Rig setup questions

[crazyswede]

Hey there,

Just recently picked up a GCX switcher & GCP. I'm building a rig and have a few questions. Hopefully someone here can offer advice.

Here's the list of gear I'll be using:

GCP
GCX
G MAJOR 2
G STRING DECIMATOR (rack)
MATCHLESS CHIEFTAIN
MESA DUAL RECTIFIER
ENGL FIREBALL
PLUS a few pedals (TS-808 & Adrenalinn)

I want to be able to channel switch the heads (Mesa and Engl) and combine the effects with all ampheads. Can I use one G MAJ for all the amp heads?

On a separate note, I've been using a 4x12 cab (wired in stereo).

How would I hook all this up?

Thanks in advance!

[JohnClark]

It isn't really possible to run an effect processor in the effects loops of the three different amplifiers. To do so would likely take seven loops to handle just the effects loop switching and would be very prone to ground loop problems. Now if you were to switch between the three preamp sections and keep two of the power amp sections dedicated to providing your stereo output (or had a stereo power amp)... I assume you want stereo output at all times?

[crazyswede]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I do want to run my rig in stereo. What if I used 2 heads instead of 3? Or would I need two G Major 2 units (1 for each effects loop)?

Thanks Mr. Clark!

[JohnClark]

Again, this all depends on if you want to switch between the preamp sections of the heads, add effects to the selected preamp section, then send the signal in stereo to two dedicated power amp sections.

Are you intending to blend the sounds of the three (or two) amps together or are you only switching so you hear one at a time?

[crazyswede]

I'm switching so I only hear one amp at a time. I don't need to combine/blend the amps.


Thanks!

[JohnClark]

In that case if you treat the Effects Sends of your three heads as "Preamp Outputs" and treat two of the Effects Returns of your choice as "Power Amp Inputs" then you can switch between the three preamp sections as shown in this GCX diagram... http://www.voodoolab.com/gcxdiagrams/04 ... werAmp.pdf

In your case though, you would need a load on the third head in order to avoid blowing up its output transformer. I hope that helps!

[crazyswede]

So, I kinda get it. If I had only 2 amp heads and 1 GM2 - could I use the effects from the GM2 on both amps?

[JohnClark]

Well yes, but you can switch between any number of preamp sections before hitting the effects then send the effected signal to two power amp sections for stereo output. The difference is that when running different heads, each one has a power amp section that at least needs a load on it, be it a speaker or a load box.