Logidy UMI3 - Decent MIDI Footcontroller for $69

Started by Elantric, July 07, 2011, 09:49:03 AM

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Elantric

http://www.logidy.com/?pid=1





The UMI3 is a USB foot controller which shows up as a class MIDI device on Mac or PC. No driver installation is required. It is powered through USB. Each of its three switches can be configured to send any type of short MIDI message (note on/off, continuous controller, program changes...) An external expression pedal can be connected to the "exp" input which can be configured to send any continuous controller message. A status LED indicates power and USB activity. The enclosure is made out of steel.

This controller is ideal to control events and parameters in digital audio workstations or loop based recording programs when performance renders access to a mouse impractical.

    Setup Panel
    Downloads

The UMI3 setup panel is a graphical user interface for the UMI3 available for Mac OSX and Windows. It allows configuration of the UMI3 and can also work as a sequencer. When the "Auto Step" feature is enabled for one or more of the switches, the panel steps through each of up to 8 different configuration memories and sends them to the UMI3 on the fly when the corresponding button is released. Control or note sequences can be easily created and stepped through using this features. A button can also be set to autostep the sequence of another to achieve "next page" type functionality.

The panel uses a custom USB pipe to access the UMI3 so that no conflict can exist between itself and the application


Read reviews here:
http://www.amazon.com/Logidy-UMI3-MIDI-over-Controller/dp/B002YL81RW

Gastric

Appears to be USB only, thus not immediately usable with the GR-55 assuming you want to plug it in via MIDI IN.

Elantric

#2
QuoteAppears to be USB only, thus not immediately usable with the GR-55 assuming you want to plug it in via MIDI IN.

Good point!!

But there are work-arounds:


the iConnectMIDI hardware box

http://iconnectivity.com/iConnectMIDI-Overview


One path is to insert this between the Logidy UMI3's or any other "Class Compliant MIDI controller's" USB port and the GR-55's MIDI IN 5pin DIN connection.

this unit work too.

http://www.kentonuk.com/products/items/utilities/usb-host.shtml
Kenton MIDI USB Host
USB Host to MIDI converter for 'Class Compliant' USB MIDI Devices


Your USB device is plugged into the USB MIDI Host instead of into a computer. It provides MIDI In & Out sockets for USB MIDI keyboards and controllers which have only a USB B type socket. For example, used with a USB-Solo, it allows the USB-Solo to be used in a standard MIDI setup, just like a Pro-Solo. It has a USB Host port (USB A type socket), a MIDI In and a MIDI Out (both 5 pin DIN).
MIDI data received at the MIDI In socket will be sent to the USB device. MIDI data received from the
USB device will be sent to the MIDI Out socket.
The attached USB MIDI device MUST be 'Class Compliant'.
The MIDI USB HOST is powered by a regulated 5V mains adaptor (supplied), and can supply up to
500mA of buss power to the attached USB device.

Attractively finished in brushed aluminium with black screen print
Dimensions: 110mm x 55mm x 32mm

     Power:         90mA, 2.1mm plug (centre positive) –
510mA available for attached USB device
     Dimensions:         110 x 55 x 32 mm
     Weight:         100g (excluding power supply)
     MIDI:         1x IN, 1x OUT – both 5 pin DIN
     Power Supply:         5V DC (regulated) – use only the supplied adaptor
(never use an unregulated supply as unregulated supplies typically give a
higher output than shown).
We will include the correct power supply according to the delivery address.
               

Elantric

#3
Or build a "USB to "Old School" MIDI interface" and swap out the Kenton MIDI USB Host

This would open up the doors for controlling VG-99, GR-55 using many USB MIDI controllers, like these.



Details on building your own "USB to "Old School" MIDI interface" with an Arduino Single board computer is here:

http://www.circuitsathome.com/mcu/interfacing-midi-devices-with-arduino-using-usb-host-shield

Another popular USB peripheral code for USB Host Shield has been implemented! Collin Cunningham from Collin's Lab @ MAKE found a neat way of interfacing USB MIDI devices with Arduino. The video above demonstrates using Akai LPK25 keyboard and USB video game guitar to play music on Arduino. Quoting Collin, his setup is "USB MIDI to old-school MIDI converter".

Make sure to check out Collin's code – it's one-piece sketch, short, clean and easy to understand. It is Richard Ibbotson's PS3 code, re-purposed to parse MIDI data. While not a textbook implementation of USB MIDI, Collin's code can be used to talk to MIDI keyboards, guitars, and consoles, to name a few. Good job, Collin!



Elantric

And now Logidy MIDI over USB Foot Controller includes a free Audio Looper utility (Full Circle app) too!

I love mine!

http://logidy.com/

Elantric

I don't use the Logidy much ( prefer my Line-6 FBV Shortboard MKII)
http://line6.com/footcontrollers/fbvshortboardmkii.html/

with Logidy on iPad, You must use the Apple CCK +Powered USB Hub

But You must program Logidy with PC/Mac Editor first 

http://logidy.com/?pid=5


For Yonac Tonestack - the patch change delay is dreadfully long ( 1 second mute / gap for every patch change)   
I suggest assign the three foot switches on Logidy UMI-3 to transmit separate MIDI CC# messages, and use these to toggle three Effects on/off  in Yonac Tonestack. Assign the connected M-Audio EXP-1  Expression pedal to transmit MIDI CC#7 for Patch Volume in ToneStack

Always use the MIDI Control Debug procedure explained here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2975.0

kimyo

the umi-3 looks like just what i need.  in the studio i want to keep the gr-55 on the desk but i still need an expression pedal on the floor.  when gigging, the gr-55 will live on the floor and i'll use the gr-55's onboard pedals.

can i do this without having to edit patches?  (ie: can i configure the umi3 to 'mirror' the onboard pedals?)

also, do you have any thoughts re: umi-3 vs. line-6 fbv express mkii?  the fbv looks nice and sturdy, but if i'm reading the manual correctly there is no ability to edit cc#'s, etc.

that wouldn't be an immediate issue, but in the future, i may wish to use either the umi-3 or fbv express 'direct' (ie: no computer, but instead a usb-midi/arduino or other dongle).  seems like this would be easiest with the umi-3.

Elantric

#7
Quoteumi-3 vs. line-6 fbv express mkii? (for GR-55 remote Control via MIDI)

Both units you mention ( umi-3, line-6 fbv express mkii) WILL require a separate "USB Host to MIDI conversion hardware device.

Today a Raspberry PI is the most affordable, but a hassle for those not familiar with Linux.  -

I like the old 1st generation black 2011 era iConnectivity iConnectMIDI box as a USB Host to MIDI converter.


In UK/EU, the Kenton USB Host to MIDI box is more readily available.



Quoteline-6 fbv express mkii?  the fbv looks nice and sturdy, but if i'm reading the manual correctly there is no ability to edit cc#'s, etc.

Both of these units have GUI Editors to re-assign their pedals.

More here:

Logidy UMI-3 Info
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4153.msg28059#msg28059


Line-6 FBV Express MKII info
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=12380.0


kimyo