Boss ES-8 and GCX

[Max-insidethesound]

Hi, I have gcx in "loop2" of my boss es-8 and midi connected. There are pedals in each loop of gcx. When I configure my preset on es8 to turn on loops (for example 2nd and 3rd - I set up CC for each one in preset of es8) - works good, but when I change the preset on es 8 for other loops on gcx ( for example 4th loop on gcx) - loops 2 and 3 on gcx are still turned on with 4th loop, but I need only 4th. Anyone help?

[JohnClark]

When you load the new ES-8 preset, you must also send data value of 0 to turn off any enabled loops. I took a quick look at its manual and it looks like you may be limited to only two Control Changes you can send at once from your ES-8.

The GCX Loops respond to MIDI Control Changes 80-87 with a Data Value of 127 turns a Loop On and a Data Value of 0 turns a Loop Off. A Loop will stay in its current state until receiving a message that tells it to switch. For full control you would need to be sending all eight Control Change messages with each preset.

A better fit here might be our HEX switcher. It has six loops rather than eight, but it will respond to MIDI Program Change messages to recall preset loop combinations instead of relying only on full strings of Control Change messages.

I hope that helps!

[Max-insidethesound]

When you load the new ES-8 preset, you must also send data value of 0 to turn off any enabled loops. I took a quick look at its manual and it looks like you may be limited to only two Control Changes you can send at once from your ES-8.

The GCX Loops respond to MIDI Control Changes 80-87 with a Data Value of 127 turns a Loop On and a Data Value of 0 turns a Loop Off. A Loop will stay in its current state until receiving a message that tells it to switch. For full control you would need to be sending all eight Control Change messages with each preset.

A better fit here might be our HEX switcher. It has six loops rather than eight, but it will respond to MIDI Program Change messages to recall preset loop combinations instead of relying only on full strings of Control Change messages.

I hope that helps!

Thank you for reply!!

[Max-insidethesound]

It seems the problem solved. Es-8 can send 16 CCs in each preset. The point is to manually enable loops that I need on GCX and disable all others within each preset. It is not quite comfortable but it works for me.

[Legacy]

Are you saying you have to unplug 1/4 inch cables from the back of GCX of those loops that you do not need for each preset?
I am kind of in similar situation as I cant figure this one out.

[JohnClark]

Are you saying you have to unplug 1/4 inch cables from the back of GCX of those loops that you do not need for each preset?
I am kind of in similar situation as I cant figure this one out.

No cables need to be unplugged...

He is saying that he has found that the ES-8 has the ability to program up to 16 Control Change Messages with each preset. This then means that what I was saying in my original reply can be done.
To control a GCX properly, you will need to use eight of these Control Change messages. For each ES-8 preset you will need to program the Control Change message for each GCX Loop.
A GCX responds to Control Change 80 -87 for Loops 1 - 8 respectively... A Data Value of 0 turns a Loop OFF, and a Data Value of 127 Turns a Loop On. (GCX Defaults to MIDI Channel 16)
So if you wanted an ES-8 Preset to have only GC Loops 3 and 4 ON, but the rest of the Loops OFF you would need to program into the ES-8 the following Control Changes and Data Values:

MIDI CH16, CC80, Data 0 (Loop 1 Off)
MIDI CH16, CC81, Data 0 (Loop 2 Off)
MIDI CH16, CC82, Data 127 (Loop 3 ON)
MIDI CH16, CC83, Data 127 (Loop 4 ON)
MIDI CH16, CC84, Data 0 (Loop 5 Off)
MIDI CH16, CC85, Data 0 (Loop 6 Off)
MIDI CH16, CC86, Data 0 (Loop 7 Off)
MIDI CH16, CC87, Data 0 (Loop 8 Off)

Only by programming the state of every GCX Loop into every ES-8 Preset will you be able to ensure that the proper combination of GCX Loops comes up in every ES-8 preset.

I hope that helps!

[Legacy]

John Clark I thank you very much,

[Legacy]

Are you saying you have to unplug 1/4 inch cables from the back of GCX of those loops that you do not need for each preset?
I am kind of in similar situation as I cant figure this one out.

No cables need to be unplugged...

He is saying that he has found that the ES-8 has the ability to program up to 16 Control Change Messages with each preset. This then means that what I was saying in my original reply can be done.
To control a GCX properly, you will need to use eight of these Control Change messages. For each ES-8 preset you will need to program the Control Change message for each GCX Loop.
A GCX responds to Control Change 80 -87 for Loops 1 - 8 respectively... A Data Value of 0 turns a Loop OFF, and a Data Value of 127 Turns a Loop On. (GCX Defaults to MIDI Channel 16)
So if you wanted an ES-8 Preset to have only GC Loops 3 and 4 ON, but the rest of the Loops OFF you would need to program into the ES-8 the following Control Changes and Data Values:

MIDI CH16, CC80, Data 0 (Loop 1 Off)
MIDI CH16, CC81, Data 0 (Loop 2 Off)
MIDI CH16, CC82, Data 127 (Loop 3 ON)
MIDI CH16, CC83, Data 127 (Loop 4 ON)
MIDI CH16, CC84, Data 0 (Loop 5 Off)
MIDI CH16, CC85, Data 0 (Loop 6 Off)
MIDI CH16, CC86, Data 0 (Loop 7 Off)
MIDI CH16, CC87, Data 0 (Loop 8 Off)

Only by programming the state of every GCX Loop into every ES-8 Preset will you be able to ensure that the proper combination of GCX Loops comes up in every ES-8 preset.

I hope that helps!

I have another question John
I would not have 8 pedals for * loops in my GCX.
Would I have to follow procedure you explained above even thou I have loops that has no pedals connected?

Thanks

[JohnClark]

No problem to program only for the number of Loops you are currently using.

Good Luck!