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Non ADA Gear => Rack Gear => Topic started by: Systematic Chaos on March 24, 2018, 05:52:11 PM

Title: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Systematic Chaos on March 24, 2018, 05:52:11 PM
Triggered by RGs post (Studio Quad V2) where I suggested the GSP1101, and just for shits and giggles ( and since I had one of these in 2009) I hunted down a used GSP1101 incl a 1U SKB Rackbag on Yahoo Auctions for 85$.
This was Digitechs flagship guitar processor back then and some of Digitechs engineers kept an almost constant beta FW program running on MustBeBeta.com.
The lastest FW from there is C63 and it features quite some more amp and FX models than the original, vast improvements in all algorithms (especially Whammy and Harmonizer) as well as the capability to upload up to 10 user IRs. The factory IRs where "ok" when it was new but you can now upload the lates Ownhammer, Redwirez, ValhallIR, ML-Sound,.... IRs and take this "old" bad boy to another level.
Dubbed "the poor man's-" or "the working man's AxeFX" is neither an over nor an understatement. The GSP1101 has a relatively open FX chain, as you can assign the blocks pre or post (Pre)amp. It has 2 (L/R) 1/4" Outs as well as 2 XLR Outs that are independently congifurable, meaning you can e.g. select the 1/4" outs for amp input/loop return without IR and the XLR outs for direct FOH with IR.
The open structure also allows (and was specifically designed for) integration of an external preamp in various hook-up configurations.
FX wise there's all in there you could want. Gate, Compressor, OD/DS, all kinds of Modulation, Delays, Reverb (courtesy of Lexicon since Digitech and Lexicon are part of Harman).
Compared to the Axe it definitely lacks the "granularity" in terms of feature/parameter depth and thus the 500% detail in the finished sound product. But at the end of the day where talking tools to make music and have fun and not the 13th row of overtones.

My approach has progressed to dialing in a sound with my ears rather than with my eyes. So with gear my ultimate question is always "can I make this thing sound to feel comfy and be happy with what comes out". Amp-tone wise my comfort zone is in the Mesa Boogie Mark type, with the MkIV being my personal favorite amp of all time. with the tools the GSP1101 provides (with C63) I can get there hands down. Sparkling Clean, crushing Crunch and singing creamy Leads.
My preferred IRs (atm) are ValhallIR's take on a 1992 Mesa Boogie Straight 4x12 loaded with 70w Celestion V30s (https://valhallir.at/en/shop/mb-1992-v30/ (https://valhallir.at/en/shop/mb-1992-v30/))

Same as for RG, footprint and transportability is a big factor and issue for me. I live in Tokyo and gig out on a weekly basis. There is no chance in this city to roll up with your van and lug the 10U fridge rack around. Mostly because of limited parking spaces near the venues. There's some parking spots throughout the city but I'm definitely not paying 20$ per hour (which is the going rate).
99% of the musicians I gig with use public transportation (Tokyo Metro) with is inexpensive, more than reliable and gets you to every place in the city with an average delay of 15s.

The GSP1101 comes in very handy for this application, especially in the 1U SKB RackBag. The Rackbag is sturdy and offers enough place to store als cabling in the back as well as sufficient space to bring a small Midi board and a Wah (Digitech Control 7 and a Jim Dunlop spring-loaded CryBaby 95Q in my case).
So I'm down do a small lightweight rackbag (the 1101 itself weighs next to nothing) and a guitar gigbag for a maximum of independence in transport with a minimum of footprint/weight.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af41/MagnusBausW/1E3451A3-6B76-4313-9E9B-691FFBC259CA_zpsldyk8ohf.jpg)
(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af41/MagnusBausW/28A20E06-B5D8-47D1-A181-6C83869748F8_zpsalv2pg2u.jpg)
(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af41/MagnusBausW/76EE0662-E34A-4580-8DAE-3EC9058C697D_zpsqpch31le.jpg)
(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af41/MagnusBausW/D5735DCE-C2AA-4073-BA16-BBF19BF44FC3_zps5vhyoiqt.jpg)
     
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Dante on March 25, 2018, 09:00:44 AM
AWESOME. Nice find tooo, for less than a hundred bucks  :thumb-up:
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Soloist on March 25, 2018, 11:58:32 AM
Good score SC! Under $100 what a deal.
I have an 1101 myself, some of the amp sims sound really good going FOH, others sound a bit artifical. The effects sound stellar.
I too am running the mustbebeta c63 update. I tried running a few different preamps into its loop, but wasn't blown away with the results. Currently trying to run it as a stand alone preamp with my power amp and split stacks but not finding that really good tone/patch yet. If you come up with any I would love to give em a try. :headbanger:
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Systematic Chaos on March 25, 2018, 06:56:10 PM
.... If you come up with any I would love to give em a try. :headbanger:

I'll extract my main Crunch and Lead patches tonight and shoot you a p.m. incl. the IR.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Soloist on March 25, 2018, 09:28:20 PM
Thanks S.C. you da man!
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on March 26, 2018, 09:54:15 AM
I'm intrigued by these Digitech GSP1101.  However no good deals going within my price range.

