User`s manual

MIDI Program Change
The 444 offers the possibility to save up to 99 presets of different amplifier / cabinets combinations.
You can switch between presets by sending MIDI Program Change messages from your MIDI foot controler,
or any other MIDI device connected to the 444 „MIDI IN“ connector.
To save a preset, send a MIDI Program Change message of the desired preset number. The switcher status
saved with the preset number is called, and the preset number is shown in the front panel display (7).
Note that the 444 starts counting the presets at „1“, even thought the MIDI standard internally starts at „0“.
The reason we did this is because almost any MIDI foot controler start counting the foot switches at „1“ as
well.
If the preset is now changed by the front panel controls, the SAVE knob starts flashing. Press SAVE to save
the current status to the preset.
To protect your amps, a preset can not be activated if at least one of the cabinets saved with the preset is
not connected to the 444. In this case the display shows the status (n.c.).
MIDI Control Change
All front panel controls can additionally be remote controlled by MIDI Control Change messages.
In contrast to calling complete presets via MIDI Program Changes, every Control Change message switches
only one function at a time. That is why you might have heard people calling this method „Direct Access“.
See „Control Change messages table“ for a detailed description of the 444 Control Change messages.
MIDI Control Change modes
Even though Control Change messages only access one function at a time, some people prefer programing
presets of several Control Change messages inside their MIDI controler, instead of sending Program Change
messages to access a preset stored in the 444.
MIDI controler in a higher price range like the RJM Mastermind GT offer the possibility to send the Control
Change presets in an „intelligent“ way, meaning it also sends CC messages to switch the currently used amp
or cabinet off before switching on another one. This is important as the 444 has certain rules and orders for
the switching process to protect your amps from any damage. (see „switching rules & protection).
For this scenario you should use the 444 Control Change mode „0“.
If you are using a MIDI controler which has a more simple software structure - and for this does not „know“
which amp or cabinet is currently in use - or if the number if CC messages in a preset is limited, it might
work for you to use the 444 Control Change mode „1“.
In this mode the 444 only processes Control Change messages having the value 127 („switch on“), after
switching of every amp or cabinets which is currently in use.
If you are not sure which CC Mode is best for you, always start out with CC Mode 0, which is the 444 factory
preset. This is the correct mode for most cases, especially if you are sending single CC messages, and not
presets of several CC messages.
When programing presets of CC messages to your MIDI controler, always keep in mind that the 444 works
after certain rules for the switching process mentioned before.
I.e. if you prgram a preset that sends commands to switch on two amps at a time, the 444 will only show an
error status (Er) in the display.
User's Manual 444