Let me start with, I got my HX Effects about 2 months ago. While I love many things about it, there are some frustrations I've had too. Especially trying to use the HX as a simple, MIDI control and effect system. When I was told about the HX it sure sounded like it could deliver on my basic needs of great effects, without built-in Amp Sims, CHECK, The ability to use the Atomic Amplifire ("AA3") Or other 3rd party Modelers as my Amp sounds, CHECK, and what I thought would act as the MIDI controller to have the AA3 change presets a.k.a different amp tone, after stepping on a preset switch on the HX. As an example if I press preset 1A, the effects on the HX are added, and via MIDI the AA3 changes to the specific amp tone. Instead of having to choose amp tones (presets) on the AA3 manually, like I do now! A pIan !
I realize it might make more sense to use the AA3 as the "front" control to change the amp tones first, which then via MIDI changes the HX to a certain preset or patch with specific effects. BUT, I was hoping I could set it up the other way. Meaning the HX would be the "front" a.k.a. main control to choose a preset or snapshot. So when choosing preset 1A on the HX, it might be labeled with a specific song, such as "PINK NUMB" (as in Comfortably Numb) which changes to that presets effects, and via MIDI changes the AA3 to a certain preset (amp tone/ sound). to match.
I did find out if I use the AA3 at the "front", it can ONLY send preset 1 to preset 1 or preset 17 to preset 17 on the HX or other MIDI device. So you have to have BOTH of the preset locations on the HX and AA3 lined up with the correct amp tone and appropriate effects in the HX for this to work. Not a big problem, but certainly less than ideal in my mind. The other issue is I MUCH prefer to use the nice bright, big labels on the HX to see preset names. The AA3 has a very small display making it MUCH harder to read especially live.
I also read something today on the Line 6 forum that MIDI changes can ONLY be sent on a particular foot switch in STOMP BOX mode ONLY. BUT, what I'm trying to do is have each preset or snapshot as a specific sounds or group of songs, be able to step on a preset, have it update the HX with effects in that preset and change the amp tone on the AA3.
Let me also say, I get the basics of MIDI but I am far from an expert too. Anyone have any great ideas as to how to solve this. I am really disappointed that the HX is so far not able to deliver on the MIDI and routing capabilities I was hoping !
If you have any good ideas as to how to solve this I would surely appreciate it.
Thanks.