merger. Sounds like you need a midi splitter. Check out the Midi Solutions Quadra Thru (4 split). YOu want to try and keep your total midi chain down to about 4-5 devices to be safe. A midi splitter can help with this.
Great video, perfectly done! Learned a lot. I have one question regarding different types of midi inputs (outputs?). There seems to be one that’s neither trs nor 5-pin...am I right or crazy? And if so what’s this about? Thanks!
there are multiple alternatives out there although they are more rare. Some companies use 1/8" (headphone jacks) for Midi, others will use alternative midi style jacks (mini, 7 pin with additional options etc). You only really need 3 pins for normal midi function though which is why TRS 1/4" jacks work well for midi.
I'm more old school but what I'm trying to accomplish is to reduce my huge pedal board down to just my amp controller, midi pedal, and wah pedal. Put all my dry effects pedals in a drawer on my rack I'm building, route those through a rack mounted loop switch like voodoo labs gcx or similar and control each effects pedal like and old loop switch pedal like the ones swift pedals make but instead of running 16 coax cables from the stomp boxes in the rack out to a loop switch pedal I would like to run a simple midi pedal with about 6 selectors or so that I can select one at a time or multiple. Do they make a midi pedal or maybe an interface box that I could use that converts all those effects unit into 1 cable to run from the rack to the pedal board then splits them back out to the inputs on the back of a loop switch ?
Sometimes I want to add an effect on the fly while playing that is not normally used in a song to give it my own little personal spin so to speak.
Basically a box at the rack that takes the output the midi out of the gcx that then sends through a mid or etherneti or maybe even a fiber optic cable to a box on the pedalboard that converts back to the 1/4 inch jacks from each pedal so I can manually select each effects pedal on my loop switch pedal.
What if I ran my effects pedals into a rack mounted gcx, then send out to the pedal board over a midi cable to another gcx to be basically a loop out to my loop switch pedal ? Could you interface the gcx over a laptop to tell one gcx to send to the other gcx so that you could split back out?
I think I may need to understand a bit more what you're trying to avoid. Typically in this instance you'd have the rack (with switcher) and a midi controller in front of you on stage to select which loop(s) are on/off etc. You would plug guitar into your pedalboard (if using a cable), send to the rack after a buffer, all loops for dry effects, send back to your pedalboard (for wet effects), then out to your amp. So, 2x Cables going to and from the rack PLUS the midi cable to control the switcher. Are you asking to take those 3 cables and turn them into 1? For send, return and mini control? The other option to keep things simple / easier to troubleshoot in future is just get a loom with those 3 cables in it. (send, return and midi).
@@GoodwoodAudio yep I got confused. I'm just gonna have midi control everything now.
@@stevereese6488 nice!
Brilliant! I finally learnt something about midi and pedals. Thanks
Awesome!
Hello. I'm looking for a midi foot controller for a NUX MG30 and I'm from Mexico. If you have one for this where I can buy it. Many thanks!!
Hey! We actually don't make any midi controllers. We use other companies and integrate them into our builds. I would suggest checking out Morningstar FX if you want a very easy to use unit OR RJM PBC6x if you want a more comprehensive unit but it comes with a bigger learning curve.
@@GoodwoodAudio Many thanks. I'm going to check it. Thanks again for your answer, you're so kind!
Awesome video! I've been mystified by these "multi-effects looking" boards for months. Glad to finally know what it is and how it's used (thank God it's not actually an M-E pedal LOL)
haha. thanks for checking it out!
Thanks, Grant. Very helpful video at the perfect time. Much appreciated!!
Glad to hear it Sam!
Really cool. I'm setting up my PBC/6X. I do have a Goodwood Output TX! I'm stuck on something. If I go from a preset to a preset that turns on an Eventide H9 with a PC message, do I have to send another message to turn it off when I move to a different preset that doesn't use the H9 at all? Sounds like this is the way, but I'm wondering, do I need to have PC or CC messages on EVERY preset that doesn't use the H9, to make sure it turns off no matter what preset I go to after using it?
This is where you can customise things a bit to your needs. If the H9 is in a loop on the 6x, you can turn the loop off. If the H9 is out of a loop, you can turn the H9 off with midi (bypass) yes. But you are correct, unless you tell the H9 to turn off, it won't. Good question!
