Hi everyone, I've got a question for you:

If we were to produce a loop switcher designed to operate on a pedalboard, what would you like to have? Minimum/maximum size, number of loops, what are the must-have features, etc.?

We're thinking of doing something for the pedalboard guys - some guys just aren't into the rack thing....

Definitely some kind of an RG16 on the floor...at least 8 loops with amp channel switching feature...doesnt matter if the loop buttons doesnt change the amp channels at once. Even if it was separated it still means pressing 2 buttons (amp channel select and effect loop select) instead of doin the chicken dance on stage. If its possible that one button switches both then all the better....and a buffer

And yes i would make anoher purchase...my RG16 is doin everything i want n more but my bandmates doesnt understand why if its supposed to make things easier instead of carrying a guitar and a pedalboard now ive got a rack case as well ... Not that they object after hearing what comes out of it.

I'm not really a "pedalboard guy" but I am thinking of building a pedalboard for smaller gigs. For me, a built in interface would be useful, as would having the guitar input on the side. Maybe an A/B or even A/B/C input selector (not programmable) built in for those of us who switch between guitars a lot. Some way of easily switching between 4 cable method and everything in front of the amp without having to do any repatching would be cool - maybe some normalled amp send and receive jacks?

For me, I wouldn't need so many function switches - you could probably get away with 4 on a couple of TRS jacks IMO. But I guess as you already have the Amp Gizmo technology sorted it might make more sense to leave it as-is. At least one non-switchable loop for plugging a volume pedal in (or at least a break-out point between loops) or even better a decent VCA type volume circuit so you could just use an expression pedal without taking the signal out of the box would be cool. Obviously an isolated tuner output with mute.

In terms of loops, 8 would probably be fine, but maybe 5 before and 3 after the break would be better for me (I imagine people would usually run more effects before the amp than in the loop), and as with my request for the Mastermind, 2 dedicated function / control switches (so you can use one for Tap tempo) and 6 patches per bank

For me, it would be as "simple" as taking an effect Gizmo, putting the LED's for the loops on top of the chassis, along with maybe 8 total switches and a LCD screen. If the screen could be programmable with song/patch names instead of only preset numbers, that would be beyond awesome. It would be nice to have a stereo loop or two with true stereo outputs. Something like the Y-not functionality with the ability to select a, b, y mono, y stereo...okay now I might be dreaming. Like I said, simple, right?

The other idea, which might appeal to the guys who already have a mastermind or other midi foot controller they like, would be to do a combination input selector/effect gizmo with y-not outputs and midi in and out/through. No stomp switches, maybe just a small LCD with patch numbers and a few push buttons to program the unit. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the extensive function switching, I don't think it makes sense on a pedal board. I envision something small enough to just fit on a rack shelf, or on a medium sized pedal board, that could receive and pass midi data. So if I want to put it in a pedal board next to my midi foot controller, I can use all my pedals with stomp functions or two channels with another master control, like a Mastermind, Tc Nova system or G system, Ground Control, Liquid Foot, Gordius, Line 6 M13, whatever, to switch presets via midi. Or, you could put all your pedals on a rack shelf (or just set the whole board as is Edge style atop your rack ) and use it remotely, or as an extension to your RG 16 or Effect Gizmo, etc. The other thing I would like would be the ability to switch the buffer off and on for different patches, so that you could incorporate fuzz pedals more easily...I think that with on of those and an RG-16 you could probably launch into space, or play in a 80's cover band.

Wow - keep the ideas coming! The funny (yet not unexpected) thing is that so far everyone has a completely different idea of how it should be done. This is pretty consistent with what I've run into while thinking about this possible project - there are so many ways to do it. Pretty challenging - you don't want the thing too large or it'll take over your whole pedalboard, but if you make it small you limit the number of buttons, display size, jacks, etc.

Time to bash my head on this some more...

Ok Ron, if we're just throwing ideas out...how about just extending the "mini" line with a mini effect gizmo and mini input selector? Or perhaps a modular chassis that can accept up to three of the "mini" line and mount on a pedal board with an integrated power supply? So if Martin needs and input selector, 4 loops and function switching, he could rig up an "input selector" module, a "mini effect gizmo" (say four loops, one stereo) module and a mini amp gizmo...sort of like the egnater modular series, but with all your mini stuff. I might need 2 mini effect gizmo's and a y-not. This perhaps would allow some degree of individual customization using your standardized products, and would allow people to purchase what they need as they go, or reset their board for different applications without needing an entirely new interface...

Hello Ron!
For all,excuse my poor level english...
The Effect Gizmo is simply PERFECT for me!!!
I think the best size for your next midi foot controller is between the All Access and the Axess FX-1 with 5 presets switches and 2 rows of IA switches so 15 switches plus the UP and DOWN Bank switches.I think it would be great to have 5,10 or 15 presets switches per bank like the Rocktron AA.To have choice with latch or momentary switches for each switch.And obviously NOT ANY NOISE when changing preset. Carling switches is the best choice.
That's all for the moment.

This, but perhaps in a 1U rackmount or some kind of interchangeable unit (like the way the TC G System has the rack panel built into the foot controller) would kick major ass.

Hey Ron...any chance we can get an update on the pedalboard switcher? Not anything official, of course, more of a "here's what we're thinking..."

I can't go into too much detail yet, but I will say that the first prototype is getting built now. It was originally going to be something like jamming 8 loops into a Mastermind, but we're going to go a little beyond that, and it requires adopting some new technology. It's about time someone uses some 21st century electronics in a switcher.

Fingers crossed for a big demo of the new switcher at NAMM, followed by a release not too long after that. I have a boatload of work ahead of me...