Are footswitch settings global or per preset?

[aenlic]

I’m a new owner of an H9 Max, and still getting it set up; I’m basically building a pedalboard around it.

I have an Analog Endeavors AUX3AE on its way to me, and originally intended to use that to increment and decrement patch number, with the middle switch as activate.

Having watched a good video on using the H9 looper, I wondered if the footswitch settings can be changed per patch. I am guessing not, but want to be sure.

Without that capability, I’m thinking about a Midi Mongoose to add more MIDI control. Do I have to be in ‘looper mode’ to use the looper, or can I switch patches for overdubs as I wish?

(I know, read the manual… but the trouble with complex gear and programs is that FINDING the information you need becomes challenging!)

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[brock]

This is going to be a more straightforward process if you’re using the H9 Control app.  There is a System setting to lock in 3 AUX switches, as opposed to an expression pedal, or EXP+1 single AUX Switch.

Last things first, the Looper is standalone, in that you cannot have another algorithm active at the same time.  Either-or.  Switching between them will clear out the Looper content.

AUX switches are global, in this sense.  You can assign them to each of the 10 parameters available in any algorithm [KB0 – KB9].  What that means is a given AUX switch might control Pitch B in a pitch preset, but Delay B in a delay preset.  (This assumes you have an H9Max with all of the algorithms.)

You can control the basics in the Looper with 3 Aux switches, in conjunction with the onboard switches.  If your focus is largely Looper, it will be more satisfying to go the MIDI route.

After you’ve spent some time with the H9, you’ll settle in to a combination that works the best for you [MIDI with AUX, perhaps adding an expression pedal later].

One semi-advanced option is to tie a single  AUX switch to snap between Heel & Toe in your expression pedal mappings.  Physical EXP pedal not required.  That way, you can program the changes per-preset (like the Performance / HotSwitch options do in different algorithms).  Best of both worlds, in a sense.

[brock]

That’s a lot to absorb when you’re starting out fresh.  Feel free to follow up for the specific steps for each procedure.  It will get much easier after a few run-throughs hands-on.

All of this can be accomplished on the pedal itself, but the visual feedback from the H9 Control app makes it easier to visualize the full picture.

Bottom line is that the Looper is a great slice of programming.  To get the most of of it, you may find yourself needing more than 3 external controls.

[aenlic]

Thanks, Brock.

I’m definitely going to be using the H9 Control app… and your answer clarifying that the Looper is a standalone ‘algorithm’ that can’t be used with any other algorithm rules out the thought I had of using the H9’s looper with the AUX3AE controlling the looper. I’m building a new rig with the H9 at its heart, and that means using its algorithms. I was comparing that approach with getting a standalone looper, and I will go with the latter approach.

I do want to have MIDI control, but I’m intentionally living within the limits of a small pedalboard, so leaning towards the Tech21 MIDI Mongoose. The only other pedals I’ll have are my Peterson tuner and (probably) a Roland R-5 looper.

I haven’t even had the time to dive into the H9, so I am planning ahead of myself… but that works well for me. 🙂 Thanks for your prompt and valuable info!

[brock]

aenlic wrote:

… I do want to have MIDI control, but I’m intentionally living within the limits of a small pedalboard, so leaning towards the Tech21 MIDI Mongoose …

That’s a clean option for its size & feature set.  I’m sure you have considered this already, but I just wanted to point something out, if you haven’t: The capability for two CCs (expression over MIDI) frees up the H9 EXP/AUX port for 3 AUX switches.

That’s similar to the route I ended up taking with the H9s.  Sometimes a switch action is a better fit for the target parameters.  Yet I couldn’t live without an expression pedal, and the EXP + 1 AUX hack didn’t cover enough scenarios.

I suppose it would be possible in the Tech 21 to calibrate an AUX switch as an expression pedal, but that would be a maximum of two switches.  I’m not out to convince you either way on AUX switches, but I’m thinking with my Looper hat on.  Small-ish footprint, with a relatively low cost of entry.  I’m banging out a DIY 6-way experiment to see how that gels with an H90 + MIDI.

[aenlic]

Thanks, Brock.

I’m kind of a moving target… doing more research even as I post questions here and elsewhere. 🙂

I’ve put aside the Mongoose as being inexpensive but extremely limited. While I looked at the Rocktron Midimate and the Midi Maeastro, they are really BIG, too big for my modest PedalTrain Metro 20. (I’m keeping things small on purpose.)

Right now the main contenders I have on my short list are the Morningstar MC6 and the Source Audio Soleman. My Sweetwater rep says the reason they no longer carry the Soleman (they sell ALL of Source Audio’s products) is that it is discontinued; I have a message out to Source Audio to clarify.

I can’t find any in-depth comparisons, so I may have to actually read the owner’s manuals to understand the comparison. Any thoughts on those or others?

[aenlic]

Hah, once again I’ve answered my own question. I had been concentrating on the horizontal fit on my board… but looking at the vertical fit, if I were to use the Soleman (a) The H9 would be relegated to the second row, and (b) THE HEIGHT WOULD NOT FIT.

I did look at the MC8 and the MC6 Pro, but cost of the Pro and size of the MC8 make it pretty clear that I ought to go with the MC6.

Heh, the looks of the MC6 will fit right in with my H9 Max Dark and my black AUX3AE, seems like it was meant to be. 🙂

[brock]

You are too quick for me, @aenlic.  I was going to suggest a Disaster Area MIDI Baby3.  In large part for the footprint, stellar customer service, and (now) because it’s black.  Pretty powerful device for its size, but a bit of a learning curve to program it fully via the online editor.

I did jump on an MC6 Pro not too long ago, and it replaced a lot of real estate I had cobbled together over the years.  Great controller design across the product line, but yeah, that particular one was a little pricey.  My thought was that I was going to get a newer MIDI controller I can grow with, and that checks all the boxes. It didn’t disappoint.

I missed out on getting an H9 Dark.  Yes, they are still available (a fourth seems beyond excessive).  Just try configuring a copper patina-inspired ‘board around an LE Cu H9.  Gorgeous out of the box, although it ages beautifully, too.  Maybe a Rustoleum Crackle treatment on a Pedaltrain?

[aenlic]

That sounds like a plan, @brock. 🙂 You must have a helluva board… or boards.

I was using a HeadRush and had a couple of Neunaber pedals, plus my tuner, occupying a 24″ by 10″ Gator pedalboard. All that I kept of that was my Peterson tuner, and now I’m finishing up my minimalist PedalTrain Metro 20 board. Downsizing is the right thing for me.

I appreciate the advice, and the sense of humor is welcome also.

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