Is it possible to use my midi commander to switch channels on an amp, and activate pedals at the same time?
If you have a midi controller (like RJM) that can do amp channel switching - YES! Not all midi controllers have that option though.
So... I've been looking at guitar amps such as the Fender GDEC 3 series. I have a DAW and am wondering, "why not just buy an interface and plug my guitar in to the PC?". What I think I need is a MIDI guitar controller pedal - I assume would be Plugged into a USB port on my PC or the MIDI in on my interface(?) which I could configure to work with a guitar VST having a loop pedal. I would then have to setup the pedal (controller)(?) I want to be able to record loops (start/stop and over dub) for example. Is this the way to think about doing this and do such VSTs exist? Any advice is much needed at this point re: Pedal/controler and VST sortware (preferable free) -Thanks. Mike
Hey Mike. Great question. I have to be honest at the outset, I've never gone deep into VSTs, but I know there are endless options available (similar to guitar pedals, its more about finding the one(s) you connect with / enjoy using rather than if they exist). You're correct on the external midi controller though. You can get something like an RJM GT series or LT if you want to do midi control. OR look into a morningstar MC series controller. The cool thing about these is that midi can go both ways (your computer can talk to your controller AND your controller can talk to your computer... depending on what you end up doing, this can be helpful, or you might never touch it. At the very least, your midi controller will be able to control parameters of your DAW / VSTs.
@@GoodwoodAudio Thanks Goodwood Audio! I've noticed in at least one of my VSTs a "Learn" mode. I'm busy building my DAW table at the moment but I do hope that some of these apps/VSTs learn MIDI commands. I hope that for instance a VST stomp box can learn a stomp from a MIDI controller. This way I can use the MIDI controller as I play rather than having to stop and use a mouse. The question remains; "which VST's are geared towards this kind of manipulation"? I'm afraid that most are not as their programmers do not have a MIDI controller to sell. Most are just happy to use the VST ont heir DAW for recording etc... So... the MIDI tools.... Are they 'hooked' in these VST....!? Maybe I'll get back and let you know once I begin to try. Thanks again -Mike
@@mikel9319 great questions. Im pretty sure you'll be able to control most parameters though. Midi is such a common language in the music industry, I'd be surprised if you couldn't! Let me know what you find!
So useful! I’m looking into getting the MC-6 to control Tineline, Bigsky, Jackson Audio Golden Boy and Iridium. Will I need one of those MIDI junction boxes since Jackson & Iridium are TRS MIDI?
I think the MC-6 has only one TRS jack, so you'll need a junction box. Or get the MC-8, it's bigger but it has 4 jacks you can use. I have one on my pedalboard running an Iridium, a Compadre and a Chase Bliss Brothers via TRS with one jack left over for an expression pedal.
Yeah you would need a junction box for your Golden Boy and Iridium. With 4 pedals in the midi chain though it wouldn’t be a bad idea, just to minimize the amount of latency or glitches in your midi chain.
Morningstar devices are awesome though, have the MC8 myself and it has made midi so accessible and easy to use.
@@andy_watt Thanks man. So would that mean I would go MC-6 > TL > BS > Junction Box > Jackson + Iridium?
@@Eivindbh something like that yeah. I’d probably put the junction box first, as most of them have a midi thru as well as TRS outs as well. That way each individual pedal has the shortest path from the controller to it.
So MC6 -> midi box (GB & Iridium) -> TL -> BS would be how I’d route the midi. Keep in mind too that your midi signal flow doesn’t need to match your audio routing. So if it’s more convenient to patch your BS in first and then your TL, go for it.
The Disaster Area Midi Box 4, or Meris Midi i/o would be good options to look at as far as junction boxes go too!
Looks like you guys have got this one well covered!
Man, the emails I’m going to send you. Hahaha.
I just strapped in. Ready.
