The Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro is a MIDI foot controller: a floor unit that stores and recalls patches on MIDI-equipped rack processors, effects units and switchers, and sends continuous controller messages from expression pedals. Voodoo Lab says it can simultaneously control up to eight different MIDI devices, each on its own MIDI channel, and it is built to pair with the company's GCX audio switcher for true-bypass loop switching in a rack-based rig1. It carries a list price of $449.991.
Power and MIDI connections
The Ground Control Pro ships with a 9V AC power supply, which Voodoo Lab includes in the box1. It departs from the 9V DC center-negative standard most pedalboards use, so it is not a unit you run from a typical DC daisy chain.
The Ground Control Pro runs on 9V AC, not the 9V DC that most pedals use. It also accepts phantom power from a Voodoo Lab GCX audio switcher, which can power the controller over the MIDI line1.
The MIDI connections work both ways:
- MIDI In: accepts commands and phantom power from other MIDI devices1
- MIDI Out: sends commands to a Voodoo Lab GCX or other MIDI devices1
Phantom power over MIDI is the practical headline here. With a GCX in the rack, one MIDI cable between the switcher and the controller carries both the commands and the power, which cuts a cable run from the board to the rack1.
What it controls
Voodoo Lab positions the Ground Control Pro as the controller half of a switching system. Eight of its buttons can be assigned for instant access of GCX loops and processor functions, so a player can turn individual rack effects or loops on and off mid-song without changing patches1. Alongside those, it has six LED function buttons that switch functions on or off and save programs1.
For MIDI gear, the controller offers two operating modes. MusicPlayers.com's reviewer, Scott Kahn, described the default arrangement: "By default, ten numbered buttons are used in combination with bank Up/Down buttons to select patches in your MIDI gear." The unit also has eight direct-access buttons for sending MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages, and an alphanumeric display that can show program and device names3.
Expression control is built in. The two 1/4" stereo TRS inputs accept expression or volume pedals1, and a connected pedal can send Control Change messages for effect parameters like volume, as Molten Voltage's 2014 technical analysis of MIDI controllers described4.
Programming and setup
Kahn's review found the programming approachable: "Configuring the Ground Control Pro was straightforward and used simple pedal-based selections." He noted that named settings on the display made programming simpler than on many other programmable units3.
History and who uses it
The Ground Control Pro was originally made under the Digital Music Corp name; Analog Man's product page describes it as "the finest full-featured MIDI foot controller available," compatible with all MIDI controlled devices, and says it controls up to four GCX Guitar Audio Switchers and the System Mix Plus stereo mixer5. Kahn's 2006 review listed the DMC Ground Control Pro at $599, noting it "typically sells for just over $400"3.
In a 2023 Premier Guitar rig rundown, guitarist Justin Derrico (P!nk) was shown using a Ground Control Pro programmed with individual patches for each song, along with direct access buttons to control the pedals in his rack6.
What reviewers said
MusicPlayers.com rated the Ground Control Pro 3.2 overall in April 2006, praising its programmability and documentation, and kept the review unit3.
Related Voodoo Lab switching gear
Voodoo Lab's switching range also includes the PX-8 PLUS loop switcher and the Control Switcher and Amp Selector; the Ground Control Pro is the MIDI controller end of that ecosystem1.
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Questions
Does the Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro come with a power supply?
Yes. Voodoo Lab includes a 9V AC power supply with the Ground Control Pro, so it does not need a separate purchase or a pedalboard power brick. Note that it runs on AC rather than the 9V DC center-negative supply most pedals use, so it should not be powered from a standard DC daisy chain.
Can the Ground Control Pro run on phantom power from a GCX?
Yes. The Ground Control Pro accepts phantom power from a Voodoo Lab GCX audio switcher over the MIDI connection, and its MIDI In also accepts phantom power from other MIDI devices. That lets you run the controller with a single MIDI cable to the GCX instead of a separate power run.
How many MIDI devices can the Ground Control Pro control at once?
Voodoo Lab says the Ground Control Pro can simultaneously control up to eight different MIDI devices, each on its own MIDI channel. It can also control up to four GCX Guitar Audio Switchers and the System Mix Plus stereo mixer, according to the product information carried by Analog Man.
Can I connect expression pedals to the Ground Control Pro?
Yes. The Ground Control Pro has two 1/4-inch stereo TRS inputs for expression or volume pedals. An expression pedal connected here can send Control Change messages for effect parameters such as volume, so you can sweep a rack processor's parameters with your foot.
How much does the Ground Control Pro weigh?
Voodoo Lab lists the weight as 8.7 lbs, or 3.95 kg, with dimensions of 17 by 11 by 2.5 inches (432 x 279 x 64 mm). The company describes the enclosure as ultra-lightweight, low-profile aluminum construction.
What warranty does the Ground Control Pro have?
Voodoo Lab offers a 5-year warranty in North America. For other regions, the company says to contact your country's distributor for warranty details.
Sources (6)
- Ground Control Pro MIDI Foot Controller, Voodoo Lab
- GCX True Bypass 8-Loop Rackmount Audio Switcher, Voodoo Lab
- Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro, MusicPlayers.com, 2006-04-06
- MIDI PedalBoard Devices: MIDI PedalBoard and Guitar Effect Essentials, Molten Voltage (blog.moltenvoltage.com), 2014-08-15
- Voodoo Lab Pedal Power, Analog Man Guitar Effects (analogman.com), 2015
- Rig Rundown, Premier Guitar, 2013-04-09
Justin Derrico
