Tell Me MIDI Info!
- Thread starter HolyDirt
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Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
there are some general midi terms you need to understand (there are midi FAQs online everywhere). MIDI is just a messaging system, using numbers. Most guitar effects can use program changes (to change patches), continuous controllers (to change parameters in patches, like the reverb depth), note-on (for triggering synth notes). Midi channels select which device you want to control. Which footcontroller are you thinking of, and what are you thinking of controlling?
there are some general midi terms you need to understand (there are midi FAQs online everywhere). MIDI is just a messaging system, using numbers. Most guitar effects can use program changes (to change patches), continuous controllers (to change parameters in patches, like the reverb depth), note-on (for triggering synth notes). Midi channels select which device you want to control. Which footcontroller are you thinking of, and what are you thinking of controlling?
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
Basically it sounds like what you are going to do is to have to set the midi channel assignments, what the triaxis will receive on, and set the controller to transmit on that same channel, if you are not sharing the controller with midi effects, then omni should do you fine for both units (all 16 channels).
As far as midi continous controllers,you need to cross reference between the manuals of the various pieces of equipment as they all treat those differently. Midi echo (a type of function in which program change commands are sent out thru the midi output jack on the recieving unit, as some units only have in and out, and others have in, thru, and out, basically the midi echo allows the out jask to function as a thur jack as well as an out jack), can cause problems in some situations, again RTM. Program Tables, or Midi Mapping of program change commands (err messages) are pretty standard.
You basically set the program change number that the controller will transmit (say preset number 20 on your controller), to change to a program number other than 20 (say program number 107 on an effects unit), that way if you have say 20 presets, you can have them assigned to any numbers program numbers you want, so you can line up things the way you want without having to use the actual program numbers on the effect unit. Lazy?
Not if say, you are controlling eight different rack units, that when you hit preset #20, ... one rack has to change to program #33, another to #12, another to#121, another to #65, two others, on two different midi channels, must both bypass their effects, a midi controlled switcher must change channels on two different amps, and a midi controlled switcher/looper must change from a set of vintage FX pedals, to another set of vintage FX pedals.
Your best bet is to read the manuals of the individual pieces of gear and find out how they are setup, what they support, and what they don't, not all units support everything in midi, some only except certain controller numbers as well. Depends on what your unit(s) support.
Basically it sounds like what you are going to do is to have to set the midi channel assignments, what the triaxis will receive on, and set the controller to transmit on that same channel, if you are not sharing the controller with midi effects, then omni should do you fine for both units (all 16 channels).
As far as midi continous controllers,you need to cross reference between the manuals of the various pieces of equipment as they all treat those differently. Midi echo (a type of function in which program change commands are sent out thru the midi output jack on the recieving unit, as some units only have in and out, and others have in, thru, and out, basically the midi echo allows the out jask to function as a thur jack as well as an out jack), can cause problems in some situations, again RTM. Program Tables, or Midi Mapping of program change commands (err messages) are pretty standard.
You basically set the program change number that the controller will transmit (say preset number 20 on your controller), to change to a program number other than 20 (say program number 107 on an effects unit), that way if you have say 20 presets, you can have them assigned to any numbers program numbers you want, so you can line up things the way you want without having to use the actual program numbers on the effect unit. Lazy?
Not if say, you are controlling eight different rack units, that when you hit preset #20, ... one rack has to change to program #33, another to #12, another to#121, another to #65, two others, on two different midi channels, must both bypass their effects, a midi controlled switcher must change channels on two different amps, and a midi controlled switcher/looper must change from a set of vintage FX pedals, to another set of vintage FX pedals.
Your best bet is to read the manuals of the individual pieces of gear and find out how they are setup, what they support, and what they don't, not all units support everything in midi, some only except certain controller numbers as well. Depends on what your unit(s) support.
Robert S.
Super Moderator
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
Musicial Instrument Digital Interface
Midi is only confusing if you make too much of it or get into using midi to actually cause instruments to make sounds. Using it to control a guitar rig is simple.
