I would love it if someone could point me to more information about using the Roland GA-FC foot controller. Thanks!!
Inside the Katana Head / 100 combo box there is a sticker you apply to the GA-FC Footswitch
The GA-FC Foot Switch connects with a 1/4" TRS cable to Katana Head / 100 combo / Artist
(GA-FC is NOT supported on Katana 50 112, AIR or MINI)
(https://s6.postimg.cc/z63pspdhd/GA_FC_Katana.png)
On the far Right the "EFFECTS" switch toggles the GA-FC operation modes.
GA-FC Foot Switch Default mode is
* Channel Select Mode (selecting the 5 channels on Katana 100 / Head)
(CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, Panel (manual settings))
or
* FX Select Mode - toggle FX On/Off ( Booster/Mod, Delay/FX, Tap Tempo, Reverb, FX Loop )
Also you can add two Roland EV-5 Expression Pedal to the GA-FC Footswitch for Volume (Master Vol) and FX (Wah or Preamp Vol)
(https://s6.postimg.cc/6rya8tpxd/GA_FC_Katana2.png)
On each of the 8 presets you can edit your desired FX for
* Booster/Mod
* Delay/FX
* Reverb
and toggle each on/off using the GA-FC Foot switch
And for each of the 8 user presets use BTS of Gumtowns Katana Editor and edit each preset for the specific Booster/Mod, Delay/FX, Reverb effect you desire.
Here is a comparison:
Gumtown's FxFloorBoard vs Boss Tone Studio:
FxFloorBoard vs Boss Tone Studio (BTS):
30 Booster types (including 8 custom sub types) vs BTS 20 Boosters,
35 MOD effects (plus Harmonist custom scales) vs BTS 27 MOD effects,
11 Delay types vs BTS 6 Delay types,
37 FX types (including TeraEcho and OverTone) vs BTS 27 FX types,
Chain configuration (any effects order) fully customisable vs BTS 3 fixed Chain selections,
11 items/effects can be used at once in the signal chin vs BTS 8 items (can't use Booster/MOD or Delay/FX at the same time).
Gumtown's Katana FxFloorBoard Editor
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=20625.0
Katana FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=19048.0
Thank you.
A suppose Roland EV-5 is not the only expression pedal GA-FC supports. Katana's spec mentions Boss FV-500L and FV-500H - would those pedals work fine with GA-FC as well? What about Boss FV-50H or FV-30H?
Since I already have GA-FC, FS-5L or any other Boss footswitch will be pretty much redundant, but could it be utilized in any way together with GA-FC?
read this thread for compatible expression pedals
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=33.0
I've been having a weird problem.
100 combo.
Normally using the GA-FC with an EV-5.
Works as expected...
But when I use the amp without the GA-FC, it sometimes stops making sound.
Sometimes it plays fine until I move any knob and then there is no sound.
Really messed me up on a couple of gigs.
Now I just always bring the GA-FC and it will restore the amp to working condition.
Is this a known bug?
Have yo got the latest firmware?
QuoteI've been having a weird problem.
100 combo.
Normally using the GA-FC with an EV-5.
Works as expected...
But when I use the amp without the GA-FC, it sometimes stops making sound.
Sometimes it plays fine until I move any knob and then there is no sound.
Really messed me up on a couple of gigs.
Now I just always bring the GA-FC and it will restore the amp to working condition.
Is this a known bug?
When EV-5 Expression pedal is connected , There exists internal flash memory that stores the current volume level based upon the last known EV-5 position
However should you power down the Katana while the EV-5 treadle is heel down (low volume or muted ) , this value will be automatically written into the current preset ("CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4") and remain in flash memory.
As you discovered , only way to "recover" is reconnect the EV-5
Prevent this occurring by moving the EV-5 pedal full Toe Down ( max volume) prior to turning off the power on the Katana.
