MKV + Mini Amp Gizmo/Mastermind

[fdesalvo]

I'm wanting to simplify things with an initial complex investment :mrgreen:, but I have a few questions for you gurus, as I haven't found my answer by searching.

I've heard that using the RJM MKV Custom Cable will allow the amp to switch channels instantly - question: Is this the midi cable, or is it the Midi-(4) TRS cable we are talking about here? I can't see their midi cable switching the MKV any faster than Boogie's.

Here's and example of what I'm looking to do with the Mastermind + Mini Amp Gizmo + Mini Effect Gizmo:

Bank 1
Preset 1: Clean Channel, MKV
Preset 2: Clean Channel MKV + OD + Delay
Preset 3: Crunch Channel, MKV
Preset 4: Lead Channel, MKV
Preset 5: Lead Channel, MKV + EQ+ Delay

Each bank can be programmed for each song's needs this way. Is this even possible? If so, would the routing work like this?

Master Mind > Mini Effect Gizmo > Mini Amp Gizmo > Amp?

This is the first time I am considerign midi, so it's a bit confusing. Any help would be appreciated!

Best,

 

[bjoneill74]

I have talked to RJM.
They make a Mark V specific cable for the Amp Gizmo, Mini Amp Gizmo and the Rack Gizmo.
You can't use the Mesa supplied cable.

The cable that RJM makes has electronics that mimics what the Mark V footswitch does.
The Mesa footswitch has LED lights and such inside of it. Therefore there's power going through that cable.

I recommend talking to RJM. They are pretty good about answering questions.

Brian

 

[fdesalvo]

Yeah I get that, but I mean the rjm midi
Cable vs their breakout cable. The midi cable still uses the same relays as mesas cable, right?

I have talked to RJM.
They make a Mark V specific cable for the Amp Gizmo, Mini Amp Gizmo and the Rack Gizmo.
You can't use the Mesa supplied cable.

The cable that RJM makes has electronics that mimics what the Mark V footswitch does.
The Mesa footswitch has LED lights and such inside of it. Therefore there's power going through that cable.

I recommend talking to RJM. They are pretty good about answering questions.

Brian

 

[LPJunky]

The Mesa cable for the MKV footswitch has 8 pins. It's not a midi. Let's say your multieffects send midi Program Change command when you change patches. Those PC command are sent to the the Mini Gizmo via a midi cable to the midi-in. Since the MiniAmp Gizmo remembers what you want for that patch it activates the correct voltages to the 8-pins cable and act as the footswitch. From the MiniAmpGizmo to the MarkV is the special RJM cable with a little grey box. Its from 8-pins to 8-pins. Not cheap I think its 70$. But it works great.

 

[fdesalvo]

^ thanks, I was in the middle of lunch trying to get my point across lol.

I found my answer on their website. You can use the (4) 1/4" TRS cable, but switching the MV will be "noisier", as it bypasses some relays responsible for quienting down the switching, hence making channel changes quicker. I can live with the slight delay, however, and will use their MKV midi cable. I also reigstered for thier forum, but am waiting for activation. Ocne I am in and get a response, I'll post the results for others.

Thanks,

 

[fdesalvo]

Hi Frank,

You can definitely do all of that with the products you mention. The MIDI connections would be as you describe, except the connection from the Mini Amp Gizmo to the amp's footswitch jack is not MIDI, but rather Mesa's proprietary interface. They look very similar, but are completely different electrically.

Our Mark V interface cable adapts the output of the Mini Amp Gizmo to the interface the amp needs, effectively fooling it into thinking the footswitch is connected. This setup is not faster than the amp's footswitch, but it's not slower either. However, since the Mini Amp Gizmo can turn on multiple switches simultaneously, it can be faster than using the footswitch because you never need to tap on more than one switch at a time.

So, in summary, you have it correct - those are the products you need, and you can set them up to turn on the combinations of amp channel and effects you list.

Thanks for contacting us, and pleas e let us know if you have any other questions!




—
Ron Menelli
RJM Music Technology, Inc.

 

[DWAKO]

I'm not 100% sure exactly what you're asking, but I do use the Amp Gizmo with my Mark V paired up with a Line 6 M9. The chain is the following: Standard Midi cable from M9 midi out to the in of the Amp Gizmo, then from the Amp Gizmo on with the Mark V cable to the footswitch jack on the Mark V.

 

[rocknroll9225]

+1 to everything that's been said. And I wouldn't worry about latency with the RJM mark V cable. I use it and all the switching is instantaneous and silent.

 

[DWAKO]

+1 to everything that's been said. And I wouldn't worry about latency with the RJM mark V cable. I use it and all the switching is instantaneous and silent.

I do tend to get a slight lag with switching with mine, but that may be attributed more to the Line M9 then the Amp Gizmo, has anyone else had this issue?

 

[JAMc]

I use the RJM MAG and MRK V cable, controlled by a Voodoo Lab Ground Control. It works great. The RJM set-up is definitely the way t go.

 

[Zakkmylde]

Hi I'm also looking to go this route. I don't have a midi controller except pod xt live which I think will work as a controller. I just need amp gizmo and cable to MarkV and I should be good? I think only thing that's stops this amp(markV) from being possible one of the best amps ever is with gizmo you can only switch what switch can do. Meaning markV has 9 amps in one but they are not foot switchable , only 3 channels can be used. How cool would that be

 

[pivot]

I use the RJM mini amp gizmo and a line 6 m9 (Effects Loop) controlled by a rocktron all access with 0 latency it works perfectly. I do have a midi solutions splitter in the rack. Im not sure if this helps at all but I have always used one for long midi cable runs to the pedal board
http://www.guitarcenter.com/MIDI-Solutions-Quadra-4-Output-MIDI-Thru-Box-103312294-i1154391.gc

The midi through box cleans up the midi signals. I dont trust the midi through on the m9 or any other device. I used to run a line6 x3 pro, tons of midi switchable rack gear etc etc until I tried out the mark v and got rid of it all. Now I just use the m9 for a couple of effects and the volume pedal in the m9 controlled via midi

You can also use the m9 as the midi controller it will change the channels on the mini amp gizmo it works really good I was just paranoid I would kill the switches on the m9. When I had it setup that way I used the midi solutions box too

 

[Zakkmylde]

Ok that helps a little. So you think don't use line 6 pod xt? Than I'd have to buy 3 items. Midi foot switch, effects rack unit and a switchable unit like a gizmo to accomplish midi switching for markV correct?

 

[pivot]

Zakkmylde
I think you can use your xt live as the foot switcher im not 100% sure. I was able to use the line 6 m9 to directly control the mini amp gizmo (The m9 took the place of a midi foot controller.) I ran from the midi out of the m9 straight to the midi in of the mini amp gizmo then from the midi amp gizmo into the mark v. Make sure to setup the xt live to send midi data and on channel one. When you push a button on the xt live it should send the midi number and changes on midi channel 1 to the mini amp gizmo. Then its just a matter of pushing the buttons on the mini amp gizmo for the mark v channel / reverb / effects loop you want and save it. Its really easy Just make sure to setup the live foot controller to send data. I know the m9 can do it but not sure about the xt live here is a video of it being done with the m13 http://youtu.be/aSDZpZmqddo
Here is a video of the x3 live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-Oj7u0FSrk