Ditching pedals for rack effects & midi controller

[dboy5150]

Just bought an RM100 and new to midi controlled head, and considering a rack unit and midi switch so i can combine effects and module switching with a single midi pedal.
1) Reading a few threads suggests that the EMB can store multiple program change associations with each module, such that the foot controller could call up module 1 on the rm100 plus chorus, module 1 plus delay, etc. Is that true?
2) is there a program or control change that will turn on/off parallel loop on the rm100?
3) any recommendations for both rack unit and foot controller? this would be for gigging only; looking for used rack unit under $500.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

I don't know if it's the best choice, but I'm looking at a TC GSharp that's just been discounted down to $150 at Sweetwater

Only delays and reverbs, but that may fit well in my loop since I have phaser, wah and chorus/flange pedals....I don't know, I love the simple pure tone as is right now, so I'm on the fence

I'll be watching this thread since I'm interested too 8)

 

[reilly]

i have a Ground control pro that i use with my RM100, i like it a lot and its built like a tank. My other guitarists has a midi mate which works fine and is much cheaper in price.

As far as effects i have a rocktron multivalve which has everything i need. some other sugestions for effects are
rocktron expression
rocktron replifex
G-major

 

[dboy5150]

Just to clarify: each time you change programs w/grnd controller, it selects the assigned mts module and sends midi thru to rack to select effects. e.g. program change 7 could select mts module 1 plus the effects assigned to p/c 7 on the effects unit (like pods, etc)? is this true?

i'm trying to figure out if it's simpler to have two foot controllers or just one.
the downside of using a single controller is that i'd have set up a separate program change for each mts/effects combination.

sure would be nice to be able to send a p/c to rm100 to turn eff loop on/off;
can this be done? (i love the amp but the owners guide is pitiful!)

 

[JKD]

sure would be nice to be able to send a p/c to rm100 to turn eff loop on/off;
can this be done? (i love the amp but the owners guide is pitiful!)

I don't remember 100% but I am fairly the loops aren't switchable at all...you'd need a GCX switcher or similar to achieve that AFAIR

 

[reilly]

i have my ground control setup so when i hit a button it changes my effects and module at the same time, my effects are in the loop. so you can ideally get what you are looking for with a midi switcher and a rack effects unit with midi. (if you are adding pedals you will need a GCX switcher) I use mostly delays and reverbs but each preset has a different time base for the delay so a good option is to get a unit that does midi mapping.

For instance lets say i have a generic reverb and delay patch for my leads, i can save the preset in lets say bank 3 on my processer but can have it load on my ground control on banks 17, 32, 54. The nice thing is you are only really using 1 bank or preset on you processer and you are just calling it up with your GC.

So 1 button changes my amp channel and effects channel at the same time, no pedal dancing.

 

[dboy5150]

thanks reilly; exactly what i needed to know; think i'll pick up an e/p on ebay and play around. think i'll use the rm100 at 8/29 gig with no effects, just to hear the "dry" sound of this bad boy. the room's so lively don't need verb or delay anyway.
by the way, checked out your band link; like your stuff; i'll try to catch a gig when you're in philly.

 

[Bluesguitar]

Howdy......I hope some if this helps:

The RM100 Midi control manual (downloadable from Randall's website), gives very clear and accurate instructions for programming the RM100 for both program and control changes. You'll dig the info in it if you have not read thru it yet
The head is only midi responsive for module change commands and nothing else (effects loops, etc).
I believe you'll find all the info in this manual you'll need for programming the RM and an effects processor (chained to RM's midi thru).....in the fashion you are inquiring about.

As for a great rack effects unit under $500 that works well with the RM's loops, the Rocktron Xpression (listed in another post above) is a great value and performer
The effects are very nice, it responds beautifully to the parellel loop in the RM and has a ton of variety available. I own many rack processors including a G-force, G-major and 2 TC units (all of which are great), but it's my opinion that the Xpression is killer at it's price point. You'll see from the gear listed below in my "live rig", it is the processor I've settled on given it's ability to play so well with the RM head's loops.
The Rocktron is easily programmed and if you'll spend 10 minutes with it's manual, you'll be able to put together some great sounding presets for any kind of music styles.
If you go with the Xpression, then Rocktron's Midi-mate is a no brainer for a floor controller.
You could buy both units "NEW", if you shop smartly, for under $500.00 (just barely though).
I would suggest a short visit to Rocktron's website and read through the effects list of the Xpression (I think you'll be suprised at all it includes).
There are no overdrives or distortions, the money you spend is strictly on the candy that "should" be in your effects loop.
Rocktron has been making dedicated effects for guitar rigs for years and they do a bang up job. They are often "over looked" as an option for serious guitar rigs.
You can also run the unit thru the Serial loop on the RM as the Xpression has excellent EQ, rotary and HUSH features that sound great over the entire preamp signal of the RM.
There ya go, one guitar players opinion!
James

 

[reilly]

+1 on the expression, its the newer version of the multivalve

 

[SacredGroove]

I never had an Xpression, but I did have a Replifex, which was built like a tank and has some of the best modulation FX I've ever heard--fat, vintage, analog'ish.

I had a GMajor and sold it. It was too sterile for me and built with cheap parts that worked when they wanted to.

I use a Digitech TSR24 now. Incredibly versatile, fast MIDI switching, awesome FX. It's a bit complicated to program at first, though.

I think Rocktron and Digitech have some of the best sounding FX for under $1,000.

