MIDI for your amp

[Little Pigbacon]

I was reminded recently that my Marshall JVM 410H has MIDI -- an input and a pass-through. I've used MIDI to change patches on effects processors, to do the computer stuff on the Vox ToneLab, and to trigger a drum machine with a percussion pad. I've never used it on an amp.

So how common is it for guitar-playin' folk to use the MIDI features on their amps? The poll is multiple-choice.

Also, did you know why my Marshall is called a JVM 410H? Four 10" speakers and a horn, naturally.

 

[dystrust]

Re: MIDI for your amp

Midi is extremely convenient, provided that the rest of your rig is set up to take advantage of it. IMO you'd need to either use a midi-capable rack processor, or put your pedals in a rack with something like a GCX. I've thought about doing that since changing sounds with a single button press is great; but I keep reminding myself that I'm happy with my sounds now, and I don't need to sink another $800-1000 into my rig. My current amp doesn't have midi, but I could always use a GCX loop or a TC G-Major relay to switch it.

 

[Gone_Shootin]

Re: MIDI for your amp

As you know, I also have a JVM, and when it was my main amp, I used my Boss VF-1 processor with it and ran the whole thing with my Behringer FCB-1010. It worked great! I still have all the bits, but I don't really have a "main" amp right now, per se. Mainly because I'm not in a band anymore. I just dick around with whatever I feel like these days.

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: MIDI for your amp

I've kicked around the idea, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. If need an amp controller for my Mesa, a gcx and a ground controller. But I think it's the learning curve on programming everything that's putting me off, having to program not just the channels and fx loops, but also all the patches and settings in my Strymon Timeline

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: MIDI for your amp

I don't have midi in my Quickrod but I do have 2 midi pedals (Mobius and Flashback X4) that eventually will be controlled by my musicomlab switcher. I've been meaning t get it all set up but I've been lazy about it...it will be very convenient to have all the switching done with one stomp instead of 14.

 

[dystrust]

Re: MIDI for your amp

I've kicked around the idea, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. If need an amp controller for my Mesa, a gcx and a ground controller. But I think it's the learning curve on programming everything that's putting me off, having to program not just the channels and fx loops, but also all the patches and settings in my Strymon Timeline

I can't comment on the Strymon Timeline, but the GCX / Ground Control combo is one of the easiest midi devices to program that I've ever seen.

 

[Demanic]

Re: MIDI for your amp

I have a Spider Valve MKII that is midi capable. And a Behringer combo the same. Not sure that I have any practical application for the capability atm.

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk

 

[Sirion]

Re: MIDI for your amp

Everything in my rig that is going to be changed in the course of a gig is MIDI controlled. For me it just makes life so much simpler, even if setting it up takes a little work.

 

[dave74]

Re: MIDI for your amp

No interest or need for me atm.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: MIDI for your amp

Also, did you know why my Marshall is called a JVM 410H? Four 10" speakers and a horn, naturally.

4 = The four channels as well as 4 output tubes. The 100 watt JVM 2 head is the 210H
10= 100 watts leaving off a zero to keep it brief.

I believe JVM stands for Jim and Vicky Marshall, Vicky being his daughter. JTM stood for Jim and Terry Marshall, Terry being one of his sons. JCM800 was the license plate number of Jim's Nissan at the time. However, I seem to recall that Jim's wife's name at the time was Carol.

JMP stood for Jim Marshall Products, and most model numbers such as 1959, 1987, 1960A/B..ect were just the warehouse stock numbers assigned by the distribution company Rose Morris at the time.
In more recent times:
H=head
C=combo

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: MIDI for your amp

Well, Jim's middle name was Charles, which is also the name of the future king of England, and of the 19th Earl of Devon. Still, it seems reasonable to assume that JCM stands for "Jim's Crunchy Marshall", or "Just Chuffed, Mother". I thought it obvious that the JVM was introduced after he'd changed his middle name to Victor.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: MIDI for your amp

I've had a Triaxis preamp in my gig rack since the early 90s, along with a handful of programmable multieffects. My home/rehearsal rig is non-MIDI though, a pedalboard with a dozen stomp boxes.

Just noticed recently that the Mesa Triple Crown has MIDI capability.

 

[Gtrjunior]

MIDI for your amp

4 = The four channels as well as 4 output tubes. The 100 watt JVM 2 head is the 210H
10= 100 watts leaving off a zero to keep it brief.

I believe JVM stands for Jim and Vicky Marshall, Vicky being his daughter. JTM stood for Jim and Terry Marshall, Terry being one of his sons. JCM800 was the license plate number of Jim's Nissan at the time. However, I seem to recall that Jim's wife's name at the time was Carol.

JMP stood for Jim Marshall Products, and most model numbers such as 1959, 1987, 1960A/B..ect were just the warehouse stock numbers assigned by the distribution company Rose Morris at the time.
In more recent times:
H=head
C=combo

This is exactly as I understand the naming scheme too. However, L Pigbacon is correct that Jim's middle name is Charles.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: MIDI for your amp

One of the greatest users of Marshall amps was of course James Marshall........ Hendrix.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: MIDI for your amp

When I voted I forgot that own a JMD, which I think has MIDI capability.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: MIDI for your amp

MIDI, individual switch jacks, either is fine for me as they both can be controlled with the right hardware today. (GCX or Mini Amp Gizmo for MIDI -> CTRL jacks) Boss ES-8 is so unbelievable for pedal users. Ground Control and GCX/Hex is amazing for rack users. Both can control a fleet of effects amps and basically anything else you'd put in a guitar rig.

 

[Synapsys]

Re: MIDI for your amp

Owner of a H&K Grandmeister 40 Deluxe here. MIDI was, along with the amp sounds, what sold me on it, since every parameter minus Master Volume is MIDI controllable.

 

[Van Noord]

Re: MIDI for your amp

My main amp is a JSX too, but I just don't use enough effects to justify using the midi. I have the 210H because I like the simpler, less cluttered front panel.

 

[allstarrme]

Re: MIDI for your amp

I have a rack setup which I used to use for effects with a behringer 1010 board. Lately I have been exploring a Tce nova system and G system for control of my carvin v3 heads.

The nova system can control the channels but is limited beyond that. The G system can do everything I ask it too, plus I have an elektron drive and nova drive that run on midi as well. Even my bogner pedals can be remotely turned on. If only my palladium gain stage had settings, remote or midi it would be way more useful.

I still have a regular pedal board and non midi amp for my non cover band, but that may change.

 

[Mincer]

Re: MIDI for your amp

I use midi to control my guitar synth/looping rig, but the conventional amp rig doesn't use it. I don't use midi on the Fractal AX8 rig, either.