Somewhat Newbie with question

[SIM1]

Hello all,
As background, I have been recording in the home for almost 2 years. Primarily with gtrs and lately some midi stuff as well with Oqygen 8 controller and software packs (Motu Symphony, Std Pro Tools bundles, etc). Running an MBox, PTL7.0, Dual Mac G5 Tiger OS. My question is this, I am failry adept at creating tracks with the controller, however, I recently came into possession of a Digitech GX... multi processor. While I have used it mostly for some basic drum tracks and very little gtr effects (prefer original stompboxes), what exactly are the MIDI in and OUTs used for on these types of devices?
Can you program something on the Digidtech machine, run thru the controller and subsequently utilize sounds from software or something (say drumbeat using a certain kit in the software)? Or can you coneect thru controller and play other instruments (say a lapsteel gtr in MOTU) with your actual gtr.

Overall, just wondering how a device like this fits into the whole deal, other than using it for what I have been lately.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tourettes5139]

My guess is that it is mainly used for deeper editing of the effects presets. You might be able to trigger other MIDI equipment with it, or trigger the internal sounds with an external controller, but as I don't own one, I can't say for sure. I'm no MIDI expert, so if anyone else knows better than I do, feel free to correct me.

 

[trabalais]

tourettes5139 is correct on every count. One really good use for it is to store patches. Also, if it has drum sounds built into it, I don't know why you couldn't use it as an outboard synth. Does Protools do midi?

Thomas
www.yourhomestudio.com

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