Major Equipment FAILURE!

[Nightrunner]

I've been having some trouble with my Digitech 2112 & Control One footboard setup recently. Until my gig last night, the volume would just occasionally decrease all of a sudden when I was using certain lead patches. I could usually just fiddle with the expression pedal & then the problem would go away for a bit.

At my band's gig last night, however, the rig decided to start really messing with me! The LCD display & all lights on the Control One kept going out until I switched patches & then if I tried to switch to anything other than my main rhythm distortion or clean tone, the volume would cut out pretty much completely.

I decided to test it out at home today to see if I had the same problems. Initially I wasn't having any problems. Then I partially unplugged the Control One while the unit was turned on & switched patches--all of a sudden, hissing white noise invading the tones! Some patches work w/o noise, but most are obviously having problems. I called Digitech (like I was going to BEFORE I screwed up the whole unit) & the tech asked, "Did you happen to unplug the Control One while the unit was on?"

(Keep in mind this unit hasn't been under warranty for a LONG time)

I respond, "Uh, yeah I did." He says, "You should NEVER do that. That can cause serious damage to the whole unit!" I'm like, "Well thanks for telling me that after the fact!" Feeling stupid after the fact, but how was I supposed to know?!?

I also have a 2101 that I had worked on before & within a year of the service, it started having the same noise problems again. Got the 2112 in not working condition & had it repaired (I thought) about a year ago... always had the foot pedal issues & now the processor is toast too. I think one of the S-DISC processors got fried or something.

|Digitech|:rocket:


Long story short, I'm thinking I want to leave these problems behind me & get something new. I want another multi-effects/preamp setup with a more solid foot controller & good tones for live and recording situations. I've researched the Line 6 POD XT with an FBV Shortboard footcontroller as a potential replacement... That foot controller has the metal DPDT switches instead of crappy plastic buttons that always stop working after a year. Grand total would run $580.

Does that seem like a good way to go? Any suggestions on a better multi-effects setup for around the same price. (Keep in mind I'm going to have to sell some stuff to raise the money) :17:


--Nightrunner

 

[Nightrunner]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

What about the VOX Tonelab SE? Anybody have an opinion or comparison between this & the Pod XT w/ FBV Shortboard?


& BTW: Despite the technical problems with my guitar rig, we still managed to pull off a pretty killer show! I just had to stick with one distortion & one clean -- no switching for solos, but the sound guy was helping out! :headbang: :bowdown: :headbang:

Still had fun last night... today on the other hand. :smack:


--Nightrunner

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

The most common cause of problems like that on a digital board is that either the input jack, power jack, output jack, expression pedal jack, or volume pot has a cold (slightly cracked) solder joint. What happens is the cable gets yanked, and it causes hairline cracks on the solder points, where it meets the PC board.
That's why it's intermittent, and can be fixed quickly by bending the cable the opposite way. The solution is to carefully open the unit, and use a soldering iron to re-wet the solder points on all the questionable jacks. 9 times outta 10, it cures the problem.

 

[Nightrunner]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

The most common cause of problems like that on a digital board is that either the input jack, power jack, output jack, expression pedal jack, or volume pot has a cold (slightly cracked) solder joint. What happens is the cable gets yanked, and it causes hairline cracks on the solder points, where it meets the PC board.
That's why it's intermittent, and can be fixed quickly by bending the cable the opposite way. The solution is to carefully open the unit, and use a soldering iron to re-wet the solder points on all the questionable jacks. 9 times outta 10, it cures the problem.

The input level (it shows a meter all the time) was consistent even when the volume was dropping... that's why I was thinking it was more pedal related or something else entirely. I could understand if the input was cutting in and out & maybe the foot controller's connection (either on the main unit or on the pedal) could be problematic, but at this point the unit itself is apparently jacked!

Thanks for the suggestion though! & I may be a little cranky right now due to the conversation I just had with a supervisor at Verizon Wireless about my cell phone bill... :angryfire

If it's coming through in this post, I apologize! :headache:

I don't feel like paying the $85 + shipping AGAIN to have it fixed & then have something else happen another four months down the road so I have to pay $85 + shipping AGAIN... you see the cyclic annoyingness of the situation? Plus I'd have to pay an additional $45 + shipping to have the Control One-- which is a major POS anyway--fixed as well.

