I was first in line at Carvin to get one. Still have it. I love it, the tone is great because it's pretty much 'my' sound. I occasionally toss an MXR Wylde OD in front of it for freaky gain and a slight change of flavor to my gain shape, but the amp doesn't need that. I tend to use a Wampler compressor in front as well, but that's my own crutch and no comment on the amp. Anyway, I love it, it's versatile and it can bring the hi-gain. Maybe it's not a Fortin NATAS or whatever but I don't need that much gain, I'm good with the nearly-absurd gain I have now.
If you have specific Q's about it, I'll see if I can help. The original V3 is a great amp. It has its own sound. Just a couple points I think that you need to realize are that the amp is not idiot proof. Many people dial the V3 in based on their pre conceived ideas of how the controls should look when dialing in an amp rather than their ears. This can lead to shit breath tone and thoughts that the amp fails. Many people claim the amp sounds fizzy and I swear that 90% of these claims are from people who have not learned the amp properly.
The V3 has not only a treble and presence knob but also the global bright control as well as the expanded eq switch. That is a shit load of high end frequency control.
And sometimes people go a little crazy with those things not having previous experience and dial in a crap tone then blame the amp. So if you get one just be fair to it and use your ears, not your eyes.
The only negative to the amp for me is that global control panel. Its a great sound shaping tool but at the same time I hated it. The reason being you couldnt turn it off or assign it to the channels you wanted to use it on. So if you dial in the tone you want on the clean channel its quite possible you wont like those global control settings on the dirty channels. Ive heard people say that that is why you have the presence and treble knobs to fine tune but then that just makes the global controls pointless to begin with.
And still thats not true as the controls affect different frequencies. The V3 sounds fantastic, you just need to be patient with it. Neverwinter nights key generator.
As for the V3M, I cant recommend them. Honestly aside from the name and the similar look the amps sound nothing alike. I wanted to love the V3M as it didnt have those pesky globals but the amp has very poor sound. Some amps you struggle to find a bad tone, the V3M is the opposite. I struggled to find a good one. And if your into metal you can forget about it. For a lack of better description the V3M sounds like a fart through a tubescreamer, I shit you not.
A good example of the poor tone is Carvins very own demo video with kevin michael from sledd. The ONLY thing that gets that amp to have any definition and clarity is a TS type boost pedal. Without it I would have to rate it in the top 5 worst tube amps for rock and metal in recent years. Mine sounds alright with effects, but it's not doing anything over-the-top like 4-cable method or anything along those lines. I have a Wampler Compressor and a Wylde OD on the front end, and in the loop I have Rocktron delay, Rocktron Reverb, and Wylde Chorus. It works well enough, but I'm not that into effects so your mileage may vary. I can't comment on the Micro, but otherwise I think I'm in agreement with PurpleDC.
It's one of those amps like a Mark V where you need to know what you're doing or you can quickly make it sound rather undesirable. And yes, you have to mind the treble and bright controls, or you can get into the world of fizzy high-end. The Vintage 30s in my Mesa Recto cabs aren't especially shrill on the treble end, but some speakers might not deal well if you crank up the bright side on the V3. So I guess the solution is this: don't.
Great amp, but yeah, maybe not for everyone.
DigiTech® Sound Community:: Guitar Products Community Search: GSP1101 pages only Guitar pages only All Sound Community GSP1101 Thread:: Need-to-know stuff for a new GSP1101 user? Author Message jebezki member since: messages: 4 Subject: Need-to-know stuff for a new GSP1101 user?
Hi, I just got the GSP1101 with the official 2.0 firmware. I intend to control it with a Behringer FCB1010 midi board (Uno chip mod) and run the GSP1101 in the fx loop of a Mesa Single Rectifier head (w/ serial loop mod). The ability to run delay/mod and drive/od fx via separate loops (delay post-preamp and drive pre-preamp) with the same piece of equipment was what got me excited about this equipment the most:-) Anyway, if I can get my hands on a Windows laptop, should I update the firmware to the unofficial beta C63 version? Does the official 2.0 firmware have some glitches the C63 version might fix? I haven't had a lot of time to play around with the GSP yet, so I'd appreciate a heads up about potential firmware bugs or significant feature improvements. I saw a few mentions on some forum about weird midi & volume level behaviour when switching presets, but it wasn't clear whether it was a setup problem or a firmware problem.
