best multifx/amp switching?

[dr730]

What is ( in your opinion) the best multi effects unit/floorboard that also has amp channel switching for a Nomad 100? Not just THE best, but the best bang for the buck. I know I will probably have to order a cable from someone for the amp switching because of the Nomad's din cord for the footswitch...
Also keep in mind that my effects loop is paralell.

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks

 

[MusicManJP6]

Best bang for your buck IMO is the BOSS GT-8. Can switch between two channels only. I absolutely LOVE mine!! I use the 4 cable method...

 

[dr730]

unfortunately I need something to do all channels and eq, and solo....

 

[Laskyman]

sounds like you need amp gizmo or a axxess unit

Laskyman

 

[MrMason]

I really want a Voodoo Lab pedal switcher, but you need the GCX for switching amp channels at the same time...for that kind of cash I can put it towards a new amp. I just want to be able to switch channels on the amp and turn my EQ pedal on and off depending on which channel I'm on; I'm tempted to open up the pedal and figure out how the switching is to wire it up externally.

 

[jdurso]

I really want a Voodoo Lab pedal switcher, but you need the GCX for switching amp channels at the same time...for that kind of cash I can put it towards a new amp. I just want to be able to switch channels on the amp and turn my EQ pedal on and off depending on which channel I'm on; I'm tempted to open up the pedal and figure out how the switching is to wire it up externally.

Just wondering why your using a eq pedal when the amp had the geq?

Honestly i dont think there is "best bang for you buck" when your only using one loop for one pedal. I use the RJM RG16 but i'm also switching not only all my channels/functions but also fx in front of the amp as well as in the fx loop. For me the $500 i paid for it was a steal. But i use all it to the fullest, so its worth it for me. If your just using one pedal AND want to switch between more than 2 channels your going to have to jump to the $400-$500 range for something like the RG-16 or similar units. Remember while you need a midi controller, it doesnt have to be a pricey one. I'm using the Rocktron Midi Xchange which can be had for $20-30 on the used market (or even less). It does the job, nothing fancy but that would be all you need.

So in theory if you were to get an Axcess GRX4 for $260 and an Axcess CFX4 for $160 and a simple midi controller for say $30 and you get all the flexibility you want for $450. Another thing to look at is a used Carl Martin Combinator.

 

[MrMason]

I really want a Voodoo Lab pedal switcher, but you need the GCX for switching amp channels at the same time...for that kind of cash I can put it towards a new amp. I just want to be able to switch channels on the amp and turn my EQ pedal on and off depending on which channel I'm on; I'm tempted to open up the pedal and figure out how the switching is to wire it up externally.

Just wondering why your using a eq pedal when the amp had the geq?

The express doesn't have a geq, only 3 band and a contour control, sorry I forgot to mention what my amp was. I'm actually thinking about taking the EQ out of the loop and getting a Jekyll and Hyde since I can't afford the switching system I'd like :lol:

 

[jdurso]

I really want a Voodoo Lab pedal switcher, but you need the GCX for switching amp channels at the same time...for that kind of cash I can put it towards a new amp. I just want to be able to switch channels on the amp and turn my EQ pedal on and off depending on which channel I'm on; I'm tempted to open up the pedal and figure out how the switching is to wire it up externally.

Just wondering why your using a eq pedal when the amp had the geq?

The express doesn't have a geq, only 3 band and a contour control, sorry I forgot to mention what my amp was. I'm actually thinking about taking the EQ out of the loop and getting a Jekyll and Hyde since I can't afford the switching system I'd like :lol:

Oh you have an express? well this is an extremely easy one. If you just want something to control your channel switching and bring in and out your eq all you need is a tonebone loop bone. Basically you put your eq in one of the loops and using the latching switch to connect to the channel switching jack in the back of the express. Then say you want your eq only with your channel 2, then you set only loop one to trigger the latching switch (which should switch the channel to 2, as channel 1 is the default). If thats what your using your eq for this will work and will only cost you about $150 if you look for one on ebay.

Here's one for $143 BIN
http://cgi.ebay.com/RADIAL-Loopbone-tonebone-Master-loop-control-tone-bone_W0QQitemZ120394245327QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item120394245327&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

 

[dr730]

so could the loopbone be used on the Nomad that I have to switch between the 3 channels? If so, this would be a great solution to use my existing stompboxes.