JUst curious, but what is this unit going dirt cheap?  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digitech-Twin-Tube-GFX1-signal-processor/142726584107?hash=item213b2ad72b:g:8HgAAOSwk75anZaC (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digitech-Twin-Tube-GFX1-signal-processor/142726584107?hash=item213b2ad72b:g:8HgAAOSwk75anZaC)
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Dante on March 26, 2018, 03:56:43 PM
I had one of those, it sounds good. It's a pain to set up patches, as you have to go through ALL the parameters to save it.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on March 27, 2018, 12:51:59 AM
I think the GFX1 was digitechs go at making something like the MP1 but adding in effects
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: vansinn on March 27, 2018, 05:03:56 AM
Had one, sounded and felt too sterile to my taste.
Effects were good, compressor super, but especially distortions and amp models were too sterile and harsh.
I never loaded it with custom IR's, though, which was probably a big mistake.
However, the electric violin player who bought it immediately got great sounds out of it ;)
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: herbyguitar on March 27, 2018, 07:45:54 PM
I have an 1101. Bought it new about 6 years ago. Took me quite a while to figure out how to get it to produce killer tones. Love it but you do have to work it and sometimes think outside the box. A good cranked tube power amp is the secret to great sound. Cab sims don't cut it.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Systematic Chaos on March 27, 2018, 11:29:16 PM
....Cab sims don't cut it.

I have to disagree on that. With FW C63 and the option to upload user cab IRs you can make that thingy shine and sing....or scream \m/
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Systematic Chaos on March 28, 2018, 05:28:20 AM
OK...been a long day at work but I just sat down and did a direct recording over a drum loop (attached)....
GSP1101 with my preset/IR (my take on a Boogie MkIV Ch3) straight into a Steinberg UR22 MkII into Reaper on a MacBook Pro.
No post processing.
Rhythm guitars were mono triple tracked (100L, 100R, Center), Swamp Ash Ibanez RGR620 with Dimarzio Crunchlab.
Leads is one Stereo Take (65L / 65R), Mahogany Ibanez RGR7620 7 String with DiMArzio Crunchlab 7.

Long day, rush-hour drive home....unprecise sloppy playing. Just to show what this thingy *can do*

*edit*...attachment doesn't upload...here´s the file on dropbox:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/blusdgehjro4892/1101%20Direct%20Recording.mp3?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/blusdgehjro4892/1101%20Direct%20Recording.mp3?dl=0)
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on March 28, 2018, 06:01:31 AM
Hey SC, nice playing BTW  :thumb-up: , sounded great, lots of phase cancellations and subsequent vol changes (coz of triple track ?) But very nice tones  :thumb-up: .
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Systematic Chaos on March 28, 2018, 06:08:35 AM
15mins rush job, had a chilled bottle of Montes Alpha waiting ;)
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on March 28, 2018, 06:57:34 AM
Hey SC, well good job  :thumb-up: , would also be interesting to hear it through a decent power amp/cab, I also liked the sound of your crunchlabs, well most of it's in your fingers  :headbanger: but they do sound quite nice.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: MarshallJMP on March 28, 2018, 12:06:22 PM
Sounds nice  :thumb-up:
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: herbyguitar on March 28, 2018, 04:15:31 PM
Sounds good. How are your harmonics and sustain with the sim? That's where I always came up short.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Systematic Chaos on March 28, 2018, 04:30:05 PM
No issues with harmonics and sustain. Note separation/articulation with hi-gain is pretty good and, chords and single notes ring out naturally and dip into harmonic overtones, even when goping direct with headphones. 
The IR I predominantly use for heavy tones is the ValhallIR Mesa 4x12 w/ sE 4400aII Condenser mic or another 3rd party IR of a Mesa 4x12 with a blend of SM57 and KSM313.
Both IRs are a tad bit on the darker/warmer side so I can make best use of the Amp (models) Treble and Presence (which really brings Boogie Mk typology amps to life).
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on March 29, 2018, 01:03:24 AM
Lookout, you may get me liking more than just boogie/messa speaker cabs  :facepalm: LoL
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: herbyguitar on March 29, 2018, 11:19:13 AM
...got me rethinking my setup. May have to experiment some more   :P
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Systematic Chaos on March 29, 2018, 05:08:24 PM
Lookout, you may get me liking more than just boogie/messa speaker cabs  :facepalm: LoL
Lemme know what you want/need ;-)
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Systematic Chaos on April 05, 2018, 02:38:04 PM
@herbyguitar @Soloist...you got any chance to check out the patches/IRs I sent you yet?
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Soloist on April 05, 2018, 03:49:34 PM
@SC, yes I loaded them in. They sound great through headphones,  not so much through my cabs. Need to tweak them a bit. Way better than the b.s. stock cab sims. Thanks again!
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on May 20, 2018, 12:36:04 PM
So I joined the club guys.