I'd hate running into these kind of unexpected problems when playing a live show:-D One major bummer I've already run into is that the X-edit software is currently (as of version 2.2.1) incompatible with OS X 10.9.1 - the program just crashes on startup. I've e-mailed Digitech about the issue and they've answered me with a vague answer about an update being in development but no info on when the update might be ready for release. A bit of Googling reveals that Mac users out there have had the same problem for over a year now, so I guess Digitech support can't be trusted to prioritize this update:-/ They could at least mention the incompatibility issue somewhere on their website instead of giving the impression that the software will run flawlessly. Thanks for any advice! Kellyzkillaz member since: messages: 27 Subject: Re: Need-to-know stuff for a new GSP1101 user? I run basically the same setup, other than the amp itself. I run the FCB1010 w/uno too.
I just use a Carvin V3M amp in 4 cable method. I would advise running the c63. With this setup, I haven't run into any glitches. I don't run a Mac so no comment on X-edit. I just use a cheapy netbook running Windows XP to run X-edit.
I advise grabbing a third party editing app to program your FCB1010. Programming it with the pedals becomes a bit of a nightmare.
Jebezki member since: messages: 4 Subject: Re: Need-to-know stuff for a new GSP1101 user? Thanks for your comments! I do actually use the FCB/Uno Control Center editor with the midi board. No patience for all the midi setup tap dancing one would have to go through otherwise:D I'll give the C63 firmware a go when I get the chance to run the update. I hope Digitech eventually manages to sort out the X-edit problems with OS X. Agelessrocker member since: messages: 346 Subject: Re: Need-to-know stuff for a new GSP1101 user?
Version C63 has additional amp/cab models, adds the ability to select pre/post for the noise gate, has some midi assignment improvements, added dry defeat, and IMHO is a better option TheDoctorMo member since: messages: 157 Subject: Re: Need-to-know stuff for a new GSP1101 user? I've used the GSP1101 in live situations, mostly using C63, with very few problems. The only problem that stands out, in my memory, is a hissing noise that randomly appears on one of my presets. I think I have a setting maxed-out, in that preset, and when I switch to it from another preset, it may start a hissing.
Reloading the preset fixes it. I'm just too lazy to edit that preset to change it, mainly because I like the sound of it. Other than that, the only physical problem was the ribbon cable that connected the LCD display to the main board came loose. I snugged it up and fixed it with a wire tie. Hasn't been a problem since.
I would suggest the C63 upgrade for several reasons that have already been mentioned. One of my favorite tricks, with the unit, is to use the expression pedal to control a volume boost for solos. When the pedal is 'toe-up', the volume is at the normal level, but NOT turned all the way down. When the pedal is 'toe-down', the volume is boosted a bit. This way, all I have to do is tip the pedal up to return to a preset volume level. This unit is still very useful, but it's getting long in the tooth.
I certainly wish Digitech would hurry up and bring out another rack-mounted processor. Jebezki member since: messages: 4 Subject: Re: Need-to-know stuff for a new GSP1101 user?
Ok, thanks to everyone for the additional info. I updated the GSP1101 firmware to C63 (with a Windows laptop) and managed to set up a FCB1010 midi board to control it. I just read the C63 release notes and it seems the update really adds a lot of functionality in addition to the cab/amp/fx stuff (expression pedal threshold wah on/off switching, tuner on/off via midi cc, etc). So far everything seems to be working fine.
It'd be really nice if it was possible to increase the delay looper time beyond 5 secs. I'm a former Line6 M9 user and liked that unit's looping functionality when trying out guitar arrangements while jamming. I have a 1U space still free in my fx rack.
Wondering if I could find some midi-controllable looper for a reasonable price somewhere:-D Cheers! Grogthecaveman member since: messages: 21 Subject: Re: Need-to-know stuff for a new GSP1101 user?
I just got through wrapping my head around programming the FCB1010 to control the GSP1101. Is the GUI FCB1010 controller a big improvement over the built-in method of programming it? I saw iFCB but i don't.really. want to pay $20 for it. Also, is UNO a big improvement over the official FCB firmware?
