Hey everyone! I’m working with the ZMACS and running into two issues:
1. Amp switching resets the cab.
When I switch amps, ZMACS recalls the last cab used with that amp. I want it to keep the current cab so I can easily A/B heads through the same cab while recording. Having to reassign the cab every time kills workflow. If this can’t be disabled, it should be added in a firmware update. It’s a creative roadblock.
2. MIDI switching isn’t responding.
I can’t get ZMACS to respond to program changes from my Novation Launchpad or StreamDeck. I’m sending standard messages, but nothing happens. Has anyone gotten this working?
Ideal setup: one pad for each amp and cab. Tap and go. No reprogramming.
Noted about the 1) and the use case you have. Julian does read these. I will bring the feature request to his attention. It would be “only switch amps” mode.
About 2) I believe the ZMACs is in OMNI mode and waits for PROGRAM CHANGE. It is about as basic as it can be. Can you check your cabling? I vaguely remember a similar question many months ago… I need to dig it out; it will be in the ZMACS category on the forum.
How about storing the combinations you need as different MIDI patches?
You could then have one key for Amp 1 with Cap 1 and another key for Amp 2 with Cab 1. You could need as many presets as combinations, so this is not as clean as your suggestion. I guess the Launchpad has so many buttons this is an use case we did not think of!
Perfect I really appreciate this. I’ll attempt to troubleshoot the MIDI today. I’m going to be reamping the next 2 days so I’ll only be playing with this guy. It’s incredible to have 2 units and have 8 heads and 8 cabs all setup with mics and preamp inputs. Gonna be a fun few days!
I attempted to use my Novation Launchpad today to control the ZMACS via MIDI. I’ve attached two screenshots showing my MIDI pad setup, along with a screenshot of the available MIDI options on the device.
Here’s what I’ve done so far:
Verified that the Launchpad is sending MIDI data correctly by successfully triggering an external synth
Connected MIDI Out from the Launchpad to MIDI In on the ZMACS
Tried both Global and Channel 1 on the Launchpad
Sent various Program Change numbers to test functionality
Then I followed these steps as outlined:
Selected a patch on the Launchpad
Chose amp, impedance, and cab on the ZMACS
Pressed Store
Switched to a new head and cab
Selected the saved patch on the Launchpad again — but nothing changes on the ZMACS
Let me know if there’s anything I might be missing in this setup. I’m specifically sending Program Change messages (not CC). If there’s any chance my controller isn’t compatible, I’m totally open to grabbing a cheap MIDI floorboard to verify basic functionality before continuing to troubleshoot the Launchpad side.
Good question, and thanks for asking—now it has me thinking too…
Here’s my current setup: I’m running my Launchpad in a Pro Tools session on a MIDI track. The input is the Launchpad, and the output is a USB UNO MIDI cable (MIDI In and Out to USB). This setup works fine for triggering keyboard and synth sounds using Notes mode.
However, when I switch to Program Change mode, while I do see MIDI activity in both Pro Tools and on the UNO’s LED indicators, the ZMACS doesn’t respond—it’s not switching patches or reacting to the program change messages.
So now I’m thinking of grabbing a quick MIDI controller pedal off Amazon that can go direct MIDI out into the ZMACS, just to verify that the ZMACS is receiving and responding correctly to basic program changes. Maybe what I’m doing with the Launchpad and Pro Tools just isn’t the right way to send those messages. You bring up a great point—what do you suggest for testing or troubleshooting that MIDI path more directly?
So that ZMACS MIDI input is really quite simple. It implements the MIDI standard and works in every unit we have shipped. My guess here is a software issue on the PC side or a hardware issue with the dongle. Trying a different dongle might help.
Just wanted to update that I got a PS-100 inserted into my second ZMACS now. Really incredible how it works with the ZMACS and the channel switching options. So happy with this. Getting a new stream deck to get this midi sorted! Once we’re there I can’t wait to get this “only switch amps” mode implemented.