I want something new for < $600. Any suggestions?



--Nightrunner

 

[Mincer]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

check out the Boss GT8...or if you need a rackmount preamp/fx, a little more money will get you the GT-Pro...I use the Behringer FCB1010 midi controller for mine.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

I respond, "Uh, yeah I did." He says, "You should NEVER do that. That can cause serious damage to the whole unit!" I'm like, "Well thanks for telling me that after the fact!" Feeling stupid after the fact, but how was I supposed to know?!?

For future reference, that's a bad idea with any electronic device that has a power switch.

Long story short, I'm thinking I want to leave these problems behind me & get something new. I want another multi-effects/preamp setup with a more solid foot controller & good tones for live and recording situations. I've researched the Line 6 POD XT with an FBV Shortboard footcontroller as a potential replacement... That foot controller has the metal DPDT switches instead of crappy plastic buttons that always stop working after a year. Grand total would run $580.

Does that seem like a good way to go? Any suggestions on a better multi-effects setup for around the same price. (Keep in mind I'm going to have to sell some stuff to raise the money) :17:

Why not get a POD XT Live instead of a POD XT + FBV?

 

[Nightrunner]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

check out the Boss GT8...or if you need a rackmount preamp/fx, a little more money will get you the GT-Pro...I use the Behringer FCB1010 midi controller for mine.

Checked it out. The GT-Pro is a bit steep pricewise, but looks like a great unit. My concern about the GT8 is the footswitches (are they sturdy?). I've always had bad luck with killing footswitches--like they just stop working after being "stomped" on x amount of times--of course all my processors have been Digitechs, so maybe that's it.

I'm also a little turned off by the floor units because I can just imagine sitting there bent down messing with knobs and such to dial in my tones until my knees and back simply exploded. I've never had an all-in-one unit before...

Another important feature (that the GSP 2101 had, but the 2112 laughably omitted) is a tuner feature that mutes the output. Silent tuning at a gig, when necessary, helps maintain a certain level of professionalism that quickly disappears when the "tuning song" is amplified through house speakers, etc.

I know the Vox Tonelab SE mutes the output while the tuner is engaged. Do you know if the GT 8 has this feature?

Anyone with a PodXT -- does it mute the output when you engage the chromatic tuner function?


I'm planning to head down to the local GC this weekend to see if they'll let me get away from all the noise to try out a few of these multi-effects units firsthand.


--Nightrunner

 

[Nightrunner]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

For future reference, that's a bad idea with any electronic device that has a power switch.

Why not get a POD XT Live instead of a POD XT + FBV?

As far as the power thing goes... I didn't unplug the main unit's power, I just unplugged the footswitch cable. I realize it carries power to the footswitch to light up the display, etc, but I didn't realize unplugging it while turned on could harm the main unit. Live and learn I guess...

Why not the Pod XT Live? My only reason: The footswitches seem more rugged on the FBV Shortboard. They are metal DPDT button switches, not plastic "lever" switches. Maybe my opinion on this style of switch is jaded because of my negative experiences with the GSP-21 Pro footpedal & both Control Ones that I own. I just have a gut feeling (maybe it's an incorrect feeling) that the metal DPDT button-style switches would last longer and not have the same tendency to eventually quit working.


--Nightrunner

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

okay
I used the POD xt and use a TONEPORT now too.And one of my Bandroom mates uses a Tonelab SE and i own a VOX Valvetronix amp.
so what is more important for you?
The fx or the amp modelling/stomp box modelling?
If you need more modulation than any distortion or amp models,the gt6/8 is the way to go(you can update any gt6 and made is almost as good as his expensive brother).
if you like to create more "original" tones and some effects ,go with the POD
if you like to have a descent ,very well build pedalboard like floorunit , go with the VOX.The VOX sounds well ,has 2 expression pedals ,and is the only unit with a good wah!!!
The tuner is a good thing and Gt8 and VOX are in the same league.
The amp models on VOX are not that much,it sounds more classic and you cannot download ,edit or create new stuff like the POD XT.So if you are going to need it more live ,get the VOX and be happy ,it hat 8 secconds delay(a very good one) ,the Soldano and the Recto tones are way better than any line6 product (i have them both ,so i compare them really objectively) ,the AC30 model is killer (ofcourse ,otherwise would be really stupid heheh).The clean tones are good but i am not an expert.
The POD XT is really versatile ,you can get really great tones ,but it does not have a tube like the VOX ,and you will hear the difference.But ,in studio ,the POD nails the VOX Tonelab SE.
And for the reliability.The VOX uses metal switches and the only problem would be dust/dirt.Nothing else.
I hope it would help.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

