Types of Functions Available

1. Discrete in-line bypass loop
   Discrete inline bypass loops consist of separate Input, output, send and return jacks. The loop is in bypass (input passes to output) with a midi controller value of between 0 and 64. With a midi controller value from 65 to 127, Loop is engaged (input passes to send, then to effect input; effect output passes from return to loop output). Both the effect's input and output are electronically disconnected from the loop signal path when in bypass mode. This is known as 100% bypassing.

2. In-line bypass loop (as part of a series chain)
   When in-line loops are used as part of a series chain, they work exactly as described above, the only difference is each loop input and output is internally hard-wired in the signal path. This greatly reduces the number of jacks needed to complete a signal path at the expense of reduced inter-loop patching capability. The benefit is more loops are possible due to reduced jack count ( the in/out jacks can be used for more sends/returns). This is especially useful if you know what your signal path is going to be. In other words, if you know you will have 6 pedals in series, you only need 1 input jack, 1 output jack and 6 sets of sends/returns. Loop 1 feeds loop 2, loop 2 feeds loop 3, etc... These fixed configurations are how we are able to get so many functions in a single rack space, since redundant jacks are eliminated.(This also increases reliability). Also, since the series chains are half-normalled, you can use them as a switchable signal splitter!

3. Audio Mute
   Audio mutes consist of an input jack and an output (or send) jack. The signal is muted (no input passes to output) with a midi controller value of between 0 and 64. With a midi controller value from 65 to 127, Mute is engaged (input passes to output (or send) jack. This function is used when you just need to stop a signal, and is primarily used to bypass effects when using a line mixer. This is especially useful when muting the input of time based effects (delay& reverb) to create a natural decay (spillover) when bypassing.

4. Switched Output
   Switched outputs are essentially the same as audio mutes and are controlled via midi the same way. The difference is they usually come at the end of a pedal chain. Their outputs (sends) are most often transformer isolated, and feed the inputs of amplifiers.

5. Control Functions
   Control functions are chassis ground isolated relay contact closures mainly used for channel switching amps. They are also used where any "foot switch" type circuit is necessary, such as remote bypass on some effects processors, as well as speed (or rate) controls, etc... These functions are typically wired to 1/4" jacks, but can be wired to any type of connector. They are available as:

• Normally open
  With a midi controller value of between 0 and 64, contacts are open.
  With a midi controller value of between 65 and 127, contacts are closed.
• Normally closed
  With a midi controller value of between 0 and 64, contacts are closed.
  With a midi controller value of between 65 and 127, contacts are open.
• Momentary
• With a midi controller value of between 0 and 64, contacts are open.
• With a midi controller value of between 65 and 127 contacts are momentarily closed for 60 milliseconds.
• Normally closed can be configured as well. In this case, contacts open momentarily for 60 milliseconds.
  
  Please note, momentary functions are tricky and are not recommended. This is due to the open ended function of a momentary contact, (no feedback from the device you are trying to control) and its relationship to the LED indicator on the foot controller. You have to sync up the function on the device you are trying to control to the LED on the foot controller so that when the led is lit on the foot controller, the device is "active". This can sometimes be difficult to achieve, especially when the function is part of the footcontroller's "presets".

Additional Circuits Available

In addition to the functions mentioned above, other specialized circuits are available, at additional cost.

1. Transformer Isolated Inputs/Outputs
   An example here would be a transformer isolated wireless receiver input. This would eliminate possible ground loop hum caused by connection of a rack-mounted AC grounded wireless unit. The higher transformer secondary impedance will also help sensitive discrete transistor effects (typically fuzz boxes) think they are directly connected to a high impedance guitar pickup. Transformer isolated outputs do the same thing: that is, they electronically isolate the ground (common), thus eliminating ground loop hum.

2. Selectable Inputs
   We have already discussed switchable outputs, but switchable inputs are a possibility as well. Say you had two different instruments that you wanted plugged in and ready at all times. You could have them set up and ready, hit a foot switch, and be ready to go. We recently did a system where the player played both guitar and bass through the same system. The bass stayed plugged in and ready. All he had to do is put down the guitar, pick up the bass, and hit the "bass" footswitch. This footswitch selected both the bass input as well as the output to the bass amp!

3. Mixing (summing) Circuits
   Mixing audio signals can be extremely useful in a guitar system. See our Line Mixer page for details on how they can help you. Custom switchers can include anything from simple 2-input summing circuits (for combining outputs of wireless receivers, for example) to more elaborate multi channel stereo effects mixing.

4. Splitting Circuits
   Splitting audio signals is often required when you need a signal to get to more than one place simultaneously. One example is when you need to use multiple amps together at the same time. Another is when you need to feed multiple effects at the same time while mixing their outputs together. All of this is easily accomplished in a CAE custom switcher.

5. Balanced (D.I.) Outputs
   Sometimes a balanced output is required to feed the P.A. or for recording purposes. No problem here. We usually use high quality Jensen transformers for this. Outputs can be made footswitch selectable as well.

6. Level Shifting Circuits
   Often it is necessary to boost or cut signal level to and from various devices. For example, you may want to use instrument level pedals in the line level effects loop of your amp (or between your Preamp and power amp). Or perhaps you want to use a piece of line level (rack) gear between your guitar and amp. We can provide the necessary circuits to make this happen.

7. ???
   Need something not described here? Let us know. We can probably make it work.