 

[jdurso]

so could the loopbone be used on the Nomad that I have to switch between the 3 channels? If so, this would be a great solution to use my existing stompboxes.

No once you go beyond 2 channels you need a more robust switching system as the loopbone only has one switch (to match the one channel switching jack). So for the express or say a 2 channel recto this would be a great solution.

Now for a Nomad and a bunch of pedals, I would say save up for a few months and get a more robust switching/routing system. They end up making this A LOT easier especially if you gig. You throw everything in a rack, set it up once and forget about it. I highly reccommend the RJM RG-16 but there are some other good ones out there (the RJM being the easiest to use and the most affordible).

If its just the nomad what you could do is buy something like the Axess CFX4 (http://www.axess-electronics.com/sc/CFX4-Control-Function-Switcher-p-16136.html) which would allow you to control all 3 channels and your fx loop on and off. So you put your pedals in the fx loop and basically program (which i've heard is easy as pie) the CFX4 to call certain channel and the fx loop on or off for a specific patch on a midi controller. the only caveat to this is it doesnt have audio loops like an RG16 so you cant control which fx in your fx loop are on or off (basically you would do that with your feet before making the switch to a patch with the fx loop on). Still a relatively cheap solution.

 

[dr730]

so could the loopbone be used on the Nomad that I have to switch between the 3 channels? If so, this would be a great solution to use my existing stompboxes.

No once you go beyond 2 channels you need a more robust switching system as the loopbone only has one switch (to match the one channel switching jack). So for the express or say a 2 channel recto this would be a great solution.

Now for a Nomad and a bunch of pedals, I would say save up for a few months and get a more robust switching/routing system. They end up making this A LOT easier especially if you gig. You throw everything in a rack, set it up once and forget about it. I highly reccommend the RJM RG-16 but there are some other good ones out there (the RJM being the easiest to use and the most affordible).

If its just the nomad what you could do is buy something like the Axess CFX4 (http://www.axess-electronics.com/sc/CFX4-Control-Function-Switcher-p-16136.html) which would allow you to control all 3 channels and your fx loop on and off. So you put your pedals in the fx loop and basically program (which i've heard is easy as pie) the CFX4 to call certain channel and the fx loop on or off for a specific patch on a midi controller. the only caveat to this is it doesnt have audio loops like an RG16 so you cant control which fx in your fx loop are on or off (basically you would do that with your feet before making the switch to a patch with the fx loop on). Still a relatively cheap solution.

I just read the rjm rg-16 webpage and it has a list of "amps supported" and the Nomad is not one of them. bummer. Looks like I'll have to go with a cfx4 and midi foot controller. expensive but the best bet in my scenario. thanks for your advice, you are wealth of knowledge on this stuff!

 

[jdurso]

so could the loopbone be used on the Nomad that I have to switch between the 3 channels? If so, this would be a great solution to use my existing stompboxes.

No once you go beyond 2 channels you need a more robust switching system as the loopbone only has one switch (to match the one channel switching jack). So for the express or say a 2 channel recto this would be a great solution.

Now for a Nomad and a bunch of pedals, I would say save up for a few months and get a more robust switching/routing system. They end up making this A LOT easier especially if you gig. You throw everything in a rack, set it up once and forget about it. I highly reccommend the RJM RG-16 but there are some other good ones out there (the RJM being the easiest to use and the most affordible).

If its just the nomad what you could do is buy something like the Axess CFX4 (http://www.axess-electronics.com/sc/CFX4-Control-Function-Switcher-p-16136.html) which would allow you to control all 3 channels and your fx loop on and off. So you put your pedals in the fx loop and basically program (which i've heard is easy as pie) the CFX4 to call certain channel and the fx loop on or off for a specific patch on a midi controller. the only caveat to this is it doesnt have audio loops like an RG16 so you cant control which fx in your fx loop are on or off (basically you would do that with your feet before making the switch to a patch with the fx loop on). Still a relatively cheap solution.

I just read the rjm rg-16 webpage and it has a list of "amps supported" and the Nomad is not one of them. bummer. Looks like I'll have to go with a cfx4 and midi foot controller. expensive but the best bet in my scenario. thanks for your advice, you are wealth of knowledge on this stuff!

Call or email Ron from RJM. he's a class act guy and he might be able to cook up a wire that will work with the nomad. I'm sure he can help you out or direct towards a unit that fits your needs.