Midi has 16 channels and 128 program changes. For guitar purposes use either channel 1 or omni if your device has it. There is no reason to use multiple channels for a simple guitar rig so keep it simple. The channel is no more than the path the information takes to get to its destination. Since you want to communicate with your entire rig at once, only one channel is needed.
Program changes are easy enough to understand. Most midi devices have multiple memory locations. Some of these will be factory presets and others will be for storing user presets. The Triaxis for example has 99 "programs" to store your settings. The G-major also has numerous memory locations. These memory locations or "programs" are numbered 1 through 99 or whatever with the max being 127.
So if you want a clean Mark I voice to be recalled along with a reverb/delay patch to be recalled on the G Major you store the mark I voice on the Triaxis to "program" 1, and you store the reverb/delay patch on the G Major to program 1. Hit the Program 1 button on the controller and the patches you stored at program 1 are recalled.
It's very simple really. You can store the patches ( the actual effects or amp voices) in any unit to multiple programs (locations) so that your reverb/delay patch also appears on program 2 or wherever else you want it. This allows you to change amp voices (Mark I on program 1 - Recto on program 2) but keep your effects constant. The opposite is also true and you can use programs to change effects but to keep your amp voice the same.
Control changes are a little more specific. You use control changes to change specific parameters inside a patch. You could assign control 1 to reverb and control 2 to delay. After recalling a program using reverb and delay you can then use the control change to turn off the reverb using the control 1 button or the delay off using control 2. In effect you turn your controller into a pedal board to modify effects inside the chain of your effects unit. You can also simutaniously turn one effect off and another on using the same control and one control change an actually do many different things at once depending on how you program it.
Continious control changes are even cooler. They allow you to vary a parameter in degrees from zero to 127. Think of it like a dimmer switch with off being zero and full on being 127, with a sweep from off to on, in between.
An example is this. You have a pitch shifter on the G Major. Set the voice to be shifted to unison at zero and an octave down to 127. When you sweep your continious controller (expression pedal) to its low point your note will drop to an octave down in 128 degrees. It sounds like a trombone slurring down an octave. You can also control any parameter in a like mannor, increasing or decreasing delay times, reverb decays, chorus depth, ect. The coolest part is that you could do all of the things I just listed above simutaniously, decreasing some parameters while increasing others and to varying degrees. Most of that programming is done in the individual units and not at the controller. The unit will usually have a direction and degree of change parameter for each control funtion. Its much more simplle than it types and reads once you learn the terminology.
Musicial Instrument Digital Interface
Midi is only confusing if you make too much of it or get into using midi to actually cause instruments to make sounds. Using it to control a guitar rig is simple.
Midi has 16 channels and 128 program changes. For guitar purposes use either channel 1 or omni if your device has it. There is no reason to use multiple channels for a simple guitar rig so keep it simple. The channel is no more than the path the information takes to get to its destination. Since you want to communicate with your entire rig at once, only one channel is needed.
Program changes are easy enough to understand. Most midi devices have multiple memory locations. Some of these will be factory presets and others will be for storing user presets. The Triaxis for example has 99 "programs" to store your settings. The G-major also has numerous memory locations. These memory locations or "programs" are numbered 1 through 99 or whatever with the max being 127.
So if you want a clean Mark I voice to be recalled along with a reverb/delay patch to be recalled on the G Major you store the mark I voice on the Triaxis to "program" 1, and you store the reverb/delay patch on the G Major to program 1. Hit the Program 1 button on the controller and the patches you stored at program 1 are recalled.
It's very simple really. You can store the patches ( the actual effects or amp voices) in any unit to multiple programs (locations) so that your reverb/delay patch also appears on program 2 or wherever else you want it. This allows you to change amp voices (Mark I on program 1 - Recto on program 2) but keep your effects constant. The opposite is also true and you can use programs to change effects but to keep your amp voice the same.
Control changes are a little more specific. You use control changes to change specific parameters inside a patch. You could assign control 1 to reverb and control 2 to delay. After recalling a program using reverb and delay you can then use the control change to turn off the reverb using the control 1 button or the delay off using control 2. In effect you turn your controller into a pedal board to modify effects inside the chain of your effects unit. You can also simutaniously turn one effect off and another on using the same control and one control change an actually do many different things at once depending on how you program it.
