Midi footswitches

[Dontownatele]

Thinking this is the right place for this given the proliferation of modelers/plugins and midi foot switch expansion.

What foot switch are you all using? There is a 4 button mvave that folks seem to enjoy for $40 or so, or you’re quickly spending >$200 and folks seem to gravitate towards Morningstar IO.

Not much mention of the Behringer foot switch I’m surprised, but maybe lacking programmability?

Someone help! I thought midi died with rack effects in the early 00s but maybe it’s having its own resurgence.

Looking to use this with my nano cortex now that they accept CC commands along with PC.

 

[Blrfl]

MIDI was developed for synths and never went away in that scene. It didn't really go away in ours, either, since the better multi-effects have always had it. Rack or floor's just a question of packaging.

I have a Boss FS-1-WL, which is three stomps plus jacks for two more and an expression pedal. In addition to direct, USB and Bluetooth MIDI, it has a human interface device (HID) mode that lets it act as a USB or Bluetooth keyboard for turning pages or whatever you want on PC or mobile applications. It's typical Boss and will probably last forever.

The M-VAVE Chocolate lacks a direct MIDI out, which means you'd need a separate USB-to-MIDI adapter to plug into whatever you're using unless it can do host mode or MIDI over Bluetooth. I've seen lots of people using them with the Mighty Plug Pro and some of Hotone's less-button-endowed models and nobody seems to be complaining.

The Behringer (FCB1010) has a decent following; I've never looked into one because I don't need anything that large. One plus is that there are a couple of companies that make replacement firmware ROMs that make them a lot more capabale.

 

[Frodebro]

What do you plan on controlling with it, and also how elaborate do you intend to get? I'm guessing that you're only thinking along the line of basic program change commands on a single channel, which even the most inexpensive controllers will do.

 

[Dontownatele]

What do you plan on controlling with it, and also how elaborate do you intend to get? I'm guessing that you're only thinking along the line of basic program change commands on a single channel, which even the most inexpensive controllers will do.

Nano cortex mainly and then some macOS plugins if I grow tired of the NC.

Ideally, a 6 or 8 button setup with half used for CC on/off toggling for the effects blocks and the other half with PC commands for flipping between presets.

I guess there will be some complexity required if I switch presets and need the CC on/off to update accordingly to my preset, that or the PC command is followed by CC commands to sync effect blocks with the state of the footswitch.

This is why I suspect the cheapo won’t do it. I think the Morningstar stuff does.

Exp pedal pass through and using TRS connection is a plus.

I should add I’m decently competent with embedded electronics and programming, I could build one of these with an arduino but it doesn’t seem there are any hardware pre assembled for me to drop some arduino code onto or else that would probably be my preferred path forward.

 

[cowboyfan1969]

Thinking this is the right place for this given the proliferation of modelers/plugins and midi foot switch expansion.

What foot switch are you all using? There is a 4 button mvave that folks seem to enjoy for $40 or so, or you’re quickly spending >$200 and folks seem to gravitate towards Morningstar IO.

Not much mention of the Behringer foot switch I’m surprised, but maybe lacking programmability?

Someone help! I thought midi died with rack effects in the early 00s but maybe it’s having its own resurgence.

Looking to use this with my nano cortex now that they accept CC commands along with PC.

I’m in the process of programming my Nano Cortex and Morningstar MC6pro, to use as a back up for my Quad Cortex. I’ve had the morningstar for a couple years, so I’m familiar with the editor. Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy, and there is a FB group that is very helpful.
You can send midi to the Nano via the USB, and save the expression port for a pedal. There is also a work-around to use a button on the Morningstar as a pedal to increase/decrease the amounts that an expression pedal will do.
There are demo versions of the various pedals on the Morningstar website, to get an idea of how the programming works.

 

[Dontownatele]

I’m in the process of programming my Nano Cortex and Morningstar MC6pro, to use as a back up for my Quad Cortex. I’ve had the morningstar for a couple years, so I’m familiar with the editor. Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy, and there is a FB group that is very helpful.
You can send midi to the Nano via the USB, and save the expression port for a pedal. There is also a work-around to use a button on the Morningstar as a pedal to increase/decrease the amounts that an expression pedal will do.
There are demo versions of the various pedals on the Morningstar website, to get an idea of how the programming works.

If I understand the 2.1 update correctly you can connect the mc6 via TRS midi and connect your expression pedal through the mc6 Omniports.

That opens the door for a number of midi controllers that can’t do usb host mode, again, if I understand it all correctly.

 

[sadfield]

I use the MVave Chocolate with one of my Boss RC-5s, mainly to put the drum machine, reverse mode and record/delete functions on footswitches. It's great, a really compact design without the buttons being too cramped together.

 

[cowboyfan1969]

If I understand the 2.1 update correctly you can connect the mc6 via TRS midi and connect your expression pedal through the mc6 Omniports.

That opens the door for a number of midi controllers that can’t do usb host mode, again, if I understand it all correctly.

 

[cowboyfan1969]

That is correct. I was only using the expression pedal for solo boosting and turning effects on/off. Using a button on the MC6 with CC1 command simulates engaging the expression. I may figure out how to use expression pedal for a more sweeping control.

From what I’ve seen on forums, Morningstar is one of the only midi controllers that will let you scroll through the presets, if that is something you need to do….

 

[StefanSy74]

I have an Ampero Control to send MiDI to my Boss RC-5 and my HX Stomp. The configuration of the switcher is done via a iOS app.

It works fine with the HX Stomp but the Boss MIDI- implementation on the RCs is notoriously limited i.e. no switching through drum patterns - at least I haven't found a way to do this. And the Boss has only eight "slots" for MIDI commands . That’s not the Ampero Controls fault though.

