Designing His Dream Pedalboard 

Out of curiosity, why is your boost pedal so big (size)?

It’s no bigger than an MXR phase 90 with the 1/4” jacks put in. The width is determined by the jacks (in, out, EXP, 9V).

@@VertexEffectsInc isn't the JHS a 125B sized enclosure? I thought mxr used 1590B (ish) sized stuff?

GuitarGodgt I don’t know model numbers of Hammond boxes, ours are all custom - is this a reference for size that you’re asserting?

Vertex Effects Yes the 1590B is basically the normal mxr size, the 250B is a tad taller and a tad wider. Another pedal off the top of my head that is 1590B sized is the ehx canyon.

Hahaha! We did get a late start due to the pedalboard that got lost in transit and we shot some demo videos in the AM those days as well. But we did pull it off on the end! Thanks for watching!

Pleasant surprise indeed!! Erick is the truth

RonnIE O. Yeah man! It’s a great pdeal

Thanks John! Thanks for watching!

Andre Carvalho yes indeed! He was shocked to see the transformation

Lyle Anderson Pretty much every episode has the weight listed, the only reason I didn’t have it here is that I did this video remotely in our showroom, and I typically don’t work there so I don’t have all my normal tools, that includes my digital scale. Nevertheless, it was somewhere in the low 30 pound range, because it was about 45 in the Pelican Air Case.

Im so glad! Do you have a link! Love to see it!

Thanks so much Michael! Best wishes from California!

Eric Lyke It’s all pretty standard, wah, interface, ES-8 in: 1) Compressor 2) Dynamic Distortion 3) Ultraphonix 4) Boost + VP 5) Maliki Chorus 6) Tank Reverb 7) H9 stereo 8) HX Stomp stereo

Vertex Effects Thanks a lot!

Eric Lyke sure thing

Haha! Yes sir! Thank you!

@@sd_design Yes sir!

Enki Ea thank for watching!

Erick is amazing! If it works, it is good :)

levinjapan thanks man!

It could be you!

Mike, I try to keep it as "real" as we can, where there are issue we show them. Helps with the suspense hahaha!

@@VertexEffectsInc Mistakes help us learn and thats what is cool....

Mike Buckman no doubt

octovision oh man, thanks!!!

Garth Kirkcaldy thanks Garth!

It allows you a centralized place for all your inputs and outputs. This way you don't have to try to have cables coming out of the ES-8 that's sitting under the pedalboard riser. This is a very common feature of most pro-grade pedalboards.

Yes indeed! Not just me, the whole Team on this one! Was a group effort to cross the finish line!

Jonathan Walker thanks for watching Jonathan!

Ryu Yamakawa thanks for watching!!!

We have to give folks time to prep their busy schedules! Hahaha!

Paulo Nuno Teixeira thanks for watching

So glad this is helping!

Vertex Effects Thank you guys!

@@TimNewman1 our pleasure Tim!

@@VertexEffectsInc Check out my stuff. I'm building my first board and I travel round the world busking. Could be a cool Collab??

Patrick Edwards thanks Patrick! Thanks for watching

🥰🥰🥰

Be sure to catch up on the old episodes

Erick is amazing!

Vertex Effects definitely epic player

I notice this too on video - didn’t know I did it until I saw it. Thanks for taking an interest in my blinking ;)

Thanks Coach! We appreciate you taking the time to watch!

Ricky Montijo thanks for watching! What did you take from the video?

I also heared that vibe, is that a specific song? Reminded me of the end of "home"

Also that little blue Malekko chorus is a hidden gem. I've been trying to find the matching vibrato for weeks now.

I just did it in every possible reset with every extreme from the factory and couldn’t get it over 900mA no matter what. I combined two outputs to power the HX so it’s getting a full 1AMP. I could understand if you were using a supply that wasn’t able to provide the necessary current.

@@VertexEffectsInc Ah that's cool. Mind if I share your thoughts on the forum then? Great to hear your experience. By the way the mailman literally JUST handed me my new Steel String. I'm excited to try my first Vertex pedal.

Malekko is cool! I also like the Anadime Chorus for that vibe too. Great unit!

Sure, easy to test with a mA meter. Truetone makes a good one. You have to make sure thought that you’re combining two of the outputs in parallel to get the 1000mA though otherwise you’ll have an issue.

wheresallthezombies you could always learn! Good luck!