Bagged one for what I think is a good price, £155 excluding postage.

Ok so my rigs for the future will be changing.

Hopefully it will be like this once I get it all sorted.

UK/Ireland Rack Rig:
Power Conditioner
Power Amp              (Rocktron Velocity)
Noise Gate               (Boss NS-50)
Pre-amp                  (MP1 or Rockmaster)
FX Unit                    (Digitech GSP1101)
Midi Control             (Behringer FCB1010)

Flight Overseas rig:
Power Amp                (Rocktron Velocity unless I get this Koch amp)
FX Unit                      (Boss GT5 - preamp in 4cable method)
Pedal Sized Preamp    (Still looking for the right unit)
Pedal Noise gate
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on May 21, 2018, 04:09:09 AM
Hey RG, nice, it's getting there  :whoohoo!: . Any news on the Koch ?
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on May 21, 2018, 04:22:25 AM
I really hope this thing is good with a preamp in the loop.  I didn't buy it to use the on-board pres.

Hey Rich, the last thing I heard from Koch was they answered a lot of my questions, then asked for my address and also my phone number.  I haven't heard anything back since then, which is strange since they were replying fairly promptly before.  I sent them another email then last week asking what was happening?  But as of yet, I have heard nothing.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on May 21, 2018, 05:01:32 AM
Hey RG, I hope it works out for you, I've always liked Digitech stuff (well particularly the IPS33) and other reports indicate it's good.  Though I'd probably chain it (or put it in a preamp loop) but worth trying both ways, whatever works and sounds good (for your live UK/Island rack I'd go with a small desk or 1 RU rack line mixer and run it like a mini PA (like I do)).
For you fly rig, while an expensive(ish) option, an ADA APP1 with MP1 Ch in it's loop (both stomp boxes) could work for you  :dunno: .  How many sounds/patches do you need live ? I currently only use 3, and then mostly 2, anyway an idea...
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on May 21, 2018, 06:40:00 AM
Hey Richard,

man you always mention that mixer idea, I like that man I do, but I still need something I can setup quite quickly, and if I'm honest I struggle to get my current rig set up on time.  Also adding more gear to the rig adds more potential for something to go wrong.  So right now I'm using a preamp in 4cm and going stereo and that can be a challenge to setup myself during change overs of bands on the night, especially when a band aren't getting off the stage in a hurry or some prick keeps stepping on your leads or in your way whilst rushing to get all your cables run.  So despite that awesome solution (and benefit of running fx in parallel and mixing myself in) it's not viable for me.

I'm already trying to move away from my 4cm utilizing a floor based FX unit purely to get rid of the long cable runs MJMP always warned me about.  On Saturday I played my rig like this:

Guitar > noisegate > Preamp > noisegate > FX Pedal return > FX Pedal Out > Power amp

now usually I do this

Guitar > FX Pedal In > FX Send > Noise Gate > Preamp > Noise Gate > FX Pedal Return > FX Pedal Out > Power amp

The difference was incredible.  A lot more texture depth to my tone doing that.  However I sacrificed the use of the Harmonizer on the pedal by running that way, because the pitch/harmony FX block must utilize the FX unit's input signal to read the pitch, so by me bypassing this I render that functionality useless as well as on board tuner.

So I don't really need to avoid the FX unit input, that wasn't what I was trying to do essentially, but I do want to get rid of that extra long cable run I have within the loop so a quick way to see what that would sound like was to forget the GT5 input and literally go into the preamp in a more direct fashion and go back into the pedal via the FX return.  And I can't exactly have my rack preamp in the floor just to have it close the fx unit to avoid a long cable run.

So I guess this is why I want to get to the point where I have the FX unit in the rack, making all connections short between interchanging devices, that way avoiding a lot of tone suck that I've probably had for a while and not even realised.

Another solution would be to get my FX unit (which is floor based right now) closer to the preamp in the rack, but then I'd have to go right up to the front of the speakers to change patches and turn on/OFF fx etc  unless I could control that unit via midi.  But then why do that as essentially I'd be adding another floor unit to have to worry about it.

So they forward is getting the FX unit into the rack to avoid the cable.  That unit may be the GX700 I own until I get familiar enough with the GSP.

As or flight rig, viable preamps in a pedal.  Man my first choice was MP1 channel, but the prices are  way out of my league so it aint gonna be an MP1 unless someone buy's me one.  The APP1 aint cheap either.