Continious control changes are even cooler. They allow you to vary a parameter in degrees from zero to 127. Think of it like a dimmer switch with off being zero and full on being 127, with a sweep from off to on, in between.
An example is this. You have a pitch shifter on the G Major. Set the voice to be shifted to unison at zero and an octave down to 127. When you sweep your continious controller (expression pedal) to its low point your note will drop to an octave down in 128 degrees. It sounds like a trombone slurring down an octave. You can also control any parameter in a like mannor, increasing or decreasing delay times, reverb decays, chorus depth, ect. The coolest part is that you could do all of the things I just listed above simutaniously, decreasing some parameters while increasing others and to varying degrees. Most of that programming is done in the individual units and not at the controller. The unit will usually have a direction and degree of change parameter for each control funtion. Its much more simplle than it types and reads once you learn the terminology.
Robert S.
Super Moderator
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
The triaxis does allow for continious controller changes as does the G Major and most other midi controlled effects units. Lets say you have Mark I clean channel running and you want to crank the gain to get it to overdrive. You can sweep the gain funtion from say 2 to 10 in increments. The problem is though that the bass is now too boomy. What you can do is program the bass to DECREASE from lets say 5 to 1 AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE GAIN IS BEING INCREASED. Yep, some of your parameters can increase as others decrease and each parameter has its own level of change. The first time you see all those displays changing in different directions and in different amounts you'll wet yourself. It really is too cool.
The 2:90 is not midi controlled, but it does have switch jacks (tip/sleeve) and the Triaxis also has switch jacks and the jacks in the Triaxis are programmable on the Triaxis, so the midi control of the Triaxis changes the 2:90s voice control. You use midi to change the Triaxis and the Triaxis changes the 2:90.
I like the Rocktron MidiMate because it is simple to program and it is layed out very straight forward. I've used others (ART - Berringer) but the Rocktron MidiMate is solid and easy to use and you don't need NASA certification to understand the manual. The manual reads like it was written by guitar players and not engineers. The Berringer manual in particular gives me headaches.
I hope that helps.
The triaxis does allow for continious controller changes as does the G Major and most other midi controlled effects units. Lets say you have Mark I clean channel running and you want to crank the gain to get it to overdrive. You can sweep the gain funtion from say 2 to 10 in increments. The problem is though that the bass is now too boomy. What you can do is program the bass to DECREASE from lets say 5 to 1 AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE GAIN IS BEING INCREASED. Yep, some of your parameters can increase as others decrease and each parameter has its own level of change. The first time you see all those displays changing in different directions and in different amounts you'll wet yourself. It really is too cool.
The 2:90 is not midi controlled, but it does have switch jacks (tip/sleeve) and the Triaxis also has switch jacks and the jacks in the Triaxis are programmable on the Triaxis, so the midi control of the Triaxis changes the 2:90s voice control. You use midi to change the Triaxis and the Triaxis changes the 2:90.
I like the Rocktron MidiMate because it is simple to program and it is layed out very straight forward. I've used others (ART - Berringer) but the Rocktron MidiMate is solid and easy to use and you don't need NASA certification to understand the manual. The manual reads like it was written by guitar players and not engineers. The Berringer manual in particular gives me headaches.
I hope that helps.
TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
I prefer my Roland FC-200 as a midi controller. It has 10 pedals, an expression pedal, and about 10 additional TRS inputs for additional switches, should you want additional control.
I have found that it works on every midi device I have plugged it into right out of the box, once I make sure that the device receiving the commands is on the same channel that the FC200 is broadcasting on.
I prefer my Roland FC-200 as a midi controller. It has 10 pedals, an expression pedal, and about 10 additional TRS inputs for additional switches, should you want additional control.
I have found that it works on every midi device I have plugged it into right out of the box, once I make sure that the device receiving the commands is on the same channel that the FC200 is broadcasting on.
