I've been driving myself crazy with reading pages and pages of diagrams and forum entries and manuals, etc etc, trying to find the answer to my problem.

Enter all you geniuses here at Voodoo Lab forums.

Here is the scenario:

I have two heads that I want to run simultaneously - a Boogie Multi-Watt Triple Rec and a Boogie Mark V. For effects I am using a G-Major. I currently have a Rocktron MidiMate that I've been using for the G-Major, and have been using the Boogie footswitch with whichever amp I am using.

What I would ultimately like to do:

I would like to run both amps at once, always on the same channel on both amps. Also, I would like the G-Major to be run in both effects loops at the same time. Now this is where it gets frustrating for me. I would need to be able to switch the channels on the amps at the same time (i.e. "clean" to "dirty", or channel "1" to "3") without using the Boogie footswitches.

Would I be able to accomplish this with a GCX and the MidiMate that I already have? Or should I opt for the GCP (which I probably will anyway)? Do I need anything else in addition to that?

I'm usually pretty good at this type of stuff but I'm completely lost. The harder I think about it the more frustrated I get. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hello and welcome to the forum

As far as channel switching both amps, that can be done using a GCX or a Control Switcher. You only need 4 switches as both amps default to channel 1. I'm not familiar with the Rocktron MidiMate, but if it can send multiple CC or PC messages you should be fine.

How do you plan on using the G-Major? Are you just going to put each amp's FX Loop into each stereo side of the G-Major? That is how I would do it. Ground hum is a possible problem but there are ways around that without risking personal safety.

You will also most likely need a good ABY Box to split the guitar signal to both amps. Look for an ABY Box that offers at the least output isolation. I use the Radial Twin-City ABY, it includes output isolation, ground lift, & phase correction, all possible issues when splitting your guitar signal.

Dom

The gcx can control the mesa boogie amps. Both amps have 1/4" jacks on the back to plug into. For x amount of jacks you need to use total between the 2 amps for switching, you need to use X amount of loops.

That being said, the gcx is a switcher, not a controller. You will still need to use a GCP or compatible midi controller to program all of this stuff into the gcx and midimate.

From what DOMCT203 is saying, 4 switches per amp will mean the gcx will be reserved for nothing but channel switching.

Exactly what features do you need to be switchable on each mesa head? ch1, ch2, 3, solo, eq, mute....?

I did not say 4 switches per amp for channel switching, it is 4 switches total, and for strictly channel switching it could be done with a Control Switcher or GCX. Both amps default to channel 1, and only have 1/4" switching jacks for ch's 2 & 3. If the OP only wishes to change channels on both amps and chooses to use a GCX, he will still have 4 free loops for either more function switching or to use with pedals/effects. The OP only asked about "Equipment needed for channel switching two amps at once", and with that the Control Switcher would work, and be less of an initial $$$ cost.


The OP has already stated he has a MIDImate.


Very good question indeed, and the answer will determine how many switching relays are needed.

If the OP doesn't currently use a rack based setup, I would use the Control Switcher(s). They can be placed on top of the amp head(s) when in use, and put in a gig bag when done. If the OP deciedes he wants to control more than channel switching, he can use one Control Switcher per amp head.

Dom

Thanks for the responses you guys. From what you've been telling me, I think that I'm definitely going to invest both a GCX and a GCP. I currently have the heads in two separate head/rack cases, and I will probably figure a new way to configure it all once I get everything together. That's no biggie, I can cross that bridge when I come to it.

I do have another question for you, though. Since I the amps will always be on the same channels together, is it possible to use a Y-cable coming from the loops in order to use only two loops in the GCX? It seems logical enough. That would free up a few loops in order to use the solo boost functions on the amps. What do you think?

You should call Mesa and ask them that question. I know that they do not want a common ground switching system to be used with the amps, and using a Y cable would connect both amps switching matrix.

If doing that burned out the switching matrix in one or both amps I'm sure it would void your 5 year warranty and you would be on your own for repair cost.

Call or email Mesa. I've been playing Mesa's for 10+ years now and their customer service is second to none and they will give you a straight up answer.

Dom