Something by AMT is looking like a more viable pedal preamp option.  I considered this but I cannot switch off the dam speaker sim!  If this could be modded out then I'd have a very marshally analogue SS solution. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Marshall-DRP-1-Direct-Recording-Pre-amp-Guitar-Pedal/263634113793?hash=item3d61d15501:g:4HsAAOSwC11ZyRZP
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Systematic Chaos on May 21, 2018, 09:11:02 PM
*moved to follow ups to new thread*
==> Radial Tonebone Hot British (http://adadepot.com/index.php?topic=2142.msg24465;topicseen#msg24465)
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on May 23, 2018, 03:34:30 AM
Hey RG, you should be able to pair it down to 1 rack, a midi pedal and one or two cabs.  The only lead you need to run to your feet is a midi cable (if you modify your FCB to be phantom powered) or cable tie/or tape a midi cable and power cable together (this is what Mike does with his FCB).  Everything you need can be in the rack and already connected.  I have a 8RU rack with everything in it (mixer is velcroed to the bottom of the rack), so all I have to run is 2 speaker cables, a 7 pin midi lead (to my MXC) and plug the guitar into the preamp (in my case MP2).  I modified an ADA split stack to be stereo or mono, so setup/pack down is quick and easy. I'd like to replace my mixer with a 1 RU rack unit but I haven't found one with enough Fx sends, I could get by with just 2 (or a stereo pair), but more sends allows more units (not that I'm needing them).
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on May 23, 2018, 08:47:16 AM
Hey Richard,  for the hell of it I may just try this out.  I could use a tiny mixer like this right?

https://www.juno.co.uk/products/qtx-lm82-four-stereo-channel-line-level/655663-01/?currency=GBP&flt=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-f_Q4pKc2wIVzLftCh2dEg5gEAQYBCABEgKdUPD_BwE
 (https://www.juno.co.uk/products/qtx-lm82-four-stereo-channel-line-level/655663-01/?currency=GBP&flt=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-f_Q4pKc2wIVzLftCh2dEg5gEAQYBCABEgKdUPD_BwE)


My only worry would be would I have to keep walking over to the mixer and adjusting levels all the time?  Because I control and balance a lot of volume changes via FX through my current FX unit that allows me to modify the patch overall volume as I turn stuff on and off.  I doubt I could do this with the mixer?

Say I just use my FX unit to throw out a boost for the solo what happens then with the signal on the mixer?  I don't want to be stopping every five mins to make adjustments.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on May 24, 2018, 01:36:47 AM
Hey RG, that one will work but ideally a mixer with a couple of Fx sends and basic treb bass eq would be better.  The eq you can use for balancing different room/stage environments (like the Room EQ on a MP2) ie add a little bass for live shiny wooden stages or add a little tops for deader carpeted areas.  Once you get the mixer set you vary rarely need to touch it.  With mine I occasionally turn the master outs up to drive the power amp harder (eg real drums in the room), but once you have your levels set there's no need to tweak it.  Set your levels for the loudest patch.  I use the individual patch master vols to adjust compared to one another and you can make different Fx patches for the various MP1 patches and switch them all via midi. Just create MP1/Fx patch pairs either with the same midi/patch number or use midi mapping to use the same Fx patch on multiple MP1 patches etc.  Once it's all set and the levels are adjusted to accommodate the loudest signal, you just select with your FCB, you should need to go near the rack except to grab your drink or spare pick...
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on May 24, 2018, 02:25:56 AM
Well I was thinking of something that size because I don't want anything bigger.  Size is still an issue for my live rig.  Not as big an issue, but still an issue.  A mixer that size I could stick in the back of the rack case.

I was thinking more along these lines:

                             />Preamp > Mixer \
guitar > aby pedal /                             > Mixer Output > Poweramp
                            \>MFX unit > Mixer /

So feed guitar to preamp and FX unit separately, set up the FX unit to have full wet signals, then mix into my desired level of FX and Preamp. 

Surely I could do any EQing through the FX unit?  I like this idea but I still think I wouldn't have the same control as I have right now in regards to programming mix changes and volume boosts if I'm relying on the mixer to do that.

Right now on my boss GT5 I hit one switch and I can turn off an effect, turn another one on, and boost the volume all at one.  Sure I can do this via midi with the newer setup plan, but if I'm using the mixer I can't really control the effect mix the same way or volume boosts.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on May 24, 2018, 03:14:21 AM
Hey RG, a 1RU line mixer with a stereo send is the go but then $s...  The little mixer you have in mind will work but limits your options a bit.Don't know why you want a pedal in front, I thought that's what you wanted to get away from, I know I did, although IIRC you like a bit of boost before your MP1.
I'd go Guitar > MP1 > Mixer >amp for Fx, MP1 send > Fx > Mixer.  Run Fx full wet but change the volumes (delay, reverb etc) within the Fx patch.  So this way the Fx are applied to the MP1 sound and your wet dry mix is done with the mixer vols, so set it with Fx off, then turn them up at the mixer to taste (you need to adjust the mixer levels for your loudest patch so it doesn't overload the channel, then all softer patches will be fine).  Think of it like a PA mix where you add a little delay and reverb to the vocal channel (or any other channel) via you outboard Fx unit(s) which take their input from a Fx send and return back down 2 channels and get mixed in.  If you want different amounts of specific Fx, make a patch in the Fx unit exactly how you want it. And if you want the same MP1 patch but with different Fx, make copies of the MP1 patch, or if you want the same Fx patch on multiple MP1 patches (as is what I do), midi map them either in the MP1 midi map or the Fx midi map. Eg I use the same mild delay and reverb (QV 000) for most of my patches, so I edited the Quadverb midi map to map the desired MP2 patches (110, 111, 112, 113) to be 000 in the QV.

