Amp Switching on Recent Marshalls

[plarkin]

Has anyone successfully set up the amp switch to control channels on a recent Marshall amplifier?  Specifically, I'm using a Silver Jubilee reissue but I imagine most of them operate in a similar manner since they  all seem to use the same single-button footswitch.  I haven't yet tried inserting the plug halfway, nor have I tried a TRS cable (I'm not at my studio right now and can't get to the amp).

 

I did notice that, when using a standard mono cable fully inserted into the jack, the channels did not switch but the channel indicator on the front of the amp dimmed a bit when engaging the amp switch from the Helix.  I believe it was on the Ext Amp #1 setting (Amp #2 setting didn't do anything). When I got home last night I searched the forum a bit and found the two pointers mentioned above.

 

Any advice or pointers would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[ricksteruk]

I've heard that Helix does not work with the Silver Jubilee (which is a bummer as I really have my eye on one)

 

My old Laney AOR combo from the late 1980s does the same as you describe, with the LED dimming - but it does actually change channels, albeit the normal channel is very quiet - and there is a colossal hum.

 

The problem is caused because Helix does not use relays to switch the amp circuits on and off - a LOT of amps don't work properly with Helix. (including MESAs ... see below)

 

There are two options:

1) buy a MIDI amp switching unit (e.g. the RJM gizmo... http://www.rjmmusic.com/products/switch-gizmo )

 

or 

 

2) make a box like this with relays

 

Hi Ricky

Unfortunately, you have a ground loop... You'll need an external control switcher or a relay interface like this...



I hope this helps

Seeya

Joe

 

 

I'd go with the second option as I am handy with a soldering iron and it's a lot cheaper

[plarkin]

I suspected as much.  Doesn't look too terribly difficult to build, but for now I'll continue to use the footswitch supplied with the amp.  Thanks!

[Flotsam71]

Just want to jump in here...could not for the life of my JCM2000 to change channels with Helix. So, I bought a FOOTSIM by Sound Sculpture. Absolutely amazing and easy to use. very plug and play...and has 4 channels. Fast channel and reverb switching. ....per patch or foot switch in the patch.

                    Thanks guys 

[Giax1974]

There is the chance always to go full midi, with 38$

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P3BPI4Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AMIHU7JS0U6DA

 

But is really annoying getting a 1.5k device, and it does not do simple amp switching with all amps as advertised...
I just got a Helix, I have it for 3 days, and already found this silly problem, I do got the HElix to use with external amp. Anyway I will keep this machine because it does a lot!
But this simple issue made me mad!@@#$

 

So the company who decide to build the cable relay interface for less than 38 US$, will sell a lot $$$$, Hope companies like Tim1 get one soon for sale.

Or hope line 6 came out with a free cable for Helix users!

[Giax1974]

I found this  Lehl device, do you think one of this can eliminate the terrible noise when connecting TRS cable to EXT AMP input? FOR CHANNNEL SWITCHING???
https://www.amazon.com/Lehle-DC-Filter-Removes-DC-Offset-Voltages/dp/B00KTEZ1O2

 

I also found this midi, the size and no power required sounds good... but I am not sure it can work for controlling a trs amp switch via midi with helix...

https://www.amazon.com/Lehle-Midi-Junction-Network-Box/dp/B001WAKOKS

[VirtualGuitars]

Has anyone tried to do this with a Marshall 2525C combo amp?  It comes with a foot channel switcher, but I would much rather use the Helix instead.  Guess I need to give it a try and report back.

[ricksteruk]

Good luck - but I think that the Mini-Jubilees are the same as their bigger brothers in the preamp stage so you'll be out of luck.

 

Helix causes a ground loop with traditional tube amps as it does not use relay based switching.

[lhomme61]

There is the chance always to go full midi, with 38$

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P3BPI4Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AMIHU7JS0U6DA

 

But is really annoying getting a 1.5k device, and it does not do simple amp switching with all amps as advertised...

I just got a Helix, I have it for 3 days, and already found this silly problem, I do got the HElix to use with external amp. Anyway I will keep this machine because it does a lot!

But this simple issue made me mad!@@#$

 

So the company who decide to build the cable relay interface for less than 38 US$, will sell a lot $$$$, Hope companies like Tim1 get one soon for sale.

Or hope line 6 came out with a free cable for Helix users!

 

You can't really expect Line 6 to have every possible amp circuit covered. Unlike computers, there are no standards that amp builders have to adhere to.  I used a G System before my Helix and it did Midi and most relay based channel switching but you had to get a interface box to run certain Mesa channel switching.  I was using VHT Pittbulls in stereo and had to make my own adapter to go from 1/4 inch to DIN plug.  I did my homework when looking at the Helix to make sure it would work with my rig.  Take a deep breath, go to your amp users forums and see if there are others who have found solutions.  You may have to be the pathfinder on a fix.  Good luck.