Catalyst 100 + HX Stomp

[brettspahr]

I am connecting the HX Stomp to the Catalyst 100 using Power Amp Mode.

Guitar into stomp and then stomp into effects return of amp.

Is it best to use Amp Block, Amp + Cab block or Preamp block when running this way?

I want to bypass the Catalyst amp sounds and only use the HX Stomp sounds.

Is it possible when running this way to put effects before the amp as if they were running through the effects loop?

 

 

[rd2rk]

On 8/27/2023 at 8:15 AM, brettspahr said:

Is it best to use Amp Block, Amp + Cab block or Preamp block when running this way?

 

Try all three and use the one that sounds best TO YOU.

I have found that, FOR ME, the full amp model without cab works best, USUALLY. 

When using a cab/IR in this configuration, the cab/IR functions as another type of tone control. That's all.

The Cat's speaker is designed to be used with 6 different amp types. It's flatter than most guitar speakers.

Try it. Try different cabs/IRs. Try different mics and mic placements. It's just a tone control.

If it SOUNDS GOOD, it IS GOOD!

NO RULES!

 

On 8/27/2023 at 8:15 AM, brettspahr said:

I want to bypass the Catalyst amp sounds and only use the HX Stomp sounds.

Is it possible when running this way to put effects before the amp as if they were running through the effects loop?

 

 

Yes. Just build your preset the way you normally would.

The Catalyst is just an amplification system in this configuration.

 

However, you can save HXS preset blocks by using the Cat's post amp effects such as delay/reverb.

 

Leave the Cat's FX Loop ON and the MODE switch in the FX Loop position.

Set the Output Level (Global Settings Ins/Outs) on your HXS to INSTRUMENT (do this anyway when using the Cat's FX Return as input).

Connect L/MONO OUT to the Cat's FX Return.

Set whatever Cat FX you want to use to POST.

These FX are now LAST in the signal chain before Reverb and the poweramp/speaker and can be controlled using MIDI.

The MIDI CC#s are listed in the Pilot's guide and are assigned to FS/SS in Command Center.

CC#28 bypasses the EFFECT, CC#29 bypasses the REVERB.

Make sure that the Cat's MIDI Channel matches the Channel you're sending on from the HXS.

The HXS "BASE" Channel is, by default, Channel 1.

Unless you have a reason not to (complex MIDI chains), set the Cat to Channel 1. That's the default, so it should already be set.

[brettspahr]

Thanks for the reply. I will experiment with these!

 

Quote

 

However, you can save HXS preset blocks by using the Cat's post amp effects such as delay/reverb.

Leave the Cat's FX Loop ON and the MODE switch in the FX Loop position.

 

 

Do you mean switch the mode on the back to effects loop instead of Power Amp to do this?

 

[rd2rk]

On 8/27/2023 at 3:44 PM, brettspahr said:

Thanks for the reply. I will experiment with these!

 

 

Do you mean switch the mode on the back to effects loop instead of Power Amp to do this?

 

 

Yes, if you want to use the post amp fx in the Cat vs using HXS blocks for these. In Power Amp Mode the signal bypasses the FX.

When you do this you can use the Cat's 12 presets for different delay (or other FX) + reverb presets which you can load using MIDI when you load your HXS presets. 

It's like having the 8 blocks of the HXS + 12 x two effect satellite boards with a choice of 6 reverbs and 18 other fx. That could allow you to use certain high DSP HXS fx that you otherwise couldn't use. Very cool!