GCX without Ground Control

[jtlyonsden]

I recently got my hands on a Mesa Boogie V12 bass amp. I would like the ability to switch channels, turn OD on/off, and turn SOLO on/off using patches in my GT-10B. It sounds like the GCX will allow me to do that if I can get a safe MIDI connection between it and my GT-10B.

Has anyone used the GCX without Ground Control? Specifically, using the MIDI OUT on a Boss multi-pedal (or other brand)? I know it says in the manual that the MIDI IN on the GCX is not a regular MIDI IN and that it could damage equipment if pins 1 and 3 are not unconnected. Can you buy a MIDI cable with pins 1 and 3 inactive?

Thanks!

[JohnClark]

The GCX responds to MIDI Control Change messages 80-87 for Latching and 104-111 for Momentary on MIDI channel 16. A data value of 64 or higher will activate a loop and a data value of 63 or lower will deactivate a loop. In order to have full preset style control like one gets with the Ground Control Pro, your controller will need to be able to send a string consisting of all eight Control Change messages.

Not all MIDI cable manufacturers connect all 5 pins, however it is not popular to call attention to this so it can be difficult to know for sure ahead of time if you are specifically trying to get one with only three of the five pins wired. The best bet is to first check with the manufacturer of your controller to find out if it's MIDI Out jack uses pins 1 and 3 for anything. If you cannot find reliable information or you are just simply concerned, you can always go the barbaric route and cut pins 1 and 3 out of your cable.

[jtlyonsden]

Thanks for the reply! And destroying one of my many MIDI cables is probably what I'll end up doing...ha.

How can I check if my Boss GT-10B can transmit the MIDI information required?

Is there anyone out there using the GCX with something other than a Ground Control (like a multifx pedal) that could offer some input?