Pulled The Trigger Yesterday

[BSByrdman]

Went to GC to try out the 2x12.  Musicians Friend has them advertised for $409.99, so GC matched it.  IMO, that's a hell of a deal for this amp.  Unfortunately, they only had a floor model in Lakeland FL, so mine is on the way from the distribution center.  I didn't know at the time, but Musicians Friend is also owned by the same parent co as GC.

 

I did not buy the foot switch because I want more than just 2 switches.  Anyone have a suggestion for a reasonable multi button FS I can use with this?  Probably only need 4-6 buttons, but more is always better IMO.  

 

Anyway, looking forward to getting it and dialing it in.  Any suggestions are wanted and encouraged!

 

 

[rd2rk]

On 10/24/2022 at 4:52 AM, BSByrdman said:

Anyone have a suggestion for a reasonable multi button FS I can use with this?  Probably only need 4-6 buttons, but more is always better IMO.  

 

It's called a "MIDI Floor Controller". The Melo Audio/Harley Benton MIDI Commander is probably the best bang-for-the-buck at $149 for 8 switches.

EDIT: Just looked at the manual - no GUI. Not a deal killer, but not ideal.

 

You can get an FCB1010 dirt cheap and it will do the job, but it's big and ugly. Look for one used with the UNO Chip already installed.

The Morningstar MC series is very popular and the most capable but a bit more expensive.

All of the above will require programming, and all but the MIDI Commander have GUI Interfaces.

I primarily use my Helix to control my Cat, but I could easily use my FCB1010/UNO if I wanted to.

 

How much do you know about MIDI? It's not rocket science, but if you're not familiar with the BASIC MIDI commands (PC and CC) you should read up on them.

The Catalyst offers extensive MIDI control, but practically speaking, you'll want to be able to switch Banks, switch Channels within Banks, and toggle the Boost, Effect and Reverb. I recommend that while you're waiting on delivery, you DL and read the Catalyst Pilot's Guide. You should also Google MIDI Basics. 

 

If you're considering the FCB1010 I can provide further info and assistance with that, even a complete program if you're specific about what you want to do.

 

[BSByrdman]

On 10/24/2022 at 1:45 PM, rd2rk said:

 

It's called a "MIDI Floor Controller". The Melo Audio/Harley Benton MIDI Commander is probably the best bang-for-the-buck at $149 for 8 switches.

EDIT: Just looked at the manual - no GUI. Not a deal killer, but not ideal.

 

You can get an FCB1010 dirt cheap and it will do the job, but it's big and ugly. Look for one used with the UNO Chip already installed.

The Morningstar MC series is very popular and the most capable but a bit more expensive.

All of the above will require programming, and all but the MIDI Commander have GUI Interfaces.

I primarily use my Helix to control my Cat, but I could easily use my FCB1010/UNO if I wanted to.

 

How much do you know about MIDI? It's not rocket science, but if you're not familiar with the BASIC MIDI commands (PC and CC) you should read up on them.

The Catalyst offers extensive MIDI control, but practically speaking, you'll want to be able to switch Banks, switch Channels within Banks, and toggle the Boost, Effect and Reverb. I recommend that while you're waiting on delivery, you DL and read the Catalyst Pilot's Guide. You should also Google MIDI Basics. 

 

If you're considering the FCB1010 I can provide further info and assistance with that, even a complete program if you're specific about what you want to do.

 

 

On 10/24/2022 at 1:45 PM, rd2rk said:

 

It's called a "MIDI Floor Controller". The Melo Audio/Harley Benton MIDI Commander is probably the best bang-for-the-buck at $149 for 8 switches.

EDIT: Just looked at the manual - no GUI. Not a deal killer, but not ideal.

 

You can get an FCB1010 dirt cheap and it will do the job, but it's big and ugly. Look for one used with the UNO Chip already installed.

The Morningstar MC series is very popular and the most capable but a bit more expensive.

All of the above will require programming, and all but the MIDI Commander have GUI Interfaces.

I primarily use my Helix to control my Cat, but I could easily use my FCB1010/UNO if I wanted to.

 

How much do you know about MIDI? It's not rocket science, but if you're not familiar with the BASIC MIDI commands (PC and CC) you should read up on them.

The Catalyst offers extensive MIDI control, but practically speaking, you'll want to be able to switch Banks, switch Channels within Banks, and toggle the Boost, Effect and Reverb. I recommend that while you're waiting on delivery, you DL and read the Catalyst Pilot's Guide. You should also Google MIDI Basics. 

 

If you're considering the FCB1010 I can provide further info and assistance with that, even a complete program if you're specific about what you want to do.

 

 

Thanks for the information and help offer.  I worked with midi functions with my old Flextone about 10 years ago.  So I understand it a little, but I am sure the technology has changed some over the years with a lot more manufacturers making controllers now.  I have already read the Pilots Guide, but will google MIDI basics and check out YT to get up to speed.  Also, Line 6 YouTube channel has two videos on using midi with the Catalyst and I plan to watch those between now and Thursday.  Just got an email that the amp is shipping today and expected delivery is Thursday.

 

My long term plan is to get an HX Effects to pair with the amp but it will probably be a few months.  I want to sell some things I don't use any more first.  I was thinking if I could pick up something reasonable between now and then, I would if it would still be useful after I get the HX Effects.  Until I can decide what I need,  I'll probably just dive in on the amp and use the phone and computer w/ the edit app so I know more about what I should get later.  No sense in spending $$ on things that I wont need once I get the HX Effects. 

 

What I'm looking to do is exactly what you posted,  switch Banks, switch Channels within Banks, and toggle the Boost, Effect and Reverb, and from the videos I have watched, it looks like the HXE can do all that and more.   Once I get some time on the amp, I'll get into setting up specific presets for different songs/groups.  Mostly what I play is Classic Rock to 80's & 90's alternative so I know I want more than what the LFS2 is capable of. 

 

Thanks again for the info, and if you think I should wait and just get the HXE in a few months, let me know what you think.

 

Byrdman

 

[rd2rk]

On 10/24/2022 at 1:11 PM, BSByrdman said:

Thanks again for the info, and if you think I should wait and just get the HXE in a few months, let me know what you think.

 

 

As I said, I primarily use my Helix to control the Cat, and for the minimum functions mentioned, between direct FS assignments and Snapshots the HXFX should be entirely sufficient unless you insist on "kitchen sink" presets. I would wait until I got the HXFX.

[BSByrdman]

On 10/24/2022 at 4:11 PM, rd2rk said:

 

As I said, I primarily use my Helix to control the Cat, and for the minimum functions mentioned, between direct FS assignments and Snapshots the HXFX should be entirely sufficient unless you insist on "kitchen sink" presets. I would wait until I got the HXFX.

 

Thanks for the suggestion!  I'll wait.