Voodoo Lab

I have a Mesa Dual Rec. and have just been given a Ground Control Pro, GCX & GMajor 2. I want it set up so I can use the GCP to store individual "effects" that will control my amp channel + GMajor effect + GCX loop with Real pedals.

Example:
1: Channel 1 on Mesa, couple of effects pedals, delay/reverb on GMajor
2: Channel 2 on Mesa, overdrive & Noise suppressor pedals, light delay on GMajor

etc. etc.

I need a simple as possible explanation as to how to set it up. Starting with what cables I need. I don't even have the midi cables yet (should get them in a couple days). I'm thinking I need 2 midi's (GCP-GCX, GCX-GMajor)? And I know I'll need many's the standard cable for creating all the loops in the GCX. I still don't fully understand what kind of cables I'll need to hook the GCX to my Mesa Dual Rec. I've read the manuals & quite a few forums, and I'm more confused now than I was when I started. I read somewhere that I'll only have to use 1 loop on the GCX to control all the channels on the Mesa. That doesn't make any sense to me, but if someone's ready to explain it, I'm certainly ready to learn.

Also, I'd like to keep a couple Actual pedals in my amp's FX Loop (especially my T.C. Chorus/Flanger), will that be any different as far as the GCX is concerned (with the TC being in it's own loop)?

ALSO, do I understand the general idea of the GCX right, that using the GCP I can run different loops at the same time. e.g. If Loop 1 has the distortion effects, Loop 2 has a chorus, Loop 3 has a delay.... Could I have one effect with just Loop 2 + 3, another with Loop 1+3, another with Loop 1+2+3, etc.?

When I fully understand this and get it all working properly, I intend to make a detailed video explaining it for all confused newcomers. So, please do me and them a favor, and make sure I get it right.

Just found this handy worksheet
http://voodoolab.com/gcxdiagrams/05-Ped ... tching.pdf

which Really simplifies / solidifies how I thought I'd need to set my loops up (that's exactly how I'd pictured it).

I'm still not positive on what type of cable should go from the GCX to my Mesa for Channel Switching (so Loops 5,6 & 7 on the worksheet). I need to know before I buy them (obviously).

The cables needed would be standard mono instrument or speaker cables. You can even get away with using only two switches to change between the three channels by connecting to the Channel 1 and Channel 3 jacks only. whenever either one of the switches is on you will get Channel 1 or 3, when both are off you will get Channel 2.

I read that somewhere else. It was in relation to switching through the Gmajor (as in, withOut a GCX). So that "trick" will work with no added risk to my head?

There is no risk in taking advantage of the feature that Mesa included with the three channel rectifier series amplifiers.

Good Luck!

Hi John, can I get away with that only using 2 loops for 3 channels trick with my Mesa Boogie Mark IV?

jediboab wrote:Hi John, can I get away with that only using 2 loops for 3 channels trick with my Mesa Boogie Mark IV?

That I do not know for sure. Try contacting Mesa while armed with the exact model of your amp (I am also not sure if there were multiple versions of this amp ) and/or the serial number... they should be able to tell you if you can switch between the three channels using only two switches.

Good Luck!