using a Columbus with my VH4s - problem

[mattmaxxx]

Hi everyone,
I just baught a Columbus and connected it to my VH4s via standard Midi cable (tried different ones)
but it seems there's something wrong here because

1) there' s no power supply from the VH4s, so I connected the power adaptor - nice blue lights now shining on the Columbus
but 2) still I can't switch channels or anything, I checked the manuals... tried programming with what I do understand but still when I push the buttons on the C. nothing happens on the VH4s

Is it because my VH4s is an old blue face? (baught used) Is there no phantom power supply on that one? cant I use a Columbus with it? (There's also still a jack for a "FS7" or something, an old version footswitch???)
Or could the "midi in" on the VH4s be broken???? How do i know? Can someone help me with this?

-M.

 

[scottph]

I don't think the VH4 has phantom-power...and I seem to remember something about "omni-mode" - have a look in the manual.

 

[Jaymz82]

I don't think the VH4 has phantom-power...

It actually has. I'm powering my Engl Z-12 through my VH4 and it works flawlessly.

 

[Peter Diezel]

Sorry, no power supply on the blueface

 

[mattmaxxx]

Thanks everyone for answering

So, ok, I connected the power supply and the midi cable, but I dont understand why I cant remote the amp.

I'm not that familiar with midi, but as I understand it, omni mode should be ok, right?
When I try switching into Omni-Mode, it looks like thats working (Channel Insert, Mute and Send2 lights light on). But then it seems I still cant program the Columbus.
And when I otherwise want to switch into Single Mode, hold mute and push a button on the Columbus, , nothing happens. I guess the VH4s doesnt get the Midi info. But how do I know?
-M.

 

[JohnRageOn]

Set the head to OMNI mode.
Press a button on your controller.
Choose a channel and some of the extra functions.
Press the Store button twice (after the first time it will blink).
Now the program is stored.

 

[mattmaxxx]

Set the head to OMNI mode.
Press a button on your controller.
Choose a channel and some of the extra functions.
Press the Store button twice (after the first time it will blink).
Now the program is stored.

Thanks John,
I tried but it seems the amp doesnt receive the midi info.
I guess I have to call a doctor... (or the amp-ulance )

 

[duesentrieb]

Na dann frag doch Peter mal, ob Du einen Ausflug von Osnabrück nach Bad Steben machen kannst . . .

 

[mattmaxxx]

Ja, hab ich getan. Ist sowieso mal ne gute Idee...

For everyone interested: the problem is that with my blueface VH4s even though theres a Midi In, the old chip inside doesnt suppport the Columbus, so I will need to get the chip replaced. That should be all. Peter D said, I also wont need an extra power supply after updating just like the newer silverface. hellyeah

Thanks for everyone's help
-M.

 

[diezel&gas]

I don't think the VH4 has phantom-power...

It actually has. I'm powering my Engl Z-12 through my VH4 and it works flawlessly.

what about a Engl z-12 or z 15 with the herbert? do you think it will work?
i read the manual of both herbert and Enl z-12---and say (engl ) it has a 5 pin midi out instead of the 7 pin of the herbert's midi connection out....

 

[Jaymz82]

The Z-12 will work, at least with the VH-4. But it uses different pins for power supply so you will have to change the pin assignment.

 

[diezel&gas]

can you use analogic pedals and set midi presets too with the engl z12?

 

[Jaymz82]

The Z-12 is pretty basic. It is able to do program changes only, so you can switch presets, but that's it.
If you want to use any sort of pedals you need a looper like the Rocktron Patchmate or GCX.

 

[diezel&gas]

so what do you suggest me for my needs?
the engl z15 is different from yours, take a look if you want :

http://www.engl-amps.com/index2.html

i have to buy 3 or 4 effects ( pedal boxes, not a multieffct or midi rack ) and i'd like to mix them in presets, using a midi pedalboard.

do you suggest me the 15 then a looper like those mentioned?
or is the z15 enough... i think it has both midi presets and looper feature.

i need to make a right purchase cause i don't know anything on midi and loopers

 

[Jaymz82]

Imo you will do fine with the Z12 and a looper like the GCX. Than you can use up to 8 pedals with the VH4 and switch everything with the Z12. No need for the Z15. You just don't need those extra switching outs and expression pedal ins.

However the most flexible setup would be using the GCX with Ground Control.
http://voodoolab.com/gcontrolpro.htm
http://voodoolab.com/gcx.htm
That will give best of both worlds. You can change presets and switch everything you want at once and also have instant access buttons to turn certain pedals on and off regardless which preset you are on.