Pod Go Assign Footswitches in Preset Mode

[BlademanRH4]

Hi,

 

I do not own a Pod Go (yet) but a Boss GT-10. Looking for a newer, smaller and lighter device. The Pod Go looks like the best option in my price range. I'm doing some research and have one question.

 

I've been watching video's about the Presets, Snapshots etc... and understand all of that. However all options will result in 4 sounds you can use with the A B C and D switches. Wether you use Preset or Snapshot mode. On the Boss GT-10 this is more or less the same but in Preset mode I can assign CTL 1 and CTL 2 pedals to specific functions (Like turning on or off an effect). I have some songs I play with even 6 sounds and use the assigns to add functionality to a preset. On the Pod Go this is what Snapshot appears to do. But... I've been looking and assigning footswitches only appears possible in stomp mode on the Pod Go. Looking for video's for assigning footswitches in preset mode but only get results about stomp or snapshot mode. Is this true or can I accomplish the same as on the GT-10? Does anyone know? Thanks in advance.

 

[toddkc]

On 9/23/2022 at 9:07 AM, BlademanRH4 said:

Hi,

 

I do not own a Pod Go (yet) but a Boss GT-10. Looking for a newer, smaller and lighter device. The Pod Go looks like the best option in my price range. I'm doing some research and have one question.

 

I've been watching video's about the Presets, Snapshots etc... and understand all of that. However all options will result in 4 sounds you can use with the A B C and D switches. Wether you use Preset or Snapshot mode. On the Boss GT-10 this is more or less the same but in Preset mode I can assign CTL 1 and CTL 2 pedals to specific functions (Like turning on or off an effect). I have some songs I play with even 6 sounds and use the assigns to add functionality to a preset. On the Pod Go this is what Snapshot appears to do. But... I've been looking and assigning footswitches only appears possible in stomp mode on the Pod Go. Looking for video's for assigning footswitches in preset mode but only get results about stomp or snapshot mode. Is this true or can I accomplish the same as on the GT-10? Does anyone know? Thanks in advance.

 

You are correct, there is no way to do exactly what you are wanting.  You get 6 switches and they are either in preset, snapshot, or stomp mode.  No mixing of the modes.  You can add a dual external footswitch that I think is not controlled by the mode so theoretically that could do what you want.  The Helix can also do what you want, although obviously at a much higher price for that feature.

[voxman55]

Hi @BlademanRH4

 

Pod Go offers the facility to add 1 or 2 external momentary switches in FS7 and FS8.  Although called momentary/unlatching, in Pod Go they act as definite on/off switches and you do NOT have to keep them pressed down.  These work exactly like the onboard FS1-6 footswitches which means you can assign any effect or parameter to these in just the same way, but with two important differences.  

 

First, currently Pod Go cannot display FS7/8 in the 'stomp mode' window.  However, and this is a big plus that meets what you (& I) need, FS7/8 switches operate in ANY MODE including stomp or preset mode ie these can function just like the control switch you're used to.  So if you are in pre-set mode you won't need to go back into stomp mode to eg switch an FX on/off or alter a parameter.  There are different types of momentary ('unlatched') switches available ranging from smaller mini-switches to the Boss FS5U (single), FS6 and FS7 dual switches.  However, these are quite expensive.

 

Boss FS5U is a single pedal but 2 can be slotted together.  There is no battery/power required but there is no LED to let you know when the pedal is engaged or not. 

 

 

Both the dual FS6 & FS7 can be set for latched or unlatched (ie momentary) mode but it is the latter mode you need for Pod Go. 

 

FS6 is battery powered only and has an LED.  It will not function in any mode without a battery.  This has the advantage of not needing an external PSU to power it but unless you remember to unplug it when not in use, the battery will drain. 

 

 

FS7 is mains powered only with no battery option. The PSU is an extra that you have to buy separately.  However, you only need power in latching mode and/or if you want to see the LED.  In momentary mode it does not need power to operate but no LED will light up. 

 

   

 

There are a variety of smaller mini 2 button momentary switches available in the market that have the advantage of being compact and typically cheaper than the Boss pedals.  For example the Hotone 2-button Ampero momentary switch is only £19.99 UK but has no LED (most mini switches don't have LED's).  The potential disadvantage of these smaller pedals is that they may be less stable on the floor (eg carpet) and in some types the switches can be quite close together which means they can be more awkward, especially if you have bigger feet, live. These will be conventional 'click' type switches and some makes/versions might have a noisier click than others that some users might find a bit annoying.  

 

 

As a gigging player my preference is to use 2 x Bespeco VM20 momentary pedals slotted together.  There is no LED, but also no PSU/battery to worry about. They are all metal casing, lay flat, are very stable and the switching is smooth & silent. These are Boss FS5U clones but at a fraction of the price at circa £15 each UK.  Connection to Pod Go is via a Y Stereo TRS (single end to Pod Go) to 2 mono cable (one for each VM20).  Here's my Pod Go with these.

 

[voxman55]

Forgot to add that usually the mini fooswitches only require a single cable.  

[toddkc]

I have that ampero switch and it works great btw.  Even comes with the cable you need to connect it.  Got it on amazon for like....$17?  Totally worth it IMHO

[stlbryson]

I have been looking for an added footswitch and found the Ampero but I can't seem to get it to work how I want it to. 

In Global settings I have ESP2 set to FS7/8 nad the FS7/8 function set as Prst Up/DN. I tried Bank Up/Dn and even Snap Up/Dn but nothing seems to work. I am using the Ampero with the supplied cable and have it plugged into EXP 2-Footswitch 7/8. It's very frustrating because I'm certain it should work.

 

I'm open to any thoughts/suggestions.