Hey all, I'm new to the community and this is my first post... hopefully it's in the right place! I finally took the leap... saw a great deal on an Axe FX II XL on ebay that I couldn't pass up - within country (Canada) so no extra shipping charges! Since the purchase, I've been spending my time selling my tube amp + pedalboard setup (EVH 5150iii 50w - killer amp!), and purchasing items to go with the Axe - just got the Matrix GT1000FX this morning The simplicity for live setups (and recording) is what really got me hooked - I hated dealing with several cables going through the front end and FX loop etc. and doing pedal dances. Within minutes I basically made a virtual pedalboard to mimic my EVH 5150iii setup and it sounded awesome!
Anyway, I've got the Axe/GT1000FX/power conditioner - now I need a MIDI controller. I have ZERO experience with MIDI controllers so this will be a first for me, so I really need help. I've done extensive research and wanted to ask a few questions. I basically want a MIDI controller to have some patches and IAs to go through for my band (no more pedal dancing!). Being able to use the looper on the Axe will be a big plus too, as I like to loop things at home while creating new material and just fooling around. I would like to be able to use phantom power with the Axe so that I only have 1 MIDI cable to worry about for live performances. I know there's a TON of threads out there on this, but I have a couple specific questions. Expensive controllers (ie MFC, Liquid Foot, Gordius, RJM) with tons of capabilities is probably something I don't need. I've looked on Kijiji near my area (within a 45min drive) and found these:
1) Voodoo Labs Ground Control Pro - $320
2) Rocktron Midi Raider - $320
3) Axess FX1 - $400
4) Liquid Foot JR+ - $650 (a little further away - has to be shipped)
Again, when it comes to MIDI controllers I'm definitely a noob. That being said I've done some research and wanted to note:
-Axess FX1 is apparently powered through pins 1 & 3 so phantom power wouldn't work with the Axe Fx II? If that's so I'd probably rule it out since it's more expensive than the GCP and Midi Raider
-LF JR+ with small footprint looks amazing! But... I probably don't need to spend that much when the GCP and Midi Raider are half the price
-I'm aware that GCP and LF JR+ can use phantom power with a 7pin-7pin cable (and their respective adapters into the Axe)
Now, my biggest question - while doing research, people seem to like the Midi Raider over the GCP, so it would make sense to get that since they are the same price on the used market near me.
BUT - after reading more threads and owner's manuals, it looks like the Midi Raider can't use phantom power because it's rated at 9VAC 1500mA (owner manual says it needs 1100mA or more). The Axe Fx II owner's manual says to not exceed 1000mA. Is all this true? If so, I do not want to risk damaging my brand new (well, mint condition) Axe Fx II XL.
Is there a way to use phantom power with the Midi Raider and Axe FX II XL? Will this 5pin-7pin cable method I read about work? 7pin end into Midi Raider MIDI OUT, 5pin end into Axe Midi IN, Midi Raider's 9VAC 1500mA power adapter into my power conditioner, and plug the power adapter into the pigtail coming out of the 5pin end of the MIDI cable? Does this bypass the Axe Fx II so that it doesn't damage it?
Here is the cable I've seen people post on threads: Rocktron RDMH900 | Sweetwater.com
Will this work SAFELY without damaging any devices or ports? If not, is there another safe and successful method to make this work with the Midi Raider (ie getting a phantom box)? Or should I just get a GCP? If not, I may lean towards the GCP for cabling simplicity (having an extension cord on the ground just for a power adapter seems a little silly).
Sorry for the extensive post but there is really no "real" answer for this Midi Raider question - others didn't seem confident in threads I read about ways to do this (if it is at all possible). Clearly I need the help and advice!
Anyway, I've got the Axe/GT1000FX/power conditioner - now I need a MIDI controller. I have ZERO experience with MIDI controllers so this will be a first for me, so I really need help. I've done extensive research and wanted to ask a few questions. I basically want a MIDI controller to have some patches and IAs to go through for my band (no more pedal dancing!). Being able to use the looper on the Axe will be a big plus too, as I like to loop things at home while creating new material and just fooling around. I would like to be able to use phantom power with the Axe so that I only have 1 MIDI cable to worry about for live performances. I know there's a TON of threads out there on this, but I have a couple specific questions. Expensive controllers (ie MFC, Liquid Foot, Gordius, RJM) with tons of capabilities is probably something I don't need. I've looked on Kijiji near my area (within a 45min drive) and found these:
1) Voodoo Labs Ground Control Pro - $320
2) Rocktron Midi Raider - $320
3) Axess FX1 - $400
4) Liquid Foot JR+ - $650 (a little further away - has to be shipped)
Again, when it comes to MIDI controllers I'm definitely a noob. That being said I've done some research and wanted to note:
-Axess FX1 is apparently powered through pins 1 & 3 so phantom power wouldn't work with the Axe Fx II? If that's so I'd probably rule it out since it's more expensive than the GCP and Midi Raider
-LF JR+ with small footprint looks amazing! But... I probably don't need to spend that much when the GCP and Midi Raider are half the price
-I'm aware that GCP and LF JR+ can use phantom power with a 7pin-7pin cable (and their respective adapters into the Axe)
Now, my biggest question - while doing research, people seem to like the Midi Raider over the GCP, so it would make sense to get that since they are the same price on the used market near me.
BUT - after reading more threads and owner's manuals, it looks like the Midi Raider can't use phantom power because it's rated at 9VAC 1500mA (owner manual says it needs 1100mA or more). The Axe Fx II owner's manual says to not exceed 1000mA. Is all this true? If so, I do not want to risk damaging my brand new (well, mint condition) Axe Fx II XL.
Is there a way to use phantom power with the Midi Raider and Axe FX II XL? Will this 5pin-7pin cable method I read about work? 7pin end into Midi Raider MIDI OUT, 5pin end into Axe Midi IN, Midi Raider's 9VAC 1500mA power adapter into my power conditioner, and plug the power adapter into the pigtail coming out of the 5pin end of the MIDI cable? Does this bypass the Axe Fx II so that it doesn't damage it?
Here is the cable I've seen people post on threads: Rocktron RDMH900 | Sweetwater.com
Will this work SAFELY without damaging any devices or ports? If not, is there another safe and successful method to make this work with the Midi Raider (ie getting a phantom box)? Or should I just get a GCP? If not, I may lean towards the GCP for cabling simplicity (having an extension cord on the ground just for a power adapter seems a little silly).
Sorry for the extensive post but there is really no "real" answer for this Midi Raider question - others didn't seem confident in threads I read about ways to do this (if it is at all possible). Clearly I need the help and advice!