Old School Full Rack + Stomps NY

[ron5150]

Here's my rack that I am trying to put together. My Effect Gizmo's CS and Buffer Circuits seems to be not working properly at this time, but I am continuing to build it by just bypassing those circuits for now until RJM responds and tells me what to do and help me trouble-shoot why my EG if acting this way.

I discovered that the BUFFER Circuit was putting out or sending out low signals and that the CS Circuit had NO signal coming accross it or going through it. When I bypassed these circuits my signal from the FRONT JACK all the way to LOOP 9 SEND or OUT was get through LOUD and CLEAR.

Power Supply supplied with this Full Stereo Effects Gizmo is 9V 0.42A, would this be a reason for the low to no signal down the chain? Do I have a defective Effects Gizmo?

Signal Path / Switching Design : 2 Pre-Amp (On/Off/Both)
[2013-10-20 Final Wiring Design v8 Implementation] And so here it is all wired up as per Wiring Design (revision 8):
- Added a Korg PitchBlack Pro Rack Tuner, is on its way and will be installed where the Wireless System is currently located.
- The wireless system will be relocated.
- All power cables still be be installed.

[2013-10-20] Front View:
- Korg PitchBalck Pro still to be installed and Wireless System to be relocated.

[2013-10-08 REVISION NO. 8 WIRING DESIGN]
- Placed switching of Amps/PreAmps before any Loops/Effects.
- Added a RJM Mini Line Mixer to ADD PARALLEL Loop to control Effects that SUCK TONE.
Here's the updated design:

[2013-10-01 REVISED WIRING DESIGN] I've removed MIDI controllable devices that has "ByPass" via Midi from the Effect Gizmo's Switchable Loops and placed them between Loop Switches so that they are always in the signal path. I've done the same in one part of the signal path where I've place Channel 2 of the Alesis 3630 being used as a NOISE GATE before entering the rest of the Modulation/Reverb Effects Chain, this is always on. Channel 1 of the 3630 used as a NOISE GATE will be dedicated on Loop-4 after the TC Rottweiler to suppress the HighGain noise this pedal produces, when Loop-4 is off both the Rottweiler and the NoiseGate is out of Loop. By moving MIDI ByPassable effects such as my SA-170 EQ(s) and the TSR-24S off-loop, I free up and reclaim Loop resources on the Effects Gizmo for other pedals that would rely on the Effects Gizmo for remote On/Off.

[2013-09-19 WIRING DESIGN] includes MIDI Design - ACTUAL: I've removed the connections (Multi-Effects Zoom RFX2000) in Loop-11 and directly connected it into the Effects Loop of the Zoom 9150 since it could be ByPassed via MIDI. Freeing Loop-11 gives me 2 more dedicated Loops for extra stuff like control and signal mapping to 2 additional Amps or PreAmps.

Two PreAmps to create a wall of sound by activating Loop-9 and Loop-10.

On the First PreAmp (Carvin Quad X-Amp):
There are 2 Compressor processing loops (from an Alesis 3630 Compressor/Limiter/Gate) both in the first position of each Effects Chain (In-Front and After Clipping in Effects Loop) in Loop-1, and Loop-5 (I placed it first in the chain so that I can use the Gate if required and also amplify or boost the signal, also if required.) followed by the Programmable MIDI SA-170 EQ from Source Audio in the second position of each chain to change the tone flavor to whatever your heart desires.

Just need to test this design once it's all wired up and programmed correctly.

Notice all the old cables from the old setup just pile up on top. Am in the process of building this new/old system and making custom cables for this new setup.

Front of Rack
TONE: Carvin Quad X-Amp and a Zoom 9150 Tube Pre-Amp
EFFECTS: Digitech TSR-24S + Tokai Stomps, SA-170 EQ Programmable Midi EQ, Alesis 3630 Compressor, Dunlop CustomShop Wah and Digitech Whammy.

Rear of Rack
Still in the process of wiring it up.

 

[rjmmusic]

Very nice! Always nice to see an old school rack. We'll get your Effect Gizmo issues sorted out and get you up and running ASAP!

 

[ron5150]

RJM thank you for the "Nice" comment. It's huge and bulky compared to modern day light and portable pedal/stomp-box effects setups. I'll have this as my "Pride & Joy" and also have a light-weight set-up for a pick'em-up-and-go days. LOL!

Well, RJM came through and is sending me a replacement Effects Gizmo! RJM SUPPORT is EXCELLENT!

