GCX as a parallel mix bus for simultaneous effects loops?

[Rigs]

I am wondering if I can use the GCX with lets say 3 different EQ loops
and 3 different distortion effects loops. and have the outputs be blended in parallel not series, to the output.

Specifically example, think of these as separate loops

1) EQ Hi Peak
2) EQ Mid Peak
3) EQ Low Peak

4) Distortion Rough
5) Distortion Smooth
6) Distortion Grit

Engaging switch combinations so that I can have

1+5 = Hi Peak goes through Distortion Smooth

2+6 = Mid Peak goes through Distortion Grit

3+4 = Low Peak goes through Distortion Rough.


Controlling the volumes of each effect, shifts the relative blend of the combined signal, which is the sum of all engaged loops in parallel. So you hear a peices of each with complex signal.

1) Does GCX allow this?
2) Are impedences correct in all cases?
3) Can someone post a diagram, or explain the nuances of the setup to make parallel work?

I am assuming I have one instrument input coming at the start....
Thanks Much, Rigs

[Josh Fiden]

I am wondering if I can use the GCX with lets say 3 different EQ loops
and 3 different distortion effects loops. and have the outputs be blended in parallel not series, to the output.

Specifically example, think of these as separate loops

1) EQ Hi Peak
2) EQ Mid Peak
3) EQ Low Peak

4) Distortion Rough
5) Distortion Smooth
6) Distortion Grit

Engaging switch combinations so that I can have

1+5 = Hi Peak goes through Distortion Smooth

2+6 = Mid Peak goes through Distortion Grit

3+4 = Low Peak goes through Distortion Rough.


Controlling the volumes of each effect, shifts the relative blend of the combined signal, which is the sum of all engaged loops in parallel. So you hear a peices of each with complex signal.

1) Does GCX allow this?
2) Are impedences correct in all cases?
3) Can someone post a diagram, or explain the nuances of the setup to make parallel work?

I am assuming I have one instrument input coming at the start....
Thanks Much, Rigs

The GCX will do the switching, but to combine signals together requires a mixer. I would suggest that before you spend a large amount of effort building this system, hardwire it together and see if the results are desirable. Then you can manually patch things to see how you would want to switch it live.

Regards,
Josh Fiden
Founder / CEO

[Rigs]

Thanks. I have done this with three Boss LS-2 for blending signals of instrument level signals (EQ and Distortion per unit) the results are great, but the pedal board gets large an unweildy, lots of cords and room for errors in patching....

Since level controls are part of each EQ and Distortion unit, I was thinking that a passive sum buss could combine all the signals, but I have to make sure the summed output is at instrument level dbV and I suppose the dry signal needs to come through the same summing bus. Most summing busses are two RU expensive units. And adding a mixing board is unweildy too. So I am hoping to have more streamlined implementation.....

Any specific suggestions appreciated......I bet the famous John Clark could draw this up........

Cheers, Rigs

[JohnClark]

This looks to me like you will just use three loops to mute the inputs to the EQs. If the EQs always run to the specific distortions then there is no need to use the three more loops. Split your source signal to the Inputs of three different GCX loops. Run the Sends of these three GCX loops to the Inputs of your three EQs. The outs of the EQs go to the distortions, and the outs of the distortions get mixed together with a mixer. Done. If these three EQ/Distortion layers are always on together then you can use the muted send from a single GCX loop then split to the three EQs.

Post some sound samples of this layered EQ sound you are creating!

[Rigs]

Thanks
but what is the proper way to wire that split without signal degrdation and impedence problems?

[JohnClark]

Thanks
but what is the proper way to wire that split without signal degrdation and impedence problems?

You can use the GCX buffer for this. Guitar In is the buffer Input and Guitar Out as well as the rear panel Feed Thru will be the buffer outputs. Two Y-Cables will give you the 3 or 4 way split you asked for. You will need to mute the dry feed whenever the EQ/Distortion feeds are active to avoid more phasing problems.

[Rigs]

Ok, got it, thanks.

Will any single RU line mixer do this? do you recommend one that has the input sensitivity and impendence for mixing instrument level signals? What other features might good in that configuration (headphone out, etc?)

-Rigs