RJM Rack Gizmo, User Manual, Page: 12 / 32

7
Special Features
Audio Buffer
Using long cables or many effects may degrade the guitar signal, causing it to lose clarity and definition. The audio
buffer is used to “strengthen” the guitar signal and preserve sound quality. The effect may vary from subtle to
significant, depending on the length and quality of cables and type of effects used in your rig.
Typically, the buffer is placed in the audio path before the first audio loop, but certain pedals such as wah pedals or
germanium fuzz pedals work better without a buffer in front of them. In these cases, it’s best to route your signal
through these pedals, then through the buffer, and then through the rest of your pedals.
The buffer can be moved by connecting the Buffer In jack to the output of one loop and the Buffer Out jack to the input
of another loop. This will put it in between the two loops. Alternately, you can put the buffer
in a loop as if it were an
effect pedal. Connect Buffer In to a loop send, and Buffer Out to the same loop’s return. You can put the buffer in any of
the Rack Gizmo’s loops in this way. You probably will want to leave the loop containing the buffer switched on at all
times, but you do have the option of switching it on and off as you wish.
The buffer provides a path to ground, which can either help with - or cause – noise due to grounding issues, depending
on the specifics of your rig. See the Grounding Issues section for more details.
Click Stopper
The Rack Gizmo uses relays to perform its switching. Relays are the cleanest, most transparent switching method
available. The disadvantage of relays is that they can produce a slight click in your audio signal when they switch. This is
more noticeable when using a high gain amplifier or overdrive and distortion pedals. The Click Stopper circuit found in
the Rack Gizmo is designed to greatly reduce this click noise by muting the audio output briefly when the relays switch.
To most effectively use the Click Stopper, it should be the last thing in line before your signal goes into the input of your
amplifier or preamp. If you’re using 4 or less pedals in front of your amp, all you need to do is connect the CS Out jack to
the input of your amp. All the other connections (except the connections leading to and from each pedal) are done for
you internally.
If you’re using all 8 audio loops for pedals in front of your amp, you should connect from the output of loop 8 into the
input of the Click Stopper (CS In), and the Click Stopper output (CS Out) will connect to the input of your amp.
Like the buffer, the Click Stopper also provides a path to ground, which can either help with - or cause – noise due to
grounding issues, depending on the specifics of your rig. See the Grounding Issues section for more details.
Front Panel MIDI Connector
The Rack Gizmo features a front panel MIDI connection. The connector is a 6 pin female XLR connector. The XLR
connector was chosen because it locks tightly and is more durable than the standard MIDI connector.
RJM Music offers 6-pin XLR to standard MIDI adapter cables. This will allow you to plug any standard MIDI device into
the front panel MIDI connector. The 6 pin XLR MIDI connector will also be supported on future RJM Music products such
as the Mastermind GT MIDI controller, which will allow bidirectional communication between switcher and foot
controller as well as phantom powering.
Important note! Do not connect MIDI devices to both the front panel MIDI input and the rear panel MIDI input at the
same time! At best, it won’t work, and in the worst case you can damage your equipment.