And can you tell me where the expression pedal threshold settings are located in the GSP? I have a couple patches where the wah turns on but not off with Expression Pedal A, and i would love to fix that. Jebezki member since: messages: 4 Subject: Re: Need-to-know stuff for a new GSP1101 user?
You can find the instructions for setting up the wah on/off toggle threshold in the C63 firmware release notes (see MIDI & CONTROL / midi toe switch for wah): The differences between UNO and Behringer firmware on the FCB1010 are listed here: The GUI editor I use (FCB/Uno Control Center) is very helpful, but I did have to pay 16 euros for it. You can check out screenshots here: Naturally you also need a midi interface (I use a USB-midi cable) on your computer to program the FCB. You can get those for around 10-20 euros. Hope this helps! Grogthecaveman member since: messages: 21 Subject: Re: Need-to-know stuff for a new GSP1101 user? That's really helpful!
Gonna go read through the info you sent me. Vote on this thread: Mark this as a 'Sticky' thread. Don't mark this as a sticky thread. © 2017 DigiTech®. All Rights Reserved.
Trying to wrap my head around how to set this up. Please let me know if my thought process is correct. Currently running 4CM: Wireless = Tuner = Wah = NS2 In = NS2 Snd = AmpRtn AmpSnd = Chorus = Flange = Phaser = Delay = NS2 Rtn NS2 Out = Amp In 3 Amp channels, Clean, Rock & Metal The problem is going from full on metal to a clean with chorus or the like. Wah sounds best in front of the amp and its switchless (Crybaby), so that's not usually an issue. I'm thinking of getting the: GCP - Ground Control Pro GCX - Switcher Lab Control Switcher From the research I have done, it looks like the V3M, although not midi, the lab control switcher, the multi out will channel change the V3M including boost. So with some programming can I do channel and effects changing with everything I've listed? Anyone have the V3M?
Is my logic flawed? Thanks in advance. -Chadster. I am not following the logic behind how you're using the NS-2 loop. Wireless = Tuner = Wah = NS2 In = NS2 Snd = AmpRtn AmpSnd = Chorus = Flange = Phaser = Delay = NS2 Rtn NS2 Out = Amp In As described above, the signal routing makes no sense. You show the NS-2 Loop Send is going to your amp's FX Return jack, so there's really nothing in the loop itself. Then you're routing your amp's FX Send through four modulation effects into the NS-2 Loop Return and then from the NS-2 to the front of your amp, so if you take the effects out of the equation you're feeding your amp's FX Send directly to your amp's Input, again without actually running anything through the NS-2 Loop.
Given that the wireless, tuner, wah, and effects pedal positions won't change, you've got two options here, and both put your effects in the NS-2 Loop as follows: NS-2 Loop Send = Chorus = Flange = Phaser = Delay = NS-2 Loop Return Option 1: Effects pedals in front of your amp Wah = NS-2 In Effects in NS-2 Loop NS-2 Out = Amp Input Option 2: Effects pedals in amp's FX Loop Wah = Amp Input Amp FX Loop Send = NS-2 In Effects in NS-2 Loop NS-2 Out = Amp FX Loop Return So much for the signal routing. Now either a GCX or a Control Switcher will let you change channels on the VM3, but neither will let you do anything with the Boost. I got this driectly from the VM3 Operating Manual: 27. BOOST LEVEL CONTROL Use the rear panel BOOST LEVEL to add up to 6 dB of volume boost for solos. This function can be only turned off/on with the FS44L-V3M footswitch.
Without the FS44L-V3M footswitch the BOOST is left ON; in this case the BOOST LEVEL affects the volume of the amp, acting as an effect loop return level. The front panel GREEN LED will light when the BOOST function is ON. I am not affiliated with Voodoo Lab in any way, just sharing what little MIDI and signal routing knowledge I have. If you found my assistance helpful, please pay it forward. I've been using an NS-2 for so long I can't remember how many years it's been, and after tracing your signal routing through the connections you described, I still believe your actually bypassing the loop entirely. The post on the Carvin forum you are referencing is a little bit misleading because, although the Control Switcher itself receives MIDI information from an outboard MIDI Foot Controller, it doesn't really 'add' MIDI capabilities to any amplifier. It merely takes incoming MIDI info and translates it into Normal, Reverse, or Momentary Switching info that it passes on to an amp, either via the four Control Jacks or a 5-pin DIN cable.
