Can BOSS GT-6 (FX processor) be used as FC??!!?

I see a lot of posts about using the FSM as well as other foot controllers, but only one or two about BOSS fx processors.

Is it possible to use my GT-6's MIDI functions as a controller? Please and thank you for your help and time!

--K.J.--

Yes you can. I use a GT100 to control mine. The only thing it does not do is tap tempo for the delay.

I have also used a GT5 to midi control my previous amp.

Yeah? Okay cool thanks @Matty_K ! I'm able to hook them up, but it's just tough figuring it out ... I may just end up getting the FSM MkIII.

Aside from hard-copy/online manuals, which I have looked through, do you know how to/where to find a way to set up the GT-6 to work with/through the GM-36? Thanks again!

--- K.J ---

You may need to check the midi settings on the GT6 to make sure it is sending messages to the amp. The GT6 manual will explain how to do this.

Then it is just a matter of selecting the patch you want to use on the GT6 and saving this on your amp.

When you say: "...it is just a matter of selecting the patch you want to use on the GT6 and saving this on your amp." You mean that I use one of the GM36 presets to edit, or leave as is

(Sorry, accidentally sent before I was done)

...You mean that I use one of the GM36 presets to edit, or leave as is, through the GT6, and have it saved on the amp for future usage, is that correct?

Say you want to assign a clean tone to patch #3 on your GT6. Have the midi out of the GT6 connected to the midi in of the GM36 (also remember to clear all the effects and sounds off patch #3 first if you intend to plug your guitar into the GT6).

Make sure your GT6 is on patch #3 then set the clean tone on the GM36. Once happy with the tone hit store on the GM36.

The GM36 will then remember to switch to the clean tone whenever the GT6 is on patch #3. You dont need to save or edit anything on the GT6 but I suggest editing the name of patch #3 on the GT6 to make life easier

I plug my guitar into my GT100 and then run the out straight into the GM36. This allows me to use some of the features of the GT100 like the tuner, wah and harmonizer effects that the GM36 cant do.

I mainly use the ipad app to control and save patches on the GM36 as I find it faster and easier to use.

I had a longer response, which was accidentally deleted by some idiot (me lol). I digress...

Thank you so much Matty! I truly appreciate your help and I can't wait to do even more with the GT6 later tonight!

I have a couple more questions tho... I wiped Bank 5 Patch 1, set the amp to CLEAN and added a little of the onboard GM36 chorus, so I would see if it worked, and it did! But, when I did the same steps in Bank 5 Patch two, but set the amp to LEAD, I stored it, went to B5 P1 to see my CLEAN chorus setting was still saved, but when I went to B5 P2, it wasn't a dirty LEAD setting like I had stored it as. Is there a specific way to set up other channels in a given Bank to store patches as different amp settings (CLEAN, LEAD, ULTRA, etc.) ?

Thanks again, it's very appreciated and you're the best :-)

Cool, well that is a good first step.

As I said earlier, I use the ipad to set my presets. Do you have an ipad or android devive? If so I would really recommemd getting a midi interface like an iRig midi or even the new H&K wireless one ☺

If not according to the manual you need to do the following to get your dirty setting in bank 5 patch 2.

1. On the GM36 - tweak the settings to get the tone you like.
2. On the GM36 - hit store button briefly. The store button will turn on.
3. On the GT6 - select bank 5 patch 2. This should cause the store button to turn off.

It should now be saved. Check by changing patches on the GT6 and then go back to B5P2.

If this doesn't work I will pull oit my GT100 on the weekend and go through the change process without the ipad.

I will take a look and make an attempt before work, and then I will try again tonight when I don't have to rush or anything..

From what I've heard, it sounds like you need an iPad to get the GM36 App., and can't use another tablet/MIDI device as far as setting presets through a wireless connection... I'm sure there are ways around it if you know someone who's tech savvy, and/or Mensa computer-literate.

Regardless, I am tempted to get the WM-1, at some point, and maybe even the FSM Mk3... Partly because it's slick looking, partly because it's designed for the GM36, and partly because it's compact/lightweight.

Thanks again Matty, once more, your help has been uber appreciated... And by the way, my name is Kenny, jsyk.

I'll keep you posted on my progress today!

--- K. J ---

p.s. On an unrelated note, I'm saving for another amazing upgrade to my rig, which is a BOSS ES-8: a new Foot Controller/Foot Switcher, unveiled/shown at a NAMM '15 convention. It's similar to a Carl Martin OCTASWITCH, with the ability to put at least 8 pedals in a way to set them up as patches; with the added ability of a digital console for toggle of True Bypass mode as well as the ability to set up patches to put the pedals in what ever order you'd want. it also has two expression pedal inputs, as well as MIDI In/Out for attachment of something like an Fx processor or FSM Mk3 or something similar

Let me know how you go Kenny. I can assure you the GT6 will work to control preset changes on the GM36. We will get there!

