Grateful Dead Music Forum

Hey all,

I am trying to find out if there is a simple, inexpensive foot controller that will work with the Voodoo GCX switcher. I don't need all the presets on, nor can I afford, the Ground Control Pro. I've even called Voodoo labs and they couldn't help me. Ive googled for hours and cannot find an answer. The Randall RF 8 looks like just what I need but I cant find any info about whether or not it will speak to my GCX. Any help would be so very appreciated. Thanks!

I believe pretty much any MIDI switching pedal should work just fine with the GCX, but one easy-to-program option that I have personal experience with is the old first generation ground control pedal, which is smaller and simpler than the later pro version. I've bought two, each for a hundred bucks or so, off eBay over the years.

My preference is for a GCX Ground Link... From a few iterations back:

Regarding Randal RF8. Yes, it will work, but only audio loop or latch - not momentary. Read the manuals:
http://www.randallamplifiers.com/downlo ... l_rev1.pdf
http://www.voodoolab.com/manuals/gcx_manual.pdf

Both use 5pin MIDI cable. RF8 controls CC 80-87, GCX uses CC 80-87 to control loops 1-8.

Thanks guys! Nice looking set up strummix! When i go to get a rack, is that an 8 space rack you have?

The guy at voodoo labs told me didnt think it could be controlled by anything but ground control. I mentioned the RF 8 and he said the gcx needs a controller that messages on midi channel 16 and that most foot controllers by other makers dont do that. Nice work guy!

Im really excited to get my pedals up off the ground to reduce dirt, wear and tear, and to have the bypass. Plus my knees are getting to old for squatting down to adjust pedal parameters at shows!

Happy autumn to you guys!

Well, I found a Ground Control Pro in mint condition on Ebay for $250 and just went for it. Maybe I'll find the presets useful at some point. I play clean 80% of the time. It was such a good price it was worth it, to not hassle with making another controller interface with my gcx.

gratefulredhead wrote:Thanks guys! Nice looking set up strummix! When i go to get a rack, is that an 8 space rack you have?

The guy at voodoo labs told me didnt think it could be controlled by anything but ground control. I mentioned the RF 8 and he said the gcx needs a controller that messages on midi channel 16 and that most foot controllers by other makers dont do that. Nice work guy!

Im really excited to get my pedals up off the ground to reduce dirt, wear and tear, and to have the bypass. Plus my knees are getting to old for squatting down to adjust pedal parameters at shows!

Happy autumn to you guys!

Thanks dude! That was my v1 of rack systems. I'm somewhere near v7 now and no current pics. LOL! That was a 6U rack. Easy peasy. GroundLink actually lived in the lid to avoid risk / damage on stage

He's wrong. I've controlled mine my GroundLink, GroundControl, and Roland FC300.. Plus they sell the GroundControl Pro. I'm sure he's right about channel 16 but that's a config in many.

check out this list from voodoo user site: http://voodoolab.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=5783

Compatible:

- Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro - SURPRISE
- RJM MasterMind
- Rocktron MIDI Raider
- Rocktron All Access
- Roland Fc-300
- Fractal MFC-101
- FAMC Liquid Foot+ Mini
- FAMC Liquid Foot+ 12+
- Peak2005 controller (FCB4N2)
- Custom Audio Electronics (CAE) RST Midi
- Mark L (MLC) FX-25 ACE
- DIY: Arduino UNO R3

Incompatible:

- Tech21 Midi moose - only PC not CC
- Engl Z-9/12/15
- Behringer FCB1010 - only sends 2 CC but GCX can use up to 8 if using all loops/switches

The original Ground Control can be had in the used section of music store for $50-$80. One generation newer than Strumm's.
Bet they're cheap on Ebay/Reverb as well.

OK so tonight they're not cheap on Ebay. But they're out there.
Mine works great & was $65.00
Peace