As for the CFX4 its actually much cheaper than the RG-16 and you'd need a footswitch for both so thats a common fact. I'm wondering how many and what kinds of pedals would you want to pull in and out of your signal? Are we talking just one or two or a bunch? Also are we talking just pedals in the loop or infront of the amp as well? I ask because if its just something like an EQ or Delay, then I wouldnt even look at the RG16 as you'd be paying for more than your using. Say its just one pedal, you just leave that on all the time and using the cfx4, you can program a patch to engage the fx loop only when you wnat that effect. just let me know if you need any help... i've spent the last two years experimenting with thsi stuff and there are a lot of options when you really sit down and think about what you need and/or what you plan to achieve in the future (expanding you fx, using both fx loop type fx and fx infront of the amp.

 

[dr730]

No once you go beyond 2 channels you need a more robust switching system as the loopbone only has one switch (to match the one channel switching jack). So for the express or say a 2 channel recto this would be a great solution.

Now for a Nomad and a bunch of pedals, I would say save up for a few months and get a more robust switching/routing system. They end up making this A LOT easier especially if you gig. You throw everything in a rack, set it up once and forget about it. I highly reccommend the RJM RG-16 but there are some other good ones out there (the RJM being the easiest to use and the most affordible).

If its just the nomad what you could do is buy something like the Axess CFX4 (http://www.axess-electronics.com/sc/CFX4-Control-Function-Switcher-p-16136.html) which would allow you to control all 3 channels and your fx loop on and off. So you put your pedals in the fx loop and basically program (which i've heard is easy as pie) the CFX4 to call certain channel and the fx loop on or off for a specific patch on a midi controller. the only caveat to this is it doesnt have audio loops like an RG16 so you cant control which fx in your fx loop are on or off (basically you would do that with your feet before making the switch to a patch with the fx loop on). Still a relatively cheap solution.[/quote]


I just read the rjm rg-16 webpage and it has a list of "amps supported" and the Nomad is not one of them. bummer. Looks like I'll have to go with a cfx4 and midi foot controller. expensive but the best bet in my scenario. thanks for your advice, you are wealth of knowledge on this stuff![/quote]

Call or email Ron from RJM. he's a class act guy and he might be able to cook up a wire that will work with the nomad. I'm sure he can help you out or direct towards a unit that fits your needs.

As for the CFX4 its actually much cheaper than the RG-16 and you'd need a footswitch for both so thats a common fact. I'm wondering how many and what kinds of pedals would you want to pull in and out of your signal? Are we talking just one or two or a bunch? Also are we talking just pedals in the loop or infront of the amp as well? I ask because if its just something like an EQ or Delay, then I wouldnt even look at the RG16 as you'd be paying for more than your using. Say its just one pedal, you just leave that on all the time and using the cfx4, you can program a patch to engage the fx loop only when you wnat that effect. just let me know if you need any help... i've spent the last two years experimenting with thsi stuff and there are a lot of options when you really sit down and think about what you need and/or what you plan to achieve in the future (expanding you fx, using both fx loop type fx and fx infront of the amp.[/quote]



well, what I "think" I want is a rack with a g major or gsp1101 or something for my delays, chorus, reverb etc. and just a couple of somptboxes in front of the amp like my fulldrive 2 and volume and wah etc. The Nomad has a paralell fx loop that is not switchable on/off and it's not assignable. What I want is to program patches for the rack stuff that also switches channels on my amp. Much like how a podxt or GT8 or something performs except with my real amp tones. So I am thinking that the best scenario for my amp is to use a cfx4 for channel switching and a midi foot controller to program the patches. Is it that simple or am I missing something? Thanks for the help btw.

 

[jdurso]

well, what I "think" I want is a rack with a g major or gsp1101 or something for my delays, chorus, reverb etc. and just a couple of somptboxes in front of the amp like my fulldrive 2 and volume and wah etc. The Nomad has a paralell fx loop that is not switchable on/off and it's not assignable. What I want is to program patches for the rack stuff that also switches channels on my amp. Much like how a podxt or GT8 or something performs except with my real amp tones. So I am thinking that the best scenario for my amp is to use a cfx4 for channel switching and a midi foot controller to program the patches. Is it that simple or am I missing something? Thanks for the help btw.