For wireless control you are correct, the H&K unit is the only option. But for wired control you can use Android tablets or iPad with the appropriate midi connector. Although I lend my GM36 to my guitar teacher with just a Behringer floorboard and he makes all sorts of presets just using the amp so the Ipad is not a necessity.

The ES8 looks very cool although goes a little over my head with what it can do.

What sort of music do you play Kenny?

From what I've heard, it sounds like you need an iPad to get the GM36 App., and can't use another tablet/MIDI device as far as setting presets through a wireless connection... I'm sure there are ways around it if you know someone who's tech savvy, and/or Mensa computer-literate.

Regardless, I am tempted to get the WM-1, at some point, and maybe even the FSM Mk3... Partly because it's slick looking, partly because it's designed for the GM36, and partly because it's compact/lightweight.

You're right, this area seems to be a dog's breakfast even without the WM1 coming in and adding another layer to it.  I'm more than computer literate on PC, less so on "toys" like iPads and Android tablets.  (winky inserted but I mean it really   ).  I have tried to get plain old cabled midi control working for a while now but have found I have problems as I will relate.  So I bought a simple cheap midi interface online which seems to connect correctly with Windows, and tried to use it in a number of setups.  I kept the FSM Mk3 out of the equation at this time and just connected interface USB to controlling device, and the midi in and out to the GM36.

In my honest opinion tablets are convenient but unreliable fashion toys!  In our house we have two Nexus 7s, (wife and son), both running Android 4.4.2 with OTG (On The Go).  OTG is necessary to allow what is known as USB Hosting.  This is the ability for either end to act as the Host controlling data flow along the cable.  In most cases all control is exerted from one end but midi cannot work like that.  As long as it is available in the OS it only requires a special form of the micro USB cable with an additional grounded connection inside.  These are 2-a-penny on the internet.  Both Nexus report they have OTG installed and available in their operating system but one will not talk to anything via the OTG cable and the other will!  (There are other settings like USB Debugging and use as MTP which must be addressed too but these are getting a bit too techy and they have been set up.)

The Nexus which will talk via the cable runs the app but does not show any signs of connecting to the midi interface other than powering it up.  No data flow LEDs light up for either end.

I have a cheaper 'Chimp' 10" tablet available which also runs Android 4.4.2.  (Bought so lyrics/chords of new numbers are available on microphone stand without binoculars).  It has USB OTG and will talk to a memory stick via that.  The GM36 app will not run on that device.  When I try to run it it gets to the point of taking over the USB port but then reports itself as "stopped" and lets me generate an error log file.  This has been examined by the writer of the GM36 app, (genuinely terrifically helpful guy!), but all he could advise is that that device is not supported yet.  Same Android, different programme response?

I have the Windows version of the GM36 app working on a laptop.  It connects to the cheap midi interface I am using and lights it up.  At the other end the interface shows the amp is connected too.  There is a third LED which shows that something is regularly polling the interface with data once a second.  I can make almost all of the selections and changes available on the app but it doesn't control the amp at all.  Likewise changes made on the amp make no difference on the laptop.  I also can't get the app to switch modes between Amp and App.  There is a useful midi logger available on the Windows version.  It shows streams of data firing out of the laptop with messages related to things I change in the app, but all of the data values are empty, literally showing as (---)!

I have set it up so the amp uses channel 1 for simplicity and made sure that all of the other controllers also use that channel.  Zilch!  Of course it could be the interface in some way, but the laptop seems to show that everything is connected as it should be.  It's beyond me!  Yes, for the lucky ones who can get this to work, and I would guess the iFans will be fine, it sounds great.  For the guy like me who won't go down the Apple route, we seem to get a different picture.  This area is one that Apple definitely seem to be leading in, sadly for me.

I would guess the WM1 would make this a lot simpler.  And I would expect that H&K will make sure to have all of the wrinkles, barring the incompatibilities between device and program, sorted out before release.  But Hell is it expensive!

Interesting. I have only tried with an iPad and an iRig midi and it works fine. I feel the same about Apple products and only bought the iPad for my Grandmeister.

Back on the Boss GT as a controller. I just plugged mine in and can confirm that following the steps in my previous post works. All I did was;
Connect the midi out of the GT100 to the midi in of the GM36 then;
1. Set tone on GM36 and press Store
2. Select the patch on the GT100

Once the patch is selected it is automatically saved on the GM36.

Thanks for the input @bordonbert!... and, of course, thanks again to you, Matty!

I generally like to play prog-rock/prog-metal when it comes to writing... Mostly the "prog" label is from writing music in a ton of different styles, many times within the same song.

For equipment, I run my GM36 through an Orange 1x12 (Celestian 30 of some sort)... I bought the 1x12 cab six or seven years ago in the hopes of adding it to the rig I had at the time, in order to sweeten the pot for if/when I would sell my amp, and hopefully get a decent Hughes & Kettner combo or a good enough head to go with Amber... Amber is my PRS 20th Anniversary Custom 22 Artist Series (color/finish is "Amberburst", so I kind of landed on her name pretty much right when I brought her home to nest with me lol).. I had my heart set on a Hughes & Kettner / PRS combination for about a decade.. And now that I have acquired Huey (the name of my GM36 lol), Amber finally has her soulmate!

