New Firmware Out Now ... For BJ Devices MFC

GM Arts

GM Arts

Fractal Fanatic
I have a new beta version 4 firmware ready for the BJ Devices MFCs.

The main changes for this firmware are:
> Any footswitch can do anything
> All TB models will be supported

It includes many powerful and flexible features like dual footswitch functions, send any MIDI message(s) from any footswitch, override standard settings with customised settings on a per-patch basis, and lots more.

Like earlier versions, there's a basic mode which should suit most users, and an advanced mode for those who want to get into the detail. At this stage, I have the first beta version for TB-12 ready, with PC editor and emulator. Also some sample settings to get started, and user guide here:

<http://www.gmarts.org/tb/>

As always, feedback and testers are welcome :)

Here's a list of features:

Basic operation has:
> Multiple footswitch pages (TB-12 and TB-11P have 3 pages, other models have 4 pages)
> 16 banks labelled "A" to "P", each of 10 patches (total 160 patches)
> 10 footswitch effects including Tap, plus up to 4 additional automated effects
> Tap can switch on additional effects after a defined number of presses
> 4 different effect footswitch types, including toggle and momentary
> Effect footswitches can send 2 messages, which can be CC messages and/or setting relay states
> CC messages can have any off or on value, allowing reverse operation, or switching between different levels
> Effects can belong to groups, to ensure only one effect is on in the group
> Relay toggle footswitches support all 4 built-in relays
> Supports on-board and external pedals, with optional effect switching at heel-down position
> Effects can switch a pedal between different settings (eg to switch a pedal between volume and wah)
> Built-in pedal calibration and emergency disable for pedal faults
> Edit program numbers and their initial effect states on the MFC
> Can backtrack patches, optionally with their effect states and bank changes
> Supports Axe-FX II functions: tuner, patch names, effect states, tap tempo with tempo backtracking

Advanced options add these features:
> Additional footswitch types to select any specific patch, set any relay combination, and to send any MIDI message(s) for almost unlimited effects or any other purpose
> Footswitches can have a 2nd function. For example: toggle between 2 patches, or select a bank with a short press or go to a different page with a long press
> Send additional messages and set relay states with program changes
> Set the order of events for program changes
> 1000 bytes available for custom Overrides and Library book messages
> Up to 250 library books, each of which can contain one or more MIDI messages such as system exclusives, CC messages, and can also include special commands to control the MFC. Library book messages can be sent with patch selections, from effect changes and with the "Send MIDI" footswitch.
> Up to 250 overrides, depending on complexity. For example, an override could be: "in patches A3, B4 and H2, effect footswitch 3 will control a booster instead of an overdrive".
> Library books and Overrides can be used in combination to send messages on different MIDI channels, send different messages to multiple devices, etc.
> ... and more ...
 
Two questions...

  1. Is it possible to set a connected expression pedal to not control vol/wah, etc., but instead send Exp1/Exp2/etc. as if it was connected directly to the AxeFX/AX8? Do the AxeFX and AX8 even support this functionality via MIDI?
  2. I have an AX8 wish list item that in additional to latching and momentary, you can set a footswitch to Phrase mode. When configured like this, the footswitch acts like a latching switch, but when you hold it down for a period of time (e.g. 800ms), it converts to momentary and releases when you let go. This is the "PrimeTime" functionality the TC Spark Mini Boost introduced.
 
benvigil said:
Two questions...

  1. Is it possible to set a connected expression pedal to not control vol/wah, etc., but instead send Exp1/Exp2/etc. as if it was connected directly to the AxeFX/AX8? Do the AxeFX and AX8 even support this functionality via MIDI?
  2. I have an AX8 wish list item that in additional to latching and momentary, you can set a footswitch to Phrase mode. When configured like this, the footswitch acts like a latching switch, but when you hold it down for a period of time (e.g. 800ms), it converts to momentary and releases when you let go. This is the "PrimeTime" functionality the TC Spark Mini Boost introduced.
Click to expand...
1. If I understand your question correctly, then no, because those connections are for direct pedal connection (just like the pedal connections on the MFC). So you can use the MFC pedals to send any CC number, and the Axe-FX allows any CC number to control any parameter(s).

2. An interesting idea, and something I may be able to include as an option for toggle effects. I'll certainly have a look at it. My main focus for now is to finish the documentation and get firmware out for other TB models. Thanks for letting me know !
 
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An option to hold a toggle effects for momentary operation has been easy to include. Still needs to be tested, but will be in next release.
 
Turns out #1 was a dumb question... expression inputs 5-12 are controller inputs (by default on the AX8) controllable with CC#20-27 and analog expression inputs 1-4 are defaulted to the jacks on the back. So it turns out what I was asking is already possible, namely, be able to control multiple parameters by assigning them to an expression input.

GM Arts said:
An option to hold a toggle effects for momentary operation has been easy to include. Still needs to be tested, but will be in next release.
Click to expand...
Awesome!
 
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Sorry pitta, the beta firmware is for TB-12, although I expect many things will work if you load it onto a TB-11P. Versions will be out for all models in the near future. :)
 
GM Arts said:
Sorry pitta, the beta firmware is for TB-12, although I expect many things will work if you load it onto a TB-11P. Versions will be out for all models in the near future. :)
Click to expand...
OK, thanks for clarifying...
Guess I'll have to wait a little bit longer :D
 
Then i'll have to buy me a tb11. Which i absolutely see me doing. Would it work with a gsp1101?
Tuner, patch names etc?

I currently use a gsp, but going to save up for a axe2. Would be nice to get familiar with a controller before that time. Btw the gsp isn't bad at all actually, but creating good sounding patches can be a pita. And there are quite a few limitations of course.
 
You'll certainly be able to use MIDI OUT from the TB-11P to control your GSP, including changing patches and turning the tuner off/on (which I presume is supported by MIDI). But it won't display information *from* the GSP. I'm not familiar with the GSP, but there's no guarantee that it even sends this information via MIDI. I currently support the Axe-FX because it's the only modeller I have and use :)
 
Yes Davy, CC states are shown on effect LEDs. Patches can be shown in different formats, including retrieving patch names from an Axe-FX II. But manual patch naming in not included. Have a read of the user guide on the download page; it explains a lot of this in more detail.
 
I have read it, and must say it is quite impressive!!!
I'm just trying to understand the possibilities it offers with a gsp for now, and an axe in the future.
 
Davy Pelckmans said:
I have read it, and must say it is quite impressive!!!
I'm just trying to understand the possibilities it offers with a gsp for now, and an axe in the future.
Click to expand...
gsp is not sends any info to midi out, so is it not possible to implement tuner or patch name display on controller screen. You will able to switch presets and IA states inside preset. Also GM Arts firmware forced IA states in preset - so IA LEDs on controller will match IA state on preset after switching.
 
Allright,

one last question. (i know i asked a lot ;-). Is it possible to toggle the xp pedal (tb11p) cc's with a toggle switch???
So the xp pedal will act as a volume pedal with, for example cc1, and after pressing a switch, it will be overwritten by, for example cc2, which will control a wah pedal???

Or would i need to make another patch, which remember the cc states of the previous patch, and change patches?? One with wah, and another with volume. One of those will be an override then.

Thanks for all the info!!!
 
Yes that is possible, Davy - you can use the effect X/Y switching to change your pedal between X and Y settings.
 
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