Author Topic: Effects switching (Read 2663 times)

Oli · « **on:** July 05, 2007, 11:29:41 PM »

A little background:

I used to use a nice big rack and used MIDI to control everthing nicely, so I only ever had to hit one button on the floorboard to go from screaming lead to crystal clean passages. Nowadays the rack isn't really used, and i'm using a much more simple setup of a boost into a JCM900, and that's it.

Now, I'm expanding my tonal range from distortion to clean (with chorus and delay), but i have a problem: how do you switch the pedals on and change amp channels at the same time? I have a Lehle D.Loop which i can use to have the boost in one loop, and clean effects in another, but how do i switch amp channels at the same time? Do people just change amp channels then engage the loop, or is there something i'm missing here?

Oli

LazyNinja · « **Reply #1 on:** July 06, 2007, 09:01:52 AM »

I think that's what everyone has to do. If your amp has a dedicated effects loop for each channel like my VH100R, you can leave the effects on in the loop permanently. Downside is that the effect will always be on for that channel, although thi scan be overcome with another looper pedal, but then you're back to square one having to tap dance like a monkey again!

hunter · « **Reply #2 on:** July 06, 2007, 12:55:16 PM »

There are tools that can switch effects that are in loops and amp channels at the same time, based on MIDI or like the TC G System in an integrated unit. But usually it's overkill as to my opinion. Another possibility is to use two different amps for clean and lead and have the FX only work on the (e.g. Fender) clean amp.

I had a unit built by WOBO that would switch a loop on/off and send a latching FS signal at the same time, but never used it (didn't sound great due to cheapo relais) and meanwhile took it apart as I needed its parts for other purposes.

There is a quite expensive solution that seems to be real quality though from radial engineering with 2 FX loops and a boost or channel switch button, that would exactly do what you need.
http://www.tonebone.com/tb-switchbone.htm

Oli · « **Reply #3 on:** July 06, 2007, 07:13:26 PM »

LazyNinja: Yea, i've got a VH100R as well, it's on of the things which gives me second thoughts about selling it.

I don't fancy making my rig any bigger, i'd rather keep it small and simple, so it looks like i'll just go with the ol' footswitch tap then :)

I could do the switching with my Lehle D.Loop MIDI and my behringer fcb1010 floorboard, as the board has channel select loops, but i'd rather not lug the board around with me- if i did that, i may as well leave the amp head and bring the rack with me :p

Cheers for you help :)

Hell Hound · « **Reply #4 on:** July 06, 2007, 07:55:05 PM »

What you are searching for is a MIDI-8 from GigRig, 6 loops, can switch amp, high quality componant, but NOT cheap :?

crimesofpassionandy · « **Reply #5 on:** July 06, 2007, 09:42:37 PM »

I've been looking into this for a while now. I almost went for the TC G system, but it converts your signal into digital, even when bypassed. Plus, at almost £1000, you gotta be pretty sure your gonna like all those onboard effects. Also, my 5150 MKII heads wouldn't channel switch using the relay. I've now got an ENGL Blackmore as part of the new plan and will be shortly picking up a Carl Martin Combinator 2 switcher top switch my amp and pedals. Check it out. Should do the job for you I reckon.

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/12367

Antag · « **Reply #6 on:** July 06, 2007, 10:09:49 PM »

I think a lot of people tap-dance, or abandon a few FX after they get tired of doing it & making a mistake at a gig :) Or if they're rich, hire a guitar tech to do the switching for them :)

Some amps (like my Engl Savage) have two assignable FX loops so you put your chorus/delay/rev in one loop for the clean channel & something (or nothing) in the other loop for the lead channel. So I can step on one button to go from swimming clean to screaming mega-filth :twisted:

Others have a single FX loop that you can turn on/off for certain channels

Others (Engl, Hughes & Kettner) include some sort of MIDI switching option that accomodates the amp's channel switching and MIDI signals to change patches on an FX processor.

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #7 on:** July 06, 2007, 10:19:00 PM »

http://www.tonebone.com/tb-loopbone.htm

This could be your answer.........
Does what you need and more - all analogue too
Just reviewed in one of the guitar mags last month
We have one in stock if you are tempted