GCX Audio Switcher and other foot controller

[acusenza]

I have a Rocktron Midimate and Voodoo Control Switcher setup to control a Boogie Roadster. Will be getting a switcher, mainly to be used to send control changes to switch in/out pedals.

The GCX will only receive CC's on Ch.16. Is the unit capable of receiving program changes and CC's simultaneously? Must they be both on Ch.16?

So without a Ground Control Pro foot controller, I won't be able distinguish CC's between multiple GCX's, is this correct?

[JohnClark]

In order to use multiple GCX switchers with another controller you can do one of two things.

One requires a controller that can be programmed to send MIDI SysEX messages, then you would only need to send this hexadecimal string after powering up the system...
F0 00 00 07 01 08 10 F7
The above SysEx message will auto configure the GCX units to each respond to a different set of Control Change messages all on MIDI channel 16.

The other method is to put a custom chip into the second (...third and fourth) GCX that will assign a different set of Control Change messages for each GCX unit all on MIDI channel 16.

I hope that helps!

[rodzimguitar68]

The Control switcher can be programmed to respond to other midi channels. It can also respond to a different set of CC messages if it comes after the GCX switcher in your midi pathway, and can be left on the same ch 16 with the GCX.

Lastly, while the GCX does not respond to midi program changes (and does not store "presets" of its own), the control switcher does. So if you leave both devices on the same midi channel together, you can send PC changes to make the Control Switcher change to a stored preset where you have the switches engaged/disengaged how you want them, and the GCX will ignore those messages. You can send CC messages to the GCX, and the loops will turn on or off, and a different set of CC messages for instant access to the footswitch buttons on the Control Switcher.

Also, be cautious when plugging your midimate into the midi in of the GCX, as the GCX has power at 2 of the midi pins for supplying remote power for the Ground Control Pro foot controller. Therefore, if you interconnect your midi foot controller to it with an off the shelf, standard MIDI cable, you will fry it. You need a special midi cable where only 3 of the Midi applicable pins are connected, and the other 2 pins are not really connected, even though the midi jacks still have 5 pins.

[oblivius]

Hi....So to not FRY the midi mate I just received with GCX I bought, WHICH pins should I clip? or Will u please describe the custom cable specs? Thanks much !
DC

[JohnClark]

The GCX Pedal In will apply 9VAC power across pins 1 and 3.

I hope that helps!

[oblivius]

Thanks John ! I managed to figure that pin scheme out and, if it helps anyone, just clip those pins (1 and 3) and the cable works fine. You really only need to do one end of the cable but it's a tight squeeze. I happened to have very small jewelry making tools which worked great.
Cheers !