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
Something I'd like to add to what Robert said, most all controllers will work, that's not what I meant as to having to buy a specific controller ... what I was talking about is that you have to read the manual (midi specifications section) of the peice of equipment you are going to want to control with the controller. See some FX units have certain parameters pre assigned to recognize certain *controller numbers*, such as pitch bend, or aftertouch, or sustain pedal ... these are a hold over from the synth days,(and still for keyboard workstations) ... so you look up the controller number you need from the midi implementation chart, and see if your controller has that implemented (or something like that, I do mainly sysex dumps, program changes), the continous control stuff I don't mess with much, but the Midiverb IV is an example of this lay out. Robert is correct, there is a ton of versatility if you want to go that far,even inside one FX processor, my old Quadraver will support eight simulataneous targets at once ... that means if I wanted to,I could change eight different parameters at once ...BTW, again read the manual ... that's gets a little tricky in waht some amps/FX consider positive values, and what some consider negative values. These days almost anything you buy has pretty much full implementation as far as the controller itself goes, the FX or amp is another story though.
Robert, thank you for typing all that ... I'm just to lazy to do that these days, again you are right ...*once* someone learns the terms, and a general idea of how it works it's very simple. The only problems I've run into is on things like chaining multiple fX together and then trying to get one to pass along certain info while ignoring others ... hard to explain but every once in a while you will run into stuff like that, I guess that too is part of the fun.
Grandor said:
Something I'd like to add to what Robert said, most all controllers will work, that's not what I meant as to having to buy a specific controller ... what I was talking about is that you have to read the manual (midi specifications section) of the peice of equipment you are going to want to control with the controller. See some FX units have certain parameters pre assigned to recognize certain *controller numbers*, such as pitch bend, or aftertouch, or sustain pedal ... these are a hold over from the synth days,(and still for keyboard workstations) ... so you look up the controller number you need from the midi implementation chart, and see if your controller has that implemented (or something like that, I do mainly sysex dumps, program changes), the continous control stuff I don't mess with much, but the Midiverb IV is an example of this lay out. Robert is correct, there is a ton of versatility if you want to go that far,even inside one FX processor, my old Quadraver will support eight simulataneous targets at once ... that means if I wanted to,I could change eight different parameters at once ...BTW, again read the manual ... that's gets a little tricky in waht some amps/FX consider positive values, and what some consider negative values. These days almost anything you buy has pretty much full implementation as far as the controller itself goes, the FX or amp is another story though.
Robert, thank you for typing all that ... I'm just to lazy to do that these days, again you are right ...*once* someone learns the terms, and a general idea of how it works it's very simple. The only problems I've run into is on things like chaining multiple fX together and then trying to get one to pass along certain info while ignoring others ... hard to explain but every once in a while you will run into stuff like that, I guess that too is part of the fun.
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
I must say the Behringer FCB1010 is the most complete midi controller, all for $130US- you get 2 expression pedals, and it will send program changes, CC changes (2 per preset), AND note on messages, as well as 2 momentary/latched jacks (your choice) for things like amp channel switching.
That being said, the manual is impossible if you don't understand midi terms, and you have to do a serious amount of programming. Fortunately, there is an amazing software editor available which makes it easy.
I have tried many the ART controllers (too limited) and Ground Control (too expensive for the little it does)...as well as the king of controllers, the Digitech PMC-10, which allows you to send any midi string in raw hex. If all you need is program changes, get a Tech21 midimouse. For anything else, use the Behringer, and join the Yahoo group.
I must say the Behringer FCB1010 is the most complete midi controller, all for $130US- you get 2 expression pedals, and it will send program changes, CC changes (2 per preset), AND note on messages, as well as 2 momentary/latched jacks (your choice) for things like amp channel switching.
That being said, the manual is impossible if you don't understand midi terms, and you have to do a serious amount of programming. Fortunately, there is an amazing software editor available which makes it easy.
I have tried many the ART controllers (too limited) and Ground Control (too expensive for the little it does)...as well as the king of controllers, the Digitech PMC-10, which allows you to send any midi string in raw hex. If all you need is program changes, get a Tech21 midimouse. For anything else, use the Behringer, and join the Yahoo group.