So I run Guitar > MP2 > mixer ch 1 & 2 (panned L/R), Fx send 1 & 2 > Quadverb L/R in, Fx send 3 > IPS33 in (I no longer bother with the distortion loop), Quadverb L/R outs > Mixer ch 3 & 4, IPS33 A/B outs > Mixer chan 5 & 6 (and turn up ch 5 & 6 Fx send 1 & 2 (so IPS33 output is also sent to Quadverb)) Mixer out L/R > amp > cab(s).If I had a 1 RU line mixer with a stereo Fx send, I run it the same except take the MP1/2 loop send to feed the IPS33.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on May 24, 2018, 06:44:20 AM
Well an ABY pedal is hardly crippling.  What I'm specifically getting away from is the long cable runs I have currently.  Not necessarily floor units.  And sure I'm going to have a larger floor unit anyways using the FCB1010 to control the FX.

But I forgot, I don't need the ABY anyways because I have the send from the preamp.  So that removes the ABY, but I would still have the same issue of pre programmed boosts.  Volume boost for solo.

I don't like making a whole load of patches for specific FX.  I was like that when I was younger but I find it gets ridiculous.  I like to have a few patches, but then I like to have them configurable in real time.  So FX on and off and may be another effect on in it's place, mix up and down, volume up and down.

If I went the patch route I'd need a patch all variables, for Effect on, Effect off, Alternate Effect on and so on and so forth.  Sure I have the memory for the patches but I can't be arsed with that.  I only make patches when I need to.  An example of Effect off and Alternate Effect On,  would be like when I switch a chorus off when I go for a solo and switch the harmonizer on and boost the volume all at the same time.  Then finish the solo and hit the switch again to go back to lower volume and Chorus back on again.

I'm probably being fussy Richard but we all have our ways.  You way seems very complex.

The plan is:

Guitar > Noise Gate In > GSP1101 In >  GSP1101 Send > Preamp > Noise Gate > GSP1101 Return > GSP1101 out > Power Amp

Controlled by midi Pedal

It will take a while to fully get it set up and used to the new unit but in the long run it will be better than have insanely long cables in the FX loop like I have right now.

Edit:  In saying this Richard, I will at some point experiment with the wet/dry/wet setup and I have a 1222behringer mixer to try it out with in the mean time (it's too large to take around with me and also a peavey PV20 which is much to large) .
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on May 26, 2018, 10:23:28 PM
Hey RG, It is a pain doing multiple patches, I used to use quite a few patches when I first got a MP1, mostly to select various IPS33 settings for different songs/keys.  These days I use 3 patches, sometimes 4 as I have a triggered wah patch that I use occasionally.  I have the MXC expression pedal mapped to MP2 master (output) vol and use it to adjust for lead boost. So really simple setup.

I notice in the GSP1101 manual it has CC capability so you can do a bunch of real time Fx changes from the FCB. Do you have the software for the FCB (and maybe it needs an update or something) so you can do all the mapping etc from your PC.  Mike has this and he says it makes it heaps easier to tweak the FCB to do what you want.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on May 27, 2018, 12:40:02 PM
Oh Yeah I know about the CC stuff on GSP1101 but I still can't have the parallel stuff and those kind of changes which is a shame.

I have software for the FCB1010 and an uno 1.3 chip (I think it's that number) which allows stomp box mode.  The software I have is FCB1010 PC Editor.  If Mike has a better one I'd love to try it also.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: Systematic Chaos on May 27, 2018, 05:47:02 PM
Is your GSP1101 on Beta C63?
If you need any SW (IR cab loader, etc...), lemme know.
There's also some more tweaks and tricks to get the best outta the 1101, e.g.:
- setting the Comp to "Post-Amp", even if not engaged/off = way more clarity;
- XLR settings: make sure LPF is "on" = affects the 1/4 outputs as well;
- series/parallel routing
- delay spillover
- ...
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on May 28, 2018, 08:06:28 AM
I actually have not gotten round to doing anything with the unit.  I was on the road most of the weekend to Scotland and back for a show.  As soon as I get a good sit down with the unit though I will be sure to start asking for tips SC  :thumb-up:

Richard, ask Mike what software he is using for me, I am having issue with the software I have tried, it seems all my sounds card with midi are crashing the FCB1010 PC Editor I have.  I dunno if it's the soundcard, the pedal itself or what???  Actually it must be the usb soundcard I have tried as it crashes the program without the pedal connected.  Now what??
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: herbyguitar on May 28, 2018, 12:54:29 PM
Is your GSP1101 on Beta C63?
If you need any SW (IR cab loader, etc...), lemme know.
There's also some more tweaks and tricks to get the best outta the 1101, e.g.:
- setting the Comp to "Post-Amp", even if not engaged/off = way more clarity;
- XLR settings: make sure LPF is "on" = affects the 1/4 outputs as well;
- series/parallel routing
- delay spillover
- ...
This is very interesting. Do you have more tweaks you would share in addition to what's posted above that affect the tone/output of the 1101?
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: MikeB on May 28, 2018, 01:59:16 PM
Richard, ask Mike what software he is using...

