GCP + RM4 Switching

[Condo111]

Hey all! Just new to the forum and new to MIDI...

I simply want to change my amp channels on the Randall RM4 MTS, using my newly purchased Vodoo Lab GCP...

Both are MIDI controlled devices, am guessing this should be very simple...

And Im sure I won't need a GCX
is this correct???

Can anyone tell me how to do this...

Thanks Guys

[jgastineau]

GCP midi out -> RM4 midi in

If you have no other midi gear, you just need to determine what midi channel your RM4 is set to (probably 1), and set up a GCP device to that channel. You can open the RM4 and change the channel, but if you don't have any other midi gear there's no need.

Unless your RM4 has been reprogrammed, GCP program change 1 will select preamp 1, 2->2...

If it has been reprogrammed you can go back by selecting program change 1 on your GCP, then select preamp 1, then hold the preamp select button for a couple of seconds to match the two to each other. Repeat for programs 2 thru 4.

No GCX is needed (as long as you have a power supply for your GCP).

[Condo111]

Thanks for the reply!

Ok im using just the RM4 and a G Major...

Now Im guessing that because I plugged the RM4 in first and set the RM4 as MIDI channel 1 on the GCP that should be fine yea?..

Also when you say program change 1 does that mean I have to set an instant access button for each preamp channel?

Any advice much appreciated

[jgastineau]

Thanks for the reply!

Ok im using just the RM4 and a G Major...

Now Im guessing that because I plugged the RM4 in first and set the RM4 as MIDI channel 1 on the GCP that should be fine yea?..

Also when you say program change 1 does that mean I have to set an instant access button for each preamp channel?

Any advice much appreciated

The order you are plugging in does not have any relevance. Midi channels are like TV channels. The GCP is the "broadcaster", and sends messages on certain channels based on how it is set up. The RM4 and G Major are like TV sets that only receive on the channel they are set to. Since you have 2 receiving devices, they must be set to receive on different channels in order to switch independently. The G Major should be able to select the midi channel from it's front panel. You will need to remove the top of the RM4 to change it's midi channel.

Here are midi instructions for the RM4:

http://www.randallamplifiers.com/images ... 0guide.pdf

Once you know what midi channels you are going to receive on (RM4/GM), you can set the GCP to transmit messages on those channels (device setup). The patch (program) commands would be used to change amp channels typically, not the IA buttons (although you could do that by using controller messages, not program changes). If you tell me how you want to use the GCP with your gear, I can probably point you one direction or another.

[Condo111]

Hey bud! Thanks for the reply!

I think I understand it it now - going to check the RM4 tonight and find out which MIDI channel its set to...

So when it says S1-4 etc,, just relates to one of the intrernal switches and there can be 16 channels, cause there can be 16 different combinations.. yea - thats cool

Example
CHAN. S1-4 S1-3 S1-2 S1-1
1 on on on on
2 on on on off
3 on on off on

Ok, so what I'd like to do is have the patch commands, change the amp channel and depending on what patch Im on have certain effects come up straight away...

And then have the I/A buttons have other functions like tap tempo - mute button etc...

Now at the moment I've just really been playing about with it and seem to be getting to grips with setting up the I/A using the CC learn feature of the GM -which is a start - at this moment in time every time I change a patch it changes the patch on the GM in chronilogical order - like patch 1 is the first preset on the GM - so need to sort that...

Appreciate the help

[jgastineau]

If they are both switching at the same time, they are both set to receive the same midi channel. By making the RM4 channel 1 and the GM channel 2 (or whatever channels you want), you can change the preamp but keep the same effects, the other way around, or have them both change based on what you tell the GCPro to send out.

That's how I use my RM4 with a BOSS GT-Pro for effects. A preset on the GCPro changes the preamp, but the GT-Pro usually stays on one generic patch and I use the IA switches to turn on/off individual effects in the GT-Pro (chorus, delay, etc.). If I need an unusual effects setup I have the GCPro change the BOSS GT-Pro for that patch only.

[Condo111]

Thanks again bro...

Waiting to get some more Modules, so will let you know when I experiment some more

Cheers