The GigRig G3 - User Manual

THE ADVANCED SWITCHING SYSTEM
USER MANUAL

Summary

Introduction to The GigRig G3

Quick Start Guide

Back Panel Connections

Overview of connections on the rear panel of the G3 unit.

Top Panel Overview

Identification of controls and features on the top panel of the G3 unit.

Connecting Your Gear

Step-by-step instructions for connecting effects and amplifiers to the G3.

Programming Modes and Functions

Preset Programming Guide

Guide to basic preset programming and saving configurations on the G3.

Stompbox Mode Operation

Explanation of how to use presets in Stompbox Mode for flexible sound creation.

Navigating the Deep Edit Menu

Accessing Deep Edit Functions

Instructions on accessing and navigating the advanced Deep Edit Menu on the G3.

G3 Connections and Ports

Input, Output, Power, and MIDI Ports

Details on all physical connection points on the G3, including instrument, tuner, MIDI, and power.

Effects Loop and Remote Switch Connections

Information on using effects loops and connecting remote switches.

Expression Pedal Interface

How to connect and utilize expression pedals.

Connection Examples

Mono and Stereo Effects Setup

Diagrams and explanations for connecting mono and stereo effects pedals to the G3.

Amplifier Effects Loop Integration

Connecting to Amplifier FX Loop

Guide to connecting the G3 to an amplifier's effects loop for advanced routing.

Basic Programming and Stompbox Mode

Preset Programming Guide

Step-by-step guide to creating, saving, and managing presets on the G3.

Stompbox Mode Configuration

How to add functions or loops on top of a preset in Stompbox Mode.

Bank Navigation Methods

Accessing and Controlling G3 Banks

Methods for navigating through the G3's 99 banks using different controls.

Deep Edit Menu Functions

Deep Edit Functions Overview

Overview of the advanced editing capabilities of the G3.

Navigating the Deep Edit Menu

How to access and move through the Deep Edit menu system on the G3.

Naming Presets

MIDI Configuration Settings

MIDI Clock and Expression Pedal MIDI Setup

Expression Pedal Gain Control

Loop Order Customization

Stompbox Mode Behavior Settings

Trails and Spill-over Configuration

Parallel, Wet;Dry, and Stereo Signal Path Setup

Tap Tempo Functionality Configuration

Hidden Preset Management

Global Setup Options

Bank Naming and Switching Controls

Settings for naming banks, limiting bank count, and using external bank switches.

Bluetooth Connectivity and Software Updates

Managing Bluetooth connectivity and updating the G3 firmware via the app.

Stereo Pairs and Global Phase Settings

Configuring stereo loop pairs and global phase settings for output.

Display and Status Bar Options

Adjusting backlight brightness and visibility of the status bar.

System Resets and Version Information

Preset Display Icons and Symbols

Explanation of icons displayed on the G3 preset screen.

Bank and Factory Reset Procedures

Procedures for resetting banks or the entire unit to factory defaults.

Software Version and Serial Number

How to check the current software version and serial number.

G3 iOS App and Bluetooth Integration

Software Update Procedure via App

Step-by-step guide to updating G3 firmware using the iOS app.

Song List Management and Transfer

Backup and Restore Operations

Technical Specifications

Physical and Power Specifications

Details on the G3's physical dimensions, weight, and power requirements.

Input;Output and Signal Handling Specs

Technical data on input impedance, output types, and signal bandwidth.

Amplifier and Buffer Circuit Specs

Information on gain, bandwidth, and impedance of amplifier and buffer circuits.

Warranty and Legal Information

Product Warranty Terms and Conditions

Details on the 2-year warranty, coverage, and exclusions.

Disposal and Copyright Information

Guidelines for product disposal and copyright/trademark notices.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The GigRig G3 is an advanced pedalboard switching system designed to provide robust, fully featured, and tonally transparent control over guitar effects. It is available in two models: the G3 and G3 Atom. The system is engineered to offer extensive flexibility in creating and managing guitar sounds, catering to both traditional preset-based setups and on-the-fly sound building.

Function Description

The G3's core function is to manage and switch between multiple effects loops and control functions, allowing users to create complex signal chains and recall them instantly. It features 12 mono effects loops that can be configured in various ways, including pairing them for stereo effects, integrating with an amplifier's effects loop (four-cable method), and reordering the signal path. The system supports parallel signal paths, wet/dry setups, and programmable stereo output voltage-controlled amplifiers, along with stereo trails for seamless effect transitions.

MIDI capability is a significant feature, allowing the G3 to send up to 15 individual MIDI messages per preset, including Program Change (PC), Control Change (CC), and Expression Pedal (EXP) MIDI messages. It also includes a MIDI Clock for syncing time-based effects and a dedicated MIDI Tap Tempo feature, which can be assigned to footswitches or remote switches.

The G3 provides two expression pedal inputs (TRS connectors) that can send MIDI CC information and control the system's PRE GAIN and POST GAIN levels, effectively functioning as volume controls for different stages of the signal chain.

