Hi,
I’m thinking of running two ZMACS together in a setup with other MIDI gear. I can’t find information on how to assign each unit to a specific MIDI channel. I also can’t find any MIDI implementation chart anywhere.. Is there a way to, for example, send a CC message to engage/disengage the attenuator?
ZMACS is in OMNI mode and only responds to program change commands.
Take a look at this thread, if you still have questions let me know!
Hey! I actually went deep on this and got full MIDI control working—including channel switching and engaging/disengaging the attenuator.
Here’s a video of my setup in action: Sam Pura on Instagram: "Here’s an overview of my MIDI setup with my @fryetteamps ZMACS @thepandastudios 🐼💜🎛️"
There’s no official MIDI implementation chart, because the ZMACS responds to Program Change messages 0–127 on all MIDI channels. That means if you send PC 127 on Channel 1 or Channel 2, it’ll still switch—so you effectively have 127 usable preset slots to create and save per unit.
I’m running two ZMACS units simultaneously with other gear by using a MIDI controller that lets me assign Program Changes to individual MIDI ports. Since both ZMACS units respond on all channels, separating them by port is the only way to control them independently.
If you’re trying to trigger attenuator states or switch channels, it’s just a matter of saving those states to different presets and then calling up the right PC message. Super flexible once you get it mapped.
Dan linked my full thread already, but I’m happy to answer any specific questions. Let me know what controller or setup you’re using and I can help walk you through it.
Hi Sam, Dan, Thank you both for responding.
I just skimmed through the thread you linked… wow, incredibly helpful. I need some time to do a proper deep dive into it.
Sam, to answer your question, I don’t have a setup yet as I’m looking into what’s possible. After seeing the IG videos on your channel, I’ve gotten some ideas.
I have 8 heads and 8 cabs in a setup that could potentially be similar to yours. Could you please confirm, in your setup, can you send the output of an amp on ZMACS A to a cab in ZMACS B? From what I can tell this is not possible, but lmk. Also it seems the attenuator only works for the amps connected to ZMACS B, correct?
My original thought was to use my Morningstar MC6pro foot controller to both control the ZMACS and engage pedals in a rack using an RJM Mini Effect Gizmo. From what I can tell, I need each of the ZMACS to be on a separate Midi Port, correct?
Thanks for your time with this!