Midi footswitch confusion

[Stealphish]

Oh hi
Wth is CC and PC when it comes to MIDI?
I Just got an ENGL ironball special edition and a Z12 midi footswitch controller.
I probably should have done some research beforehand but i assumed that the footswitch would be able to control the effect parameters and tap delay etc.
The amp's manual says that its on board digital effects can be controlled with midi "PC and CC commands" and it recommends the Z12 footswitch, but i haven't yet figured out how to assign tap delay etc. All i can do is change channel presets.
Anyone have any idea? Help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[StevenC]

PC stands for Program Change and is used to change presets etc

CC stands for Control Change and is used to change parameters within presets

You would save, for example, [Channel 1, Reverb on, Delay off, FX Loop on] as a preset recalled by sending a PC message. You would then have to make another preset and corresponding PC to turn the FX Loop on.

CC messages let you have, say, the preset above and then assign a button on your controller that toggles Reverb, Delay, and Loop. Or that controls tap tempo.

This is the basic functionality. CC is also used in midi to utilise expression pedals to control parameters, and other fun things like that.

I'm pretty sure the Z12 doesn't do MIDI CC. If you want to control tap tempo I would try to return it and get a better, cheaper, smaller controller.

 

[odibrom]

Fast reading the Z12 owners manual, I couldn't find anything Change Control messages related. In order to control Tap tempo you'll need a MIDI board that has one of the following possibilities (or both):
- Full MIDI Control Change operation mode, that enables the foot switches to act as ON/OFF for designated FXs or functions
- Some footswitches that act as Control Change messages besides the others are sending Program Change messages.

I'd suggest you to look at a Roland MIDI board as those are built like tanks, a Behringer as is way cheaper, or something else that may fit your needs.

Besides the amp itself, are you using another MIDI controlled FX unit?

 

[StevenC]

The best MIDI controllers these days are Morningstar pedals, in my opinion. For size, ability and construction. They're a bit pricey, but not relative to their features.

 

[Vostre Roy]

The best MIDI controllers these days are Morningstar pedals, in my opinion. For size, ability and construction. They're a bit pricey, but not relative to their features.

Although its a bit more limited in Midi function (only two channels can be switched per preset), the Joyo PXL Live is a great cheap-ish option that doubles as a pedal switcher as well. It also does PC and CC functions, works like a charm with my KSR Gemini