• From: Australia
  • Registered: 2009-11-30
  • Posts: 11

Topic: Wasted my money

I recently bought a G Major 2 rack, it has great effects and is fairly easy easy to use...But I think Ive wasted money buying it because,

1. I cant find any positive information on what midi pedal boards to buy. And the ones that sound remotely compatible are almost half the price of the GMajor rack itself.

2. I was better off buying the G-System as it already has a pedal board and rack built into 1 unit.

So after paying $700(AU) for the rack , I now have to shell out more cash for a pedal board and rack case, both of these are not cheap at all. A 2 unit rack $150 and half decent midi board $300 minimum= Total=$1150(AU)

Oh well its my fault for not doing more research.

Soo... anyone interested in a Gmajor2 rack, HA!

Last edited by volfgang (2010-02-19 02:48:11)

  • Registered: 2010-02-18
  • Posts: 17

Re: Wasted my money

Not trying to be funny but how did you anticipate changing presets if you didn't have a midi board?

  • Registered: 2007-11-14
  • Posts: 93

Re: Wasted my money

You may have wasted your money based on your needs, but other people, such as myself, need more MIDI functionality and the ability to tweak effects more than the G-System currently offers. 

For me, I needed a foot controler that can control multiple MIDI devices without having to MIDI map and the ability to send multiple continuous controller changes during preset changes.  Unfortunately the G-System does not offer those features and from TC Electronic's stand point the G-System is not meant to be a fully functioning MIDI controller like the Ground Control or All Access.

Currently I have a Rocktron All Access, TC G-Force, and Rocktron Patchmate.  It offers me all the same featuers the G-System would plus more MIDI functionality and the ability for more customization in both effect routing and parameter tweaking.

Good luck selling it if you decide too and getting a new system set up for your needs.

Last edited by LegGodt (2010-02-19 16:52:11)

  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 26

Re: Wasted my money

No matter what rackmount setup you use, your going to need a midi controller! The advantage of the GM2 is that it can control your amp's channels using midi via CC's/ring/sleeve even though most amps are not made for midi. That was a huge selling feature for me.

  • From: Australia
  • Registered: 2009-11-30
  • Posts: 11

Re: Wasted my money

kebabeater wrote:

Not trying to be funny but how did you anticipate changing presets if you didn't have a midi board?

I knew I had to get a pedal board of some sort, but I didn't realize at the time the cheapest out there was the Behringer FCB1010 at $300(AU) and even that doesn't get good reviews, in fact most people bag it.

I'm just looking for something simple with at east 1 expression pedal

  • From: Australia
  • Registered: 2009-11-30
  • Posts: 11

Re: Wasted my money

LegGodt wrote:

You may have wasted your money based on your needs, but other people, such as myself, need more MIDI functionality and the ability to tweak effects more than the G-System currently offers. 

For me, I needed a foot controler that can control multiple MIDI devices without having to MIDI map and the ability to send multiple continuous controller changes during preset changes.  Unfortunately the G-System does not offer those features and from TC Electronic's stand point the G-System is not meant to be a fully functioning MIDI controller like the Ground Control or All Access.

Currently I have a Rocktron All Access, TC G-Force, and Rocktron Patchmate.  It offers me all the same featuers the G-System would plus more MIDI functionality and the ability for more customization in both effect routing and parameter tweaking.

Good luck selling it if you decide too and getting a new system set up for your needs.

Yea I'm quite new to racks, I think I should have just stuck to pedals. I liked the idea of a rack having so many effects in one unit, but on the other hand it can take some time to learn how to really use it.

  • From: Australia
  • Registered: 2009-11-30
  • Posts: 11

Re: Wasted my money

Dorian wrote:

No matter what rackmount setup you use, your going to need a midi controller! The advantage of the GM2 is that it can control your amp's channels using midi via CC's/ring/sleeve even though most amps are not made for midi. That was a huge selling feature for me.

Yes that was one of the reasons I bought the GM2, besides everything else in it.
I just cant be bothered with all the midi programming stuff, I should just stick to old fashioned pedals.