Remote switching is another key function, with four remote switches configured into two TRS sockets. These are programmable and can be used for various controls such as changing amplifier channels, tap tempo, or controlling external devices like a Remote Loopy. A dedicated Bank Remote Switch input allows for remote bank navigation using a momentary switch.

Usage Features

The G3 is designed for intuitive use, with most programming done via its top panel. Presets are central to its operation, encompassing MIDI control, Stompbox Mode configurations, and effect loop selections. The system automatically saves changes after each step, eliminating the need for a separate "store" button.

Preset Programming: Users select a preset footswitch, then activate the desired effects loops and control functions. The G3 offers 14 standard presets and 14 hidden presets within each of its 99 banks, providing extensive storage for diverse sounds.

Stompbox Mode: This mode allows users to add any loop or combination of loops and control functions on top of an existing standard preset. This enables on-the-fly sound creation without being restricted to traditional presets. Stompbox Mode presets can be configured as:

• Standard: Clears when a normal preset is selected.
• Sticky: Stays active until manually turned off, useful for effects like reverb that are often desired for extended periods.
• Flash: Operates in momentary mode, activating the stompbox preset only while the footswitch is held down, ideal for quick, transient effects.

Deep Edit Menu: Accessible via a dedicated button, this menu provides advanced editing options for each preset. It allows users to:

• Name Presets: Customize preset names for easy identification.
• Configure MIDI: Program MIDI messages (PC, CC, EXP) and MIDI Clock settings.
• Expression Pedal Assignments: Assign expression pedal parameters for PRE/POST GAIN control or MIDI CC.
• Loop Order: Reorder the effects loops in any desired sequence.
• Trails: Set up delay and reverb trails for spill-over effects between presets.
• Parallel: Create parallel or wet/dry signal chains, allowing different effects to be sent to different amplifiers. This feature includes phase reversal to resolve phase cancellation issues.
• Tap Tempo: Configure tap tempo controls for MIDI-enabled pedals or remote switches.
• Hidden Presets: Access and program secondary presets for each standard preset, effectively doubling the available presets per bank.

Global Setup: This utility menu contains global parameters that apply to all presets. Settings here include:

• Song/Bank Identification: Choose between numerical bank identification or song titles (requires the G3 iOS app for song names).
• Number of Banks: Limit the number of active banks if not all 99 are needed.
• Bank External Switch: Enable an external momentary switch for remote bank navigation.
• Bank Preset Assignment: Assign a G3 footswitch to act as a Bank Select button.
• Bluetooth: Enable Bluetooth connectivity for the G3 iOS app.
• Update: Facilitate software updates in conjunction with the G3 iOS app.
• Hidden Preset Master Switch: Enable or disable all hidden presets globally.
• Stereo Pairs: Configure mono loops into stereo pairs for stereo effects.
• Global Phase: Adjust the polarity of Output 2 to prevent phase issues, especially when using Stompbox Mode.
• Backlight: Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.
• Status Bar: Toggle the visibility of the status bar on the preset screen, which displays active functions in white and inactive ones in grey.

Connections: All connections are located on the back panel:

• Input: For guitar connection.
• Tuner/Aux Out: For connecting a tuner or other auxiliary devices.
• Effects Loops (1-12): Send and return jacks for connecting individual effects pedals.
• Outputs (1 & 2): Output 1 is the main earthed output, while Output 2 is isolated and phase-reversible for connecting a second amplifier or DAW.
• Remote Switches (1-4): TRS sockets for controlling external devices.
• Bank Remote Switch: For remote bank navigation.
• MIDI In & Out: Standard 5-pin DIN connections for MIDI-enabled pedals.
• Power (9V DC): Requires a 9V DC center-negative power supply, with TheGigRig Generator recommended.
• Expression Pedals (EXP1 & EXP2): TRS connectors for expression pedals.

Maintenance Features

The G3 includes features for system maintenance and data management:

Software Updates: The G3 iOS app facilitates software updates, ensuring the device runs on the latest firmware. Updates are downloaded via the app and transferred to the G3 via Bluetooth.

Backup and Restore: The G3 iOS app allows users to back up their G3 settings to their iOS device and restore them when needed. This is crucial for preserving custom configurations.

Factory Reset: This function wipes all settings and restores the G3 to its original factory state. Users are advised to back up their settings before performing a factory reset, as there is no other way to recover old configurations.

Bank Reset: Allows users to restore an entire bank of presets to factory settings without affecting other banks.

Version Information: The G3 displays its software version number and serial number, making it easy to verify the installed software version.

Bluetooth Connectivity: The G3 connects to iOS devices via Bluetooth for app functionality. The Bluetooth connection automatically turns off after 2 minutes of inactivity to prevent unwanted connectivity.

The GigRig G3 is designed to be a comprehensive and flexible solution for guitarists seeking advanced control over their pedalboards, offering a blend of intuitive operation and deep customization capabilities.

The GigRig G3 Specifications

General

Type	Switching System
Power Supply	9V DC
MIDI	Yes
Input Voltage	9V DC
Current Draw	100 mA
Switching Type	True Bypass
Power Output	9V DC
Outputs	Stereo