OK in my opinion your not going to want to have that rack unit on at all time which is what you'll have if you just get soemthing like the cfx4. This is because your fx loop is not switchable. The reason i say this because although those units have a bypass patch, they still suck some of your signal and degradate your tone. With that said I would definitely look into the RG-16 or something like it. This way you can control all your channels, all the functions on the amp (reverb, eq, solo) as well as switching an fx unit via midi AND switch in and out your different pedals in front of the amp. It also will allow you a cleaner signal as your pedals and fx unit are in their own isolated loops and a unit like the rg16 has a buffered input to ensure your signal stays strong. Now this is all pending Ron from RJM can figure out if he can make a cable that works with the Nomad.

I was just looking at the Nomad and realized why he doesnt have one already... there are no switching jacks on the back of the amp like the Rectos have. I'me definitely not pushing your towards RJM because I have one, but because for what your looking to do they are the best bang for your buck. There are other great units out there like the Sound Sculpture Switchblade, Axess RX2 (when it comes out) or the Axess CFX4 and the GRX4 used together to control both amp and audio loops. But before you do anything give Ron from RJM a call and he can guide you in the right direction whether its one of his products or a similar product that will work with the Nomad. Just remember one thing... to truly get the gt-8/pod type switching you'll need something that switches both audio loops and channels/functions on your amp. Since I've got the RG-16 i could imagine going back to the pedal dance or having an fx unit in my signal at all time. If you dont have the money right now, save up for a good unit with enough flexibility, that extra time and $$$ is absolutely worth it.

 

[dr730]

well, what I "think" I want is a rack with a g major or gsp1101 or something for my delays, chorus, reverb etc. and just a couple of somptboxes in front of the amp like my fulldrive 2 and volume and wah etc. The Nomad has a paralell fx loop that is not switchable on/off and it's not assignable. What I want is to program patches for the rack stuff that also switches channels on my amp. Much like how a podxt or GT8 or something performs except with my real amp tones. So I am thinking that the best scenario for my amp is to use a cfx4 for channel switching and a midi foot controller to program the patches. Is it that simple or am I missing something? Thanks for the help btw.

OK in my opinion your not going to want to have that rack unit on at all time which is what you'll have if you just get soemthing like the cfx4. This is because your fx loop is not switchable. The reason i say this because although those units have a bypass patch, they still suck some of your signal and degradate your tone. With that said I would definitely look into the RG-16 or something like it. This way you can control all your channels, all the functions on the amp (reverb, eq, solo) as well as switching an fx unit via midi AND switch in and out your different pedals in front of the amp. It also will allow you a cleaner signal as your pedals and fx unit are in their own isolated loops and a unit like the rg16 has a buffered input to ensure your signal stays strong. Now this is all pending Ron from RJM can figure out if he can make a cable that works with the Nomad.

I was just looking at the Nomad and realized why he doesnt have one already... there are no switching jacks on the back of the amp like the Rectos have. I'me definitely not pushing your towards RJM because I have one, but because for what your looking to do they are the best bang for your buck. There are other great units out there like the Sound Sculpture Switchblade, Axess RX2 (when it comes out) or the Axess CFX4 and the GRX4 used together to control both amp and audio loops. But before you do anything give Ron from RJM a call and he can guide you in the right direction whether its one of his products or a similar product that will work with the Nomad. Just remember one thing... to truly get the gt-8/pod type switching you'll need something that switches both audio loops and channels/functions on your amp. Since I've got the RG-16 i could imagine going back to the pedal dance or having an fx unit in my signal at all time. If you dont have the money right now, save up for a good unit with enough flexibility, that extra time and $$$ is absolutely worth it.

I like the RG-16. I think Axess makes a cable that works for the Nomad. It's 1/4" on one side and multi pin DIN on the other. I may try to contact RJM to see if that cable would work with it. Do you use any rack effects?

 

[jdurso]

I like the RG-16. I think Axess makes a cable that works for the Nomad. It's 1/4" on one side and multi pin DIN on the other. I may try to contact RJM to see if that cable would work with it. Do you use any rack effects?

I currently use the Fractal Audio Axe-FX. Its a wonderful unit... a little fussy sometimes with balancing the signal from the fx loop, but once you get it right its heaven. The reverbs are froma different planet.

But anyway Ron would know whats possible, whether its his own product or not.