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
Bear in mind that everyone has to *learn* about what they have, and programming only goes as far as the required level of complexity that the person want's to do. Anyone that doesn't want to learn the basic terms is just shooting themselves in the foot period! I used to see people buy top of the line keyboard workstations and then not know anything about them, be totally lost, and constantly try to ask, how do you do this, what does this mean, where is that? Sooner or later they had to come to the realization that they had to sit down, read the manuals, and if totally new to the whole genre ... they were going to have to buy a book on it and learn about it. Man I used to see it all the time. This isn't directed at anyone in this thread, I just thought I'd take the time to rant for a moment over a general condition that does seem to plague much of society. One of my favs was the old lake Butler CFC-4, 4 continous midi controller pedals, with selectedable *curves* of response (kinda like linear, log, reverse log, and one that was like an state A or state B swtic crossing over at the middle position) ...Hhmmm I wonder if they are still in business?
Mincer said:
Bear in mind that everyone has to *learn* about what they have, and programming only goes as far as the required level of complexity that the person want's to do. Anyone that doesn't want to learn the basic terms is just shooting themselves in the foot period! I used to see people buy top of the line keyboard workstations and then not know anything about them, be totally lost, and constantly try to ask, how do you do this, what does this mean, where is that? Sooner or later they had to come to the realization that they had to sit down, read the manuals, and if totally new to the whole genre ... they were going to have to buy a book on it and learn about it. Man I used to see it all the time. This isn't directed at anyone in this thread, I just thought I'd take the time to rant for a moment over a general condition that does seem to plague much of society. One of my favs was the old lake Butler CFC-4, 4 continous midi controller pedals, with selectedable *curves* of response (kinda like linear, log, reverse log, and one that was like an state A or state B swtic crossing over at the middle position) ...Hhmmm I wonder if they are still in business?
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
No, Lake Butler is out of business, but they had an awesome midi controller (Adrian Belew still uses one). It is amazing to me that some people buy gear they don't have any clue about what it does or how it works, and are not willing to learn. For a midi pedal, you have to ask yourself:how much time are my willing to learn how this midi stuff works? how much control do i want over my sound? If you are a basic guitar/cord/amp player, then leave the rack effects and midi controllers alone and go on and have a simpler life. Being on a few Gear forums, I always come across people who buy gear and then ask 'how do I use it?'. I have no idea why these people buy this stuff to begin with.
My advice is: learn before you buy. You can make an educated decision on what to buy. Most companies have manuals online. Learn what the terms mean. Join the forum (most gear has a forum these days) and lurk for awhile before getting involved.
No, Lake Butler is out of business, but they had an awesome midi controller (Adrian Belew still uses one). It is amazing to me that some people buy gear they don't have any clue about what it does or how it works, and are not willing to learn. For a midi pedal, you have to ask yourself:how much time are my willing to learn how this midi stuff works? how much control do i want over my sound? If you are a basic guitar/cord/amp player, then leave the rack effects and midi controllers alone and go on and have a simpler life. Being on a few Gear forums, I always come across people who buy gear and then ask 'how do I use it?'. I have no idea why these people buy this stuff to begin with.
My advice is: learn before you buy. You can make an educated decision on what to buy. Most companies have manuals online. Learn what the terms mean. Join the forum (most gear has a forum these days) and lurk for awhile before getting involved.
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
- about ppl who buy gear and dont have a clue.
I once saw a guy in a music store roll out with a marshall half stack and a fender strat (all brand new), and he was asking the guy (while rolling it out the door),
"What does this knob do?" , pointing at the gain knob...
*tsk* *tsk* *tsk*
- anyway.
So im thinking behringer fcb1010, or the rocktron midi mate for me.
About what u said robert, is it hard to say have a 10 switch midi board and program it like this on an fcb1010 with 2 expression pedals?