The DIN/MIDI cable works by shorting out two of the pins which, in turn, activate a particular switching function on the amp depending upon which two pins are shorted out. I know I'm splitting hairs there, but thought a little clarification might be in order. That being said, I believe I can retract my previous statement. It is entirely possible that, using the Control Switcher's MULTI Connector, you will be able to control the Boost function on the VM3 as well as channel switching.
Let us know how you make out, and also how you like the VM3. It looks like an interesting little amp.
I am not affiliated with Voodoo Lab in any way, just sharing what little MIDI and signal routing knowledge I have. If you found my assistance helpful, please pay it forward. I've been using an NS-2 for so long I can't remember how many years it's been, and after tracing your signal routing through the connections you described, I still believe your actually bypassing the loop entirely. The post on the Carvin forum you are referencing is a little bit misleading because, although the Control Switcher itself receives MIDI information from an outboard MIDI Foot Controller, it doesn't really 'add' MIDI capabilities to any amplifier.
It merely takes incoming MIDI info and translates it into Normal, Reverse, or Momentary Switching info that it passes on to an amp, either via the four Control Jacks or a 5-pin DIN cable. The DIN/MIDI cable works by shorting out two of the pins which, in turn, activate a particular switching function on the amp depending upon which two pins are shorted out. I know I'm splitting hairs there, but thought a little clarification might be in order. That being said, I believe I can retract my previous statement. It is entirely possible that, using the Control Switcher's MULTI Connector, you will be able to control the Boost function on the VM3 as well as channel switching.
Let us know how you make out, and also how you like the VM3. It looks like an interesting little amp. -Chadster. Here is a diagram of the Carvin and Control Switcher integration. (I threw in the Carvin 4-button Footswitch schematic as well) With this set-up, you will be able to access all four Footswitch functions on the V3M and all you need, between the Carvin Footswitch Jack and the Control Switcher Multi-out Connector, is a 5-Pin Midi Cable with all 5 wires straight through (most midi cables only connect pins 1, 2, and 3 straight through) The Control Switcher will give you Very-Powerful-Control for your amp! I hope this helps seeya Joe. Thank you for the diagram, I can get the voodoo to change amp channels including boost.
Now its just a matter of deciding if I want to try the GCP/GCX. I'm thinking I could save a few $ if I could use the X3Live for effects but I seem to have failed on the 4CM set up, I think I'm only getting the power amp portion of the V3M, because regardless of channel everything is clean. Here's the setup I'm using straight from L6 FAQ: Instrument X3Live guitar in X3Live effect loop send instrument input of amplifier Amplifier effect loop send X3Live effect loop return X3 line output Amplifier effect loop return. -Chadster. As an experiment, you could try putting the X3 effects directly in the Carvin FX Loop by connecting the Carvin FX Send to the X3 Guitar In and then running the X3 L/MONO Output back to the Carvin FX Return. Be sure to turn off the amp modeling in the X3. This won't give you the full versatility of the 4CM, but if you do this and everything is still clean, you'll know the channel switching isn't working properly.
Carvin V3 Settings
On a side note, I'm originally from the Lehigh Valley and will be in the area next weekend. Gigging anywhere? I am not affiliated with Voodoo Lab in any way, just sharing what little MIDI and signal routing knowledge I have. If you found my assistance helpful, please pay it forward.
The V3's tube signal path delivers pure tone from warm to shimmering to infinite sustain and crunch for all styles of music. The channels of expanded tone circuits and overdrives are perfect for all genres, from metal to blues to country. Compatible with standard MIDI controllers for easy control of all channels and SmartLoops™ technology. Available in a full-stack, half-stack, short stack, and head-only configurations.
The 412VT and 412VB cabinets are loaded with GT12 speakers. Built like a tank for years of use. Covered in black vinyl.