My only reason: The footswitches seem more rugged on the FBV Shortboard. They are metal DPDT button switches, not plastic "lever" switches.

If my old AX2's pedalboard is any indication, the FBV switches are anything but "industrial strength". Despite their apperance, they weren't DPDT switches but pretty cheesy momentary switches. I got to check 'em out taking the pedalboard apart when the footboard had some rather nasty gremlins.

 

[Nightrunner]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

okay
I used the POD xt and use a TONEPORT now too.And one of my Bandroom mates uses a Tonelab SE and i own a VOX Valvetronix amp.
so what is more important for you?
The fx or the amp modelling/stomp box modelling?
...
The POD XT is really versatile ,you can get really great tones ,but it does not have a tube like the VOX ,and you will hear the difference.But ,in studio ,the POD nails the VOX Tonelab SE.
And for the reliability.The VOX uses metal switches and the only problem would be dust/dirt.Nothing else.
I hope it would help.

Thank you for the info! I will definitely need a box that can deliver on both ends (a good preamp/distortion section as well as good effects). I'm running through a Crate half-stack just using the power-amp section of the head, so maybe a good preamp/distortion stage is most important. I also want something that can SMOKE in the studio (direct or miked would be nice) but is reliable and great-sounding live.

Oh, and the tones I'm searching for are in the vein of a classic rock meets growling metal...for the progressive hard rock/metal genre. Some of the PodXT tones I've heard sounded perfect! I might be leaning that direction. :scratchch


--Nightrunner

 

[Nightrunner]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

If my old AX2's pedalboard is any indication, the FBV switches are anything but "industrial strength". Despite their apperance, they weren't DPDT switches but pretty cheesy momentary switches. I got to check 'em out taking the pedalboard apart when the footboard had some rather nasty gremlins.

Hmmm... the PodXT Live route would save me ~$170... Man o man, what to do, what to do...

How bad is tweeking patches on the floor? I guess I could do some of the editing with the computer software, but realistically final tweaking would have to be done with my amp at the rehearsal space.

And I still wonder what the difference in "rugged construction" would be between the two floorboards. :smack:



--Nightrunner

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

Thank you for the info! I will definitely need a box that can deliver on both ends (a good preamp/distortion section as well as good effects). I'm running through a Crate half-stack just using the power-amp section of the head, so maybe a good preamp/distortion stage is most important. I also want something that can SMOKE in the studio (direct or miked would be nice) but is reliable and great-sounding live.

Oh, and the tones I'm searching for are in the vein of a classic rock meets growling metal...for the progressive hard rock/metal genre. Some of the PodXT tones I've heard sounded perfect! I might be leaning that direction. :scratchch


--Nightrunner

Okay so let me analize this!
If you need a descent overdrive/distortion effect with a descent preamp ,the VOX is teh winner.
If you're gonna "mike" the crate ,the Vox is the winner anyway ,it has more "life" in it .more mojo.And more tube-like tone.And the "Dumble" modfel on VOX sounds killer when you drive it with a overdrive (screamer in that case).Awesome mids ,and a living tone.You need to EQ a bit ,but the feeling is fascinating.
Get the VOX ,you will not look back!

 

[Nightrunner]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

Okay so let me analize this!
If you need a descent overdrive/distortion effect with a descent preamp ,the VOX is teh winner.
If you're gonna "mike" the crate ,the Vox is the winner anyway ,it has more "life" in it .more mojo.And more tube-like tone.And the "Dumble" modfel on VOX sounds killer when you drive it with a overdrive (screamer in that case).Awesome mids ,and a living tone.You need to EQ a bit ,but the feeling is fascinating.
Get the VOX ,you will not look back!

