This user guide is for the TOPDOG X-70 plugin which controls the Boss SE-70 hardware over midi via two way communication.
Installation.
Drag and drop the X-70.component or X-70.vst into the relevant folder in your PC/MAC. alternatively, you can run the stand alone version.
Set Up Midi
Load the plugin in your DAW/standalone and click on the MIDI menu option. Select your device, and input channel number. Repeat for the output. This is import because the plugin works with two way communication. When an incoming message is received by the X-70, it will identify the algorithm and it will load in all of the effects and parameters from the SE-70.
Select the Preset Type
Clicking the mode button (the above rectangle in blue) will switch between standard presets and guitar presets to autoload the dropdown menus for each type. While not strictly necessary in Logic and other DAWs due to their internal preset saving options (I’ll build some presets), it is handy to have for DAWs that lack this type of feature or for the standalone version. I aimed to make this plugin as compatible as possible
Effects/Midi Matrix
The effects matrix connects to the SE70’s midi routing system. The SE-70 allows several parameters to be controlled.
Match the Control CC number to the dials in green. You can then use the knobs underneath to automate the effects in your DAW. For default, I set the dials to the Boss SE-70 foot pedal.
Preset Name
Click into the preset name panel and type in the name of your new preset.
Reload, Send and Clear
Reload will reload the preset from the SE-70, Send will send any changes including fader/knob values, algorithm and preset name to the SE-70. Clear will wipe the algorithm, ready for a new selection via dropdown menu.
Live Mode
USE WITH CAUTION!!! new experimental feature which extends the original functionality of the SE-70. Live mode sends any live changes you make directly from the panel to the SE-70. It differs from the CC matrix because you have complete control over ALL parameter changes, not just the ones selected by Boss. However, it writes a lot more data. CC messages are 10ish bytes per transmission whereas some of these changes are up to 138 bytes per go on my box. For context, how big is that? I find it hard to get my head round. For example, I think scrolling through the presets dial would effectively change the temporary memory by the same bytes. Is that a good idea? No idea. I do not have any clue how durable these memory chips are and whether this will cause significant wear over time.
I personally use this mode when mixing. I switch on live mode, dial in a sound to exactly how I want it save it as a preset and then click the live mode button again to deactivate. On occasion, I have left it on to automate one parameter change at a key point in a song which is quite minimal but sounds cool.
Only use at your own risk!
Main Panel
The main panel contains all of the effects for each algorithm on one screen. This section updates to reflect the algorithm. On/off buttons are activated by moving left to right/right to left, knobs and faders are adjusted by dragging up and down/down and up. Design wise, I like to see everything on one screen. It helps significantly and is one of the reasons why I built the panel. While I love the sound of the SE-70, I find the menu system hard to remember as I change from song to song.
There are additional features which I will cover as I continue to develop the plugin. For example, I have enabled the CC automation from within the DAW but currently disabled live parameter mode connected to live mode from within the DAW itself.
Screenshots
Guitar Synth
Bass Multi
Bass Synth