Standalone MIDI expression pedal...

Started by JiveTurkey, April 23, 2015, 06:38:55 AM

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JiveTurkey

OK. So I looked through the MIDI foot-controller list and don't see it. I apologize in advance if I am wrong  ;D

Is there a standalone MIDI expression pedal? I have all my other midi switching wrapped up; I just want a standalone midi expression pedal and I will be damned if I can't find anything of the sort in my  scouring of the internet.

mbenigni

It's insane how difficult it is to find what you're looking for.  I'm only aware of two products... and one of them hasn't been released yet.

One is the Sonuus Voluum pedal.  Sending MIDI CC is just one of the many things it does - it's properly a multi-FX pedal for all things amplitude-related: volume, tremolo, etc. - so it's a bit pricey, and a bit large.  But if you have use for its other features (which are great) then it's a good candidate.  (And please let me know if you're interested in buying a used one.)

http://www.sonuus.com/products_voluum.html

The second is the Source Audio Reflex Universal Expression pedal.  Chassis looks similar to a Crybaby wah, but it is a programmable MIDI and analog expression pedal.  I REALLY want one of these myself...  If I recall correctly it's going to be about $220, but it won't be out for another couple of months.

http://www.sourceaudio.net/blog/post/source-audio-namm-countdown-2015-reflex-universal-expression-controller

Other option is to buy a MIDI Solutions Pedal Controller - a small box which will convert expression pedal input to MIDI output, based on how you pre-program it.

http://www.midisolutions.com/prodped.htm

JiveTurkey

Quote from: mbenigni on April 23, 2015, 06:53:08 AM
It's insane how difficult it is to find what you're looking for. 
You ain't kidding. Itshould be a fairly easy concept to grasp, yet no one seemed to make one (from what I found).

One problem I am having, beyond finding the pedal; is I am not sure I will be able to connect it to my GR33 and make it work as I want. I want a remote volume pedal. I select presets with the GK switches. I prefer bringing synth tones up via volume swell versus just stomping on a midi switch when the song calls for the synth part. Just feels more natural to me that way. I am using my multieffects to do midi amp switching and I don't need another floorboard taking up another 3 feet of space in front of me haha :)

What are you asking for that Sonuus? You have a return policy haha?



JiveTurkey

Quote from: mbenigni on April 23, 2015, 06:53:08 AM
The second is the Source Audio Reflex Universal Expression pedal.  Chassis looks similar to a Crybaby wah, but it is a programmable MIDI and analog expression pedal.  I REALLY want one of these myself...  If I recall correctly it's going to be about $220, but it won't be out for another couple of months.

http://www.sourceaudio.net/blog/post/source-audio-namm-countdown-2015-reflex-universal-expression-controller

Other option is to buy a MIDI Solutions Pedal Controller - a small box which will convert expression pedal input to MIDI output, based on how you pre-program it.

http://www.midisolutions.com/prodped.htm
That Reflex is nice! Perfect form factor for my rig.

Elantric

#4
Google search on  "MIDI expression pedal" locates all the following:

=============================

Rocktron MIDI Xchange MIDI foot controller
http://www.rocktron.com/midi-xchange.html
http://www.rocktron.com/uploads/2/2/2/5/22258814/midi_xchange.pdf

Rocktron MIDI Xchange MIDI foot controller.  Controls Rocktron products as well as other MIDI switchable products. 2 expression ports allow you to plug in Rocktron HEX expression/volume controllers. The ports have a smart function that recognizes the current status of both controller pedal ports upon the recall program change command being sent out. It has a power switch; Up, Down, and Recall controls; and an LED display that shows you the preset or controller assignment selection.


MIDI Solutions Pedal Controller
http://www.midisolutions.com/prodped.htm



===
Prostage MIDI Expression Pedal
http://www.prostage.eu/midi-expression-pedal.html

Standalone MIDI Expression Pedal to send "Continuous Controller" (e.g. Volumen), "Pitch Bend" or "Aftertouch". The expression pedal is connected via a microphone cable with the supplied XTM (XLR to MIDI) adapter. (Note: This XLR connection is NOT StageWire!)

--
AudioFront MIDi Expression ( USB)
(Add Raspberry Pi + USB <> MIDI Cable ( USB <> MIDI  )


http://www.audiofront.net/MIDIExpression.php
MIDI Expression devices are class compliant USB MIDI pedal interfaces. Pedal sensing technology built into each device automatically loads custom presets when various types of pedals are plugged in, allowing them to support a whole range of pedals with zero fuss. This functionality is enhanced by a preset editor application that gives demanding users all the control they need and exposes powerful features like pedal calibration, adjustable expression curves, and advanced processing modes.

---
TKR-Works - USB MIDI Hub for Foot Pedal and Expression Pedal Pt.