1 - Patch 1 on triaxis (xpression 1 - volume, xpression 2 - gain in increments from 4 - 7)
2 - Patch 2 on triaxis (xpression 1 - volume, xpression 2 - gain in increments from 4 - 7)
3 - Patch 3 on triaxis (xpression 1 - volume)
4 - Patch 4 on triaxis (xpression 1 - volume)
5 - Patch 5 on triaxis (xpression 1 - volume)
6 - Delay patch 1 on g-major ( epression 2 (while not on 1 or 2 on triaxis) - delay time)
7 - Echo patch 2 on g-major
8 - TAP TEMPO ( for all fx patches)
9 - effect chain setup patch 3 on g-major
10 - effect chain setup patch 4 on g-major
all of this with the g-major in fx loop of triaxis?
So you can have 1-5, and then 6-7 (either seperatly or simultaneously), then EITHER 9-10 (turning off 6-7).
thx for all the help.
lol, this midi rig i just proposed sounds complex to me, but its exactly wat i need
- about ppl who buy gear and dont have a clue.
I once saw a guy in a music store roll out with a marshall half stack and a fender strat (all brand new), and he was asking the guy (while rolling it out the door),
"What does this knob do?" , pointing at the gain knob...
*tsk* *tsk* *tsk*
- anyway.
So im thinking behringer fcb1010, or the rocktron midi mate for me.
About what u said robert, is it hard to say have a 10 switch midi board and program it like this on an fcb1010 with 2 expression pedals?
1 - Patch 1 on triaxis (xpression 1 - volume, xpression 2 - gain in increments from 4 - 7)
2 - Patch 2 on triaxis (xpression 1 - volume, xpression 2 - gain in increments from 4 - 7)
3 - Patch 3 on triaxis (xpression 1 - volume)
4 - Patch 4 on triaxis (xpression 1 - volume)
5 - Patch 5 on triaxis (xpression 1 - volume)
6 - Delay patch 1 on g-major ( epression 2 (while not on 1 or 2 on triaxis) - delay time)
7 - Echo patch 2 on g-major
8 - TAP TEMPO ( for all fx patches)
9 - effect chain setup patch 3 on g-major
10 - effect chain setup patch 4 on g-major
all of this with the g-major in fx loop of triaxis?
So you can have 1-5, and then 6-7 (either seperatly or simultaneously), then EITHER 9-10 (turning off 6-7).
thx for all the help.
lol, this midi rig i just proposed sounds complex to me, but its exactly wat i need
Last edited:
Robert S.
Super Moderator
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
The Rocktron MidiMate has 10 switches (0-9) that are primarily used for sending program and control changes as well as 3 modes of operation named bank, instant and controller. In bank mode the switches are assigned to the like numbered programs and grouped in 10s. (0-9 - 10-19 - ect) Most sets and shows I play with a particular band rarely have more than 10 major program changes so I can usually program an entire show into one bank. I usually program the most used programs into switches 0-4 (closer to the toes) and the lesser used programs into 5-9. Bank mode usually covers the vast majority of my needs with 4 amp voices, a global reverb/slap and then 6 additional programs to add an octave drop, chorus, a panned leslie, a phase and a flange. Most shows I play can be covered by 6 programs with a couple rabbits in the hat just for fun.
Instant is a numeric control and if you want program 24, you tap the 2 followed by the 4. In theory it sounds great if you are running a massive amount of programs but I've never needed access to more than 10 programs at a time. I guess it might be helpful if you were controlling midi gear other than your rig simutaniously but I don't play in a situation where I need to cue up sequencers and other midi units.
Controller mode groups 5 programs on switches 0-4 and 5 control changes on each program on buttons 5-9. Having 5 control changes per program really is more control than you'll ever need. I used to run strictly in controller mode until I realized that I could get the vast majority of what I needed programmed into the bank mode. The cool thing is thought that you can store all the control changes into the controller mode and then switch to bank for primary operations. Then if you need to switch from bank to controller mode for a particularily "busy" piece of switching you will hold the program you are running when you switch from bank to controller.
The MidiMate only supports one expression pedal which I thought was a liability at first, but then I figured something out through experience.