By the way.... can anyone recommend a nice pull-out tray for my rack to keep pedal/stomp effects? It's what's missing in this setup.

Thanks,

Ron.

 

[4x4uk]

Really nice rig

These are my personal favourites but Im sure you can probably fine something similar in the penn and elcom range

http://www.adamhall.com/en/ah_19_Parts_ ... lides.html

 

[ron5150]

Thanks for the suggestion "4x4UK"

Finally got 90% of the required cable made. Tested and double checked via suggested "Making Custom Cables" in this forum by using a multimeter and testing resistance on the contact points on the plugs end-to-end and tip-to-sleeve on each end.

These are the Mogami W2524 cables with Neutrik X-Series Plugs. (50ft worth of cable and 50 pcs of plugs). What's left to be done are the right-angle plugs for the pedals/stompboxes and a couple of insert (stereo to mono) cables for the stereo (Left & Right) returns coming from my Pre-Amp's Return Effects Loops, Digitech TSR-24S and Zoom ZFX2000 multi-effects units.

The replacement Effects Gizmo is on its way!

I should be able to do a manual test next week and begin re-programming my FCB1010 midi controller.

 

[rjmmusic]

Wow, you've been busy!!!

 

[ron5150]

Ron, I got the replacement, installed it, did the quick signal test from Front Input all the way to CS Out, and its working! The other unit is on its way back to your attention in the same box you sent the replacement in! Thank you for resolving this so quickly!

Yes sooo busy, I just want my system back up and running! But now it'll be even better than before.....

All the TS cables required for wiring this system (the cables pictured in my posts above) as per the final version of my design are done and installed, and working.

Still have make a couple of Insert cables for the stereo send/returns from my Master Effects Loop on the Carvin Quad X-Amp and Zoom 9150 to their respective Multi-Effects Processors + 5 Pairs of right angles for stomps.

I'M ALMOST THERE!

 

[ron5150]

After counting the number of MIDI capable components on my new rig, I found out that the number of MIDI devices far exceeds what my Behringer FCB1010 MIDI Foot Controller can handle. The default number which is a limitation on this controller is 5.

I found a solution: LG-FCB at http://www.lg-fcb.com is a upgrade board/kit for the FCB1010 to break away from such a limitation.

The LG-FCB is the same board/brain the Gordius has and is installed in the same FCB1010 Chassis making all its components a slave.

I have yet to receive my upgrade kit which includes a fabulous editor to manage the configuration and presets of the new to be upgraded FCB1010.

COST: $279.00 Delivered.

For all you folks with FCB1010's ...... CHECK IT OUT!

 

[boyscout]

After counting the number of MIDI capable components on my new rig, I found out that the number of MIDI devices far exceeds what my Behringer FCB1010 MIDI Foot Controller can handle. The default number which is a limitation on this controller is 5. I found a solution: LG-FCB at http://www.lg-fcb.com is a upgrade board/kit for the FCB1010 to break away from such a limitation.

Ron, here's another solution to consider. Costs more than $279, but you won't be running into any limitations again.

http://rjmmusic.com/mastermind-gt.php

(I'm a customer, I don't work for the manufacturer.)

 

[ron5150]

Yowza!!!... Yes in deed it does cost alot more, but very nice and impressive! I suggested the LG-FCB upgrade for folks who'd already owned a FCB1010 and only because I already had a FCB1010 with the UNO Chip in it. But thank you for pointing me to the RJM Masterminde Midi Controller.

Very nice indeed!

 

[rjmmusic]

Hey, there's a 10 button version just about to come out that costs a bunch less.

 

[ron5150]

Thanks, will be looking out for that!

I just noticed after completely wiring it up and switching between my two pre-amps that there is a loud hum on the Zoom 9150. Guess I'll have to implement some kind of isolation solution to eliminate hum in this current 2-preAmp set-up and for future preAmps (upto 4 using Loops 9,10,11, and 12 on the Effects Gizmo's dedicated Loops).

So I got this inexpensive 8-Channel rack mount transformer/isolator by ART. It costs $135-149 and had some good reviews. I've yet to receive mine and see how it all works out, if it fails I'll use my SM Pro DI-8 which has a ground-lift switch in each channel and would work similarly except that the chassis on this is a little deeper. The ART T8 could be mounted in the rear of my rack which is some 3" deep and will still be out of the way of front-facing gear.

