So, this is for those interested in a good configurable Midi foot controller and checking out the Ground Control Pro
To start off and make it clear, my unit hasn't seen any road use, but I've been using it for 9 years now and still works. (unlike my old Roland FC-200 that broke a trace on the PCB at the power connection).
So I cannot comment on hard use, but the GCP has a good reputation for touring players
What can it do:
-Accepts external power or phantom power.
-Controls up to 8 midi capable units on individual midi channels AND up to 4 GCX units.
-Switch 10 (PGM mode) or 4 Presets (Instant acces) per bank.
-in 'Instant Acces' mode, assign up to 8 Continuous Controller commands.
-Set individual presets per unit (i.e.: GCP preset #4 is preset #1 on your preamp, but #8 on your FX unit) .
-On the CC commands, allow momentary or latched operation and allow different on or off status per preset.
-Allow expression control via Midi (optionally with a foot pedal).
-Added bonus is that the GCP prevents "Midi PGM repeat", i.e.: If you happen to hit a button twice, it will not retrigger the preset, which could result in 'hiccups' (For example: A delay resetting).
What can it NOT do:
-Connect to a PC via USB.
-Switch Non-Midi amps (unless via an optional midi-controlled amp switcher).
-Allow more than 8 different CC commands.
-On that same note: does not exclusively allow CC operation.
-Make coffee.
What does it switch in my setup?:
-1 Voodoo Labs GCX audio Switcher.
-4 Preamps.
-2 Fx-units (1 using PGM changes, the other CC changes).
-1 Power amp.
[Note: I use a Miditech MIDI thru 7 to keep Midi signals from degrading, this is not a flaw in the GCP, Midi signals simply degrade the more units they go through,... and I have 8!]
How does it switch my setup?:
Oh boy, let's get down to business,...
I use it in Instant Acces configuration, there are more than enough banks (36 with 4 presets each) to address the preamps and FX unit that have more than 4 presets available.
PGM changes presets on my preamps and 1 FX unit.
The CC's I mostly use for my Lexicon MPX-G2 since the PGM changes lag on that unit (flaw of the lexicon, not the GCP!), but CC changes are immediate, so I can switch effects on and off without dropouts.
The GCX loops for the Preamps are set per patch, but 1 cc button is set up to switch the other FX unit in/out of the signal path.
This configuration let's me do mostly what I want with my gear.
It works flawlessly and switches fast, buttons still feel solid, LCD is clear and easily readable
programming is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, In the menu's a lot of options are clear as to what unit you are addressing.
Not saying this will be the simplest thing to program, but it could be much worse.
And now, the shortcomings:
-8 maximum CC commands -Overall!-
I'd love to have seen this be set per patch, giving me some more flexibility over which unit I can control in which patch
Seeing that the GCP can control up to 8 different units, this can become a very limiting factor
-No USB/MIDI editor
To be fair, the GCP is of an older generation, but it makes programming (which you have to do with the pushbuttons) somewhat clunky
Of course if your PC has a MIDI interface, and you're savvy enough to know how a basic midi-editor works, this isn't such a huge issue
-Lastly, a "Head's up" for those mating the GCP with a GCX.
Voodoo Lab recommends you connect the GCP to the GCX first in line.
For this you need to use a 5-pin MIDI cable
...Well, I found out the hard way that 5-pin midi cables do NOT always have all 5 pins connected! (in such case, only pin 2, 3 and 4).
Luckily, prior to acquiring my GCX, I used 1 of my preamps to power the GCP with a 7-pin cable (and have found no negative effects not having the GCX been the first controlled by the GCP).
Alternatives?
Well, not from personal experience, but browsing around on the Thomann site, only 1 other unit comes to my attention that might be able to compete with, or perhaps even surpass the Ground Control Pro:
-Behringer FCB1010
2 Expression pedals, amp switching and from what I 've been told, VERY customizable Midi capabilities
