FAQ: Amp Gizmo / Mini Amp Gizmo

[rjmmusic]

What are the differences between the Amp Gizmo and Mini Amp Gizmo?

Let's start with the obvious: the Mini Amp Gizmo is smaller and less expensive.

The more important difference is that the Amp Gizmo has four 1/4" switching jacks and an 8-pin switching jack, where the Mini only has an 8-pin switching jack. This gives the Amp Gizmo two advantages: you can connect to amps that have 1/4" footswitch jacks using standard 1/4" cables, and you can safely connect to more than one amp's footswitch jack simultaneously (each jack on the Amp Gizmo is electrically isolated from each other, preventing ground loops or other electrical problems).

If you're controlling one amp, a Mini Amp Gizmo is fine. It still has 8 function switches and can control every amp the regular Amp Gizmo can. But, if you're controlling multiple amps, a regular Amp Gizmo might be what you need.

There are also a few Mesa amps (like the Mark II, III and Lone Star) that have footswitch jacks on the front and rear of the amps. None of our 1/4" adapter cables can reach all of the footswitch jacks at the same time, but using standard 1/4" cables with an original Amp Gizmo makes it easy to connect to everything on the amp.

 

[rjmmusic]

Can I rackmount the Amp Gizmo or Mini Amp Gizmo?

The Amp Gizmo has two threaded holes on the bottom of the case. You can use these holes to affix the Amp Gizmo to a universal rack shelf (one of those shelves with a zillion holes in the bottom). The holes line up with every universal rack shelf we've tried (Middle Atlantic, Raxxess and Rackman). Early models of the Amp Gizmo have American 6-32 thread, later models have metric M3 thread.

The Mini Amp Gizmo has two holes on its fins that let you mount it to a rack shelf, but the holes may not line up with every shelf - you may have to drill your own holes. The holes are not threaded, so you'll need two nuts as well as two screws. The Mini Amp Gizmo is quite small and light, so many people just use Velcro or Dual Lock to attach them to a shelf, or even on the inside of their rack.

 

[rjmmusic]

What are the power requirements of the Amp Gizmo and Mini Amp Gizmo?

The Amp Gizmo requires 9 to 12 volts, AC or DC, with a minimum current supply of 200mA.

The Mini Amp Gizmo requires 9 volts, AC or DC, with a minimum current supply of 260mA.

If you're phantom powering a MIDI controller, please remember to add in the current consumption of the controller when determining how much current to supply to the Amp Gizmo (or Mini).

Both products use a standard BOSS-type connector: 5.5mm x 2.1mm x 9.5mm.

 

[rjmmusic]

Can you power an Amp Gizmo or Mini Amp Gizmo with a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus?

You can use an Amp Gizmo with a Pedal Power as long as it's the 2 Plus model specifically and you use one of the Line 6 outputs. (Keep the mode switch in the normal position for best results).

The Mini Amp Gizmo can only be used with the Pedal Power 2 Plus if you don't turn on more than 4 Mini Amp Gizmo switches at once. (The more switches that are turned on, the more current the Mini Amp Gizmo draws). It's safest to upgrade to a power supply that can supply at least 260mA.