Remote switching amps and FX via Midi

[hunter]

So I had this MS-4 lying around as I got it once for cheap and was thinking to maybe switch the Shiva and Axe-FX with it (using the 4CM) but never bothered to do it.

Now with the XTC, having 3 channels and a boost and a switchable loop, tap dancing can be a bit of a nightmare if I wanna use them all. So I ordered a 7 pin XLR plug and some colored cheapo 6.3mm jacks and soldered my own custom Medusa cable to have Ch1/2/3 and boost on/off switchable with the MS-4 (loop on/off I left out for the moment as the MS-4 only has 4 controls).

So I just did the first test (switches 1-3 momentary for the channels and switch 4 latching for the boost) and made programs using the ground control midi switcher and the MS-4 (no Axe involved yet) and it seems to work pretty damn fine. I just press a program on the GC and then press switches 1-4 on the MS-4 as I want them and "store" on the MS-4 and it's done.

Now I'm thinking to set up my rig like this, guess one bank of 16 programs will do with some FX and levels managed via the Axe FX. Disadvantage is that I lose some of the spontaneitiy of Amp/Pedals, but gain a lot of convenience.

I actually consider to having it all switched by our keyboarders sequencer for gigs, that would be cool, walking around while something else switches sounds.

Anyone got any experience with this kind of setup?

[Denim n Leather]

I control my rig with a Roland FC-200/Rocktron PatchMate/Lehle D Loops. Makes life much simpler! Everything sits on the backline, which really neatens the front of the stage -- just my tuner (which I use as a mute, also) and the FC-200.

[hunter]

I control my rig with a Roland FC-200/Rocktron PatchMate/Lehle D Loops. Makes life much simpler! Everything sits on the backline, which really neatens the front of the stage -- just my tuner (which I use as a mute, also) and the FC-200.

Cool, can the patch mate do both, latching and non latching?

The MS-4 can do both in neg or pos polarity, plus on the non latching ones you can chose between 3ms and 100ms duration. Cheap device but very flexible.

I would still need a wah on the floor I guess, unless I go 4CM with the Axe and use the wahs in there.

[Denim n Leather]

Yes, the PatchMate is a very powerful loop/switcher. I only use it for control, however. You can't match the sonic quality of the Lehle switchers, even though it comes at a price.