Morningstar Controller/HX Stomp Question

[gitapik]

I'm thinking of putting my Stomp on a board. I'd include the Mission Engineering TT2, which I use for switching modes and as a boost for all my presets (using the Output block) along with a Little Robbie Pilot (presets and tuner/tap tempo). It's a very cool setup.

 

I'd like to add a Morningstar and dedicate it specific to the looper on the Stomp. 

 

Hoping for some insights:

 

1) The Little Robbie Pilot is midi based. Will I be able to connect it along with the Morningstar to the Stomp?

 

2) Loopers are set up at the end of the chain...but I'll be hooking the Morningstar up to the Stomp's looper. Will I be able to hear the loops and overdubs/etc through headphones connected to the Stomp? I don't see mention of a headphone jack on the Morningstar.

 

Thanks

[rd2rk]

The TT2 is a simple analog switch. Connect it with a TRS cable to the FS 4/5 - Exp pedal jack.

The Pilot is a (very) simple non-programmable MIDI Controller. Connect it with a MIDI cable to the HXS MIDI In.

Neither device transmits  audio.

The looper audio comes out the Main L/R Outs. The HP when set to Phones Monitor Main L/R monitor the Main L/R Outs.

 

 

[gitapik]

Thanks. I'm with you about the TT2 and Pilot. And I think what you're saying is that the two devices won't effect the internal looper on the Stomp (?).

 

Where I get lost is the part about the Morningstar MC6. Will it need to be attached via MIDI and, if so, how would I set that up along with the Pilot? And if it can be done; are the MIDI switch messages showing on the Morningstar just a reflection of what's on the Stomp (which means I should be able to hear the loops with headphones on the Stomp) or are they programmed to be activated after the Stomp (which would mean I won't hear the loops)?

 

I could easily be getting something wrong; but this is where I lose the thread.

[rd2rk]

The Pilot and the MC6 are both MIDI Controllers. They do NOT pass audio.

 

The HXS Looper audio will always pass out through the L/R Main Outs UNLESS you put the Looper in Path B and split the outputs.

In that case the Looper audio would be routed to the SEND and you would need to change Global Settings>Ins/Outs>Phones monitor = SEND to hear it.

 

Using the Pilot with the MC6 is possible, but a totally unnecessary complication and waste of pedalboard space.

The MC6 can handle it all, you just need to read the manual.

But, if you INSIST, the MIDI OUT port on the MC6 also functions as MIDI THRU, though it's not labelled as such.

Connect the MIDI cable from the Pilot to the MC6 MIDI In and make sure that MIDI THRU is enabled on the MC6 (RTM!).

Connect the MC6 MIDI Out to the HXS MIDI In.

 

WARNING!

 

I'm going to assume, based on its basic marketing premise, that you bought the Pilot due to it being a "No MIDI knowledge required" device.

The MC6 is NOT like that. It is one of the most powerful MIDI Controllers on the market. It has more functions than you can shake a stick at.

No worries. If you're going to dedicate the MC6 to operating the HXS Looper you'll be using less than 1% of the MC6's capabilities.

It has an excellent GUI Editor, but you WILL have to RTM.

 

While you're at it, you should probably spend some quality time with the HXS manual... just sayin'.

 

 

[gitapik]

I think you're taking a lot for granted, here. While I appreciate the info you're supplying, your tone is a bit over the top.

 

I bought the Pilot as a small pedal I could throw into my gig bag along with the Stomp and TT2. Nice and compact. Not because it's easy to use but rather for it's size and functionality. Now I'm considering setting up a small board.

 

Though I'm not an expert in all applications; I've no fear whatsoever of MIDI or any other type of technology. I've been using various setups since the '90s.

 

Specifically; I've been considering the idea of not having to switch modes on the Morningstar (not necessarily the newest version), but only as a standalone looper. The less stomps the better. I know I can assign a button to move back to a preset, from which I can choose a scene or pedal...or assign one of the buttons on the Morningstar as a boost, overdrive, or whatever. I know there are a ton of options available. My thoughts to begin with are to just have a great, small profile looper with all the functions available at all times. If the Morningstar is overkill in this scenario...fine. I'll look for another alternative. If it's easier to use than other MIDI devices...that would be nice, as well. 

 

Regarding reading the manual: Yep. I could download the Morningstar manual and comb through the Stomp's as well (which I've done many times). But time's a little tight at the moment and I figured I'd put this out there for something a little quicker. Thanks for your input.

 

 

 

[rd2rk]

The questions you asked don't reflect the experience you claim or the reading you claim to have already done.

 

Believing that I was dealing with a relative newbie I've been careful to provide useful info and to be as gentle as possible about my suggestions re learning the gear.

My time is valuable too, and I took the time to find out what the Pilot is and watch the video.

I also took the time to refresh my memory on the MC6 features by referring to the MC6 manual.

Again, since you didn't seem to be familiar with the concept of "MIDI THRU" I assumed newbie.

 

Now that I've been schooled on your extensive experience and knowledge I feel like a fool for taking the time to do your homework for you.

 

Best of luck with your future adventures in the Digital Wonderland.

[gitapik]

Got it. Caught me at a bad moment and I answered badly. 

 

Didn't mean to put you out of your way. There are holes in my knowledge of MIDI and, most specifically, the Morningstar line. I was looking for a quick answer. Probably should've contacted them instead.

 

My apologies. You're obviously not a fool. I appreciate you taking the time to help out.

 

[rd2rk]

On 6/14/2023 at 7:57 AM, gitapik said:

Got it. Caught me at a bad moment and I answered badly. 

 

No worries. I hadn't heard about the Pilot. It looks like a cool solution to many users' problems.

Any day that I learn something new is a good day!

[gitapik]

 

 

Def a cool device. Opens up some nice possibilities. Especially for a grab and go setup. Just need to attach some rubber feet to keep it stable.

 

Thanks for the positive reply. Much appreciated.

[tattah]

I used the MC-3 on my board for a while and then it was so useful I upgraded it to an MC-6.  MC-3 is a good place to start because yes you can control the looper - and then a ton of other things too if you want.  As you say - MIDI is not hard, but you do need a couple of hours/an afternoon to set it up and then at least one rehearsal/show to get it completely set up so you are comfortable - or at least, I did.  Even going from the MC-3 to the MC-6 and transferring all the settings from one to the other needed a rehearsal tweak to get everything solid.  Worthwhile though as it becomes set-and-forget really quickly.  

 

I've tried adding an image of the board with no luck - here's a link to a picture of it on the gearpage:

https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/show-your-pedalboard-2023.2425275/post-37089262