Later tonight I'm going to take another run with my GT-6 and let you know how it goes!

Amber sounds sexy

As I am getting older I am turning back the gain and playing more single coil guitars but still love to pull out my Custom 22 now and again, they are great guitars.

On a completely different note, I tried a Kemper last week for a good hour. Played it through a good PA system. It sounded pretty good but something was missing. Got back home and plugged in my GM36 through my 2x12 and straight away felt right. Think I will stick with tube amps for a little while yet.

I'm assuming you meant that Kemper was only through the PA? If so, as a personal thing and maybe a bit controversially nowadays, I think the process of exclusively DIing into the PA is overrated for most small bands! It's terrifically convenient and sound balance is much more controllable but it loses the feel of driving your guitar from an amp just a few feet behind you. The guitar response, and hence the overall sound, lacks something when it is coming from just PA speakers outside and ahead of you. I've great respect for what the modelling boxes can achieve but I do think they need to be partnered to an onstage clean type amp as well as the PA to give anything like their best.

Matty_K wrote:Amber sounds sexy

As I am getting older I am turning back the gain and playing more single coil guitars but still love to pull out my Custom 22 now and again, they are great guitars.

At 54ish, I still loves me some gain with humbuckers!!!

Matty_K wrote:
On a completely different note, I tried a Kemper last week for a good hour. Played it through a good PA system. It sounded pretty good but something was missing.  Got back home and plugged in my GM36 through my 2x12 and straight away felt right. Think I will stick with tube amps for a little while yet.

I've been modeling for years, and modeling can sound pretty damn good - until the moment you put the modeler side-by-side with a decent tube amp.  I play in a 2 guitar Allman Brothers tribute band, and my counterpart uses a MB Mark V (a very versatile amp).  I tried two modelers and my models sounded great with a singer/songwriter I gig with occasionally, but missed something when against a good tube amp.  I bought the GM36, nothing missing anymore.  Plus using a good floor device like the Boss (I use the HD500X), you are pretty much modeling with tubes.  Best of both worlds.

On Saturday, I was able to test out the GM in a live setting for the first time, and it sounded amazing as I expected... But, I did end up with a little bit of a hiccup while setting my rig up on the stage.

The patches I created on GT-6 for Huey (the name I made up for my GM 36) all sound great, especially while using Amber (my PRS) and my Orange 1x12 cabinet. BUT..... my patches didn't recall, so I wound up using one distorted lead sound, and adjusted the volume control on my guitar accordingly as the show went on. I

So. Any thoughts on what happened?

On Saturday, I was able to test out the GM in a live setting for the first time, and it sounded amazing as I expected... But, I did end up with a little bit of a hiccup while setting my rig up on the stage.

The patches I created on GT-6 for Huey (the name I made up for my GM 36) all sound great, especially while using Amber (my PRS) and my Orange 1x12 cabinet. BUT..... my patches didn't recall, so I wound up using one distorted lead sound, and adjusted the volume control on my guitar accordingly as the show went on. I

So. Any thoughts on what happened?

Hi Kenny. That is awesome that you gigged with the GM36.

I am a little confused that you were able to set up patches but not recall them. How do you know you set and saved the patches if you can't recall them?

It maybe the GT6 not sending the midi message to the GM36. Have you checked the midi settings on the GT6? Set the GT6 to omni mode and make sure the patch pedals are also set to send midi messages.

I just downloaded the manual off the Boss website which covers how to change both these things on pages 65 and 66.

Don't worry, we will nut this out

Well, all of the patches, with the names I made for them, worked before I left, when I turned everything off and unplugged everything the day before to see if it would work and plugged it all back in, turned it all on, and it worked great.

Then, At the venue, I set Everything up, and it was a bone dry sound, for all four patches I made... All which had the same names and what not. I haven't tried using it since the show, so I will let you know what happens then. If it works. Then that definitely means I didn't set up the midi cables correctly, so I'm hoping it was just me and not the GT-6... Or even worse, hope it isn't the GM36.

I will let you know when I find out!! :-)

Hmmm that does sound like user error

Yeah it was human error lol... At rehearsal on Tuesday night, I was able to use the patches I created, so that's good! :-)

On to a new topic, which is only a little different: if possible, how can I use/look through the 128 GM36 presets on my GT-6?

To be clear, I am referring to the ones that already exist... (Example: The first Bank has 4 Patches, all of which use the CLEAN channel, the second Bank has 4 Patches all using the CRUNCH channel, and so on..)

Just google the list of presets. H&K have a PDF that lists all of their factory presets...I think there are 68 of them. They wont tell you all the settings though, just the names. To see the settings you need the app....unless some clever cookie on internet has it listed somewhere. Not sure if the PC editor that was created can do this.