Quote from: Elantric on March 22, 2017, 07:54:11 AM
When EV-5 Expression pedal is connected , There exists internal flash memory that stores the current volume level based upon the last known EV-5 position
However should you power down the Katana while the EV-5 treadle is heel down (low volume or muted ) , this value will be automatically written into the current preset ("CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4") and remain in flash memory.
As you discovered , only way to "recover" is reconnect the EV-5
Prevent this occurring by moving the EV-5 pedal full Toe Down ( max volume) prior to turning off the power on the Katana.
That's important information! Does this affect the EV-5 plugged directly into the amp, or just when the EV-5 is plugged into the GA-FC?
Either scenario
QuoteThat's important information!
Explains why we will soon have 20,000 members ;)
YIKES!
That is a seriously important thing to know.
Many thanks to Elantric for the info!
Is this published on the Roland site somewhere?
I was burned 3 times by this hidden "feature"... Imagine me very sweaty on gigs, not knowing why the Katana was not making sound.
Or soundcheck was fine and then time to play and... no sound.... sweat and major stress... turns out if you move any knob when in this crash mode... the whole thing mutes.
Kind of a big deal.
Are we sure that the toe down on shut down will always fix this?
What if I forget, or imagine that I forgot to do the toe down at shut down...
Is the solution to always bring the GA-FC with at least one EV-5 to every gig....? or power up the amp at home before a gig to be sure I don't need the GA-FC...?
Even then, my confidence has been severely shaken.
The EV-5 plugged directly in to the Katana doesn't resolve the issue.
It requires GA-FC with EV-5
I'm a little confused. Does the GA-FC Controller have the same function to engage different effects on the Katana-50.
QuoteI'm a little confused. Does the GA-FC Controller have the same function to engage different effects on the Katana-50.
If you own a Katana 50 watt -many features of the Katana 100 watt models are not possible - like using the GA-FC Foot controller = not possible
Thanks man. :)
Quote from: Elantric on March 22, 2017, 07:54:11 AM
When EV-5 Expression pedal is connected , There exists internal flash memory that stores the current volume level based upon the last known EV-5 position
However should you power down the Katana while the EV-5 treadle is heel down (low volume or muted ) , this value will be automatically written into the current preset ("CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4") and remain in flash memory.
As you discovered , only way to "recover" is reconnect the EV-5
Prevent this occurring by moving the EV-5 pedal full Toe Down ( max volume) prior to turning off the power on the Katana.
FWIW, I could not reproduce this problem using the EV-5 directly plugged in to my Katana 100 1x12.
QuoteFWIW, I could not reproduce this problem using the EV-5 directly plugged in to my Katana 100 1x12.
However it remains a rampant problem for many folks at TGP
Its a result of using the EV-5 ( or wrong Expression pedal type - like a Mission Pedal ) connected to the GA-FC foot pedal,
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?posts/23651194/
Quotemjross said: ↑
Sorry for the bother but can someone help me with an issue I'm have with my Katana 100. It is kind of hard to put my finger on it but every now an then I turn the amp off and when I turn it back on, I get lights but I get no sound no matter what I do. If I do a factory reset, it comes back but I loose all my presets. I just got the Roland GA-FC pedal and I'm trying to isolate if that may be the issue. However! This seems to be intermittent and the damn thing just shuts down when it wants to. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Can anyone expand on this? Is there a problem with using specific types of expression pedals with the Roland GA-FC? Are Mission Engineering pedals not compatible? Are all expression pedals (other than Roland) not compatible? Any help on this issue would be greatly appreciated.
The Katana and the GA-FC is designed for a Roland Expression pedal = an Expression pedal with a 10K ohm Linear POT that must be wired like an EV-5
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snapagogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fsource%2F2582014%2F1410890697_2076475294_EV5_diy.jpg&hash=af04ecf1f8943bbf897dc8258c6b19d687fc8274)
I was just responding to the previous post that indicated this problem also affects the EV-5 plugged directly into the amp. It doesn't.
