MIDI footcontroller comparison table

Started by Elantric-fgn, May 25, 2009, 10:58:42 AM

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Elantric-fgn

Here's a good MIDI footcontroller comparison table

http://g-force.info/midiboard_comparison.htm


In the old days (1995) the Digitech PMC-10 MIDI footcontroller was king - as each of its 10 pedals  could be programmed to send multiple user created MIDI strings of any type to 16 different MIDI channels.
http://www.loopers-delight.com/tools/PMC10/PMC10.html
There is an Editor for it too

http://www.creepingfog.com/sean/pmc/

Today, the  FCB-1010 with third party "UNO" software is a very attractive alternative

http://www.mtnsys.com/faq-fcb/UnO%20Firmware.htm
A couple Win PC Editors support the UNO equipped FCB-1010:
http://www.mtnsys.com/faq-fcb/PCEditorBeta.htm
http://www.ripwerx.com/GettingStarted.html

The same dude who the developed the free UNO firmware has developed his own line of MIDI foot controllers: (but they are costly)
http://www.gordius.be/


And the FCB-1010 lacks the expansion abilities to support multiple external Expression pedals. - this is what Vance demands.


The Yamaha MFC-10 is attractive:

http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha_europe/uk/10_musical_instruments/30_guitars_basses_amps/80_amplifier_and_effects/30_midi_foot_controller/10_no_series/MFC10/index.html

Supports  one internal and Four external assignable SW/Exp Pedals.

And is a favorite with Ableton Live users.

and the Nobels MF2 is interesting.
http://godlyke.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=130&thiscat=39&frompage=Online_Store&page_num=1&=SID

There was the Rolls MidiWizzard - but it was poorly built and tended to self destruct.
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

panrixx

Elantric,

Here is a question that will show my lack of knowledge regarding music software, so please forgive my ignorance in this area.  That what this forum is here for, right?

With the Guitar Rig 3 software can any floor based multi-effects processor, with midi, be used.  There is a lot of information here about the Rig Control 3 but I wondered if my TC Electronic G-System can be linked to the Guitar Rig 3 software so they can talk to each other?

panrixx

I think at this time of day in the USA Elantric is getting a few well earned ZZZZZs

Can anyone else answer my question (above)?

Elantric-fgn

QuoteWith the Guitar Rig 3 software can any floor based multi-effects processor, with midi, be used.

Sure - as long as it sends a unique MIDI CC# message per footswitch

You will need a MIDI to USB Interface - like an MAudio UNO
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

panrixx

Well, I have a lot to learn on this subject so at the moment do not fully understand what "unique MIDI CC# message per footswitch" means.

I had a look at the G-System manual and under MIDI CC it states "MIDI CCs from 0 to 127 can be sent via the G-System's MIDI Out by pressing a switch.  Note that the switch can be used to either toggle or hold the selected CC's value."

MCK-fgn

#5
Think of Midi CCs as simple numerical identifiers, anything from 0 to 127 in this case. You set it on your controller and also on the software or device to be controlled. So you could assign a CC# of 15 to a footpedal. That means each time you press that pedal it will fire off a CC# of 15 and send it down the wire. You then go to the GR3 or whatever you want to control and find the action you want to initiate and then set it to CC#15. GR3 then patiently waits and waits until you press the footswitch. When you do, GR3 receives CC15 and acts on it.

Hope this helps. Regards
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

Elantric-fgn

The MIDI controller with the most foot switches - located ergonomically where you like them - typically is the one  you want.

Numerous "foot controllers" can be used

Even a POD XT Live works well as a dedicated MIDI footcontroller
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

panrixx

Thanks MCK and Elantric, thats helps a lot.

You are probably familiar with the G-System but, just incase you are not, here are some photos of the top, front and rear.

MCK-fgn

panrixx, looks like a great piece of kit. Can't see any reason why it should not do the trick. Missing expression pedal will be something to consider but perhaps there might be a way to add an external unit.
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

panrixx

#9
MCK, if you look at the previous last image you will see that just left of the MIDI In-Out connections the are two connections for Volume and Expression pedals.

Here are couple of examples I found.

MCK-fgn

Perfect! Seems like path forward for you.
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

Johnnyurq-fgn

Hi Panrixx,

Slightly O/T but how do you find the G System as I very nearly bought one before buying the VG-99?

I was looking at them again as they are going for reasonable money 2nd hand.

Back on topic I have tried Roland FC100 MkII, FC200 and the newer FC300 and they are all able to control GR3 as long as you set it all up correctly regarding CC's etc.

I don't think you will have any problems using the G System though.


Cheers

Johnny

MCK-fgn

The one thing I struggled with the FCB1010 to GR3 was the initial activation. Turned out that GR3 will only learn when the audio subsystem is active. All the while I was trying to get the learning done without the guitar & RIP plugged in and that was a mistake. Once the RIP was plugged in and powered up learning was possible. Thought I should share.
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

panrixx

#13
I've never really compared it with anything else but I find it very easy to use and it's build quality/engineering is 2nd to none.

There is even a video on Youtube where they run a number of increasingly heavier vehicles over it and it still works.  They then use a 57 ton tracked tank and it still works.  It is only eventually 'killed' when the tank parks on top of it and turns circles.

TC Electronic G-System VS. heavy vehicles

TC Electronic G-System VS. heavy vehicles - extreme edition

I still keep a close eye on eBay prices and most go for around £600+.  New thet are just short of £1K.  Mine was picked up for £420 and I have never seen one go for less, so I'm very happy.  Condition is A1 and it came in original box etc.

MCK-fgn

Wow!!! Such a simple yet effective way of proving what you claim on your advertising blurb! I am very very impressed.
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

panrixx

#15
There was one on eBay that has just finished.  It had a couple of marks and went for £780.  Thats a little pricey, probably 'Sunday' money!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220461414268&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I think the seller did well, considering they have never heard of paragraphs!

Johnnyurq-fgn

For sure Panrixx that is higher than the ones I have seen selling in the last while.

Must have been as you say a Sunday finish bidding war. They are only £1k new for the warranty and the peace of mind new would be better for me than £780 for that one.

I think I will wait until they come down a wee bit.

Elantric-fgn

. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

javajunkie-fgn

Here is a more up2date one:

http://www.midi-omni.com/midi-footcontrollers/

If you guys haven't looked into a liquid-foot pro or jr. It is awesome.

http://www.liquid-foot.com/index.shtml

DF400-fgn

That Liquid-Foot Pro looks sweet. I am using the Ground Control Pro and am very happy with it. Having used other controllers, this one seems easier to program and can operate 8 Midi devices. This Liquid board has A LOT of switches!

vanceg-fgn

Yeah!  The Liquid pedals look super. If it weren't for the (still up and coming) SoftStep, I might seriously consider one of these.  I am sure there will be people who insist on larger, metal, more traditional pedalboards that the SoftStep and this looks like it would be my first choice in that area.