The SM Pro Di8e is a Direct Injection unit which has some cool features. For one, it also acts as a Line Mixer with main Master Volume and Master Outs, has 8 DI Balanced XLR outs in the back, Pan and Volume for each Channel, Ground-Lift on each channel, Pad on each channel if signal is too hot, an extra LINK jack (parallel to the Line In) for whatever use you may think of. etc... etc.. etc..

 

[ron5150]

UPDATE [2013-09-24]

Finally did a mock-up layout of how some of the pedals will sit in the locking/sliding pull-out tray. Black patch cables are still not terminated on the other end. As you can see ... NO MORE ROOM! I'll have to remove the Zoom 9150 and Zoom RFX2000 from the rack and install a second tray for the Voodoo Labs Pedal Power AC, TC Flashback X4, and a TC Spark.

 

[ron5150]

Got the ART-T8 in and tested it!

I used a channel and patched the Zoom 9150 IN and Out on to its dedicated PowerAmp and Huwala.... NO MORE HUM!

!!!! IT WORKS !!!!

Now with its 7 extra channels, I won't have to worry about additions or reconfigurations when adding other pre-amps or external amps/rigs and worry if it'll induce noise. It mounts in the back of my rig with a chassis depth of 3", not interfering with other front mounted gear in my rig.

I would highly recommend this piece of gear for anyone that has a problem with "HUM/NOISE".

it's just more organised and clean. No hanging dongles or filters!

 

[MartinCliffe]

Nice, glad you got it sorted. Quite the epic rig, I've enjoyed watching the progress on here

 

[ron5150]

Thanks for following the progress Martin, and I'm glad you've enjoyed some of the stuff I've put on in here. its taken alot of work and effort, and patience getting some of the right gear in it. I've yet to attach the pedals cuz the other end of the cables have not been terminated yet.

I've tested the ART-T8 with the two existing preamps, and getting the wonderful sound of silence! I mean dead silent to rip city on the Quad X-Amp, and then mind boggling wall of sound putting on the second preamp, especially when using modulation effects on this full stereo rig. I can't imagine how it'll sound attaching 2 more preamps on Loops 11 and 12.

What's left here is programming and orchestrating everything since 90% of the gear is MIDI capable. The goal was and still is, is to get the right sound with 1 preset button on the MIDI foot controller. Banks of 10 presets, since I'm using an LG-FCB will be programmed to have tones/effects/ambiance configured by artist. eg. Bank 1 (Switches 1-10) Santana; Bank 2 (Switches 2.1 - 2.10) Scorpions; Bank 3 (Switches 3.1 - 3.10) Pink Floyd; ... etc.. etc.. etc..

I think the patience of getting it right, pays off in the end. Most of my gear are from the late 80's and early 90's and some of the more recent pedals. I did not include any of my Tokai effects and opted to get new TC stuff instead, the wireless system, Dunlop Wah, Whammy DT are from this decade. And I feel that after this, I won't have to touch or upgrade this til another 20 Yrs, I hope!

 

[ron5150]

[2013-10-01 REVISED WIRING DESIGN]
I've removed MIDI controllable devices that has "ByPass" via Midi from the Effect Gizmo's Switchable Loops and placed them between Loop Switches so that they are always in the signal path. I've done the same in one part of the signal path where I've place Channel 2 of the Alesis 3630 being used as a NOISE GATE before entering the rest of the Modulation/Reverb Effects Chain, this is always on. Channel 1 of the 3630 used as a NOISE GATE will be dedicated on Loop-4 after the TC Rottweiler to suppress the HighGain noise this pedal produces, when Loop-4 is off both the Rottweiler and the NoiseGate is out of Loop. By moving MIDI ByPassable effects such as my SA-170 EQ(s) and the TSR-24S off-loop, I free up and reclaim Loop resources on the Effects Gizmo for other pedals that would rely on the Effects Gizmo for remote On/Off.

 

[Ragincajun1919]

Looks good!

 

[ron5150]

[ 2013-10-08 ] Revision 8 of Wiring Design:

Added a RJM Mini Line Mixer to control Effects that SUCK TONE.

[ 2013-10-20 ] Rear View: And here it is all wired up. All power cables still to be done.

[ 2013-10-20 ] Front View:

 

[Jop]

Finally got 90% of the required cable made. Tested and double checked via suggested "Making Custom Cables" in this forum by using a multimeter and testing resistance on the contact points on the plugs end-to-end and tip-to-sleeve on each end.

Where did you read this on the forum? I can't seem to find it.