I am currently running a rack mount system (BOSS SE70 PRO & GT PRO) using a Midi Buddy foot controller and 1 control switch - What I love about this system is the ability to switch presets via midi but I am also able to, using the foot switch controller, change parameters within a patch - For example I have assigned the footswitch controller(Dunlop DFS-1), within the BOSS GT PRO, to control the distortion drive parameters as such (OFF Drive:25 / ON Drive:80) - What I don't love about my current rig is the sound is stale so and you get the effect you get and can't change or update them so this is why I am moving to a pedal board configuration. I was hoping not to lose the parameter changing capabilities, at least for the pedals I would be running that are midi capable. Is this even a possibility? So, I am looking for a footswitch controller that can handle midi parameter changes and also multiple effect loops to handle my analogue pedals. (For example: I have been looking at the RST by Custom Audio Electronics but not sure it suits my needs)
Obviously a midi controller won't be able to do much about a pedal that isn't midi compatible (as you mentioned), but if you want an in depth midi controller that can access a pedals full list of CC and PC commands, check out the RJM PBC10 or PBC6 (they have loops for analog pedals as well). By far my favourite on the market at the moment (and has been for the last decade). I've still never come close to using everything it has on offer.
What's the pedal on the right side of your thumbnail with the many white buttons, where some are lighted blue and yellow? Looks familiar but I forgot the name, can someone help?
Do you mean the RJM PBC10?
@@GoodwoodAudio nope, behind that, on the right hand side. it’s a pedal not a midi controller i think.
haha okay i figured it out. empress zoia!
@@idhamali418 Sorry! I misunderstood. I was looking in the video itself, not on the thumbnail. You're right!
@@GoodwoodAudio haha it’s all good! thanks for even replying me! cheers!
Hi Grant, great video! quick question, from your experience, do you know if the DPC 8EZ from Disaster Area can send both CC and PC messages? most of its features are great for what I need but not too sure about its MIDI capability. What I want to do is to connect and SA Collider and a Wampler Terraform and control them with 8EZ but putting them out (after) the audio signal of the 8EZ. I've search a lot but can't figure it out just yet. Thanks!
Great question. not as sure about the answer to this with their gen 3. Have you gotten in touch with Matt and the guys directly yet (From Disaster?)
@@GoodwoodAudio yes, I've just got an answer from them telling me that the best option for what I want would be the DPC-5. However, I think I will have a go over the MusicomLab EFX-LE II... any experience on that one? Thanks!
@@daniellarrea2583 ya, its also a good unit. We've done a few setups with it. Definitely check out RJM though - PBC6 and PBC10. My current favourites. The midi implementation and computer editor are top notch.
Please suggest a pedal to use with cakewalk, mainly for guitar channel selections, with two expression pedals, pls and thanks
I don't have a ton of experience with external control of a program like cakewalk but have had customers in the past use a midi controller to get a similar result. Something like the Morningstar MC6 could be a starting point.
Can I get a MIDI Step Sequencer and have changes sequenced depending on the beat? Like, changing settings back and forth?
Gonna be honest - never had to program that. Im sure it's possible, but Im not the guy to tell you off the top of my head. I'd get in touch with Morningstar or RJM and ask them directly!
So I’m just getting loopers and midi. I got an ehx super switcher. It can basically send a single pc. But I have an h9, synesthesia and specular tempest that I want to change present. Basically send a program change to a unit that in turn can send out at least 3 PCs to my effects. Do you recommend something like the basilisk one control or is there something else out that can also do this? Thanks.
Great question. The Super Switcher is pretty limited on midi. You could use the OMNI setting but you would have to be pretty specific on setting ALL pedals up on the same PC message (preset) which would get very frustrating if you ever wanted to adjust / change PC messages for one pedal for one preset. My favourite midi controller / looper is the RJM PBC10 (most similar to the Super Switcher specs) or the PBC6x. Midi control is infinitely better / more customisable. If that is too intense you could look up the morningstar products (midi only, no built in loops unless you add an external, midi controlled loop switcher like the Morningstar ML5. This is a massive topic, but hopefully this helps! feel free to email with more questions - info@goodwoodaudio.com
@@GoodwoodAudio thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
Great informative video. I have a GR55 and a Pod Go. I am interested in getting a midi controller to interface with both. The GR55 has midi in and out. The Pod Go only has usb. How do I connect the midi out from the GR55 to the USB on the Pod Go?
Great question. I'd get in touch with Line 6 directly to see if you can connect midi NOT using a DAW and just using a midi controller. The manual says 'don't use a USB hub', so not sure if its doable or not. Let me know what you find!
There are any hardware Solutions to convert audio signal to midi signal? I need to use this System for Brass instruments and banjo. Actually I use Midi Guitar 2 but the result is too poor
This was very informative…but what if I only use a few MIDI pedals but would still like to control my non MIDI pedals?