At first I programmed all sorts of complicated program and control changes for no other reason than because I could. Like many of us out there I figured that if this stuff could do all these things then I was going to do it all. I was spending a lot of time on stage still pushing buttons which is a lot of fun for awhile but it misses the point of midi. Midi is supposed to make life easier on stage, not more busy. The more time you spend looking for the right button is less time with your face in the mic or your eyes on the audience and those things are more important than button surfing. I found if I grouped my presets properly and programmed my needs into the programs instead of relying on control changes my life was far easier on stage.
Any midi controller will work with the G Major and the Triaxis. I'm not sure if the tap funtion of the G Major is midi implimented but most other control funtions are. I've owned the ART X-15 and it worked ok but it is not as solid as the Rocktron unit and the strips they used to use for the expression pedals are a bit on the cheesy side. The Berringer unit takes a bit of programming and the switch jacks and other features are things you wont need with the Triaxis/G-major stuff as it is all midi controlled. If you were running an amp that wasn't midi switched they would be handy, but not in this case.
The Rocktron MidiMate has 10 switches (0-9) that are primarily used for sending program and control changes as well as 3 modes of operation named bank, instant and controller. In bank mode the switches are assigned to the like numbered programs and grouped in 10s. (0-9 - 10-19 - ect) Most sets and shows I play with a particular band rarely have more than 10 major program changes so I can usually program an entire show into one bank. I usually program the most used programs into switches 0-4 (closer to the toes) and the lesser used programs into 5-9. Bank mode usually covers the vast majority of my needs with 4 amp voices, a global reverb/slap and then 6 additional programs to add an octave drop, chorus, a panned leslie, a phase and a flange. Most shows I play can be covered by 6 programs with a couple rabbits in the hat just for fun.
Instant is a numeric control and if you want program 24, you tap the 2 followed by the 4. In theory it sounds great if you are running a massive amount of programs but I've never needed access to more than 10 programs at a time. I guess it might be helpful if you were controlling midi gear other than your rig simutaniously but I don't play in a situation where I need to cue up sequencers and other midi units.
Controller mode groups 5 programs on switches 0-4 and 5 control changes on each program on buttons 5-9. Having 5 control changes per program really is more control than you'll ever need. I used to run strictly in controller mode until I realized that I could get the vast majority of what I needed programmed into the bank mode. The cool thing is thought that you can store all the control changes into the controller mode and then switch to bank for primary operations. Then if you need to switch from bank to controller mode for a particularily "busy" piece of switching you will hold the program you are running when you switch from bank to controller.
The MidiMate only supports one expression pedal which I thought was a liability at first, but then I figured something out through experience.
At first I programmed all sorts of complicated program and control changes for no other reason than because I could. Like many of us out there I figured that if this stuff could do all these things then I was going to do it all. I was spending a lot of time on stage still pushing buttons which is a lot of fun for awhile but it misses the point of midi. Midi is supposed to make life easier on stage, not more busy. The more time you spend looking for the right button is less time with your face in the mic or your eyes on the audience and those things are more important than button surfing. I found if I grouped my presets properly and programmed my needs into the programs instead of relying on control changes my life was far easier on stage.
Any midi controller will work with the G Major and the Triaxis. I'm not sure if the tap funtion of the G Major is midi implimented but most other control funtions are. I've owned the ART X-15 and it worked ok but it is not as solid as the Rocktron unit and the strips they used to use for the expression pedals are a bit on the cheesy side. The Berringer unit takes a bit of programming and the switch jacks and other features are things you wont need with the Triaxis/G-major stuff as it is all midi controlled. If you were running an amp that wasn't midi switched they would be handy, but not in this case.
Robert S.
Super Moderator
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
Besides, I'm a bit of a gear snob as well as someone who has had less than stellar results with Berringer products. I just don't care for their stuff and I have tried it first hand. It's a personal preference and it's no slam on those that use it but I'm not putting the Berringer name in front of an over $7000 rig. I'm just funny like that.
But midi controllers don't make tone so get what you think will work best for you. I've been running this rig for almost 4 years and I haven't found myself wanting.