I like toe form factor, which is beside the low price the reason why I chose it. The limitations are that switching through Midi-banks on the Ampero is only possible by pressing two foot switches simultaneously and the Ampero can not receive MIDI.

But all in all I got used to it and it works decently.

 

[Blrfl]

I like toe form factor, which is beside the low price the reason why I chose it. The limitations are that switching through Midi-banks on the Ampero is only possible by pressing two foot switches simultaneously and the Ampero can not receive MIDI.

Which model? The MP-100 will switch banks with CC 22 and 23.

 

[Dontownatele]

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This one has piqued my interest. Seems the most comprehensive feature set including exp pedal pass through and uses TRS without an adapter.

 

[StefanSy74]

Which model? The MP-100 will switch banks with CC 22 and 23.

This one: https://www.thomann.at/hotone_ampero_control.htm

I am not sure if this is the model you have in mind.

one more remark: although it has a MIDI In it can only pass MIDI trough and can not be controlled by other MIDI devices to switch banks- at least this is what my research yielded.

If you have any tips on how to get the Boss RC-5 to switch rhythm tracks via MIDI, I would be very interested, thanks in advance!

 

[Blrfl]

This one: https://www.thomann.at/hotone_ampero_control.htm

I am not sure if this is the model you have in mind.

Ah, sorry, when you said "the Ampero," I thought you meant the multi-effects unit of the same name. What you wrote made sense for that, too.

Carry on...

 

[TeleLikeItIs]

As far as midi pedal switchers go I've had great success with the Morningstar MC6 Pro. I'm controlling a Beat Buddy, Boss MC5 Looper and 3 iPad apps from one switcher. As a previous poster stated, once you get the hang of the configuration interface for the MC6 Pro its pretty intuitive. Also note that you can control your midi capable devices via a cable or Bluetooth.

My current full setup (iPad not shown) :

(right to Left)

Dunlop Mini Volume set to expression pedal, MC6 Pro, Beat Buddy (cable connect), input aggregator to the Boss RC5 (cable connect) and Boss FS-7 to increment RC5 memories. My iPad apps are controlled via MC6 Bluetooth connection and the expression pedal. I should note that there is a separate output (mixer or amp) for both the RC5 and Beat Buddy.

This was a looper only setup using the Boss FS-1-WL to wirelessly (via Bluetooth WIDI Jack) control the RC5. The FS-1-WL pedal allows you to connect a ctrl1, ctrl2 switch and an expression pedal (Volume in this case). As above, I used an A/B switch to control the looper input and the Boss FS-7 to scroll through the memories.

In the end, you need to understand how you want to use and thus control each pedal in the context of your performance or practice "workflow", which will ultimately define the midi programming. The MC6 Pro is extremely flexible, but there is a learning curve and higher price tag. The FS-1-WL is cheaper and easier to configure but doesn't have the full capability of something like a MC6 Pro. That is my $.02 FWIW.

 

[Dontownatele]

Graviton M2 MIDI Controller

Graviton M1 / M2 are the next-generation MIDI controller pedals designed for guitarists and bassists who want to incorporate the full power of MIDI into their live or studio rigs with total wireless freedom, effortless usability, compatibility and expandability in an ultra compact package. Total...

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Learned about this one recently. Supposed to be better than the mc6 pro and for less $$$. Curious if anyone here has experience.

I think I could totally get by with a simple PC/CC over TRS, but opportunities abound with the fancier setups.

 

[StefanSy74]

As far as midi pedal switchers go I've had great success with the Morningstar MC6 Pro. I'm controlling a Beat Buddy, Boss MC5 Looper and 3 iPad apps from one switcher. As a previous poster stated, once you get the hang of the configuration interface for the MC6 Pro its pretty intuitive. Also note that you can control your midi capable devices via a cable or Bluetooth.


View attachment 1402193



My current full setup (iPad not shown) :

View attachment 1402209


(right to Left)

Dunlop Mini Volume set to expression pedal, MC6 Pro, Beat Buddy (cable connect), input aggregator to the Boss RC5 (cable connect) and Boss FS-7 to increment RC5 memories. My iPad apps are controlled via MC6 Bluetooth connection and the expression pedal. I should note that there is a separate output (mixer or amp) for both the RC5 and Beat Buddy.



View attachment 1402215

This was a looper only setup using the Boss FS-1-WL to wirelessly (via Bluetooth WIDI Jack) control the RC5. The FS-1-WL pedal allows you to connect a ctrl1, ctrl2 switch and an expression pedal (Volume in this case). As above, I used an A/B switch to control the looper input and the Boss FS-7 to scroll through the memories.

In the end, you need to understand how you want to use and thus control each pedal in the context of your performance or practice "workflow", which will ultimately define the midi programming. The MC6 Pro is extremely flexible, but there is a learning curve and higher price tag. The FS-1-WL is cheaper and easier to configure but doesn't have the full capability of something like a MC6 Pro. That is my $.02 FWIW.

Hi, I am very happy to see that you are using a similar configuration - a RC-5 and a midi switcher.

Would you mind sharing how you have configured the RC-5s Midi Commands?

I have set up the RC-5 as follows by using one footswitch of the midi switcher per CC-command:

- Tap Tempo
- start/stop rhythm track
- start/stop recording
- undo/delete
- circle trough a group 1 of drum patterns (I put the drum patterns I like into two groups)
- circle trough a group 2 of drum patterns

There was a more detailed discussion on this over on TheGearpage:https://www.thegearpage.net/board/i...oss-rc-5-hx-stomp-midi-issues-solved.2519106/

More concrete - I would love to learn if and how to use MIDI Programme Change commands for cycling through the drum patterns of the RC-5.

Cheers Ste