• From: Fort Worth, TX
  • Registered: 2009-03-14
  • Posts: 9

Topic: Suggestion to TC to upgrade footswitch for the VL Rack

I have a suggestion for TC Helicon for a new foot switch for the VL Rack.  You guys have had that 3 button footswitch around for a long time and have set up the VLRack to work with it.  Unfortunately that switch is pretty limited due to only having 3 buttons.  How about creating a pedal that gives the user of the VL Rack more flexibility with dedicated switches and/or assignable ones and maybe a screen that can show the preset or some kind of information similar to the VL2.  At a minimum it could have a screen that just shows the preset number and then lights over the buttons to show if a certain parameter is on or off. 

I bought my VL Rack for the studio but am about to use it live and it occurred to me that the only footswitch available just isn't going to give me the flexibility I need when comparing this model to the floor model so I thought I'd offer up this feedback.  After all, it's supposed to be the same thing except in a more convenient rack mount package (which it is) except it's really not as easy for the live performer to use when compared to the VL2.

Just thought I'd offer up my 2 cents.  smile

  • From: Victoria, BC
  • Registered: 2011-07-25
  • Posts: 739

Re: Suggestion to TC to upgrade footswitch for the VL Rack

Heya Soulville,

Thanks for the suggestion!

It's definitely something we think about whenever we design products. How much control is enough and how much becomes overwhelming?

If it were me using the rack, I think I'd work more in the "steps" domain. It takes extra time to set up, but having Preset Up/Dn and Step on the Switch3 would allow you to create a different step for each section of a song, within a single preset, then move up and down between presets as needed.

I know Tom Lang uses his VL2 more as a "stomp box" with only a couple of presets with different harmonies etc., which is certainly easier with the VL2 compared to the rack.

The balance with the Rack is that it's also designed for a sound tech to operate from the booth, so it's a compromise in terms of foot control.

Hope that sheds some light on our design intentions. smile

Cheers,
Craig

Craig @ TC-Helicon's Website

  • From: Fort Worth, TX
  • Registered: 2009-03-14
  • Posts: 9

Re: Suggestion to TC to upgrade footswitch for the VL Rack

Craig,

This might be the ticket to deal with patch changes while still using the Switch 3 for other commands. http://www.tech21nyc.com/products/effec … moose.html

This midi floorboard should allow me to group patches and scroll to the specific patches within a group and then the Switch 3 could be configured to enable whatever setting I want turned on or off within a patch and/or to bypass effects altogether.  Any reason this wouldn't work?  Seems like a good compromise for now.  I'll probably buy one and give feedback on it here for anyone else interested.

This board might give you guys some inspiration for your new floorboard that I'm sure is in the works.

  • Registered: 2011-12-06
  • Posts: 23

Re: Suggestion to TC to upgrade footswitch for the VL Rack

I am also interested in controlling VoiceLive Rack functions via MIDI which are not supported by the Switch 3 footswitch. I am trying to achieve monentary on/off control of harmonies. I am currently researching a product made by MIDI Souluions call the "Footswitch Controller" which allows for a 1/4" plug footswitch to be used to trigger MIDI commands. All programming software is free and downloadable on their website. They offer a number of MIDI interfaces, perhaps one of these may be of interest to you. I am awaiting information from TCH on weather this application is possible with the VoiceLive Rack. Please see my thread "No "Live" in VoiceLive Rack!" for more information on this.

Mojo