(Add Raspberry Pi + USB <> MIDI Cable ( USB <> MIDI  )
http://atelier.tkrworks.net/controller3431?lang=en



This controller has a distance measurement sensor(possible to sense
the distance from 10cm to 80cm) and a switch. And it's possible to
connect three foot pedal(like a boss fs-5u) and an expression pedal
(like a line ex-1).


The D-Beam distance measurement sensor and the expression pedal outputs
midi control change and others outputs MIDI note number.

If you want to buy it, please contact us(info[at]tkrworks.net). We can
sell only one controller for 26250JPY(included tax, not included an
external pedal).



Logidy UMI-3
(Expression Pedal+Add Raspberry Pi + USB <> MIDI Cable ( USB <> MIDI )
http://www.logidy.com/?pid=1


DIY Arduino -Based MIDi Expression pedal
http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/38203/Arduino-Based-MIDI-Expression-Pedal


--
DIY - MIDI output for M-Audio EX-P expression pedal
http://joflaherty.org/MidiExprPedal/MidiExprPedal.html

JiveTurkey

Quote from: Elantric on April 23, 2015, 07:17:11 AM
DIY Arduino -Based MIDi Expression pedal
http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/38203/Arduino-Based-MIDI-Expression-Pedal


That fits my criteria. If I could find someone to build it for me, we'd be set  ;) Thanks for all the replies!

mbenigni

QuoteWhat are you asking for that Sonuus? You have a return policy haha?

I'm looking to get $270 for it (less whatever shipping costs me):  https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=14510.0

No official return policy, but off the record, I'm a pushover who doesn't like making people unhappy.  :)  So long as you kept in *exactly* condition you received it, and paid to ship it back in a timely fashion, I'd refund your money.

MusicOverGear

#7
AudioFront MIDi Expression looks great.

You could also put a Livid Brain Jr inside any treadle pedal you have lying around. Done for [$50? - can't remember] and 1 hour max of tinkering. PLUS you then have very reusable parts for future rigs. Lots of people use these to build spaceship console type Ableton interfaces. You can do almost anything with them, though they do have annoying omissions, e.g. Program Change messages. Not an issue in your case.

Don't rule out Arduino. Arduino is made for people who don't know how to do anything. E.g. visual artists, musicians. In a weekend you could learn enough to make this project and many others. IMHO once your taste gets really specific time is better investing learning how to build your own. At some point on the scale it actually gets you there faster.


JiveTurkey

Alright. Been a bit since I have posted on this topic. MIDI switching is really sleek and easy, but figuring out how and what you want to use to accomplish it with can be dead simple or absurdly complex. IMO, at least. For me; like anything else; I just had to boil it down as much as possible to keep it simple.

Here's what I ended up going with. Controls amp switching as well as patch and volume control on my GR33:

MIDI out on Mustang Floor to MIDI in on GR33; MIDI out on GR33 to MIDI in on 5150iii head. Front row of buttons on Mustang changes amp and synth presets. Top 4 button footswitch is in stompbox mode. Turns stomps on and off, basically. Built in expression pedal on Mustang controls GR33 patch volume. Which, after over-thinking, hem-hawing and futzing with things for MONTHS; is truly amazing. I am not going to overexplain the journey but in my mind; I made the process so over-complex and convoluted. Once I told myself to shut up internally so I could think about on a base level; it all worked out haha :)

Only issue I have remaining. Bolded for please help with this last request  ;D

No matter where the expression pedal is at; each preset on the GR33 comes in at full volume. I have set each individual preset volume to 0 to no avail. I have set it globally to 0 to no avail. No matter what; when I switch presets, the preset I switch to is at full full volume. How do I configure it so when the expression pedal is rolled back and I switch to a new preset; the preset I am switching to gets it's volume information from the controller position? If the pedal is all the way back, I want to be able to switch presets on the MUstang and get zero synth volume on the next preset until I roll up the expression pedal volume. Thank you in advance for all the suggestions and information you have provided!

JiveTurkey

So I did a search and came up with a post from a Yahoo GR30 group  :o

Leave the built in exp pedal down on the GR. Then, when you change patches; the external exp pedal will control the synth volume.

vanceg

I have 8 volume pedals that I convert to MIDI using an EObody Sensorbox (since discontinued).  however, several other people have mentioned other options to convert standard volume pedals to MIDI.

If you want a totally standalone unit - with no hacking and no programming, you could go with this one also from EOwave. It's basically a volume pedal with a voltage to USB MIDI converter built in... so it is your "USB MIDI Volume Pedal"

http://www.eowave.com/shop/products.php?prod=647

vanceg

You could also mount a Livid Brain Jr into a volume pedal. I did this with a Wah pedal that I ripped the guts out of.

http://lividinstruments.com/products/builder/

maurizio

I've just purchased this pedal to USB MIDI converter and it works fantastic.

