I’ve read posts in which users (with significantly more experience in this area than I possess) described assigning Record/Play/Dub/Stop/Erase looper functions to switches on their MC 3/6/8.
Under the category of “Sometimes the obvious, isn’t…,” please help me understand the rationale for dedicating MC 3/6/8 “switches” as substitutes for the onboard looper pedal switches.
I understand the efficiency of integrating cc messages within song banks to synchronize the looper pedal functions as part of a performance, but my RC500 looper sits at the front of my pedal board. Why would I want to replicate its non-performance-based “Record/Play/Dub/Stop/Erase” hard switch functions my MC6? Is it convenience (one-stop switching); practical (looper pedal out of reach); idiosyncratic (I don’t know why I did it, I just like it that way)?
To be clear, I am not judging/critiquing anyone’s choices. I’m simply seeking enlightenment.
Just one off the top of my head, but what if you want to start recording a loop, turn on a reverb, and change banks with the same action? That would be easily accomplished on the MC.
For me it’s setting functions that would otherwise not be available by foot or where functions can be performed faster or more efficiently on the MC6.
Examples: instant undo/redo - no waiting for 2 seconds by holding down the onboard looper button
Play/stop all - without having to manually select both tracks first
Instant clear all - without needing to select a track, press and hold then repeat for second track
Rhythm start/stop and variation.
I was originally considering an MC3 and ended up buying the MC6. Now I regret not going for the MC8!
This is my current Looping Bank for my RC-500
I already have plans on delving deeper but thats down the line as this does so much for me as is.
The D Preset toggles which Track FX is selected (I only use one of the Repeats and Warp)
I still use the RC-500 for record/stop/Track select but it’s worth noting you can reassign the on board buttons too!
I’ve seen people use the first button for track 1 and the second for track 2 (rec/dub/stop) and then the last button could be rythm on/off or loop fx. Very versatile to fit your exact gigging needs (with a lot of painful, I mean fun, programming)
Thanks for sharing the photo. I just had a head smacking moment when seeing your button F - I have a similar switch programmed but as I set this up very early on in my midi days, I never thought to actually label the toggle position between Var A and B, mine is just “Ryth Var”.
I also realised that by flipping the toggle labels, the MC6 would display the variation currently playing rather than a “press this to engage what is displayed”. So simple and obvious now, I just never thought about it!
I really appreciate all your insightful contributions to this discussion and for permitting me/us to peek over your shoulders at your setups. I am fairly technically adept, but there is no substitute for experience. Your willingness to share yours showed me how to use my (now) MC8 to more effectively control the primary functions of my RC500. Thanks, again!