Quote from: Elantric on March 22, 2017, 07:54:11 AM
When EV-5 Expression pedal is connected , There exists internal flash memory that stores the current volume level based upon the last known EV-5 position
However should you power down the Katana while the EV-5 treadle is heel down (low volume or muted ) , this value will be automatically written into the current preset ("CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4") and remain in flash memory.
As you discovered , only way to "recover" is reconnect the EV-5
Prevent this occurring by moving the EV-5 pedal full Toe Down ( max volume) prior to turning off the power on the Katana.
Just to clarify this issue.
This only applies to folks who are using the amp with the GA-FC and EV5 and then try to use the amp without the GA-FC.
Example... I just want to use the amp with no GA-FC.
Example.... at a gig where one expects the amp to make sound.
I am loving the Katana 100, but have had several times when it went silent without the GA-FC.
I usually bring the GA-FC with the approved EV-5, but several times I thought I could just bring the amp without the GA-FC.
The Katana was dead or made sound until I turned a knob and then was dead.
I tried restoring sound by plugging in the EV5 to the back... NO sound.
It turns out that you need to have the GA-FC with an EV5 to get the amp up and running in this specific situation. (flash memory as described above)
I'm thinking this applies to a very small segment of the users of the amp, but it sure messed with my gigs.
Bottom line....
WARNING
For Katana users with GA-FC and EV5 pedals.
If you are using GA-FC with EV5 on Katana, always bring these pedals.
If you attempt to use the Katana without these pedals, it may work fine, but if you failed to store the toe down volume position at shutdown, the Katana may be silent at restart.
The EV5 won't bring the sound back unless it is connected to the GA-FC.
Does leaving the last position of the EV-5 pedal in max volume help,
as opposed to leaving the EV-5 in minimum volume then switching off the amp... ?
I'm guessing the last thing you do after using the EV-5 is set it to volume min/off position before powering down the Katana.
Sounds like a firmware over-sight, they should have the Katana 'look if the GA-FC is missing' from last use,
and change the EXP pedal value to max volume on start up.
Actually last thing you do after using the GA-FC with EV-5 is set EV-5 volume to Max On (toe down )
position before powering down the Katana.
This prevents the Mute condition that might occur next time you use the amp without GA-FC
Thanks Elantric.
You got it right.
Press the EV-5 to toe down when you turn off the Katana.
In my case, at the end of a gig, I'm often thinking about other things and the toe down position of the EV-5 is far from my mind.
And even if I did it, I'd still worry whether I did or not... or if the Katana got the message and stored it.
Again, I know that my case is very specific and will not apply to most users.
I was bitten three times before I figured it out and it was a very stressful experience.
I assumed that I could plug my guitar in and get sound.
Beyond that, I'm loving the sound of the Katana and using it on many gigs.
Always with the GA-FC and EV-5.... Gotta have those to be sure it will be able to make sound.
Funny, first time I've ever had to worry about an amp in this way.
First time at an awards ceremony and it just went dead.
Quote from: Elantric on March 11, 2017, 01:47:11 PM
read this thread for compatible expression pedals
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=33.0
Hi, i've read the thread for compatible expression pedal but i have to confess that i'm a little lost (not enough expert on electronics :P).
I bought a second hand FV-50H thinking that it was the old model of FV-500H. Now i understand that it's not really comparable as the 50 series is a volume pedal when the 500 serie is volume+expression pedal, at least the impedance seems really different !
My questions are:
- Can i use it (FV-50H) with Katana head directly in the "sel ch1 ch2 / exp pedal" to
control volume? effect like wha? drive level for boost?
- Do i risk to break something by trying it?
- I should receive my GA-FC footswitch this week, can i use it (FV-50H) with it?
Thanks for your help,
Philippe
Not much you can do with Katana and FV-50H
could run Guitar> FV-50H> Katana Guitar Input
thanks,
now i have a FV-50H to sell !