The configuration software is intuitive and rock solid. What I like best is that it allows filtering the signal (with independent time constants for attack and decay) which is extremely useful for swells. Most recommended.





ttk


JiveTurkey

Quote from: maurizio on June 07, 2015, 03:24:19 AM
I've just purchased this pedal to USB MIDI converter and it works fantastic.

The configuration software is intuitive and rock solid. What I like best is that it allows filtering the signal (with independent time constants for attack and decay) which is extremely useful for swells. Most recommended.


Dumb off topic question: Do you use a Kemper and if so, do you have profiles up on the exchange? If you are who I am thinking of; your amp profiles are awesome!

Hurricane

 8)
Hello :mbenigni

Quote from:  link=topic=14679.msg105130#msg105130 date=1429797188

The second is the Source Audio Reflex Universal Expression pedal.  Chassis looks similar to a Crybaby wah, but it is a programmable MIDI and analog expression pedal.  I REALLY want one of these myself...  If I recall correctly it's going to be about $220, but it won't be out for another couple of months.

http://www.sourceaudio.net/blog/post/source-audio-namm-countdown-2015-reflex-universal-expression-controller


Source Audio -  :o

I just ordered one of their products  , they seem really cool to deal with . Thanks for this post . I didn't know they
had that midi pedal , it looks interesting . I'm thinking on the CC commands the VL3X has that could be triggered and controlled ,
this would apply to the GR33 too ..   

Their online store is good but glitched several times in attempting their credit card ordering process .

I finally got them to call me this afternoon after they read several emails and heard several messages to several people I sent last Friday ,
Saturday and today , yeah I bugged them a lot till I got a response , I wanted this unit that bad .

It was worth waiting for them to call , the prices for their stuff from the major online retailers add about 30% or more to the price of
their online store price , so I have no complaint waiting for them to call , just a tad ancy , cause I want one NOW ! heh heh heh  .

I get my order Thursday or Friday - I hope I hope I hope .

I got their Hot Hand 3 base unit and the USB receiver & Ring controller .

At first glance I was hesitant to buy it , I was actually looking for an expression pedal for my VL3X T.C. Helicon - then I saw what it can/could
do with a DAW beside live playing at a gig .

Live it's only a single controller of the three it can do . To get  the X/Y/Z control parameter axis control you need the USB receiver
into a laptop/desktop .

In my past playing I had a Ibanez HD1500 rack unit with floor pedals . I used  it primarily for years for my harps and vocals ( it's a clean
noiseless analog beauty ) it had no expression pedal . The DAW/Vocal-Guitar FX Digitech GNX4 had one pedal and several stomps , but no
midi sync even with the drum machine - yeah what a waste of engineering . It pissed off a lot of people because it had a great drum machine
but with out midi sync it was useless . No matter , both were stolen  about two years ago .

I was thinking about how this HH3 base unit & USB receiver would affect the sound shaping of the FX of the GR33 as an after " touch " when I
use it recording into my computer , what this unit does to the analog guitar signal really pleases me too , I'm stoked ,  this could get cosmically delicious :)

One cool feature I saw in a video was the HH3 controlling the right to left and back again signal in real time with that ring . This would make that move an
easy editing process .

EZ :

HR

chlorinemist

I've owned a Source Reflex for about a year now. Awesome UI, I/O is beyond comprehensive, software works well. Only complaint I've had is sometimes the pedal doesn't quite stay in place, and ends up sending constant cc messages jumping back and forth between 2 adjacent values. This can cause my computer's midi software to crash. Also crashed my old mio10 midi interface. The treadle can be tightened though which should help.

My Moog EP3 expression pedals have a smoother feel and seems to hold its settings more stably than the Source does.

JiveTurkey

Quote from:  philjynx on May 30, 2017, 04:08:23 AM
Have you made sure assign hold is on that has the desired effect on my setup. That's assuming that the 33 has assign hold....
What's funny is I just responded to your other thread trying to get my GR55 to send CCs to an external device to no avail. I haven't had the 33 for years but I did end up resolving the issue. Thanks Yahoo group  ;D

admin

#18
Rare - but do pop up in the used channels





Digitech (IVL) MC-2 MIDI expression pedal.

chlorinemist



Glad I got one while they were still being made!

Helsinki

EX3 provides instant plug-and-play connectivity.
Programmable and configurable
I use the pedal mainly with my electric guitar, plugged into Logic Pro X. It works brilliantly.
https://beatbars.com/en/midi-expression-pedal.html


Hammerhands

You could find a Morley EP-1 from the 1980s.  Maybe they should reissue a modern version of this?  I think the pedal doesn't update very fast.  It has two TS outputs for the buttons.