Hi Gerry,
Have a look here:
http://adadepot.com/index.php?topic=1119.15 (http://adadepot.com/index.php?topic=1119.15)
Cheers,
Mike
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on May 28, 2018, 03:01:16 PM
Hi Mike,

I have that program also but it doesn't pickup my FCB either.  And that's after I assign the midi in and outs correctly.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: MikeB on May 30, 2018, 01:54:58 PM
I sometimes have that problem. I often end up f&$*ing about with the cables and other midi devices to get it to work. I know it likes to be the only midi device when you first connect it. After that you are all good. Sometimes it works first go. Sometimes it takes a while. One time recently, I couldn't make it work at all and had to make my fcb1010 adjustment on the pedal board itself. That reminded why I normally persevere with the editor.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on May 31, 2018, 05:16:13 AM
Hi Mike,

I don't have anything else running that would use midi, so I don't know what would clash with it.  I have read what you said else where as well so now I am really confused as to why FCBunoControl centre cannot detect my pedal connection.  Even more annoying, I downloaded windows virtual pc and XP mode with it, well when I run this my FCB1010 can connect through my midi interface and be editied in another program I have FCB Editor no problem.  I just can't use the dam program!!!  No explanation as to what you are doin with all the little check boxes and value boxes.  Anyways, the point is Windows 7 is saying no to midi on my computer and it's pretty useless.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: MarshallJMP on May 31, 2018, 02:29:24 PM
Seems like a driver problem? what soundcard do you use?
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on May 31, 2018, 03:14:18 PM
I have a TASCAM US122 and M-audio Audiophile both with correct OS drivers installed.


Ok I didn't actually think I would be able to fix this, bit I searched the net very hard looking for a solution.

Basically it is a windows 7 issue, plenty of other people complaining about the same thing but no one with a solution, not even Microsoft.


The problem:  Midi usb interface recognised in windows 7 but causing midi programs to crash and not transmitting data back and forth despite correct OS drivers installed and all that stuff.

Solution I found on a forum and this dude has made a video of the fix.  Basically a registry value needed changed.

see video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn5VEFoAjVE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn5VEFoAjVE)

So I carried out the fix and restarted my PC, and I now have midi back and forth.

Edit:  so now I have midi!  I just have no f**king clue what I'm doin with the pedal using the editor.  Probably why I avoided midi for so long.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on June 01, 2018, 02:04:42 AM
Hey RG, maybe Mike will give you a run down, there are a couple of approaches as the FCB is very flexible.  But first it's good to work out what you "want" to happen (eg if you press a button what do you want to change to what).
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on June 01, 2018, 04:40:18 AM
Hi Richard,

yeah that's a good idea.  So I am currently thinking about that.  Right now I will be planning this set up using my Boss GX700.  The GSP will take time to learn so I will have it at home for a while before I start trying to work out what I want for that unit.

I guess some simple things I would need, Volume increase for boost, Chorus on/off, Delay on/off, Tuner on/off, Modulation on/off Expression Pedal to act as Volume pedal.

That's a start.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on June 02, 2018, 05:12:27 AM
Seems you should be able to do the things you listed using the FCB, with either the GX700 (page 23 of manual) or the 1101, both seem to have CC control capabilities.Each button on the FCB can be programed to operate in different ways eg toggle on/off (so  "Chorus on/off, Delay on/off, Tuner on/off, Modulation on/off" ) or send a program/patch change.  As I understand it, the FCB buttons can do a bunch of things at the same time and on different Midi channels, so you could make a button turn a few things on/off and also send a patch change.  But you'd probably want to use some buttons for patch changes and others to toggle the various Fx.  Mike has played around with this and settled on what works for him.  You should be able to assign one of your expression pedals to output volume and the other to whatever you like.You can pretty much map anything to anything (within reason).No doubt you'll need to set up the FCB with either the GX700 or the 1101 (although you could use both devices at the same time) as the controller to parameter values will be different in each unit.  It will take a little time to dial in what you need, and you need to get you head around the terms used eg controller number #xx, midi channel (you know already), momentary vs latch etc.  In the MP2 and MB1 they talk about "slots".  So bit of a learning curve but not too hard.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on June 03, 2018, 10:54:27 AM
Jesus midi is complex!

Anyways, I forked out the 20euro for a license for FCBcontrol manager.  Life is suddenly easier.

However, I cannot do what I want.