Quote from: Elantric on March 22, 2017, 07:54:11 AM
When EV-5 Expression pedal is connected , There exists internal flash memory that stores the current volume level based upon the last known EV-5 position
However should you power down the Katana while the EV-5 treadle is heel down (low volume or muted ) , this value will be automatically written into the current preset ("CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4") and remain in flash memory.
As you discovered , only way to "recover" is reconnect the EV-5
Prevent this occurring by moving the EV-5 pedal full Toe Down ( max volume) prior to turning off the power on the Katana.
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not figure out what the hell was causing the Katana to go silent everytime I moved the pedal or knob.
Hi,
For information, the expression pedal EV-30 is working with Katana thru GA-FC footswitch. See video at 6:15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15nIQiLsOpA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15nIQiLsOpA)
But almost expensive that EV-5 >:(
@+
Philippe
Quote from: fificap on June 14, 2017, 03:45:47 PM
thanks,
now i have a FV-50H to sell !
Hi,
I've saw this:
http://www.strymon.net/strymon-tech-corner-3-volume-pedal-as-an-expression-pedal/ (http://www.strymon.net/strymon-tech-corner-3-volume-pedal-as-an-expression-pedal/)
Can i use this cable to use the FV-50H as an expression pedal onto the GA-FC??
(I'm still looking for a cheap used ev-5 but none available near my place for now).
Thanks
Philippe
QuoteHi,
I've saw this:
http://www.strymon.net/strymon-tech-corner-3-volume-pedal-as-an-expression-pedal/
Can i use this cable to use the FV-50H as an expression pedal onto the GA-FC??
(I'm still looking for a cheap used ev-5 but none available near my place for now).
Thanks
Philippe
The problem with the Strymon instructions above with Insert Cable is your FV-50H uses a 500k ohm audio taper pot
The Roland EV-5 uses a 10k ohm Linear taper pot -and the Boss Katana or Katana = GAFC Foot controller REQUIRES the Expression pedal have a 10K linear Potentiometer wired like this
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snapagogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fsource%2F2582014%2F1410890697_2076475294_EV5_diy.jpg&hash=af04ecf1f8943bbf897dc8258c6b19d687fc8274)
QuoteHey I'd like to caution everyone about some potential pitfalls connecting non-Roland expression pedals to Roland / Boss Gear. the Roland FC-300 is expecting a specific resistance(10k linear taper) to be presented by your expression pedal. If the pedal that you have differs from the resistance that the Roland expression pedals, then your pedal may not work properly. You may find that moving the pedal from full "heel" to "toe" position only produces a small change in parameter values in teh VG-99/FC-300, or that you get no value change from some portion of the pedal movement.
It is bizarre and highly unfortunate that the FC-300 does not allow you to calibrate it's expression pedal inputs to work with third party devices. In fact, two of my 7 roland pedals were out of whack and even THEY don't work with the FC-300.
Many low cost Roland / Boss compatible Expression pedals (equivalent to Roland EV-5 ) are listed here:
External Expression Pedals / External CTL Pedals
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=33.0
and be mindful of where the side "minimum adjust pot" is set !
https://youtu.be/TzQpkJkimvY
Hi,
I just received a Lead Foot LFX-1which is an expression pedal "ev-5 like" with 10K Ohm impedence.
Works perfectly with the GA-FC as expression pedal for Wah, or as volume pedal. It also works fine plugged directly in Katana head 100.
When it's plugged onto GA-FC in expression pedal slot, it act as a volume pedal except if an effect responding to exp pedal (Wah pedal for exemple) is setup as "FX" for the chanel.
The tricky part is that if you plug the pedal in exp slot of GA-FC, having no FX responding to exp pedal, it act as a volume pedal. If you mute the volume with the pedal plugged in exp pedal slot of GA-FC, then shut down the katana. when you power it up again, with the exp pedal still in exp pedal slot of GA-FC, and nothing plugged in volume pedal slot, then you cannot turn back up the volume using the pedal. you have to unplug it from exp pedal slot, and plug it to volume pedal slot to fix the volume level.
