Could a ML5 do this?

I’m looking for a way to have 4 instruments plugged into 4 inputs with one single output and the ability to select which input is active with a MIDI switch. I’m wondering if I could use the RETURN jacks on the ML5 as inputs and select which loop is active to select which input is active.

Would this work?

EX:

Electric guitar is plugged into RETURN A
Acoustic guitar is plugged into RETURN B

When loop A is active only the electric guitar signal goes to out. When loop B is active only the acoustic guitar signal goes out.

Yup, that will work as long as there is only 1 loop active at any one time. If all loops are active (for example), then the only the loop closest to the OUT port (i.e. Loop E) will be connected to the OUT. Loops A-D will have no connected to OUT at all because they are connected to the next loop’s SEND port, which is not connected to anything.

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Perfect, thank you so much! Looks like I’ll be placing an order :slightly_smiling_face:

Morningstar… So versatile!

Just wanted to follow up in case anyone else is wondering, I’ve been using mine this way for the past year and it has worked perfectly!

Since the signal sent to the Input also is disconnected if any loop is active I’ve found I’m actually able to use one ML5 as an input router for 6 different instruments!

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Thanks for the update!

We have recently added a section in the manual to show other use cases as well: ML5 User Manual

I stumbled upon this looking for the exact opposite solution.

Would I be able to use one of the loops as a secondary output? I was looking to bypass almost all of my board (except for a single pedal) and go straight to my amp. Would this be possible by selecting any number of loops up to the loop containing said pedal?

Yes, you can. An aspect to be mindful is grounding. The ML5 is grounding on the return, not the send. To resolve this, place a jumpered/grounded plug into the return and you’re golden.

I’m fairly new to the world of switchers and controllers as a whole.

For context, I’m trying to figure out how to run my clean signal into an ML5, with a compressor in Loop 1, and then route that signal to either (1) the entire rest of my board or (2) a Boss AC-3 for an acoustic(ish) sound. Both of these signals would then go to a sum box so that there’s one main output. I guess my main questions would be:

  1. Does each loop need to be grounded, or the device as a whole? and, if so
  2. What would I run the grounded cable to (plugged into the Loop 2 return)?

Thank you for the quick reply earlier :slightly_smiling_face:

The setup you’re looking to run is essentially what I did with my ML5 and it works perfectly. I used one of the loops as a send but used a second output instead of merging.

  1. The unit as a whole is grounded and each loop is grounded on the return. If the compressor is in loop 1 completes the chain there’s no issue: Send → pedal/effect → return. Potential issues arise if the loop chain isn’t completed back to the ML5.

  2. The return only needs to be a jack plug with the tip and sleeve internally wired together. No cable is required. It’s to complete the connection for the return jack. A non-jumpered plug will not work as it doesn’t close the circuit.

This is the thread where I was working through what you’re trying to do here:

You learn something new every day and that is exactly what I needed to know, thank you so much! I’m not the most knowledgeable when it comes to electronics, so I’m trying to figure it out as I go.

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We’re all learning and on a journey of discovery.