  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 26

Re: Wasted my money

It took me weeks to learn how to program the FCB1010 Uno. For something that is as easy as it is, it was probably one of the most frustrating things I've ever done, I'd rather study astrophysics than do that again!

The reason I'm moving towards the rackmount setup is because I'm tired of tap dancing. The GM2 and fcb1010 have really helped with that. Plus I tend to have a number of different delay settings through the run of a night and I loved that I could program a bunch of different presets instead of renting another delay pedal to play a show. I run a stereo cab and I'm loving the stereo FX as well!  Now if I could only find a way to run my JSX in stereo...

  • Registered: 2009-06-15
  • Posts: 348

Re: Wasted my money

Hi Volfgang,

in order to get most out of your G-Major 2 a Midi controller is highly recommended
and it shouldn't be hard to find a model that fits your needs.

we have FAQs on recommended Midi controllers for the G-Major in our FAQ section:

http://tcsupport.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/t … td_alp.php
......

"We can recommend the following footcontrollers for use with the G-Major / G-Major 2:

ART X-15
Voodoo lab Ground Control Pro
Rocktron All Access
Roland FC-200/FC-300
Custom Audio Electronics RS-10
Lexicon MPX R-1
ADA MXC
TC Electronic G-Minor (discontinued)
Axess Electronic FX1
T-REX Bigfoot
Rocktron midimate

Please keep in mind that the level of features and possibilities for controling the G-Major / G-Major 2, will differ between footcontrollers. "


If you are on a budget the Behringer FCB 1010 gives you a lot of features for your money
and there is a 3rd party chip upgrade available that deals with a couple of its "shortcommings" :

https://secure.mtnsys.com/faq-fcb/UnO%20Firmware.htm

Other than this i can recommend eg the Roland FC 200 or its successor the FC 300.

If you have specifc questions which one will fit your control needs best, feel free to ask
our support team or our forum members for their recommendations and experiences with certain controller boards.

with best regards,

Mike

  • From: Australia
  • Registered: 2009-11-30
  • Posts: 11

Re: Wasted my money

Mike@TC wrote:

Hi Volfgang,

in order to get most out of your G-Major 2 a Midi controller is highly recommended
and it shouldn't be hard to find a model that fits your needs.

we have FAQs on recommended Midi controllers for the G-Major in our FAQ section:

http://tcsupport.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/t … td_alp.php
......

"We can recommend the following footcontrollers for use with the G-Major / G-Major 2:

ART X-15
Voodoo lab Ground Control Pro
Rocktron All Access
Roland FC-200/FC-300
Custom Audio Electronics RS-10
Lexicon MPX R-1
ADA MXC
TC Electronic G-Minor (discontinued)
Axess Electronic FX1
T-REX Bigfoot
Rocktron midimate

Please keep in mind that the level of features and possibilities for controling the G-Major / G-Major 2, will differ between footcontrollers. "


If you are on a budget the Behringer FCB 1010 gives you a lot of features for your money
and there is a 3rd party chip upgrade available that deals with a couple of its "shortcommings" :

https://secure.mtnsys.com/faq-fcb/UnO%20Firmware.htm

Other than this i can recommend eg the Roland FC 200 or its successor the FC 300.

If you have specifc questions which one will fit your control needs best, feel free to ask
our support team or our forum members for their recommendations and experiences with certain controller boards.

with best regards,

Mike

Just curious as to why you said the Behringer has some 'shortcomings'?

All I want to be able to do is just basic stuff like switching between presets on the GM2, channel switching on my amp and using the pedals for wah/volume/whammy etc.
Is this easy to do with the Behringer fcb1010?
I'm on a tight budget so that's the board I'll most likely be getting, if you don't need a degree in I.T. to use it that is.

  • Registered: 2010-03-29
  • Posts: 46

Re: Wasted my money

I am interested in the shortcomings as well.  I think I am gonna get the FCB1010l.

