Looking for a solution for an unplugged expression pedal when using the Wah Block

[Marcel]

So I've got an expression pedal used with the Wah Block. If I unplug that expression pedal the modifier detects it as toe down (max value). The scenario would be my expression pedal broke while playing live so I have to unplug it (not really the reason but let's go with this). Is there a way to change this behavior?

There are three ways I can think of for addressing this (I like the pedal off in the heel position):

1) Auto detect when the expression pedal is unplugged and use a configurable default value instead. This is not implemented as far as I know.

2) Change the modifier settings so that toe down results in a value of zero. In this scenario the pedal goes from min (heel) to max (toe) during the first 95% of travel then goes to zero in that last 5% of travel (toe down). I haven't found workable settings for achieving this.

3) Add functionality so the Wah Block turns off once the pedal stops moving for a set amount of time (regardless of pedal position). This is like the Weeping Demon Wah. This is truly the solution I would prefer because expression pedals get accidentally knocked out of position live and I usually find myself 20 feet from my pedal board when this happens in the middle of a crowd with my guitar sounding like a shrieking banshee. Maybe there's a way to do it? Maybe one of the pedal types has this functionality?

Aside from that I'm out of ideas.

 

[Patzag]

Axe FX III Manual
Page 150
Axe-Fx III Owner's Manual
EXTERNAL CONTROLLER INITIAL VALUES

 

[Greg Ferguson]

As @Patzag said, it’s in the manual, and is part of the MIDI settings. It’s not the most intuitive place to look for it but once set it works fine.

 

[666was999]

If there is no external controller in use in that block because you set pedal 1 or 2 as source and the problem happens on stage the MacGyverish solution was to plug in a stereo patch cable in the pedal slot and connect tip and ground, ring stays unconnected.

 

[Greg Ferguson]

If there is no external controller in use in that block because you set pedal 1 or 2 as source and the problem happens on stage the MacGyverish solution was to plug in a stereo patch cable in the pedal slot and connect tip and ground, ring stays unconnected.

Or simply set the initial values like @Patzag said, and unplug the TRS cable from the modeler and the modeler will default to on or off, depending on what has been configured.

 

[Bakerman]

You'd need to reboot or adjust the init. value after unplugging the pedal. If you just unplug it the value would go to 100% as the init. value is irrelevant once any movement is detected.

 

[Marcel]

Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[Marcel]

Axe FX III Manual
Page 150
Axe-Fx III Owner's Manual
EXTERNAL CONTROLLER INITIAL VALUES

I downloaded the latest manual because mine doesn't go to page 150 but the latest one is the same as mine. I did find the section you were referring to on page 61. I checked my settings and they're all set to zero which makes no sense because if I unplug any of the 4 expression pedals they default to 100% even after switching presets. Maybe that's because these pedals are connected to the FC-12 and perhaps there's another menu where I set the initital values for the FC pedals? I can't seem to find a reference to it on the unit or the manual.

I'm pretty certain I'm missing something obvious...

 

[Patzag]

I downloaded the latest manual because mine doesn't go to page 150 but the latest one is the same as mine. I did find the section you were referring to on page 61. I checked my settings and they're all set to zero which makes no sense because if I unplug any of the 4 expression pedals they default to 100% even after switching presets. Maybe that's because these pedals are connected to the FC-12 and perhaps there's another menu where I set the initital values for the FC pedals? I can't seem to find a reference to it on the unit or the manual.

I'm pretty certain I'm missing something obvious...

Sorry - I may have an old version.
Are you using AutoEngage for toe up or toe down? What's your threshhold for on/off?
If your wah goes OFF when you are toe down, then your initial setting should be 100%, not 0.

 

[Greg Ferguson]

Are you using AutoEngage for toe up or toe down? What's your threshhold for on/off?
If your wah goes OFF when you are toe down, then your initial setting should be 100%, not 0.

I have auto engage on, and those are the settings that I'm using. It works nicely.

 

[Marcel]

Sorry - I may have an old version.
Are you using AutoEngage for toe up or toe down? What's your threshhold for on/off?
If your wah goes OFF when you are toe down, then your initial setting should be 100%, not 0.

My wah goes off heel down.

 

[Patzag]

Please write down the settings on the controller page. Or copy it and paste it here.

 

[Marcel]

 

[Patzag]

Your Source 1 needs to be assigned to Ext Control 1 and the Ext Control 1 assigned to FC pedal 1

 

[Marcel]

Your Source 1 needs to be assigned to Ext Control 1 and the Ext Control 1 assigned to FC pedal 1

Interesting. I will try this tomorrow when I'm with my gear. Thanks for the tip.

 

[tysonlt]

Your Source 1 needs to be assigned to Ext Control 1 and the Ext Control 1 assigned to FC pedal 1

Ah I didn’t think of that!

 

[blaggers]

Your Source 1 needs to be assigned to Ext Control 1 and the Ext Control 1 assigned to FC pedal 1

Wisdom. I’m surprised this isn’t used as the default. It makes exchanging presets between devices (axechange) much easier, and you also get the “set not plugged in default value” benefit.

 

[Patzag]

@Marcel - Did this resolve your issue?

 

[2112]

Alternatively set auto engage to "fast speed" instead of "fast position".

 

[Reaper]

Alternatively set auto engage to "fast speed" instead of "fast position".

Nice one this. Never thought of it that way...