Today I tried using a new Elgato Stream Deck (with the basic MIDI plugin) to control patch changes on the ZMACS via MIDI. It’s successfully sending MIDI notes, CCs, and program changes to my external synths, but nothing works with the ZMACS.
I’ve tried every method available in the Stream Deck plugin:
Generic MIDI (with both Control Change and Program Change)
Dedicated CC option
Dedicated Program Change option
None of them trigger any changes on the ZMACS, even though I’ve confirmed the MIDI is being sent and works with other devices. I’ve attached screenshots of my settings for reference.
Once again, I want to ask: **what MIDI foot controller has been confirmed to work reliably with this unit?**Specifically, does this one from Amazon work?
If so, can someone please post a video walking through how to program a floor MIDI controller to successfully change ZMACS patches? That would go a long way in helping me narrow down the issue.
I’ve followed every step I can find and confirmed MIDI is functional in my setup. I just need help figuring out where the disconnect with the ZMACS is.
I’d really appreciate any insight on this today. I’ve been able to get my setup working with other external MIDI devices, but this one has been consistently problematic. The main suggestion I’ve received so far is to check my cabling, but I’ve done that thoroughly. I’ve been working on this for a few weeks now and it’s been pretty frustrating trying to find clear help—especially around MIDI controller compatibility or setup videos. I know it’s supposed to be straightforward, but it just hasn’t worked on my end. Any guidance or next steps you can offer would mean a lot.
I had a great time working with Steve today to troubleshoot the ZMACS MIDI setup and wanted to share a quick update based on our progress and findings.
To continue diagnosing the issue, I’ve ordered two MIDI controllers to test:
While researching, I also came across the CME H4MIDI – Amazon link. It looks like a powerful tool that converts basic note messages into proper MIDI Program Change commands. This could allow me to bypass the computer entirely, going directly from a controller into the ZMACS. Here’s a helpful video overview for anyone interested:
Based on my testing so far, it seems the issue may lie in how MIDI messages are being sent from my current devices, specifically the Stream Deck, Novation Launchpad, and the USB-to-MIDI interface. These all function fine with synths, but the ZMACS seems to require a more specific implementation of MIDI Program Change commands.
I’m honestly surprised there hasn’t been more discussion around integrating the ZMACS into studio setups using tools like the Stream Deck. It’s a common approach with other switchers, and I think there’s a real opportunity to build something helpful here for future users.
For additional context, I found this KHE MIDI Footswitch guide really helpful in understanding broader MIDI workflows and how others are approaching similar setups. While it’s geared toward a different product, the clarity and depth in that walkthrough helped shape my understanding of what’s possible. I’d love to collaborate on creating something just as thorough and tailored for the ZMACS, especially from a studio-use perspective.
Thanks again to everyone here for the support, especially Steve. I’m excited to keep pushing forward and hopefully contribute something valuable back to the community.
I’m extremely happy to confirm that running the Paint Audio MIDI controller directly into both ZMACS is working perfectly. Patches are being changed and saved and MIDI is operating successfully.
Next I’m going to verify the MIDI patch changes, match my Launchpad and Stream Deck to those settings, and use the new MIDI interface to plug directly into the ZMACS. I’ll have na update shortly!
SUCCESS! It turns out the USB to MIDI cable I was originally using wasn’t compatible. As soon as I switched to the CME interface, everything worked perfectly with both the Stream Deck and Launchpad.
Here’s a quick video of the Stream Deck in action:
Thank you so much for all your help throughout this process. I’ll be putting together a full, professional walkthrough video soon to make setup easy for other users too.
Now I’m off to dive into some amp reamping and switch chains straight from my mix position — I can’t wait!
Also another unique note here… the 7 pin input. It is possible to incorrectly plug in a 5 pin cable. I had to verify if that was my issue but it was the USB interface. Regardless really impressed with this CME interface and highly recommend suggesting that for anyone using a MIDI controller that is connected to the computer and then into the ZMACS.
Also the Progeam Changes can indeed be made on any of the 1-16 Channels and 0-127 on the commands. I tried all channels and a bunch of commands / channels.