EG turn chorus off, whilst turning MOD on and raising output volume.  For this I would need three cc's going at once and the only way around it is to start making specific patches for specifics duties.

However I found this thread but reading it blew my mind and I'm currently scuppering about the kitchen floor trying to pikc up pieces of it and place it back in my head. 

@MikeB,  or anyone else, can you guy's make sense of this

https://www.kemper-amps.com/forum/index.php/Thread/20769-Using-looper-with-standard-FCB-Uno-chip-how-to-send-4-CCs-at-once/ (https://www.kemper-amps.com/forum/index.php/Thread/20769-Using-looper-with-standard-FCB-Uno-chip-how-to-send-4-CCs-at-once/)

It seems there may be a way to send more CC's than I initially thought, question what the f :???: :???: k way did this dude program it???
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on June 04, 2018, 12:51:50 AM
So he's combining stomp actions and CCs, ie you can program that a bunch of stomp buttons are activated at the same time (via another button) and each of those can do 2 CC functions, so 6 buttons, one activates the other 5, each button sends 2 CCs = 12 CCs sent by pressing the one (call it master) button.  So that's his concept, then he goes on to tell you haw to do that.

You are probably better off doing some of what you want by making multiple patches and some of it with stomp on/off CC commands.

And yes it can do your head in LoL.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on June 17, 2018, 08:28:19 AM
Got Xenyx 502 Richard, gonna play about with the parallel thing although not sure I can do everything I want but worth an experiment since I got the mixer cheap.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on June 17, 2018, 10:06:31 PM
Hey RG, looks like you could at least use it to bring 2 stereo outputs together
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on June 18, 2018, 09:59:19 AM
Well my Rockmaster has a direct XLR output that is specifically for being sent to the desk, so this can go to channel 1 and then left+right 1/4" jack outs from FX can go into channels 2/3.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on June 19, 2018, 05:55:00 AM
Hey RG, that's one way to go, remember the XLR input is a mic input (does it have a pad or line level switch ?), you'll need to be careful not to overload it from the preamp, upside is it's balanced (XLR). Also the only channel volume is on ch1 so the other channels you'll need to control from the Fx out level, so are you going to feed the Fx device from the Rockmaster Fx send ?Also is the Rockmaster XLR out cab simmed ? If the target is a desk (as you say) it probably is (so into amp > cabs will lack tops) but for recording  :thumb-up: .
More I had in mind MP1 > ch 1/2, MP1 Fx send into FX L (mono), Fx outs L/R > ch 3/4, main outs > amp > cabs
But there are quite a few options (as always)
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on June 19, 2018, 06:59:21 AM
All channels have a level control and pan control Richard.  I don't see overloading being a problem.  That xlr out is designed to go to desks says that even in the manual. 
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on June 20, 2018, 04:33:46 AM
Hey RG, I'm looking at the Behringer Xenyx 502, if you have level controls for all channels then it's a different model  :dunno: .  Do you have a manual you can send me of the one you have ? (and or pics (top & rear is all I need).Do you want to record with this or go into live amp/cabs ?
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on June 20, 2018, 09:10:08 AM
Dam, I stupidly got confused that the level control to the mix were the input gain for the channels.  My mistake Richard.  Although I do not for see an issue as this is what the output on FX processor can control in this case like you mentioned before.  This arrangement is a future/possible live setup.  I would record without FX usually and sure I have that SX700 that allows all those parallel connections should I want to records with FX.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on June 21, 2018, 03:34:54 AM
Hey RG, I was wondering, actually I hoped you'd got one of the others like the 802 as then you get at least 1 Fx send...  But the 502 will work.  For a live setup with amp > cabs use the Rockmaster normal out (or MP1  >:D ) into the ch1 line in (as the XLR out should be cab simmed and will lack tops without a full range speaker system).
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on June 21, 2018, 10:20:53 AM
I have a 1222 but the whole idea is small as possible, I don't want any excess beef.  So I went for the 502.

I'm not sure what mean by this
Quote
use the Rockmaster normal out (or MP1  >:D ) into the ch1 line in (as the XLR out should be cab simmed and will lack tops without a full range speaker system).

Do you think the Rockmaster has a speaker sim on the XLR out?  It doesn't.  It's pure signal.  So I would use that to go to channel 1 then send the normal Rockmaster out to the FX, then make the FX pure we on FX unit and run left (ch2) and right (ch3) to the 502.  Then get my mix using level controls, then use the main mix out to send to my power amp.

