LatemLive Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 I have an HD500X on order. Thought I researched it fairly thoroughly.....but after seeing some posts about how the 500x implements MIDI and program change messages.....I'm a little confused and worried this might not serve my needs. Here's the scenario I want to use this for....please advise if this will work as I'm hoping it will. I would like to use the 500x to do the following simultaneously: Change the preset on the HD (A,B,C,D) for a given bank and send a PC message of my choice on a MIDI channel (other than 0 as to hopefully avoid issues with those fixed global messages) to my Rivera head (its MIDI controllable). So basically when I hit "A" preset on a bank....I want HD to load that preset, and send the PC message to my Rivera for the clean channel, reverb on, fx loop on (PC #4 on MIDI channel 2). The Rivera has a fixed set of PC mappings (1-105) that cannot be changed. Currently I have no need to set FS1-4 to toggle any of those functions. I really just need to go to the right amp channel. Am I correct in thinking the HD can handle this kind of MIDI functionality? I dont want to tap dance, hit preset buttons twice....I need to hit "A" and the HD goes to my preset, and sends the PC message of my choosing on MIDI channel 2. I cant seem to find any clear answers on all the posts and manuals Ive read. It all seems clear at first....but then I see things like "PC messages are fixed and sent on all channels"...or....you can only send MIDI messages in "Pedalboard Mode". To me it seems like MIDI 101 to be able to send a PC message on another MIDI channel and the patch to change at the same time. I really would like to see the HD have the ability to send multiple MIDI messages on multiple channels simultaneously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 ... I would like to use the 500x to do the following simultaneously: Change the preset on the HD (A,B,C,D) for a given bank and send a PC message of my choice on a MIDI channel ..... It all seems clear at first....but then I see things like "PC messages are fixed and sent on all channels"..... The MIDI implementation is described in Appendix B of this document: http://line6.com/data/6/0a06434c6fb051e03e8ab63dc/application/pdf/POD%20HD500X%20Advanced%20Guide%20-%20English%20%28%20Rev%20A%20%29.pdf I am not completely familiar with using the HD as a midi controller, but I believe the device automatically sends a fixed PC message with every preset change. The message data (program number) in this case is fixed between 0 and 63 and corresponds to the bank/preset number from 1A=0 to 16D=63. In this respect, you are unable to do what you want - send an arbitrary PC# on preset switching. However, you can also assign a PC message to a footswitch, specifying a different program#. So, with a bit of tap dancing (I know you don't want to do it) you can switch a preset on the HD500X, and then tap a footswitch to override the automatic PC change message specifying the undesired program # with another PC message specifying the desired program # . NOTE: Other more experienced midi users - please correct me if I am wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatemLive Posted April 10, 2015 Author Share Posted April 10, 2015 Thanks silver. I don't really have an issue with the HD sending a fixed message....as long as its not on all MIDI channels. If it sent that on channel 0...no problem. I would just change my Rivera to listen on channel 1 or 2....and set the FS-5 switch to send a separate PC message to my Rivera on MIDI channel 1 or 2...etc. But if the HD sends out a MIDI PC message on all MIDI channels with every patch change....that's a deal breaker for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 The manual should clarify that detail for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatemLive Posted April 10, 2015 Author Share Posted April 10, 2015 The manual should clarify that detail for you. Unfortunately the manual is not clear on this particular thing at all. I does say that it transmits fixed messages during preset and bank switches. It does not say specifically if it transmits these fixed messages on one MIDI channel...or all MIDI channels :( There are also some confusing things in there like: - Note that footswitches FS5 - FS8 will only transmit your configured MIDI assignments when their Setup option is set to the FS5 - FS8 “Pedalboard Mode†Which leads one to believe you cannot send any MIDI messages to external devices when switching presets using the ABCD footswitches in preset mode. I really was hoping the HD was the solution I was seeking....but without more robust MIDI functionality....not sure it will work for me. My whole rig is MIDI controlled and I really needed this to be the controller...and the bulk of the FX I would use and simplify my setup. Might have to look towards the Boss GT-100....but it really doesn't have the signal routing capabilities at the level of the HD....and that's the other deal breaker for me. Ughh....which pretty much leaves me with the super pricey TC G-system as my only other option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 When in FS Mode=ABCD you can send midi messages using FS1-4, but not FS5-8. Sorry - I don't have enough experience with the HD500 midi to answer you question about channels. Hopefully someone else will be able to clarify that here. Best of luck with whatever equipment you decide to use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncann Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 I agree the manual is not clear on this. There is a system menu option on page 6 (of 12 with 2.62 firmware) that has a midi channel setting. It goes from 1 to 16, and omni. I would assume this is the setting you're looking for when automatic messages are sent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatemLive Posted April 10, 2015 Author Share Posted April 10, 2015 Thanks silver. Oh you have way experience than I with the HD Im certain. I think its just a tricky question on this particular one. It does seem though....the HD is not going to fit my needs in the MIDI department. I really wanted it too. I love my M9. I was basically looking to replace my m9 and my MIDI controller with the HD...and add a little more signal routing flexibility in the process. Thanks for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 .... There is a system menu option on page 6 (of 12 with 2.62 firmware) that has a midi channel setting. It goes from 1 to 16, and omni. I would assume this is the setting you're looking for when automatic messages are sent. Here's what that section of the manual says about it. Looks to me like you can set the HD500 to send on only one channel. MIDI Channel (Knob 1): Sets the “System†MIDI Channel that POD HD500X utilizes for both receiving and sending MIDI communication via the MIDI DIN Input/Output. Choose any individual Channel 1 - 16, or “Omni†for all Channels.* This is a global setting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatemLive Posted April 10, 2015 Author Share Posted April 10, 2015 I noticed that section as well. Not sure it would do me much good...if it still sends that fixed message on that channel to my Rivera though. My Rivera also has a fixed mapping that cant be changed....I need the ability to send a separate PC message to my amp with a patch change. Which doesnt seem like the HD is capable of. Im hoping someone maybe had a workaround that will allow this to happen. But it sure isnt seeming like its possible. I definitely appreciate the help on here though (silver, duncann). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncann Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 The pod's midi output capability does everything you want, except cover the full fixed range of your Rivera. As long as the pod is in pedalboard mode, every time you select a new patch (two presses - bank up/down, then a, b, c, or d), the pod automatically sends out a PC message. The message value is determined by the patch position within the setlist (0-64) The midi channel number can be restricted by the system menu setting. At least ... after thinking about it a bit ... that should do most of what you want. Does the way you use your Rivera require any values above 64? If so, that's the only thing I can see that doesn't work fully how you want. But you could at least control some functions on the Rivera. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 To elaborate on what I think duncann is suggesting, you could arrange your HD presets so that they correspond to your Rivera's fixed mapping. In other words, if you want to send a PC change to program#7 upon selecting a preset, place that preset in Bank 2 preset D. Each time you select that preset it will send the desired PC message on the specified midi channel. Of course, this will limit you to program numbers 0 to 63 on the Rivera and you won't be able to send the same PC command from two different presets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceatl Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 A little box like this can be handy for integrating midi from different gear... http://www.midisolutions.com/prodepp.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.