About the Lead Foot LFX-1, it's a very good pedal for the price (less than 20 euros from stock-b thomann, else around 24 euros). Not metal but look robust, movements are easy but remain firmly in position. The cable is not removable from the pedal.
@+
Philippe
Hi after downloading the latest version 02 update ,how do you use the foot switch to access the 4 new B Chanels and toggle beween A 1-4 &B1-4
Thankyou StevieF
Hi Stevie,
I do not yet uprade the firmware, but reading the suplementary doc in boss site:
https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/KTN-v2_leaf_eng01_W.pdf
You need to hold down the panel switch on GA-FC for around one second to change from bank A to bank B (it does not work if "panel" is selected). When bank B is selected, the panel led on GA-FC blink slowly.
@+
I'm trying to decide if it will be worth it to switch away from my Fractal FX-8 and tube amp. Just want these at my feet:
OD/DIST / MOD / DELAY / TAP / BOOST
to make that switch happen. I can label the GA-FC with a label maker if I can get that combination of switches!
So is this possible with the katana 100?
Thanks!
QuoteI'm trying to decide if it will be worth it to switch away from my Fractal FX-8 and tube amp. Just want these at my feet:
OD/DIST / MOD / DELAY / TAP / BOOST
to make that switch happen. I can label the GA-FC with a label maker if I can get that combination of switches!
Sure - use the FX Loop as a Boost and you are set
Many use the FX Loop as a Booster - details
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=19581.msg148335#msg148335
SOLO BOOST using the rear FX Loop
Regarding boosting without using an effects slot: if you have the ga fc or a MIDI pedal for the 100w models, you can set the Katana External FX Loop send/return levels of the loop to turn it into a boost when engaged.
The settings are in the Tone Studio under "system" (I think) in the lower right corner.
You can also set the loop to parallel and adjust the send and returns to taste for a cool fat type boost.
(https://s6.postimg.cc/k9x5tvnup/Send_Return_zpsewqpquhw.png)
Put a short patch cable between the send and return of the loop and you can kick in the "Solo Boost" function by using the "LOOP" foot switch while in EFFECTS Mode on GA-FC
For those using an external cab sim to FOH I would recommend putting the "boost" at fx send rather than at fx return.
Just tried a M-Audio EX-P pedal and it works fine as a volume pedal and wah. Has a switchable polarity and seems to have a calibration adjustment which allows the range of volume change to be adjusted accurately. Made out of plastic and possibly not that robust for gigging, but at £14 delivered from Amazon in the UK its a very cheap way of adding a volume pedal to the ga-fc.
External Expression Pedals / External CTL Pedals
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=33.0
Hi Guys
I have been studying the forum looking for answers but hitting a brick wall
I am getting a Katana 100 amp tomorrow along with a GA-FC footswitch and also a Boss RC3 looper.
My question is this: I would like to also get the Boss FV-500 expression pedal and of course realise there is a H and L version for impedance, I have also learnt the H version is used to plug directly into a guitar. BUT what I cant get an answer on is What if I want to connect the FV-500 to a GA-FC foot controller, would I then need the L version or would H still be ok.
Also can i use for Volume and Expression, from what I can gather this is determined by which ever plug you connect to along with using a 1/4 inch stereo cable, also would this same cable be suitable for volume control?
I hope I explained what I need clearly :-)
Many thanks for looking at my question
Cheers
Read the Expression pedal threads for many alternate Expression pedals for use with Roland / Boss Gear
External Expression Pedals / External CTL Pedals
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=33.0
Either Roland FV-500H/FV-500L Volume pedals can work as Expression pedals
FC-500H manual
https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/FV-500H_OM.pdf
Must use a separate 1/4" TRS cable
"To use the FV-500H as an expression pedal, you will need an optional connection cable (stereo 1/4" phone plugs at both ends)."
(https://s6.postimg.cc/a60ny1ji9/FV_500_H.png)
Many Thanks Elantric
I did see that but because it showed a keyboard and not a guitar it kind of threw me a bit
So from what you are saying here either 500L or 500H will work with the GA-FC footswitch on a guitar with the 1/4 inch stereo cable?
