philipacamaniac
Fractal Fanatic
I'd like to make the case for configurable per-preset MIDI program change messages. These would be in addition to the per-scene MIDI PCs we already have.
I understand the purpose of the AX8 as a portable live rig, and I understand that there's a delicate balance between CPU, features, and cost.
The AX8 sits in a weird hybrid land where it is a guitar processor in the form factor of a MIDI controller, and even does some things better than the MFC-101 (like hold for X/Y, when you're controlling AX8 internal stuff). But in truth it's actually a very limited MIDI controller. No CC's, and no footswitch assignable MIDI other than via scenes. Both of those would be useful, but today I'm specifically requesting the ability to configure a MIDI program change to be sent per preset.
If you have a loop switcher or an external pedal like an H9 or Timeline, you're likely already using the per-scene MIDI PCs to change presets on that external unit. And likely, you don't have a 1-1 preset mapping between the AX8 and the external unit. More likely is that you have a varying range of external presets on each device.
Since the per-scene MIDI PCs have a clear purpose and are already being used, it wouldn't work to use the Scene 1 PC as a "per-preset" PC - especially if you have to return to Scene 1 several times while you're in an AX8 preset. That would mean a MIDI PC got fired several times - useful when it you designed it to follow scenes, but less useful if you want it to follow presets only.
I would find it useful to have the option of sending one additional MIDI program change when each preset is initially selected. This would allow for scenarios such as running a backup unit, keeping Mainstage or Set List Maker in sync with your preset changes, firing a track in Ableton, etc. All of this without disrupting the already useful per-scene MIDI PCs that we have.
I know there are clunky workarounds: I could use a MIDI Solutions box, sending PCs only to it and letting it send out various messages to various devices. Or I could let Mainstage be the MIDI hub, having each of those presets send out other MIDI info elsewhere. However, neither of those workarounds solve the issue of the Scene 1 MIDI PC firing every time you go back to Scene 1, and not just when you first call up the preset. Or I could get a second, capable MIDI controller that would control both AX8 and anything else. That would be a bit of a bummer, not having the AX8 as the central hub to my portable live rig.
Thanks for reading and may the force be ever in your favor.
I understand the purpose of the AX8 as a portable live rig, and I understand that there's a delicate balance between CPU, features, and cost.
The AX8 sits in a weird hybrid land where it is a guitar processor in the form factor of a MIDI controller, and even does some things better than the MFC-101 (like hold for X/Y, when you're controlling AX8 internal stuff). But in truth it's actually a very limited MIDI controller. No CC's, and no footswitch assignable MIDI other than via scenes. Both of those would be useful, but today I'm specifically requesting the ability to configure a MIDI program change to be sent per preset.
If you have a loop switcher or an external pedal like an H9 or Timeline, you're likely already using the per-scene MIDI PCs to change presets on that external unit. And likely, you don't have a 1-1 preset mapping between the AX8 and the external unit. More likely is that you have a varying range of external presets on each device.
Since the per-scene MIDI PCs have a clear purpose and are already being used, it wouldn't work to use the Scene 1 PC as a "per-preset" PC - especially if you have to return to Scene 1 several times while you're in an AX8 preset. That would mean a MIDI PC got fired several times - useful when it you designed it to follow scenes, but less useful if you want it to follow presets only.
I would find it useful to have the option of sending one additional MIDI program change when each preset is initially selected. This would allow for scenarios such as running a backup unit, keeping Mainstage or Set List Maker in sync with your preset changes, firing a track in Ableton, etc. All of this without disrupting the already useful per-scene MIDI PCs that we have.
I know there are clunky workarounds: I could use a MIDI Solutions box, sending PCs only to it and letting it send out various messages to various devices. Or I could let Mainstage be the MIDI hub, having each of those presets send out other MIDI info elsewhere. However, neither of those workarounds solve the issue of the Scene 1 MIDI PC firing every time you go back to Scene 1, and not just when you first call up the preset. Or I could get a second, capable MIDI controller that would control both AX8 and anything else. That would be a bit of a bummer, not having the AX8 as the central hub to my portable live rig.
Thanks for reading and may the force be ever in your favor.