Gibson Les Paul Silverburst  / Ovation Deluxe
Marshall TSL-100
G-Major2 with Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro
Furman M8-LX / Korg DTR2000 / BBE 362
  • From: Tampa, FL / Barquisimeto, VE
  • Registered: 2009-12-15
  • Posts: 184

Re: Wasted my money

Click on the link provided by Mike@TC and read it.  It has the information on the new features that the upgrade chip brings to the FCB1010...

https://secure.mtnsys.com/faq-fcb/UnO%20Firmware.htm

Tom Anderson Drop Top, Bogner Shiva EL34 1x12, G-System Silver v4.02, VPD1, Nova Drive, Ernie Ball 6166 for Expression, Vyzor Editor v2.00, Win XP Pro SP3.
myspace.com/sergioescalona

Seascorpio's Website

  • Registered: 2010-03-29
  • Posts: 46

Re: Wasted my money

Thanks.  Yeah I did read it.  Other than stomp box mode, I was thinking there were other control issues with it and the G-Major.  Though, the easier programming via the computer without the hassle of rebooting it, is nice.

I am definitely leaning that way.  I was hoping to find one of the other pedals on ebay, but haven't had much luck.  The new cost of the FCB is more up my ally, for now at least.

The GM2 should be in my hands tomorrow or Monday!

Thanks!

Gibson Les Paul Silverburst  / Ovation Deluxe
Marshall TSL-100
G-Major2 with Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro
Furman M8-LX / Korg DTR2000 / BBE 362
  • From: Australia
  • Registered: 2009-11-30
  • Posts: 11

Re: Wasted my money

Seascorpio wrote:

Click on the link provided by Mike@TC and read it.  It has the information on the new features that the upgrade chip brings to the FCB1010...

https://secure.mtnsys.com/faq-fcb/UnO%20Firmware.htm

Don't know if I can get those in Australia, and don't know anyone here who would  be able to install that chip. But if I could find someone to install it , it'll probably end up costing the same as buying a second hand pedal board that doesn't have any of those issues.

  • Registered: 2010-03-29
  • Posts: 46

Re: Wasted my money

Anyone that can use a screwdriver can install a chip like that.  It pretty much gently ply chip out and gently insert chip.

Volfgang here is a link to the installation documentation from the UNO site. 

http://www.ossandust.be/files/Upgrade_M … _Rev_A.pdf

And the main ordering page shows international shipping included for 16 Euro here

http://www.ossandust.be/midi-footcontroller-order.php

also the link mentioned earlier shows worldwide shipping as well.


I am buying  a used FCB1010 and will be ordering the chip soon enough.  It may not be perfect, but it will work until I have more funds if I need to upgrade it later.  Can't beat the price.


The board seems to have a lot of resources available for it online, which is good.

Last edited by Sandman69 (2010-04-05 17:48:45)

Gibson Les Paul Silverburst  / Ovation Deluxe
Marshall TSL-100
G-Major2 with Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro
Furman M8-LX / Korg DTR2000 / BBE 362
  • From: Australia
  • Registered: 2009-11-30
  • Posts: 11

Re: Wasted my money

Sandman69 wrote:

Anyone that can use a screwdriver can install a chip like that.  It pretty much gently ply chip out and gently insert chip.

Volfgang here is a link to the installation documentation from the UNO site. 

http://www.ossandust.be/files/Upgrade_M … _Rev_A.pdf

And the main ordering page shows international shipping included for 16 Euro here

http://www.ossandust.be/midi-footcontroller-order.php

also the link mentioned earlier shows worldwide shipping as well.


I am buying  a used FCB1010 and will be ordering the chip soon enough.  It may not be perfect, but it will work until I have more funds if I need to upgrade it later.  Can't beat the price.


The board seems to have a lot of resources available for it online, which is good.

Thanks Sandman... I'm still umming and arring though

  • Registered: 2010-03-29
  • Posts: 46

Re: Wasted my money

I know how you feel.  I am in the same exact boat.  But I need to get something now, since I have a gig this weekend.  Buying a used Behringer and will use it for now.  If it doesn't meet my needs I will look for something else.  But I figure with the UNO chip it should be everything I need.   

Now I need to pick up a 6pinDin and make a cable for channel switching.  Ironically, my TSL100 pedal seems to be finally acting up as others report.