I'm not sure how I would use the MP1 with this is it doesn't have a parallel output unless I use out A to go to channel 1 on 502 and then out B to FX, then FX to 502 etc.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on June 21, 2018, 11:29:53 PM
Hey RG, I assumed (since you said the XLR out is designed to plug into a desk) that it would be cab simmed as otherwise you wouldn't want to plug it into a desk unless you change the patch(s) to have less tops than you need for going into 12" speakers.  The pix I saw of it says balanced line out, so as you say not cab simmed.  Now you are plugging a line level signal into a mic input so be careful with levels.  It would be better to plug it into ch1 line input (as it's designed for it).
MP1 is easy, MP1  A/B outs > ch 2/3, MP1 Fx send to Fx L mono in, Fx L/R out to ch 4/5, main out > amp > cabs.  You could also plug the Rocmaster in this way and it would be how I'd do it.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on June 22, 2018, 04:24:46 AM
Well when I said designed for a mixing desk I was simply reiterating what the manual states
Quote
balanced output provides 600ohm, transformer balanced signal to be used as "direct" patch into mixing consoles, tape recorders, etc.  The signal at this point has been frequency compensated for low noise operation.

To me it would be easier to plug the xlr into the xlr on the 502 since the connection is the same.  And I figured mixer input tolerances are a lot more forgiving than older equipment, well at least that's what I have been told.  But regardless of that, I'm fine putting a balanced output into a balanced input.  I have already tried this xlr out into an xlr input on my multitrack and there was no issue with levels as I expected.

Not sure why you think I need a cab sim either, I'm using guitar cabs.  A speaker sim would be a hindrance to my setup.

The Mp1 loop is parallel then?  If I have a send come from the rockmaster the signal needs to return other wise I'd get no output as they are series.  So I wouldn't use a send to have a signal for dry sent to the mixer.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: MarshallJMP on June 22, 2018, 05:05:51 AM
The MP-1 has a serial loop. The MP-2 has a parallel loop.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on June 22, 2018, 11:52:53 PM
Hey RG, the line input jack is balanced if you want to use it, just make a lead XLR female to stereo jack (wiring is on page 10 of the manual), or buy a XLR > Stereo jack adapter, they're not expensive.  You can plug into the mic input, it's just not ideal gain structure pumping a line level signal into a mic input (kind of going backwards from a gain point of view), sure you can turn the Rockmaster output down and the mic channel gain right down and make it work, but just use a XLR > st Jack adapter and use the line input, keeps it balanced and much better (correct) gain structure.
The MP1 Fx send always has a signal (comes just after the tube > Eq section but before the chorus).  Taking a feed from there won't break the serial chain, the loop on/off in the MP1 patch toggles the Fx return jack path. You can do the same with the Rockmaster but use a Y lead so the dry signal is fed back to the return and also to the Fx input so you don't break the serial chain.
You'd only need a cab sim if you are going direct to a desk and full range speakers and you want to use the same patch as you use with cabs.  A patch adjusted for cabs will have/need much more tops than a patch tweaked for full range as the live cabs are 12" speakers and don't (usually) have a horn tweeter so they (the speakers) roll off the top end, thus we boost the tops so it sounds right.
(balanced output provides 600ohm, transformer balanced signal to be used as "direct" patch into mixing consoles, tape recorders, etc.  The signal at this point has been frequency compensated for low noise operation.)I read this as they have reduced the tops to compensate, which is the main thing all cab sims do and also what the MP1 does on its headphone out for the same reason.  (BTW you can use the MP1 headphone out direct to a desk etc for recording).  So using the line out XLR and going to cabs (as is what you want) you'll have less tops and have to compensate in your patch (or IIRC correctly you use an Eq before the amp ?).  If you just use the Rockmaster L/R outs into ch 2/3, Y lead to split off the Fx send and Fx L/R outs into ch 4/5, you now have parallel Fx and maintain stereo.
Anyway, try it all these different ways and see/hear what sounds best for you.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rabidgerry on June 23, 2018, 04:00:16 AM
I understand all this so no need to explain.

My rockmaster volume has never been up past 1 and a half, only time it went higher was when I put in dodgy valves and the output was terrible and to compensate I needed to push the output on the pre up.  So there will not be any danger using the rockmaster XLR out having already tested this with my multitrack XLR inputs.

Ahh that's easy then for when I want to try the same thing with the MP1, I just tap that signal off from the FX send.  I must just try this from the Rockmaster in case I am mistaken.  It has 4 loops, a common, and then one for each channel.

Cab/Speaker sim yeah I don't need one, as I already mentioned since I'm using guitar speakers which obviously have a more limited range (which speaker sims try and emulate, part of that being drastically reduced high end).  Do you use a speaker sim?

A sound guy I know off who is very good btw always takes a direct feed out of my power amp live and puts that through a palmer box that has a speaker type sim built in then the thru connection goes back into my cabs.  I hate that he does this but he likes to have a di mix and the use the mics and makes a blend.
Title: Re: Digitech GSP1101 - Small footprint, huge sound
Post by: rnolan on June 23, 2018, 07:09:10 PM
Hey RG, I use the MP2 cab sim outs with the studio rig.  In my live rig I take the MP2 A/B to ch 1 & 2 and the cab sim outs to ch 3 & 4, MB1 out to ch 5. When I use the 2 Messa P112 bass cabs (12 + horn) I use the cab sim channels (or MB1 for bass guitar).  When I use the ADA split stack(s) I use the MP2 normal outs.