Example, Like…lets say I have 2 regular overdrive pedals that I like to stack but then want to be able to push one switch to turn them off while simultaneously recalling a specific tone from my Big Sky reverb and activating a non midi(analog?) delay as well as a chorus pedal? All with one switch…
This is so confusing for me.
Great question. You would need a way to turn those overdrives (non midi pedals) on and off. The easiest way to do this is with something like an ML5 (by Morningstar FX). It's a midi controlled 5 channel looper. Super easy to use. That way you can turn the loops (with your overdrives in them) on and off via midi at the same time as controlling your midi capable pedals.
1 midi I bought, the midi receive channel is 5 instead of 1. How do I connect this to my nemesis pedal.
I’m trying to see if I can link my boss effects pedals to a midi controller.... yay or nay?
Depends if they accept midi or not (depends on the boss pedal.) There are two options. Put them in a loop (if they don't have midi) and you can turn them on and off from the midi controller via a true bypass loop OR you can connect them to midi (if they have a midi input) and control all sorts of parameters.
I use a Musicomlabs MKIV, but would it be possible to do what the RJM PBC's can do to the Jacksonaudio pedals?
also, can you just go straight from say a timeline into a jacksonaudio pedal viz midi using a midi to trs midi cable like the disaster area cables?
You can do what the PBC does with the MKIV, just not to nearly the same depth. But yes, it will still have midi control over your pedals - Musicom makes some great stuff!
You can also use 5 pin to TRS cables to control certain pedals via TRS. Every manufacturer does this a bit different (depending on what they send to tip and what they send to ring), so if its not in the user manual, just send them an email and ask! I've done this with great success in the past. Just know that it won't work for every pedal.
Maybe this question has been answered but, I don't see a lot of professional players using midi for pedal control via true bypass loopers. Instead, they use their pedals directly. Is there a reason for that besides them possibly only needing a simple pedal set up?
Obviously every player is different (pro rigs as well). A lot of pro's will have complex rack setups with expensive redundancies (which is incredible if you can both transport it and afford it). These midi / true bypass loopers are a compact version of what a lot of those guys use. But you're also right - some pros use the most basic setup and love it.
Thank you so much for this video.
Pleasure!
Thank you! Can I also change pedal order without swapping my pedals with a midi controller or do I need a different device?
You can do this via midi IF the midi controller is talking to a device that swaps pedal order. Most often though this is built into midi controllers. Check out the RJM PBC6X (midi controller / looper and order switcher). Boss ES8 is also an option... there are a few out there.
Thank you so much ;)
@@kostis6 no problem!
Hi Grant and @goodwoodaudio team, you mentioned that you’re able to send the RJM PBC-10 settings file to your customer, would you be able to make one for me and send? What do you need from my end.
We can do that yes. Just send us what you're hoping to achieve / do with your PBC, the midi pedals you have connected, where you're stuck etc. Then we can talk about time / price to do a program for you, or if its a simple fix, then we can sort you out in a few min.
Is it possible to simply sync two MIDI-connected pedals without a controller so that tap tempo on one would also control the other? Say, some sort of master/slave thing?
yes! Certain pedals allow this (they can act as a clock). Just depends on the pedal you have!
@@GoodwoodAudio Thanks! I'm a total noob at this, and I don't want to buy (or otherwise deal with!) more than I need to.
@@cpfs936 no problem!
I have a voodoo lab px-8 plus and a voodoo lab control midi control switcher in order to change channels on two amps at the same time. I’d like to add my Strymon cloudburst into the midi to free up a loop. Do I just need the midi to trs cable? Does anything need to go from the output of the cloudburst? Basically, what would the connection look like with all of that? The rest of the pedals I have are all analog.
you'd need to optically isolate the midi input on the cloudburst with a special midi cable. I think strymon makes these for cloudburst (this is something you have to do for all strymon 1/4" or 1/8" midi pedals, NOT for standard 5pin midi pedals). But yes, your signal chain is correct. Output of cloudburst to the next thing in your chain receiving audio... another pedal, your amp etc.
@@GoodwoodAudio thank you very much!
So question, I’ve got a PBC6, HX Stomp, Big Sky, Volante, and Sunset on my board all using midi. I want to add a POG 2 and possibly a Boss MD500. Would I need a quada-thru for all that? I understand it’s a lot in chain. Because if I get the Quadra, will certain pedals be on the same channel?