Vertex Effects that is definitely a possibility. Lol.

Brixio Mendoza thank you so much!!!

t perry thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching

James, thanks for watching! It's some music that I got for RU-vid that is license free, you can find their "free for use" playlist on the main RU-vid site.

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching!

We have tons, be sure to check them out in the Rig Doc. playlist!

hahaha, I didn't know it showed it! That one was definitely down to the wire!

Hahaha! Thanks Domi!

Hahaha! Yes, but a lot of these artist boards have to go together fast. More time is always better if we can swing it.

Jacob IsBell year it’s in a rehearsal studio in LA

They should be saved on our Instagram - on the profile page. I'm trying to do one a week.

Two of the Strymon Zuma outputs are in parallel to get 9V @ 1AMP, I don't recall if the polarity is different in it - I usually just replicate it based on what my multimeter says, but I do remember it's a 2.5mm barrel plug instead of the 2.1 standard on the power input.

Check the MIDI cables, and then ensure your on the correct MIDI channels on both.

You need to combine two outputs in parallel, and use a 2.5mm barrel plug when you terminate the side going into the HX, as I recall it was reverse polarity but you can confirm in the Line 6 manual.

Amazing! Thanks for watching! Stay cool in Indonesia!

Sounds like Chorus, Delay, Reverb, Compression

saw this comment before I heard "that magical sound", I knew was what you were referring to. I gotta program that. there are some vids on it too.

Portiia thanks for watching

Moises Lima ok

All good, looks like a Malekko and an SP. Cheers!

Malekko!

Why would it be any different than in series? If it sucked tone in one condition it would do the same in the other.

@@VertexEffectsInc Yeah I was also wondering why and therefore I am happy to receive your answer, thank you!

I combined two outputs from the Zuma to get a full 1AMP of power, I think we also had to reverse the polarity, but you can double check your manual to verify that. I think it also took a 2.5mm plug instead of a 2.1mm.

Thanks!!! @@VertexEffectsInc

ALL ANIME don’t do that! You can build it yourself! All the links for materials in description

He uses it for effects - delay and reverb primarily. I think he’s using Carr amps, not the Line 6.

Yes it’s controlled by the switcher via midi and in the stereo loop 8

I have several videos and diagrams for diy ones on our channel

@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks! I see them now!

@@VertexEffectsInc can you recommend one already to go?

@@windowsoflife Mesa Boogie High Wire has it all and the buffers you need anyway on the input and output.

@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks so much!

Jake Mann use the back of the old Velcro that you peeled off and use the adhesive side to “Brazilian wax” the old residue off.

Anthony Hernandez it really is the best way

Try lemojuice

Brandon McCrae email info@vertexeffects.com and we can discuss rig builds!

Pelican Air Case.

Malekko

Thanks so much for watching!

Malekko Chorus

TeeVeee this one was for hire so is not part of the giveaway. Our John Mayer Giveaway ended the other week our next one is an EVH Rig giveaway!

the Harley Benton stuff is pretty cheap, and not at all bad. I think they have a power plant with 8 isolated outputs for like 50/60$

just checked, it's called the Harley Benton PowerPlant ISO-2 Pro. Don't know if you'll be able to get it in the US though. It's from a German store (thomann.de)

@@paulppetersson aah thanks i got the iso 1 but thinking of buying the iso 2

Yes!

@@VertexEffectsInc Sweet thanks! And does it also power the Es8? Seems like it but i can't figure out how.

Both MIDI and loop

Ricardo Fernandes Duarte thanks for watching

Hunter?! Best hair in the biz

I have no response to that. I hope to age as well as Erick!

@@VertexEffectsInc Didn't want to sound too much like a jerk. You'll see on instagram. After watching the whole video here I got it was more the fault of the camera angle in that one. But I was genuinely confused watching it the first time. It was a total helmet. Until it actually wasn't. 😕

Was I chewing gum? I spaced on that I guess.

What would that have gained him that wasn't here already?

