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2 Terminology
2.1 MIDI - WTF is that???
MIDI stands for “Music Instrument Digital Interface”. MIDI is the global standard for transmitting notes and control
commands to and from all kinds of electronic instruments and sound-processing equipment.
You can connect your Remote Volume and use the basic functions directly, without having to deal with MIDI. All
you have to do is to configure your expression pedal so that it sends CC number 7. You can find more information
about this in the users manual of your foot controller. And, of course, you’ve got to connect the Remote Volume
to the foot controller with a MIDI cable (see chapter 3.2).
If you own a Prostage XDS | XLS | XTMpro, you can program the Remote Volume very easily using the System
Manager software. No MIDI knowledge is required to do this.
But you can also program the Remote Volume without the XDS | XLS | XTMpro. Then, you need a MIDI interface
and a sequencer software that can send Sysex data. For this, MIDI knowledge is necessary. Detailed information
about MIDI can be found on www.midi.org and many other sites on the internet.
2.2 VCA
VCA is the abbreviation for "Voltage Controlled Amplifier". In simple terms, this is a potentiometer that can be
controlled remotely. To be more accurately, a VCA is an input amplifier (line driver) whose gain is controlled by a
control voltage. The gain of the Remote Volume ranges from -100db (almost "mute") up to +31 db (boost). The
control voltage for the VCA is created by the MIDI data.
2.3 Expression Pedal
An expression pedal is a kind of volume pedal that is connected to a MIDI foot controller (or which is part of the
foot controller). However, the expression pedal does not control a guitar signal, but generates MIDI commands
(Continuous Controller), with which the volume of the Remote Volume can be controled.
2.4 Instant Access = On/Off Switches (Stompbox Mode)
Instant Access are “hardwired” on/off switches. These work like an analog footswitch connected directly to your
amplifier, e.g. to switch channels. At the foot controller you can, for example, define a button which switches the
Remote Volume on and off.
2.5 Preset | Program Change
Presets are stored settings in the effects unit. You can recall presets using the switches on the foot controller. For
this purpose, a program number is selected on the foot controller. This is known as a Program Change.
A preset contains all the settings of the Remote Volume belonging to one sound. For example, the following
presets are stored:
•Preset 2 => Normal volume pedal: mute to normal volume (unity gain)
•Preset 3 => Slight level reduction to soften the distortion
•Preset 4 => Solo boost from normal volume up to + 31dB
•Preset 5 => Mute
If you now press button 2 on the foot controller, the adjustable values - so-called parameters - are set within the
Remote Volume so that it works as a standard volume pedal.
If you press button 3, the parameters are changed in a way that the Remote Volume just slightly lowers the level.
In preset 4 the Remote Volume is used as a booster.
And in preset 5, the guitar is silent :)