POD XT Live, Ground Control setup

[tchopper]

I am very much considering purchasing both the MIDI Ground Controller as well as the GCX. However, I am rather new to MIDI and making this purchase would be dependant on being able to use the equipment as follows: My intention is to have a one-stop-shop way to switch among various combinations of equipment (that would all be stored compactly in a rack), including multiple Boss stomp boxes I’ve amassed, clean and dirty channels on one or more amps as well as my POD XT Live (the floor version of the rack Pro), of which I’ve downloaded and tweaked hundreds of presets.

I’m fairly sure this will the use of multiple GCX units, but my real question is, is there available a setup PDF file, like the ones available on this page (http://www.voodoolab.com/gcx.htm), that factors in the use of a POD XT Live , where the POD functionality in the Ground Controller is not turned on (i.e., for the POD, I’m looking to use the Ground Controller to switch among preexisting presets in the POD. Those presets would be edited via the POD, not the Ground controller. So, if I understand how the product works, buttons 1-8 would be for turning loops on and off – not turning on and off POD features such as AMP, COMP, WAH, etc.; switching through the POD presets would be effected by switching through the Ground Control’s banks/channels).

I would also envision being able to use expression pedals for multiple items, including, but not limited to, a Morley Bad Horsie wah, a Digitech Whammy pedal, Volume and Expression parameters stored in preprogrammed POD XT Live presets, etc. First, is the expression capability of the Ground Control robust enough for this; second, is this also something that can be documented in the above requested PDF?

I have spent much time on the internet trying to find information on or about this type of setup (Controller, GCX(s), Expression Pedals, stomp boxes, amps and a POD XT Live) and I’ve not been able to find anything that adequately addresses this. I’m sure it’d be easier if I was using a rack POD Pro (which I presume was designed to be controlled via MIDI), but why do that if I can use the POD I’ve been using with the same end result?

Or, are there any site(s) that I can go to that would help me with my questions?

[Josh Fiden]

I am very much considering purchasing both the MIDI Ground Controller as well as the GCX. However, I am rather new to MIDI and making this purchase would be dependant on being able to use the equipment as follows: My intention is to have a one-stop-shop way to switch among various combinations of equipment (that would all be stored compactly in a rack), including multiple Boss stomp boxes I’ve amassed, clean and dirty channels on one or more amps as well as my POD XT Live (the floor version of the rack Pro), of which I’ve downloaded and tweaked hundreds of presets.

I’m fairly sure this will the use of multiple GCX units, but my real question is, is there available a setup PDF file, like the ones available on this page (http://www.voodoolab.com/gcx.htm), that factors in the use of a POD XT Live , where the POD functionality in the Ground Controller is not turned on (i.e., for the POD, I’m looking to use the Ground Controller to switch among preexisting presets in the POD. Those presets would be edited via the POD, not the Ground controller. So, if I understand how the product works, buttons 1-8 would be for turning loops on and off – not turning on and off POD features such as AMP, COMP, WAH, etc.; switching through the POD presets would be effected by switching through the Ground Control’s banks/channels).

I would also envision being able to use expression pedals for multiple items, including, but not limited to, a Morley Bad Horsie wah, a Digitech Whammy pedal, Volume and Expression parameters stored in preprogrammed POD XT Live presets, etc. First, is the expression capability of the Ground Control robust enough for this; second, is this also something that can be documented in the above requested PDF?

I have spent much time on the internet trying to find information on or about this type of setup (Controller, GCX(s), Expression Pedals, stomp boxes, amps and a POD XT Live) and I’ve not been able to find anything that adequately addresses this. I’m sure it’d be easier if I was using a rack POD Pro (which I presume was designed to be controlled via MIDI), but why do that if I can use the POD I’ve been using with the same end result?

Or, are there any site(s) that I can go to that would help me with my questions?

Thanks for posting the questions, you've come to the right place!

The short answer is yes, the Ground Control Pro and GCX will do what you want. Here are some specifics:

The POD XT Live is controlled entirely via MIDI. You won't use the GCX for this at all. You only need to send MIDI from the Ground Control Pro to the MIDI IN of the POD. The PDF documents that you mention are audio wiring examples for the GCX. These are not required to control the POD.

The GCX has 8 audio loops which can each be used for in/out effect switching. That's how you would automate turning pedal effects on and off. Each loop can also be used as a latching or momentary switch. That's how you automate amp channel switching.

Once you have this set up, you will create presets on the Ground Control Pro. A preset in your case consists of a program change for the POD XT and the GCX loop settings. You hit one button to recall the preset and that will command the POD XT to the correct program, turn on the correct pedal effects, and set your amp to the desired channel.

You can use expression pedals with the GCP to control the Whammy and real time parameters on the POD. You can't control your Morley Wah since it doesn't have MIDI capability.

That's a lot of information, so look it over and please post any more questions you have.

Regards,

Josh Fiden
Founder / CEO

[mhjn]

hi,

how do i setup my GCP and/or the POD XT PRO ?

all i need is that that POD follows program changes on the GCP so:

GCP 01 = POD 1A
GCP 02 = POD 1B
GCP 03 = POD 1C
GCP 04 = POD 1D
GCP 05 = POD 2A
etc

thanks much !!!

-m

[mhjn]

got it, dead simple, just a device number in edit mode, dead simple