Tuning a Redundant Quad Cortex Rig (with MIDI Controller)

Often times we plan to build a redundant Quad Cortex and the first question from the artist is "how do we accomplish tuning." This blog and video covers how to accomplish tuning in a redundant Quad Cortex when utilizing a MIDI controller.

When people are running redundant Quad Cortex systems (even just racking single QC's) they typically utilize a MIDI Controller. Artists may use playback to trigger patch changes; however still may have a MIDI controller to trigger certain effects or sounds during a song. The main and almost first topic covered when planning out one of these builds is: Tuning.

This video explains the gear needed, how to setup the rig, and even MIDI programming to accomplish tuning. This covers how to program the MIDI Switcher (Mastermind LT) to use one stomp/switch that mutes the signal and routes tuning - no matter what input or QC you are on.

Step 1: The Gear Necessary

The main components necessary to accomplish what we are doing in this video are:

- LEHLE 1 at 3 Switcher

- Tuner

- MIDI Switcher (RJM Mastermind LT's are great!)

The video is showcasing this on a redundant rig for a Neural DSP Quad Cortex; however this can be applicable to any redundant style rig.

Step 2: Routing

The next step is connecting the gear properly. We will cover audio signal chain + MIDI Signal Chain. 

Audio Signal Routing:

Your guitar input feeds the LEHLE 1 at 3 Input. Connect the QC Main to Output 1 of the 1 at 3. Connect the QC Spare to Output 2 of the 1 at 3. Finally, connect the Tuner to output 3 of the 1 at 3.

MIDI Routing:

This briefly covers the MIDI signal chain. In this rack, we are running two Quad Cortex units, each of which need to be fed MIDI inputs from the MIDI controller downstage. Additionally, the racks feature the Lehle 1 at 3 + Voodoo Lab Control Switcher that need to be fed MIDI from the controller downstage. Due to the amount of MIDI devices, we recommend using a MIDI Thru Box.

Specifically, the LEHLE 1 at 3 needs to connect to your MIDI signal chain. The LEHLE 1 at 3 uses a 1/4" TRS connection for MIDI. The wiring also needs to be in the "B" configuration, which is a little bit more rare these days. Don't worry! We have you covered on this. We can make you a type "B" MIDI to TRS wired cable to whatever length you want! Check out our Type B low profile MIDI to TRS cables

Step 3: Configuring the LEHLE Mode

Hold down all 3 buttons on the LEHLE. The first switch illuminates for Mode 1, second switch for Mode 2, third switch for Mode 3. In this scenario, we are wanting Mode 2.

Step 4: Set The LEHLE MIDI Channel

This video does not cover how to set the MIDI channel on the Lehle unit. We cover this in a separate video - https://youtu.be/jvb-g3caNKg You can also reference this in the Lehle manual. Set the Lehle's MIDI channel to be separate from any of the other MIDI channels in your rig.

Step 5: Configure the Mastermind LT

Using the RJM Mastermind LT software, it is now time to configure the Mastermind LT to send the proper commands to the LEHLE 1 at 3.

1. Go to the DEVICES tab on the editor.
2. Select a device on the left hand side list to set up as the LEHLE 1 at 3
3. Select the MIDI Channel that the LEHLE 1 at 3 is on from the dropdown list
4. In the PRESET TAB select a # of preset you'd like to use and label it as you wish
5. Select a number of PC message to send the 1 at 3. This will signify the 1 at 3 to trigger the "3: output and route the instrument signal to the tuner
6. Write the settings to the Mastermind LT (plugged into computer via USB)

Step 6: Get the Mastermind LT and LEHLE Talking

This next step tells the LEHLE 1 at 3 what to do when it sees that program change.

1. Press the switch on the LT that you assigned the PC for tuning to in the editor.
2. Hold the black program button on the 1 at 3 for output 3 (tuner) until it starts blinking

Step 7: Always On Tuner w/ Muting Capability

Some people like the tuner always reading. This method covers how to accomplish this and still be able to mute the signal on the fly. You will need the Voodoo Lab Control Switcher + Radial Backtrack to accomplish this. The Backtrack should already be in the rack if you are using a redundant Quad Cortex rig. The Voodoo Lab Control Switcher adapts the Backtrack to respond to MIDI commands. We cover this in our original video How To Build a Redundant Quad Cortex Rig

1. On the Mastermind LT editing software, go to the DEVICES tab and setup the Voodoo Lab Control Switcher within the rack. Set the MIDI Channel on the LT that corresponds to your MIDI channel on the Control Switcher.
   
   
2. Set a Preset on the left pane of PRESETS tab that you want to use for Tuner Always On - Mute Button - for Quad Cortex Main.
   
   
3. Select a PC command to send to the Lehle 1 at 3 that will have Outputs 1 and 3 active (QC Main and Tuner).
   
   
4. Create a Preset Action - CC Toggle to tell the Voodoo Lab Control Switcher to MUTE all outputs from the Radial Backtrack. This should be CC Number 81, Value 100.
   
   
5. Transfer to the Mastermind LT.
   
   
6. Press the switch # you assigned on the Mastermind LT to send the PC to the LEHLE 1 at 3
   
   
7. Hold the program black button for Switch #1 until it blinks
   
   
8. Hold the program black button for Switch #3 until it blinks
   
   
9. Ensure the CC Commands are talking to the Voodoo Lab Control Switcher and Backtrack as planned.