midi control of Valeton GP5 from my HX-Effects?

[loonsailor]

I'm still really happy with the effects in my trusty old HXFX pedal, but I need to add an amp modeler, preferably a small one to fit on my little pedalboard. The Valeton GP5 looks like it would do what I need, but I'd like the HXFX to be able to control it, to switch to the correct amp model for each patch. The HXFX will do that, and the GP5 is controllable in that way, but I don't know how to connect them. HXFX is a standard old-school multi-pin midi connector, and the Valeton Midi is USB-C. Can this be done? How?

Thanks, in advance, for any help with this. I'll move from HXFX to a newer, whizzbangier pedal some day, but I'd love to extend it's life (and postpone the stress of switching) for a while longer.

[rd2rk]

In order to use MIDI over USB you need a "HOST" device - an intermediary that translates data for USB transmission.

This can be a regular computer, an iPad or even an iPhone - Androids probably work too, but I don't own one so I can't say.

There are also dedicated HW HOST devices such as this:

 

Amazon.com: CME H2MIDI Pro Compact USB Host MIDI Interface | Router, Filter, Mapper, 32-Bit Processor, Dual Power Mode, Minimal Size, For Guitarists & Producer : Musical Instruments

 

The CME is plug'n'play. You'll need a USB A>USB C cable.

For a computer or iThingy you'd need a program/app that routes the signal from one device to another.

On my iPad I use AUM, on my computer I use MIDI-OX, but most any DAW will also work. If you've got an older iThingy you might need a USB A>Lightning cable.

 

On your HXFX, Go to GLOBAL SETTINGS and in MIDI/TEMPO enable USB MIDI.

ASSUMING that the Valeton is capable (I didn't read the manual) you should be good to go.

[SaschaFranck]

In all seriousness, I'd consider something else but the Valeton. Latency is kinda large (>5ms), so once you add the dual latency of the HXFX (because you'd likely be running the GP-5 in the loop), you'd end up with something close to 10ms total. Not the end of the world but possibly noticeable already, especially when playing through headphones.

I know it's considerably more expensive but a Tonex One Plus is quite a better device in my book (super low latency of around 1.5ms), plus you'd save an extra device as it has direct MIDI support. Patch switching is pretty much gapless too and, most of all, there's some incredibly great captures you can load onto it, mopping the floor with the Valeton (even if it allows to load NAM captures - but they're converted into it's own format and end up sounding kinda same-ish).

 

How do I know? Because I'm using Tonex Ones in both of my main setups but also own a Valeton GP-50 (for backstage jamming, as a backup and what not).

The Tonex could easily become a keeper for all kinda small rigs whereas the Valeton likely won't.

 

You might as well be so much surprised that you wouldn't want to purchase any "whizzbangier" pedal any day soon.

My smaller rig is sort of comparable, I'm using a Boss GT-1000 Core for FX, boosts and stuff and a Tonex One in its loop (plus an extra Ampero Control MIDI controller - but you wouldn't need that, I only bought it because patch switching on the GT is extremely limited). It turned out to be so excellent that I have zero plans to ever rip it apart again, despite all the new offerings around.