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Soft Step foot controller

fokof

fokof

One day ,I'll be in the future
Mar 16, 2007
3,494
1,686
Here
#1
Just received this:
http://www.keithmcmillen.com/products/softstep/index.php


I'm in a "holy" quest of smaller and lighter gear and this piece will complete my wishes. I needed a kind of a PK5 for very occasional note trigering (sampler, looper, Taurus soft synth ) this thing can send 5 notes per switch ( check the Mussorgsky video! ) and can act as 10 or more different EV5.

Haven't tried it much but so far what I can see is a VERY VERY flexible controller wich can replace lots of pedals and switches for a very small footprint. The software is very nice.
It's a bit complicated , but that's what gives you the flexibility.

Maybe I'll have an FC300 to sell , we'll see ! :hmm:
 
#2
When I went to log on to the website, Google displayed the following message(there's more):

What is the current listing status for keithmcmillen.com?

Site is listed as suspicious - visiting this web site may harm your computer.

Part of this site was listed for suspicious activity 1 time(s) over the past 90 days.

So I did not check out the site.
 
#3
Yeah I've seen that but I don't have any problems with that site. (10.6.5/Safari)

A little review:
As a "do it all" USB foot controller , it's pretty amazing.
I've tried it with Live (loops and trigger ) and Digital Performer ( CC Cuemix ) and it is VERY flexible.
You really have to get use to the pads sensibility to use all the X/Y/rotation axes.
It's almost like learning a new instrument if your not into controllers.

BUT

The stand alone mode does not work :mad:.... yet , big bummer ......
They say it's gonna be available on a future firmware update.
Can't use with my VB99 on a gig without the computer.
:scowl: :bawl: :spit:
For now ....
I just hope that this update will not be in 2 years.
 
#4
Hi, saw this post, and yes, our website got hacked over the weekend but it's up and running now, we're removed the malware and we're back up.

Regarding the standalone version, we are very close, it's a top priority and we are hopefully just a few weeks away from release. If you sign up for our email list on our website we'll notify you when it's released. Also check out the videos on our website which take you through the setup, and applications with Ableton Live, AmplitTube, etc.

Best regards,

Andrew Calvo
VP Sales/Marketing, Keith McMillen Instruments
 
#6
dysbtwn said:
Hi, saw this post, and yes, our website got hacked over the weekend but it's up and running now, we're removed the malware and we're back up.

Regarding the standalone version, we are very close, it's a top priority and we are hopefully just a few weeks away from release. If you sign up for our email list on our website we'll notify you when it's released. Also check out the videos on our website which take you through the setup, and applications with Ableton Live, AmplitTube, etc.

Best regards,

Andrew Calvo
VP Sales/Marketing, Keith McMillen Instruments
Click to expand...

Thanx for that info !
It's always nice to see the companies responding to the posts!

Are we gonna be able to load a complete "set list" ?:hyper:
 
#9
my goodness but ol' Keith isn't exactly giving that stuff away ... The Softstep looks cool but a grand for a GI-20 equivalent with a VST Organizer ?

On the other hand his demo-dolly Al is a great player! I totally dug his StringPort demo's
 
#10
I've been using the SoftStep with great success. I've mostly been controlling plugins and an outboard synth via midi but I'm planning on delving deeper into the OSC aspects. The Softstep was around $300 but you get so much for the money. The back of the unit is even made with a carbon fiber weave. It's very responsive but I find I need to be standing up to control it properly. I haven't even gone through all the possibilities for the pad outputs yet but I'm totally convinced with the ones I'm already using.
 
#11
A new software available at KMI site : KeyWorx
Use your softstep as Mega mouse , program your most used shortcuts.
If you're a Photoshop , FinalCut Pro , DP , whatever power user , program your most used shortcuts and have it at your feet.
You guys know and midi/USB controller that can act as a mouse ? :hyper:

What a super bonus!
Yeah !!!!!!


Downloads
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#12
Bumping an old thread:

Just for the record , I finaly kept the FC300 for the VB99 duties , the integration is too deep between both units to be worth giving it up.

THis SoftStep thing is a VERY VERY VERY deep unit. It can do EVRYTHING , and then some. If you are into whatever that implies computer audio and playing , this thing is a must.
The only one you'll ever buy
 
#13
hi Fokof... i have a question for you...
i'm planning buying a VB99... and i already own a SoftStep... i thought they could be best companion.. but, from what i read, you're not happy with that configuration... can you please explain why? I mean, doesn't the sofstep do what's needed for the vb99 to be completely controlled?
thanks in advance... and congrats for your videos with the VB... :)
 
#14
It's not that I'm not happy with the SoftStep , it's because I already had the FC300 & VB99 when I bought the SoftStep and thought it could replace the FC300 , but no.

I got the SoftStep mainly to go with my Computer to control "Live" for looping , and as a Note On/off controller and since it weight 20 pounds less than the FC300 I thought of selling the FC and keep only the SS but the thing is that with the FC300 , there is a whole lotta things that you can do only with that Combo. (FC300 & VB99)
First and foremost , seeing the tuner at your feet is the big thing, and there is 12 assignable controllers to the FC300 only that I don't have access if I use the SoftStep only.
As you'll learn to program stuff in the VB99 , the 16 assignable CC controller can be all used very fast in Synth patch type of sound without having used any external controller.

That's why I keep the FC300 specificaly to work with the VB99 and I keep the SS for all other CPU duties.
If you only have the SS , it will do a very good job as a CC controller but you'll be limited to 16 CC assignable parameters.
That can be plenty for your need too.
 
#15
Thanks a lot... I'll be posting my experiences as i progress on the VB...
In the worst case i'll be considering finding a fc300... but lets first start the battle and see what i really need...!
Thanks,
Enrico... From Madrid.
 

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