@@VertexEffectsInc Cleaner sound, best matrix and power system in the world, stainless steel materials and zero noise. Thats not possible in any other way. Try it, it will blow off your socks.:)

@@koenroels4549 I'm familiar with it. Who's telling you this information? The Boss, tech wise, is more advanced than the G2, switching matrix in it is the same as what's in the RJM which is the Rolls Royce of switchers.

@@VertexEffectsInc sweet!

@@Mcsteveberry Thanks for watching!

Yes!!!

Email us and we’ll send you an application for a build!

Vertex Effects what’s the exact email

info@vertexeffects.com

Ok I’ll send email

Sure, I could have. However, this is not a practice that I choose for building pedalboards. There are certain applications where the products you mentioned are a viable option - for example, as a DIY consumer level alternative to the proper way of soldering patch cables or power cables - however, that’s not my context, nor is it the context of the clients I’m building for.

​@@VertexEffectsInc I so appreciate your reply back. That said, there are a LOT of professional touring musicians using both the products that I have listed so your argument in that respect is not well founded. I respect your decision to solder everything and your experience in doing so for many amazing musicians. That said, both the options I have listed WILL become the new industry standard. As in business, anything that is more efficient leading to cost savings will be adopted over time. I forecast that both the solderless cables and cut & play power will become the norm. Again, your video is excellent and thank you for providing your knowledge and experience for all of us. It is valued and appreciated.

