The Jam Corner

DigiTech GNX Series: Using Controller Footswitches

This is a continuation of the DigiTech GNX Series: Expression Assignments article. As mentioned in the introductory article, each footswitch controller assignment allows us to toggle between two particular values of up to three parameters. Before we proceed to examples of how this can be helpful, I'd like to elaborate a bit...

Footswitch controllers

This is a continuation of the overview article on expression assignment for the GNX series. GNX3000 users can attempt to replicate this functionality using the expression pedal, since no footswitch controller assignments are available. There's an article coming up on this subject in the near future.

As mentioned in the introductory article, each footswitch controller assignment allows us to toggle between two particular values of up to three parameters. Before we proceed to examples of how this can be helpful (beyond the default on/off examples we already discussed), I'd like to elaborate a bit on a few interesting features and quirks of the GNX controller assignments.

First, the "min" and "max" value designations are really misnomers. The min value can be interpreted as "red light off" state for the given controller. The max value, respectively, indicates what parameter value is in effect when the red light is on. Any two parameter values can be used for min and max; min does not have to be a lower value (in fact, we'll look at examples where we mix and match). The following chart illustrates this point, using sample values for a "solo" function for the footswitch:

Parameter/ Value	Stombox	Amp Volume	Mod Mix
Min	Off	75	15
Max	On	64	47

Notice how Parameter 1 assignment toggles from min=off to max=on; Parameter 2 from min=75 to max=64; and Parameter 3 from min=15 to max=47. All three changes will occur simultaneously: in other words, if the footswitch red light is off and you press the footswitch once, all three max values will be set; pressing it again sets all three min values.

Additionally, there is a third setting that can sometimes be used. It works like this: when you switch to a particular preset, you're loading three things: (1) the initial state of each parameter, (2) the min and max assignment for controller, and (3) each controller's default state (red light either on or off). The initial state of a parameter assigned to an FS controller does not need to be either the min or max value - it can be a new value altogether. Then, by switching to another preset and back, we reset all of the three items above.

To take full advantage of this, you will probably need to program your presets very carefully and arrange them into banks. This way, it's possible to minimize the need to quickly switch presets back and forth in order to reset the controller assignment and the initial parameter values. In other words, if you diligently plan what the first change will be (either to min or to max), and what the value is before you ever use the controller footswitch, your preset arrangements can become both simpler and more sophisticated at the same time.

Examples

1. (From song Tygons by 44lbs) This song begins with an ultra-clean single-coil rhythm sound, but has a middle section that uses a more overdriven amp sound, some modulation, and a touch of pitch effect for a dreamy feel to solo over. Defaults correspond to min values; CTRL=off. We assign a single FS controller to change between three parameters:

(toggle assignment)
CTRL1 FS: min=SBX-off ; max=SBX-on
CTRL2 FS: min=mod-off; max=mod-on
CTRL3 FS: min=IPS-off; max=IPS-on

Although we could use the default assignments of Stompbox and Mod footswitches, doing so in a single controller assignment allows
for a quick change. Additionally, we need to use an assignable controller for the pitch shifter anyway, so might as well kill all three birds with one stone.

The stompbox, modulation, and IPS must be assigned accordingly prior to being able to use this. click here to download

2. (From song Card Game by 44lbs) The song starts out nice and light, and progresses into darkness. In-between the stages of this progression, the rhythm-OD channel is used in the chori. For the first verse, a clean setting is used. For the second verse (and after first chorus), a little of the OD channel is warped with the green. Therefore, the initial value for AmpCh=green, stompbox=off, and modulation=off; the initial state for the controller=off. Right before the first chorus, controller is engaged for the OD channel and modulation (stompbox stays off because that's the max value of the third parameter); right after chorus there's a lead break that uses the stompbox to boost gain (marginably noticeable in this recording, works a bit better with my live preset). Right after the lead break, second verse begins; turning the controller off immediately after chorus switches to the warp channel (about 20% red) and disengages modulation, leaving the stompbox on (recall, it's turned on in the lead).

(toggle assignment)
CTRL1 FS: min=warp; max=red
CTRL2 FS: min=mod-off; max=mod-on
CTRL3 FS: min=SBX-ON; max=SBX-OFF

click here to download

3 and 4. Momentary assignment examples: For these two, I put the controller in "momentary" mode on my GNX3.

In the first example, the assignment is to the pitch shifter on/off (see example 1 above) - when engaged, pitch drops to -5 at mix=99. When released, as you may guess, it goes back to pitch. On GNX3/4, this makes for a great lo-fi effect, whereas on the GNX3000 you might actually convince someone that you have a 7-string with an effect like this. click here to download

In the second example, the assignment is to mod on/off, and the mod is set to tremolo. Self-explanatory really, click here to download.

Conclusion

Footswitch assignments on GNX3/4 provide invaluable functionality of making pre-planned tweaks to effects and settings on the fly. These can be very subtle (such as a "solo" switch functionality) or utterly ridiculous (including heavy modulations and whacky whammy possibilities). Incorporating this programmability into your presets can aid in live situations where you have many sounds you want to achieve, without programming extraneous presets to bank around.

Also don't forget to practice using the controllers! As you may have noticed in the recorded examples above, a very slight timing error in pressing a footswitch can ruin a take in the studio, or make a nasty noise at a live show. It's also rather difficult to get the coordination down, and to keep playing while thinking about the footswitches and what they're about to do. There are times when you will be confused by certain pitch effects that you engage, if you're expecting the notes to be different but play on the same frets - stuff like that can really mess you up when you're in the spotlight. So, incorporate using this feature with your normal GNX-related practice routine, and have great tons of fun.

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