Grandor, you can probably do most of that with Rocktron/Triaxis/G Major set up but you'll probably find out that there are simpler ways to get more done with less work. I don't run the G Major in the loop, I run that and my Rocktron Intellipitch post Triaxis. You can split the send signal from the loop and you must to get true stereo imaging but I prefer my effects in series after the fact. If I need a program run dry I just create a dry patch into the effects and save it to a program but my "dry" patch actually consists of a little reverb and slap with a very light detune. That creates a very spacious stereo image without sounding "effected".
Besides, I'm a bit of a gear snob as well as someone who has had less than stellar results with Berringer products. I just don't care for their stuff and I have tried it first hand. It's a personal preference and it's no slam on those that use it but I'm not putting the Berringer name in front of an over $7000 rig. I'm just funny like that.
But midi controllers don't make tone so get what you think will work best for you. I've been running this rig for almost 4 years and I haven't found myself wanting.
Grandor, you can probably do most of that with Rocktron/Triaxis/G Major set up but you'll probably find out that there are simpler ways to get more done with less work. I don't run the G Major in the loop, I run that and my Rocktron Intellipitch post Triaxis. You can split the send signal from the loop and you must to get true stereo imaging but I prefer my effects in series after the fact. If I need a program run dry I just create a dry patch into the effects and save it to a program but my "dry" patch actually consists of a little reverb and slap with a very light detune. That creates a very spacious stereo image without sounding "effected".
Re: Tell Me MIDI Info!
I think a lot of people tend to just hear something or someone and go ...WOW! that sounds great! They hear all this cool stuff and then they just have to have it, or because it's the *top piece of gear* at the moment that is. Give it 6 months, then check back. I think some of it just comes from a lack of personal responsibility ... It's like saying ... gee, I'd love to get in shape, but I don't want to exercise ... well, guess what, it doesn't work that way.
Have you ever had someone ask you a question, and you start to answer, then they stop you and ask what something means, you start to explain that, and then they stop and ask what something else means ... finally you just tell them that they have to buy a book on the subject before they'll understand.
Now, no matter how diplomatic you do this they get pissed off with you, because you're not taking them by the hand and showing them. Hell, even if you did that, then the next time they have a problem they don't know about anything, and can't deal with it themselves. Man, I used to run into this all the time in the music store game.
it's like a dear friend told me one time ...Kent, you don't seem to understand, if I flip the switch, nad the little light next to it doesn't come on (ferreing to his amp's pilot light) then I have a problem ... I don't know how anything works, and I don't want to.
My response, ... I love ya bro' but I can't respect that attitude because of what a diservice you are doing to yourself with it. I finally got thru to him though ... although I never did get him broken of the habit of trying to adjust stuff until after he read the manual ... oh well, at least I made some headway with him ....
:laugh2:
Mincer said:
I think a lot of people tend to just hear something or someone and go ...WOW! that sounds great! They hear all this cool stuff and then they just have to have it, or because it's the *top piece of gear* at the moment that is. Give it 6 months, then check back. I think some of it just comes from a lack of personal responsibility ... It's like saying ... gee, I'd love to get in shape, but I don't want to exercise ... well, guess what, it doesn't work that way.
Have you ever had someone ask you a question, and you start to answer, then they stop you and ask what something means, you start to explain that, and then they stop and ask what something else means ... finally you just tell them that they have to buy a book on the subject before they'll understand.
Now, no matter how diplomatic you do this they get pissed off with you, because you're not taking them by the hand and showing them. Hell, even if you did that, then the next time they have a problem they don't know about anything, and can't deal with it themselves. Man, I used to run into this all the time in the music store game.
it's like a dear friend told me one time ...Kent, you don't seem to understand, if I flip the switch, nad the little light next to it doesn't come on (ferreing to his amp's pilot light) then I have a problem ... I don't know how anything works, and I don't want to.
My response, ... I love ya bro' but I can't respect that attitude because of what a diservice you are doing to yourself with it. I finally got thru to him though ... although I never did get him broken of the habit of trying to adjust stuff until after he read the manual ... oh well, at least I made some headway with him ....
:laugh2:
