PX-8 PLUS Question

[PDC]

Looking at the PX-8 PLUS, but I have a question about how it functions in ‘preset’ mode. I think the best way to frame the question is to use a song example. Suppose you run into VH ‘Unchained’ or ‘Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love’ on the songlist. You’ve got a preset in the PX-8 Plus that instantly calls up the correct combination of boost in front of your amp and your reverb through the loop. But then you get to the point in the song where Ed punches in the Flanger for just the signature Low D ‘chugs’ on Unchained or the ‘G-F#-G-E’ riff in Ain’t Talkin. And you don’t want Flanger as part of the preset for the whole song.

Can you punch the loop that holds your Flanger in and out of a preset that doesn’t include it?

Or do you need 2 ‘identical’ basic presets with your Flange loop included in one preset - but not the other preset - and then switch between two entirely different presets when it comes time to hit the Flange?

I hope this questions makes sense. Thank You!

[JohnClark]

When using PX-8 Plus in Preset Mode, you can hit Button #5 labeled "IA" to change buttons A, B, C, and D from Preset Buttons to Instant Access Buttons. The LED for button #5 will also turn RED to show that the buttons A, B, C, and D are now Instant Access buttons. As Instant Access buttons they will show the active loops also with a Red LED, and you can turn individual loops on and off.
Looking at the display to the left will tell you which set of four loops the buttons are controlling. When "L" is displayed you are controlling Loops 1-4. When "H" is displayed you are controlling Loops 5-8. You can change between the two sets of loops using the Bank buttons below the display.
These are essentially the same steps as you would follow to create or edit a preset just without saving the new loop status in the end.

Alternatively, using your example for the quick punch in/out type control, you would probably be better off making two presets. One with the Flanger, and one right next to it without the Flanger. PX-8 Plus has Nine Banks of Four Presets for a total of 36 Preset locations. Dedicating a couple Banks to specific songs might prove easier to perform the quick changes like you describe.

I hope that helps!

[PDC]

That helps a bunch. That answer is exactly what I was curious about. IA (Instant Access) allows the user to punch individual loops in and out of existing presets. I’ll just need to experiment to see if it’s easier to use IA mode to punch certain effects in an out - like adding delay during the lead break of a song using the same basic preset ‘sound’ - or if it’s easier to have 2 presets, one with and one without the delay (or Flanger or whatever effect makes a limited appearance during that song).

I’ve got a Dingbat Small which I will transition to my ‘rehearsal’ pedalboard and I’m gonna snag a Medium PX setup that I will use for shows.

I am just a head/stomp-box guy. Many of my friends have gone the Fractal/Kemper route, but I am a product of my era. The convenience and consistency of a solid state modeling rig would be important if I still played professionally, but as a ‘hobbyist’ I have the luxury of being a bit more indulgent for the relatively few times that I play out.

[PDC]

All right - I snapped up a pre-owned Dingbat PX-8 Plus with a MONDO power supply at a good price. It’s very clean and everything works as it should. Seller also included 8 pairs of Straight to Angle Lava patch cables. Can’t wait to get it later this week and start setting it up. May be posting this weekend with more questions.