MIDI FLOOR CONTROLLERS

In my music world, switching between different guitar sounds, effects, amplifier channels and tones is essential. When I redesigned my rig in 2007, I chose the ultimate audio switcher made by RJM Music called the RG-16. See my review on it HERE.

Design guru and owner of RJM Music, Ron Menelli, has been on a war path to design electronic switching gear to make our lives easier all the way around. His innovative Amp Gizmo and RG-16 switchers were an instant success in the guitar community and now RJM Music has recently released the new mid-sized MIDI foot controller called the MasterMind to their product line.

As stated on their website, “The MasterMind is the ideal companion to the RG-16 and Amp Gizmo”. There are literally hundreds of MIDI floor controllers on the market today, most of which are poorly designed and hard to program. The MasterMind, however, was designed and engineered by a guitarist and for guitarists. When used with other RJM products like the RG-16, the ease of programming is simply refreshing. It is by far the easiest MIDI programming I have ever experienced.

Features

•Program Change and Continuous Controller message support (4 PC and 8 CC messages per preset, all on different MIDI channels)

•125 presets, arranged in 25 banks of 5 presets

•Expression pedal input

•A Function switch that can send Continuous Controller messages, or can activate the "alternate preset" capability of the Amp Gizmo and RG-16

•Phantom power capability when using a 7 pin MIDI cable

•A Remote In-jack, which allows the synchronized use of multiple MasterMind controllers on stage

•Rugged 18 gauge steel enclosure

•Flexible power requirements: 9V-18V, AC or DC, 200mA

Let me reveal a little bit about this ingenious little box.

Loop and Function Switch Programming (Quick and Easy)

I own the RG-16 that includes 8 audio loops and 8 function switches. I use it to control several amplifier channels, boost, and functions, and I have 6 pedals that I “insert” in and out of my signal chain. Programming this switcher was absolutely effortless. In fact, this is the easiest programmable MIDI controller I have ever encountered. I programmed 5 presets in about 60 seconds! One of the brilliant features on the RG-16 is the simple push-button control for each function switch and loop. When programming the MasterMind for this switcher, you simply select the preset on the MasterMind that you want to program, push the buttons on the RG-16 for any combination of function switches or loops and them push and hold down the WRITE button on the RG-16. Once the flashing routine is finished, your “Preset” is now programmed. Brilliant! This is so simple and logical.

Setup Mode (MIDI Programming)

If you want to control other MIDI-controlled devices made by other manufacturers, you will most certainly need to enter Setup Mode and program the MasterMind to communicate with these other devices. Setup Mode is very powerful. It does take a little time to learn and get used to its programming sequence. Once you get comfortable with it, it’s a breeze to program. The MasterMind Setup Mode has two sections, Global Setup and Preset Setup.

GLOBAL SETUP

Program Change Destinations (PC Numbers) - It is important to understand the concept of “Program Change Destinations”. This is also referred to as PC numbers. Each MIDI device within your rig will require a unique “PC Number” (i.e. MIDI control number). This allows you to send unique MIDI program changes on four separate MIDI channels. In other words, the MasterMind is capable of controlling four separate MIDI devices via four unique MIDI control numbers (PC numbers).

PRESET SETUP

Preset Setup Mode is used to define exactly what MIDI messages should be sent for each preset (i.e. Program Changes and Continuous Controller messages should be sent to each device). This is also where you program the Function Button and Expression Pedal for each preset.

MIDI Program Numbers – These are MIDI program change numbers that are sent to each MIDI device (via their change destination as noted above). MIDI program numbers can be assigned each preset for each device allowing tremendous flexibility.

Continuous Controller Numbers – These are “continuous” control change numbers that are sent to each MIDI device (via their change destination as noted above). CC numbers are important and necessary for a variety of control functions within midi devices. For instance, the RG-16 uses unique CC numbers to select a particular loop and function.

Expression Pedal – A single expression pedal can be connected to the MasterMind and all programming for the pedal’s function is done in Preset Mode. The MasterMind does all the necessary translation required to convert pedal position data to Continuous Controller messages for each preset.

Function and Layout

As you can see from the pics, the layout of the MasterMind is simple and straightforward. There are 5 Preset buttons on the bottom and a Bank Up and Bank Down button on the right.

One of the cool things about using an ensemble of RJM Music products is that there are additional features and functions available. For instance, when using the MasterMind with the RG-16 and/or the Amp Gizmo, you have access to a special feature call “Alternate Presets”. With this feature, you can assign a second alternate preset to each main preset. The “Function” button serves as the alternate preset button. When you are in any preset, you can program an “alternate preset” (i.e. boost function, or add a delay, whatever). This is a very nice and useful feature”.

A final note is that you can connect multiple MasterMinds together to have them operate in unison. I’ve never played on a stage large enough to warrant this function, but for the touring professional it may come in handy.

Wrap Up

Like all RJM products, the MasterMind is built like a tank. The whole unit feels solid and the buttons appear to be durable and made of the highest quality. If you’re a guitarist (or keyboardist) who needs to control multiple devices or switch between different amp channels, functions, and tones, but you want to focus on your playing, this is a great mid-sized midi floor controller that will allow you to focus on what you do best. You won’t be disappointed.

Websites where you can find more information on the MasterMind.

RJM Music Technology - Here is a link to their main website. Check out all the great videos by premier guitarist Dave Weiner HERE.

Dave Weiner who has been a long-time supporter of RJM Music Technology. Dave is a great musician and guitar player too.