8-button, simple Midi Foot Controller?

Started by Threeleggedyoyo, January 24, 2015, 10:38:20 AM

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Threeleggedyoyo

So a lot of BOSS stuff (multi-effects, loopers, MIDI rigs) have room for 8 assignable functions. And I have a lot of BOSS gear.

Likewise, I'd like a simple, small MIDI controller with 8 buttons that can send CCs over 5-pin MIDI. No other bells and whistles. Just that in a small (as small as possible), manageable size.

Help me out -- does it exist? Everything I find is either overkill or underkill. I'm this close to a DIY job over it.

Albert

AFAIK there are no midi controllers that fit the description. A lot of them are larger/more functionality, and some are smaller but without 5-pin.

DIY is the best option I think. I recently finished a Teensy-based controller. Made an Arduino-driven controller before that. Piece of cake to make and program. Hardest part for me was to drill the holes for the footswitches in a straight line  ;)

kevorkian

Quote from: Threeleggedyoyo on January 24, 2015, 10:38:20 AM
So a lot of BOSS stuff (multi-effects, loopers, MIDI rigs) have room for 8 assignable functions. And I have a lot of BOSS gear.

Likewise, I'd like a simple, small MIDI controller with 8 buttons that can send CCs over 5-pin MIDI. No other bells and whistles. Just that in a small (as small as possible), manageable size.

Help me out -- does it exist? Everything I find is either overkill or underkill. I'm this close to a DIY job over it.

Source audio has a pretty amazing small MIDI controller coming out:

http://www.sourceaudio.net/blog/post/source-audio-namm-countdown-2015-solemate-midi-foot-controller


FreeTime

Quote from: Albert on January 24, 2015, 10:49:34 AM
Hardest part for me was to drill the holes for the footswitches in a straight line  ;)

Use a very sharp pointy marker, make just the smallest dots, after you're done, sight along your line(s), make sure everything looks even. Then use a prick punch (a very pointy sharp punch) to make a careful gentle indentation. Follow that with a Standard punch into the dimples, something with about a 118 degree opening angle. Carefully drill.
This two punch method, while not as accurate as c&c makes for a pretty decent finish.

Elantric

#5
One option

Icon G-Board with a separate USB host to MIDI Converter. In 2015 the Raspberry Pi is the lowest cost  USB host to MIDI Converter
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/998958-REG/icon_digital_usa_g_board_black_g_board_mini_usb.html





MIDI footcontroller comparison
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=12355.0

Here's a good MIDI footcontroller comparison table
http://g-force.info/midiboard_comparison.htm





source for circuit boards that enable you to make your own MIDI controller pedals, MIDI relay switchers, etc.

http://highlyliquid.com/midi-controllers/midi-cpu/


Mediaman

Quote from: Threeleggedyoyo on January 24, 2015, 10:38:20 AM
Likewise, I'd like a simple, small MIDI controller with 8 buttons that can send CCs over 5-pin MIDI. No other bells and whistles. Just that in a small (as small as possible), manageable size....

Not sure if you purchased yet, but did you check out Tech 21?


Website: http://www.tech21nyc.com/products/effects/midimoose.html
Manual:  http://www.tech21nyc.com/support/manuals/effects/MidiMoose-OM.pdf
GT-100 Ready Reference Page : http://gt100.mediamanhost.com
TRIO Ready Reference Page : http://trio.mediamanhost.com

mbenigni

Quote from: Mediaman on June 16, 2015, 07:49:25 AM
Not sure if you purchased yet, but did you check out Tech 21?

The MIDI Moose won't do CC's - it's strictly PC's.  You could use an external device for translation (e.g. MIDI Solutions Event Processor) but in most cases CC toggling will remain impossible.

QuoteEverything I find is either overkill or underkill. I'm this close to a DIY job over it.

I agree, and it's frustrating.  If you have the knowledge, resources, and time, DIY is a good approach.

Elantric

#8
Find a used Zoom 8050 MIDI Floor controller. It's small and versatile and typically $60 on eBay

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2054.0

sixeight

I am also going to DIY way. Having the option to choose my own shape, functionality and being able to send sysex, so I have even more control are the main reasons for me.

But it is very time consuming. I am already spending many evenings in planning and getting the hang of teensy programming skills. And I still haven't decided on the final shape of this thing. My switches have arrived today, so that should help.