I forgot to mention that I own a VOX Limited Edition "Silver Surfer" Wah pedal (Model V847SP). The expression pedals on the Tonelab SE look exactly like my wah pedal! So I guess if I went with the Vox, I'd end up with 3 VOX expression pedals--sorta. That could be outta control! :32:

I'm hoping that GC will have the Tonelab SE so I can try it out. I think I'll bring my Soloist so I can hear it with my best guitar at least (and that one's got the most tonal combinations). Then I'll compare with the POD XT & maybe POD XTLive...it all depends on what they've got. I'm not buyin anything yet! Still have to sell some stuff first.

EDIT: Man, listening back to some of those tone clips for the VOX... I bet it could get some sick tones with the Jazz neck pickup in my Schecter! Oooohhh... now I wanna try one BAD!

--Nightrunner

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

I forgot to mention that I own a VOX Limited Edition "Silver Surfer" Wah pedal (Model V847SP). The expression pedals on the Tonelab SE look exactly like my wah pedal! So I guess if I went with the Vox, I'd end up with 3 VOX expression pedals--sorta. That could be outta control! :32:

I'm hoping that GC will have the Tonelab SE so I can try it out. I think I'll bring my Soloist so I can hear it with my best guitar at least (and that one's got the most tonal combinations). Then I'll compare with the POD XT & maybe POD XTLive...it all depends on what they've got. I'm not buyin anything yet! Still have to sell some stuff first.


--Nightrunner

That sounds really great Night!!As i compare everyday what Toneport delivers and what VOX AD50 ,i like to stick with the VOX.i have 20 great tones on my LINE6 Toneport(you can check my soundclips ,they where all made with the toneport).But in the studio or live ,VOX owns everything.In stuff like MOJO and Detail!!!POD sound is allmost "dead" in live situations.A good friend of mine ,Who has 2 active bands uses PODXT and a power amp.He plays powermetal and Thrash.It sounds really focused ,Fat and full.But lacks at feeling ,where the VOX kills everything!!!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

I can't help but think that maybe you should ditch the idea of those floorboards, and get a good amp with 5 analog pedals. They take more abuse, generally.

 

[Nightrunner]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

I can't help but think that maybe you should ditch the idea of those floorboards, and get a good amp with 5 analog pedals. They take more abuse, generally.

Too much $$$ & I've always been a multi-fx kinda guy... :smokin:


Maybe someday I'll go that route & I thought about it when I was going over my options:

1) Repair the Digitech AGAIN....
2) Buy a new multi-fx unit that will hopefully be more durable!
3) Spend $2000 that I don't have on a Marshall JCM2000 stack & then hunt around for some decent effects boxes & be limited to one reverb, one delay, one chorus/flange, etc.

I see your point, but I'm a poor musician! :no:
We got paid with beer the other night. And not even all-you-can-drink -- one each! :rant:

Oh well... here's to bigger & better gigs ---- > :friday:


--Nightrunner

 

[phantasm]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

Hi,
I have a 2101 I've been meaning to ebay if that is a solution for you. No footswitch or upgrade. I was thinking $180 shipped. PM me if interested. Good luck.

 

[Nightrunner]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

Hi,
I have a 2101 I've been meaning to ebay if that is a solution for you. No footswitch or upgrade. I was thinking $180 shipped. PM me if interested. Good luck.

I also have a 2101 Artist Edition w/ updated firmware (but not the add-on card). I could get it repaired for $85.00 + shipping, but thanks for the offer! After I get the new gear & have some $$$ to repair the GSPs, I'll probably sell one off on ebay.

I'll most likely keep the GSP 2112 (since it's newer and has dual SDISC II rather than one SDISC I) and get it fixed sometime. It does have some cool tones, I just can't seem to rely on it in the context of rehearsing/gigging. Too "immediate," you know? If the unit screws up while I'm recording a track, I can just re-record it, but if it screws up in a performance that screws up the performance!



--Nightrunner

 

[Stratman]

Re: Major Equipment FAILURE!

Pod XT is so much better than Digitech

I have tried both and at first I was a Digitech hore, but changed my mind (See Jolly can be right at times).