BeatBuddy mini 2=Thumbs Up! Foot switch=Thumbs Down!

[2saddleslab]

Just bought the BeatBuddy mini 2 to aid in songwriting, tweak my timing abilities with lots of different grooves, and just add some fun to practice with these long periods away from my band.

The Beatbuddy mini 2 is very intuitive and easy to quickly navigate. I like the sound and it was a breeze to add to my practice setup which consists of a compressor, OD, and SCR-DI. I have the option to use headphones or plug into a nearby amp. Lots of great usable drum loops. I have all this on an easy to reach console for fast adjustments.

All the reviews said the foot switch was a must have, so bought that to get the most of the pedal. Also ordered an additional longer cable to connect the foot switch so the BB mini 2 could remain on my easy to reach [and see] console. It was only then I found out it requires a stereo cable to allow the foot switch to work. Ok, so I ordered a longer stereo cable. Then I discover the foot switch only pauses/ un-pause as well as a cheesy toy sounding crash [that I'll never use]. That means if I want to record a bass line w/ handsfree drums that include fills, transition, and outro, I have to place the damn BB mini 2 on the floor next to the foot switch, which means another power supply, additional longer cables, and the pain of having to move everything to accomidate. Why have a foot switch if you still have to use the pedal as a foot switch too???

IMHO, the foot switch should have one button for pause/ un-pause and the other with the exact same functions as the BB mini 2 button. This is a real missed opportunity.

A fully functioning foot switch would make the BeatBuddy mini 2 a home run. As is, there are too many unnecessary connection changes required to make it work for both recording & practice. So close, and yet so far.

Anyone else agree? Or am I being too picky about my own personal requirements?

 

[bholder]

Isn't it programmable? I just got mine, haven't looked into the details yet, but I thought you could assign the footswitch buttons?

 

[2saddleslab]

Isn't it programmable? I just got mine, haven't looked into the details yet, but I thought you could assign the footswitch buttons?

Not on the mini 2, as far as I know. That would be a game changer though.

 

[Adamixoye]

On the full Beat Buddy you can set the foot switch to perform many different functions. Not sure about the Mini.

 

[bholder]

Not on the mini 2, as far as I know. That would be a game changer though.

On the full Beat Buddy you can set the foot switch to perform many different functions. Not sure about the Mini.

Ah ok, yeah, I've got the big one, sorry. That's too bad, but corners must be cut to "mini-fy" it, I guess.

 

[fndrbss]

There’s a video on YT that details a modification to the BBM2 which enhances the capabilities of the optional foot switch. It require soldering some additional wires and adding a female TRS jack but the whole process is pretty simple and the solder points are easily accessible. The mod eliminates the cheesy crash cymbal feature and makes that switch an extension on the foot switch on the BBM2. The pause switch remains as-is. Now I can have my BBM2 within reach on my mic stand for quick scrolling between functions and I use the foot switch (with longer stereo cord) to control intro/outro, fills and transitions. I also wired mine to include the cymbal crash whenever I hit the pause/resume switch. IMO it sounds better than a dry stop/start. These modifications have opened up huge possibilities with my BBM2.

 

[Allen Shoulders]

I agree completely with your post. The footswitch just embarrassed me and has put a big damper on what should have been a great product. I just bought the Beat Buddy Mini2 with footswitch. After a week, the right button (start/stop) failed. Singular Sound sent me another one within a couple of weeks and after less than a week, the replacement also failed. During a performance. I only lightly touch the footswitch with my foot and I've concluded these are not reliable. Now Singular Sound won't respond to my support request though it's still in warranty. I took one apart and the electronic switch is very flimsy and certainly not worthy of a foot pedal-more like something you'd see on a calculator. I'm going to try an Amazon TRS momentary pedal. Sadly, this would be a strong DO NOT BUY from me.