Anyone use MIDI to control their effects (PODxt etc.)

WarriorJoe7 · #1 09-04-2007, 12:36 AM

I just got a wireless 25 key midi controller to try this.

Anyone else use midi to control any effects boxes? What are you controlling.

I don't know if it will work but I was thinking that I could set it up so that I could change patches by tapping a key. If I label the keys then I could have 25 patches available at the push of a button instead of switching banks and all that junk.

What else could I use it for with bass stuff?

speak_onion · #2 09-04-2007, 06:27 AM

You should make sure your controller lets you use the keys to send patch changes. Some only let you send note on/off.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #3 09-05-2007, 10:30 AM

I use a MIDI foot controller to operate my Boss VF-1 and my Looperlative. There are products like the GCX Audio Switcher that allow you to put all of your stompbox/rack effects into loops and turn them on and off via MIDI, so you can control non-MIDI effects with your MIDI controller.

grovest · #4 09-05-2007, 10:40 AM

Here's an idea. Say you're playing with another cat on keys. His keyboard has midi out and in. The two of you work out custom patches to use across your set. When one of you changes the patch for the upcoming song, your device sends a message to change the patch on the other device as well. This might need an intermediate computer.

Or, you could have some kind of audience participation, where they have some control over the tone with remote devices.

Or, you could link a parameter of an effect - for instance the pan of a stereo effect - to an external device like stage lights. Imagine matching the stage light intensity to your tap tempo or 'rotating speaker simulator rate'.

Let's say you had a drum sequencer running a series of patterns throughout a song. That sequencer could automatically trigger a different patch at certain preset segments of the song, without your input needed.

Just some off the wall ideas....

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #5 09-05-2007, 10:58 AM

Have you submitted your resume to Pink Floyd yet?

Erick Lam · #6 09-05-2007, 11:16 AM

I use a FCB1010 board to control a VF1 and I love it. Expression pedals are awesome. I haven't had time to play much but have ideas. For exemple: use an certain effect with the pedal at value "0", let that effect fade out as the pedal go up while adding another effect gradually at the same time, and finally use another effect (or none) when the pedal is at value 127 (toe down). Makes for some nifty transitions, all controlled with one pedal.

That's just one exeample. The FCB1010 can also be used as a pedal keyboard.

Petary791 · #7 09-05-2007, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erick Lam

That's just one exeample. The FCB1010 can also be used as a pedal keyboard.

Geddy Lee/Alex Lifeson style?

Erick Lam · #8 09-05-2007, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petary791

Geddy Lee/Alex Lifeson style?

Yup. You need something that can actually produce the sound though. The board only controls the notes. I haven't tried it as a keyboard, not yet.

Petary791 · #9 09-05-2007, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erick Lam

Yup. You need something that can actually produce the sound though. The board only controls the notes. I haven't tried it as a keyboard, not yet.

Now i'm REALLY interested.

So what would I plug it into to trigger stuff? I'm talking bass notes by the way.

Erick Lam · #10 09-05-2007, 11:57 AM

I haven't tried it so don't take my word for it. I'm not quite ther yet so I haven't looked into that. It can control notes, so the manual says. I suppose you need a sound module. It should act like a plain keyboard controller plugged into a sound module.

Check the FCB1010 FAQ and the link to the Yahoo group at the bottom: http://www.mtnsys.com/faq-fcb/showfaqs.asp

grovest · #11 09-05-2007, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petary791

Now i'm REALLY interested.

So what would I plug it into to trigger stuff? I'm talking bass notes by the way.

Petary,

To start out with you might try programming it to control your sound card's midi implementation. That would give you an introduction, if that helps. I had the FCB1010 at one point and it is a good value for what it is.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #12 09-05-2007, 12:10 PM

The unfortunate part of MIDI foot controllers is the the price massively leaps up when you look at the ones with a little more functionality than what the Behringer, Yamaha, etc., models offer.

enim · #13 09-05-2007, 05:13 PM

Setup your midi controller/keyboard players keyboard so that it controlls a pitch bender. Have it take the lowest octave, and bend your pitch to that note, and never ever ever have to fret anything again.

stoneboy26 · #14 09-05-2007, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan R. Tyler

I use a MIDI foot controller to operate my Boss VF-1 and my Looperlative. There are products like the GCX Audio Switcher that allow you to put all of your stompbox/rack effects into loops and turn them on and off via MIDI, so you can control non-MIDI effects with your MIDI controller.

I have the gcx switcher and ground control pro. Racked all my pedals except the wah. Would definitely use it if I had a POD or something like that to switch patches, etc. on it...Works a treat!!