I realised afterwards I should have made this more clear, but signal chain for midi is different to signal chain for your guitars audio path. Channel specific midi commands will only be sent to the pedal on that specific channel REGARDLESS of signal chain. So even on the quadra thru, you can essentially just set all your pedals to their own channel and regardless of how they are physically connected (quadra thru, in series etc) the command will go to the pedal that matches the channel you programmed on your controller. I would definitely recommend a quadra thru for your proposed midi chain yes. Put the quadra thru early on as well.
Good explanation thanks ! But I do I when manual doesn't says anything and brand support can't tell me anything neither about PC, CC and all that stuff ? I'm willing to control my triple delay by TC Electronic
you're right. When I read this I thought, "no way, of course they have a PC/CC list in the manual" nope. I was wrong. Looks to be a frustrating pedal to control via midi. PCs should be easy enough to set (PC 1 should equal preset 1, PC 2, preset 2 etc). But for CC's, it's hard to find any info thats conclusive... I'd honestly go through TH-cam at this stage to see if anyone has 'How To' videos for the Triple delay there... Wish I could be more help here!
@@GoodwoodAudio Yep ! But there's no video lol
I've asked several time the support about this pedal and they can't tell me anything about CC cause the only thing this pedal can do is switching preset with PC. Support can't even tel me how to do it and I'm looking for an answer for two or three weeks... Thanks for your answer !
@@brunodeoliveira331 man... that's rough. HUGE oversight on their end. Thanks for letting me know and sorry I don't have more for you!
@@GoodwoodAudio another question for you cause no one is answering me...
I've got a One control oc10w and a chase bliss audio brothers, when the brothers is linked to my computer to my Roland quad capture card thru midi with a disaster area CBA cable I can tweak presets and the pedal is receving midi but when it's linked directly into my Oc10w Switcher, nothing happen... Why ? No one is answering me and that's kinda non sense...
@@brunodeoliveira331 That's a great question actually. I would confirm that the OC10 is sending the correct midi messages on the right channel. Assuming you're using the same cables it won't be them (if they are working with your computer). I would start by testing the OC10 with other pedals on the same midi channel, then swap over to the Brothers. But I agree, sounds like a frustrating one!
I may have missed this, but are you saying that only pedals with midi in and out functionality will easily work.
Sorry, for some reason I wasn't notified of comments anymore. With the key word being "Easy" - yes. but pedals without midi in/out are still pretty easy to set up, you just need to get a midi splitter if you have more than one of them in your chain...
Pedal recommendations requested: I’m looking for a pedal that is pretty much exactly like the MXR Studio Compressor (or Bass Compressor - same thing), but with midi, preferably running at under 100 mA, and not larger than a standard boss pedal. It’s OK if it is boutique; I’m willing to spend some money for the right unit. Thanks!
Jackson Bloom is an EQ/compressor with midi, but it's just a single compression control. Analog, though.
Strymon Compadre is a boost + compressor with midi as well. This one has a compression control, level, and blend. It sounds quite good, too.
Eventide H9 apparently also has a compressor onboard, as do several other digital units like the Line 6 stuff.
Otherwise... MIDI is quite rare for compressors I'm afraid.
@@EnterJustice Thx! I considered all of those. I thought it through & decided to give up on midi for this, got a golden ratio instead. I’m happy w/ the choice.
If i just do a BigSky and a Timeline would I need a Quadra thru?
Nope! You can just chain those with standard 5 pin midi cables. We can make those custom for you on our site with low profile right angles as well if you like! goodwoodaudio.com/products/midi-cable-designer?variant=32490231726127
@@GoodwoodAudio Awesome! Thanks for the info!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!
You're welcome!
Great video! Im looking for an Android app to control my pedals by wireless BLE. I've tried several MIDI controller apps without luck yet. Thanks in advance anyone who can help
Great video, but seriously. Check your levels talk vs music! They’re way off…
Ya, I've since changed. Thanks for pointing out!
So I'm listening with headphones, and the music you play in between your talking is so much LOUDER than your talking. It's killing my ears!
I know. Frustrating eh. That's my rookie video editing skills (lack of skills). I've changed this for all future videos... should be a lot better now. Sorry for your ears!
First 8 minutes is waste of time
nice constructive feedback. Thanks!