RJM Mastermind GT/10, User Manual, Page: 20 / 73

12
Setup with a Fractal Audio Axe-Fx
The Axe-Fx series of effect processors are commonly used with Mastermind GTs. The Axe-Fx’s advanced MIDI
implementation allows the Axe-Fx and Mastermind GT to communicate to each other, with the Mastermind GT sending
commands to the Axe-Fx and the Axe-Fx sending status information back to the Mastermind GT.
Connections
This setup requires slightly different connections than a standard MIDI device would. There are two ways to do it:
Single MIDI cable – this is the simplest connection. Simply connect a standard 5-pin MIDI cable from the Mastermind
GT’s MIDI output to the Axe-Fx’s MIDI input.
Even though the connectors on the two devices are 7-pin MIDI connectors, a 5-pin cable will work fine. The extra two
pins are used for phantom power, and should be left unconnected. The Axe-Fx is not able to supply enough current to
power the Mastermind GT, so a 5-pin cable is the safest option.
Make sure that the MIDI cable you use is a “5 pin active” type – a “3 pin active” MIDI cable will not work correctly. It’s
also important to make sure that the Mastermind GT and Axe-Fx are connected directly to each other, with no MIDI
devices in between. They need to be directly connected in order to communicate correctly.
With this option, you should power the Mastermind GT normally – with its included power supply.
Phantom Power Adapter – you can also phantom power the Mastermind GT. This allows you to keep the power
supply backstage in a rack, with only one MIDI cable going to the GT. We sell a phantom power adapter box, part
number PPA-DIN7F-1, which is a small box that goes between the Mastermind GT and Axe-Fx. It combines the MIDI
connection from the Axe-Fx and power from the AC adapter into a single 7-pin MIDI connection that goes to the
Mastermind GT.
Settings
Setup on the Mastermind GT requires only a few steps:
1. In Mastermind GT setup, select Edit Devices .
2. Select a device slot. If you’re starting with a Mastermind GT that’s in the factory state, select the “Rack Gizmo”
slot. If you also have a Rack Gizmo, you can leave the “Rack Gizmo” entry and instead select one of the empty
slots.
3. Press the Type button, then select Fractal Audio . Next, select your Axe-Fx model from the list. Don’t select any
of the options that say “(slave)” after the model name. (These options are described a bit later.)
4. Press the Set Default Buttons button, and press 1 . This sets up button page 1 with a default set of buttons
that control the Axe-Fx.
To MIDI I
nput
(5-pin)
Po
w
er
To MIDI O
utput
(7-pin)
Phantom Power Adapter
PPA-DIN7F-1
To Axe-Fx MIDI Input
(use 5-pin active MIDI
cable)
To Mastermind GT MIDI Output
(use 7-pin MIDI cable)
AC Adapter