Apologies for the dumbness, I am just starting out on this, and appreciate your support
Thanks
QuoteSo from what you are saying here either 500L or 500H will work with the GA-FC footswitch on Katana with the 1/4 inch stereo cable?
Correct!
Hi there,
I have a question about the GA-FC : is it possible to switch let's say from CH1 on bank A to CH3 on bank B direct without interrupt?
I couldn't find any video or description where this is explained properly.
Quote from: PereP on January 10, 2018, 10:44:21 AM
Hi there,
I have a question about the GA-FC : is it possible to switch let's say from CH1 on bank A to CH3 on bank B direct without interrupt?
I couldn't find any video or description where this is explained properly.
No - its a 2 step operation
Read the details in the new Katana 2 Manual
https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/KATANA_e02_W.pdf
And the new Katana 2 Supplementary Manual
https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/KTN-v2_leaf_eng01_W.pdf
(https://s6.postimg.cc/prulnmjtt/GA-_FC.png)
Thanks for that, but in the only video I found, this happend: while on CH1 preset at bank A and press the panel button to switch to the next bank , it starts playing sound of CH1 of bank B, instead of waiting for the preset which I want to choose. I don't know if I can explain correctly, what I'm talking about? With my GT-10 for example I step on "bank up" and the display is blinking until I press the preset number I want to go to and than changes the sound. Hope you can get me?!
Quote, it starts playing sound of CH1 of bank B, instead of waiting for the preset which I want to choose
correct thats how its works - i.e. unlike the GT-10 , Katana does NOT wait for further patch entry, and this work flow can not be altered by the user.
explains why this alternate method is becoming popular ( much less footwork)
Many use the Primovasound MIDX-20 + MIDI Footcontroller of choice
PRIMOVA MIDX-20 Dual Roland USB MIDI Converter / Ctrl Interface
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.primovasound.com%2Fgfx%2Fmidx20_2016_small.jpg&hash=c79f46fe6bc71b03e227d56a5059dfcc)
http://www.primovasound.com/midx_20.html
http://www.primovasound.com/midx_20_page2.html
same as using MIDX-20 with GT-1
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.primovasound.com%2Fgfx%2Fmidx20_gt1_2.jpg&hash=35e04a97775d4be77b5982addd7e36bd)
Quotelightweight SoftStep 2 USB controller controls the GT-1 ( or KATANA) through the MIDX second USB. The bottom 5 buttons for most frequent patches and the top 5 buttons for various effects on/off+ Tap tempo....
http://www.primovasound.com/pdf/MIDX_20_KatanaV2.pdf
Wow that's interesting. I have a Roland FC200 midi controller that should work.
But I can't find a link where to buy...
Quote from: PereP on January 10, 2018, 11:57:56 AM
Wow that's interesting. I have a Roland FC200 midi controller that should work.
But I can't find a link where to buy...
buy direct
http://www.primovasound.com/midx_20.html
contact our member "Codesmart" via PM for latest status ( all are hand built )
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=6365
Hi Guys
I've just bought a Katana 100 and I'm thinking of buying the GA-FC and a EV-5. Can anybody tell me where the EV-5 would be in the EF chain if used with the GA-FC.
I've been using a Mesa Boogie Lonestar with a volume pedal in the FX loop (before the chorus and delay), I want a similar set up.
Many thanks
Al
It will be part of the "FV" (foot volume) chain, which usually sits after the Booster, preamp, and MOD (effects 1),
and before FX (effects 2), delay 1 delay 2 reverb.
Can I use my Yamaha FC7 expression pedal with Boss Katana with GA-FC combination?
Quote from: cemsky on September 12, 2018, 09:52:20 PM
Can I use my Yamaha FC7 expression pedal with Boss Katana with GA-FC combination?
No
Expression Pedal FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=33.0