ADA MP-1 Classic owner’s manual
APPENDIX A MIDI FOR THE GUITARIST
We have heard about MIDI and how powerful and versatile it is, but it seems to be of no use
for guitarists and tube gear in general. The whole concept seems so counter-intuitive
because most of the literature on the subject of MIDI is written by and targeted toward
keyboard players and studio processor buffs at a very technical level. The MIDI spec covers
all aspects of electronic music-making, but if you sift out all the stuff that doesn't apply to
guitarists, you're left with a very simple concept MIDI Program Change. The following is a
quick overview of how to use MIDI to control your ADA preamp and all of your effects simply
and easily. All guitarists are familiar with channel-switching amps --and what they can do for
on-stage tonal versatility--but most amps have only 2 or 3 channels. On the other hand, the
ADA MP-1 CLASSIC MIDI GUITAR PREAMP offers 128 different programs (it's an odd
number, but that's what was chosen in the MIDI specs) that are selected with a MIDI
footswitch controller (or by the front panel switches) For every one of those 128 programs,
you have all the different variable features such as solid state and tube voicings, overdrive
and master levels, tone controls, noise gate threshold, effects loop setting, chorus rates and
chorus depth. This is the beauty and utility of programmable amps -- just tweak in the tone
and effects, and then save it to one of 128 programs for instant access on stage.
There are other advantages once the guitarist switches over to MIDI control. Most non-
programmable amps out there "share" tone, presence, and effects loops between two or
more channels, so you're always making tonal compromises, especially if you need diverse
amp settings. Clean electric tone and Acoustic guitars require boosted highs and have
drastically different knob settings from overdrive distorted tones. (Some amp manufacturers
claim "programmable EQ." but what this really means is that the EQ can be switched in or
out!) Since the effects loop can be selected for each program, your favorite external effect
will also be controlled with the same MIDI foot controller. No compromises, no footswitch
dance --you just step on one button from a MIDI footswitch controller.
Although the whole MIDI concept seems intimidating, the part that applies to guitarists is
quite simple. As we have shown, MIDI opens up possibilities for the guitar player to be more
tonally creative and versatile, while making the live-performance execution easier!
Page 18 of 18
To Previous Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