Gibson Les Paul Silverburst  / Ovation Deluxe
Marshall TSL-100
G-Major2 with Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro
Furman M8-LX / Korg DTR2000 / BBE 362
  • Registered: 2011-07-28
  • Posts: 4

Re: Wasted my money

get a Midi buddy and any old expression pedal = about $150 or less total.  ebay mabye under $100...

  • Registered: 2010-04-10
  • Posts: 15

Re: Wasted my money

There's another alternate FCB1010 firmware available now, called the G-PROM. It changes the functions of the pedals to work more easily with the G-Major, G-Force, and G-Sharp.

http://www.eurekasound.com/g-prom.html

  • Registered: 2011-05-28
  • Posts: 20

Re: Wasted my money

I've been using the GM2 with the FCB/UnO chip for the last several months and it works flawlessly (so long as you know how to program the FCB, which has quite a learning curve but is easy once you understand the basics).  Also, it was mentioned earlier that it's VERY easy to change out the chips.  Just unscrew the bottom of the FCB, carefully remove the old chip and replace with the new.  All set.  The new chip will come with instructions on how to power it back up and get you going again.  Mine did, at least.  Here's my setup:

Sansamp PSA1.1 preamp with GM2 > 15 band EQ/limiter > BBE Sonic Maximizer in the effects loop of the Sansamp, running into a Carvin DCM200L power amp that powers my Avatar 4x12 with Celestion Vintage 30's.  I run this setup mono because of how my cab is wired.

I use the FCB to change presets on my Sansamp as well as presets on the G-Major.  I'm using stompbox mode (read up on the UnO chip, it's awesome) on the top row to turn on/off the Filter, Modulation, Delay and Pitch options within each patch (I program each patch around different types of reverb) and I use the last pedal in the row on the FCB to control the Patch Boost option on the G-Major for my solo boosts.  It works amazingly.  I'm getting excited about it just reading this  lol.  By the way, I am NOT a proponent of using Behringer products because they're generally just cheap pieces of gear that get the job done (I've covered up all the Behringer logos on the FCB with duct tape lol!).  That's exactly what the FCB is.  It's the cheapest unit you'll find with the most features.  The next one up probably is the Yamaha MFC10 and it's $300 with only 1 expression pedal and the next higher one with 2 pedals is the Roland FC300 at $400.  Rack gear adds up because you have to buy each piece separately; buying separately just means more customization for your rig.  Good luck.

  • From: Wallington, UK
  • Registered: 2011-02-23
  • Posts: 68

Re: Wasted my money

There are many more benefits to using rack gear that hasn't been highlighted. My main benefit is using short cables for the amp FX loop this cuts out tone suck and potential noise and interference in the long cables you may otherwise use with the 4 cable method. I use this and it works great for me as I link the midi cable and 9VDC power cable together to the front of the stage, everything is switched 15 feet behind me and no signal is jeopodised by long cables, that makes sense as if you play small and large venues all you have to do is swap your amp sizes and perhaps a few patches. Pure genius....

Last edited by bdalchow (2011-08-23 01:27:37)

  • Registered: 2011-08-25
  • Posts: 1

Re: Wasted my money

Good thing I read this, now I have an idea

Family Dentist West Haven CT

ctdentalonline's Website

  • Registered: 2010-11-24
  • Posts: 6

Re: Wasted my money

For people who have issues with programming the fcb1010 (I am a computer programmer and this midi controller gives me headaches), there is a really easy pc editor you can use in combination with a cheap usb/midi cable that allows you to program the fcb. This is very intuitive as long as you remember to set the transmit option to "Send entire sysex as 1 block".

Took me about 10 minutes to program the fcb1010 to control both a mesa triaxis and a g-major 2 when both of the devices are listening on a different midi channel. I'm using the expression pedals, control changes and preset changes and it's all pretty simple using the software (it even tells you how to get the fcb in the correct mode to receive your configured setting).

The editor can be found here, it even support the UnO chip so you can program the stomp box mode.
http://host.mtnsys.com:81/faq-fcb/PCEditorBeta.htm