@@hitnorcal Thank you for watching the video and thanks for your patience on this reply - I wanted to answer your question thoughtfully so I wanted to wait until I had some time to write something in more depth and in detail. Let me begin by clarifying that I do not manufacture, nor sell guitar cables or pedalboard power supplies (you could count our Battery PSU as a supply, but I've yet to feature one on this channel for a client). I have no proverbial "dog in the fight" or predisposition to sell a product that's underwriting my recommendations on what I believe to be the best products for any particular pedalboard build. Any product that I use to build a pedalboard is purchased by the client from a major retailer, i.e. Amazon, or a vendor that I've recommended to them in advance of anything being sent to me to build. I don't take any money for parts or materials from customers (they provide everything for the entire build). I'm only paid for my labor and any custom modifications that couldn't be purchased in advance of the build. I typically only build 2 rigs per month out of 20-30 applications (these rigs are selected via the application process by our team) exclusively for teaching on this channel - as you probably know, our thing is manufacturing guitar pedals, and this is a side-project I took up after NAMM this last January 2019 after being talked into it by RU-vidr Rhett Shull. My recommendations to DIYers is a confluence of time and experience with hundreds of pedalboards built, hundreds of power supplies used, and thousands of patch cables assembled. In addition to that, having some pedalboards in the field now for a decade, and modding/servicing them over time, I've observed many patterns which I try to talk about as much as possible regarding "best practices" for the health and longevity of one's pedalboard. Many of my pedalboard "best practices" that I recommend are not unique to me, in fact, most are utilized by those with the most longevity in the industry as rig builders: Robert Bradshaw (CAE) and David Friedman (Racksystems) among them - neither of which I've ever seen a use disbursed modular power supply to account for isolation, voltage, input power, nor have a I see them use solderless cables. In fact, I once watched a live stream with David where he was asked about his favorite solderless cable, and he abruptly replied, "learn to solder!" if that's any indication of his sentiments. Looking specifically at solderless cables, the fallacy, as I see it - and as you've recapitulated - is that simply because any one professional uses a solderless cable system for their pedalboard, means that it's a professional-grade product. Sure, some pro's use solderless cables, maybe they prefer the sound - i.e. Eric Johnson using George L's but a celebrity useable or testimony doesn't fulfill a prerequisite for quality, roadworthiness, or longevity. One's ability to make great music has no correlation to one's understanding of guitar cables and/or power supplies. Most of the professionals that I've come into contact over the years with aren't well versed in technical differences in cables and power supplies and why one may be better than the other for their context. Things like cable capacitance, power isolation, rig longevity, etc. are typically not in their wheelhouse of expertise. Rather, they're relying on the recommendation of the rig builder, and what that builder prefers for their processes and standardization methods. Often, this means using a narrow group of products that the builder is comfortable with - for better or worse. The lens of objectivity narrows when a builder has their own product line, or sells the products they exclusively use to build and showcase their rigs. Their product recommendations to customers, artist or not, become inexorably tied to their earning potential. This is not unique, it's business after all, but a conflict of interest nonetheless. Beyond that, although solderless cables have improved over the years mechanically, they still rely on tension for connectivity, and music, by nature, creates vibrations in varying degrees, especially so in electrified live performances. The connectivity of your cable is now at the whims of the vibrations pulsing through your bedroom, studio, stage, etc. and is slowly degrading the connection you have. This is additionally compounded if the cables are manipulated, moved, plugged/unplugged with any regularity. Extreme break angles or hard pivots in the cable dressing out of the housing compound that even further. Then, most importantly, no solderless cable creates a gas tight connection, meaning immediate oxidation which is the enemy of any quality instrument or patch cable. By contrast, in soldered cables, oxidation is reduced to a minimum if assembled and soldered properly. Beyond that, you're not tied to any particular manufacturer of cable that's proprietary to any one particular solderless system (I've yet to find a solderless cable that I though was superior sounding - in terms of neutrality - to the canonized coax cables - i.e. Mogami, Canare, Belden, Gepco, etc.) - this is subjective, of course, as it has to do with a sonic preference. Bottom line for me, regarding solderless cables, I can't put my name on something I know is destined for failure, especially when someone's livelihood is dependent on my assembly and materials curation to inform the reliability and longevity of their rig. You mentioned in your first comment about time savings, but I suppose time is a small investment in the outset if the result is the materials outlasting the pedals on the pedalboard. If it takes more time to solder a cable, so be it. Perhaps a product will come along in the future that provides the flexibility for various cable types, diameters, etc. Eliminates oxidation to the degree a soldered connection with a gas tight connection would, that won't degrade with usage and age. But it's no here yet. Now to the power supply. Could it work? Sure. But for my process and experience, having a robust metal enclosure that provides power to all the devices on a board over a disaggregated power supply with auxiliary modules is preferable. To me, the desegregated power supply is sloppy, pollutes the pedalboard with wires, and is more fragile than a soldered or molded connection. It also requires that you use a split coax which is not as noise-free as a shielded coax cable, i.e. Voodoo Lab power cables. To my knowledge the modules are plastic, and I can't see how in good faith you could hold that up next to a Pedal Power 2, Truetone, or Strymon PSU, and say, these plastic modules are "better built". The road is harsh, and things that can break, will over time, and putting one of the most important cornerstones of one's pedalboard in multiple plastic housings, with clip tensioners, in a vibration rich environment where stuff is stepped on, flown, bussed, carried, and dropped - I ask, what's the advantage? Lastly, I agree that innovation ultimately wins out, and if we can put a man on the moon, it's certainly possible that we can figure how to improve upon the best practices that are out there now. But, little known fact, speaking of space travel, NASA will not use clips, crimps, or tensioned anything on a space shuttle, or anything going into orbit. Why? Oxidation and corrosion are multiplied drastically in space - and even using ROHS (lead free) solder would result in failures because it deteriorates faster than leaded solder. Every connection is hard-soldered to it's respective mate because it's the only way that they can ensure the lowest risk for failure regarding connectivity. Admittedly, this is a high bar with way more risks to human life than a guitar cable, but from a customer standpoint, it's nice to know that you have the NASA Space Shuttle of pedalboards ;) Respectfully, Uncle Mason aka Rig Dr.

@@VertexEffectsInc Uncle Mason - You and your show are excellent. Thank you so much for your time, first and foremost. I know it is precious. Second, I value your opinion and trust that it is soundly based on a experience... so thank you again for using this forum so well and responding to me when you don't have to. I have taken your advice to heart. I have both types of cables and power supplies, that said, I know see your method. Your a real cool dude. Sam Sacramento, Ca

Carlos Iglesias thanks for the feedback, hopefully the other 19 minutes were tolerable.

@@VertexEffectsInc I was also going to mention something along the lines of "You know who can nail the voice over for the intro? Tom Cavanaugh", but yes, the intro may need to be reworked, like if it were a hospital or something. Plays well with the "doctor" side of things. Otherwise, great work on the board

Tom Tobin Are the Rig Doctor videos helping you with your board? If not, what do you want to see that would be beneficial?

@@VertexEffectsInc - I don't use pedals that much but when I do, Its a mess. I just need to make some time to straighten them out.

@@TomTobin67 hopefully the videos help!