 

[dboy5150]

Really appreciate the perspectives on the effects processors.
Here's what I've found on price:
* D-tech tsr-24 used around $150
* Repliflex used around $250
* Xpression new around $350 (can't seem to find used; maybe that says something too)

What I need is good reverb, delay, & mod effects (chorus, flange, phase); don't want to spend more than i need but i'll drop the extra $$$ for the best tone. using for gigs only, and i'll be running in parallel (don't wanna "mess the tone" as the rm100 manual says!)

any thoughts about cost/benefit?

 

[reilly]

replifex is basically the same as a multivalve without a tube, they both have channel switching built in so if you ever ditch the MTS you could use it to channel switch your new amp. The expression is really the same thing minus channel switching as far as I am aware.

The replifex is a very popular and reliable unit and they don't pop up very often on eBay, I think most guys don't want to get rid of them once they have them. I paid $200 for my multivalve last year, personally $250 isn't a bad price IMOP.

As far as the effects I think the delays are great. The reverb is ok, its not amazing but it works. All the other effects are nice as well. The units are pretty transparent and you don't get any drop outs when switching. The quality of effects are really good much better than a pod XTL

Overall I have been very pleased with my multivalve, so I would go with a replifex if I were you.

 

[dboy5150]

So big thumbs up on the repliflex; i found a mint tsr-24 for $100, so while there's $150 diff between two and it ain't much, it does fund a nice midi-mate though and i'm into the midi effects game. SacredGroove, would you go for the tsr or spend the extra bucks for the repliflex, having owned both? what would be the trade-off?

meanwhile, i'm still on my honeymoon with the rm100; first gig with it tomorrow night and i'm stoked!

 

[SacredGroove]

So big thumbs up on the repliflex; i found a mint tsr-24 for $100, so while there's $150 diff between two and it ain't much, it does fund a nice midi-mate though and i'm into the midi effects game. SacredGroove, would you go for the tsr or spend the extra bucks for the repliflex, having owned both? what would be the trade-off?

meanwhile, i'm still on my honeymoon with the rm100; first gig with it tomorrow night and i'm stoked!

The Replifex has "spillover" or seamless program change. It's also way easy to program, built like a diesel pusher, and made for guitar.

The TSR24 is a studio/pro audio unit. Mine has the dual processor (PPC200), so I can have seamless program change, as well as, other goodies. It's not as easy to program until you spend some quality time with it.

I paid $250. for the TSR24 and $225. for the Replifex. I prefer the TSR24 because it has a lot of buttons for instant access, similar to the GMajor. The sound quality is comparable between the two--warm, thick, analog'ish. They were built around the same time (early-mid '90's).

I think you should go for the Replifex. For reference, Jerry Cantrell used a Replifex on a lot of AIC.

I vote the Replifex for you. Hope this helps. :wink:

 

[RM100]

Looks like there are a few PA guys in here. 8)


I'm using the Digitech GSP1101. Actually, I have two...One for each RM100 head I have (running in stereo). This will let me experiment with different fx or amp sims on each side. Once I get my midi channel switching problem with the RM100's figured out, I can let you know how they sound. I've been using them with my other amps and they sound great. I'm selling my G-Major since I don't need it anymore.

The GSP1101 is very easy to program. It has all the basics plus amp modelling. The cool thing about this(for me) is that I can run one tube head on one side and a modeled one on the other. Or, two modelled amps together. You can set up the GSP1101 to bypass your amps preamp and run it thru your poweramp only. Also, you can turn off the cab sims and get the sound of the models thru your cab.

I like the sounds from this unit a lot better than the POD XT PRO and the G-Major.

 

[dboy5150]

yeah, looks like lots of rm100's in philly...woohoo!!!
i just committed to buying ned's xpression he posted on here; should have it next week. looking for a midi mate now. i'll post a review after i mess around with it for awhile. the guys on here have been extremely helpful; great forum!

denny

 

[Anonymous]

Get the GCPro for your controller. In fact there's a dude unloading a GCX and a GCPro on Rig Talk right now.

http://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=34135

 

[dboy5150]

yeah, i looked at the GCPro, but being that I also sing, i need something more compact and linear, at least to begin with. It's tough enough just tapping thru the few pedals i have now without looking down at 'em!

 

[Tube Head]

The TSR-24 is not a good choice for an RM100 only because it only does -10 db. The RM100 is fixed at +4 db. Im sure the Ebtech LLS2 Line Level Shifter would be able tofix that.

 

[dboy5150]

i ended up with ned's xpression and a new midi mate. i decided to configure it in parallel, and use the mmate to control both the rm100 and xpression. after a couple hours with the manual, i started working with the effects and programmed up 8 presets: clean (bypass), clean w/reverb and slight delay, crunch (bypass), crunch chorus/reverb (awesome STP sound), crunch flange/reverb (van halen rhythm sound), lead (bypass), lead/delay, lead pitch shift. the xpression is a bit bright, but used the EQ to roll the highs and punch up the mid (you can EQ each preset which is nice). punching through the presets with the mmate is a snap; consolidating the floor board effects and channel switching into a single controller really simplifies things. haven't gigged with it yet but so far i love this rig.

by the way, i'm also lovin' the celestion neo's. other than the price, i don't know why more people don't use them. they are amazing. they are so well balanced, and loud, that i'll likely be replacing my 2x12 stack (2xV30's and 2xG12H30's) with this single 2x12 cab. i hope to record and post some clips soon.