• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Source Audio Sourcerers Society (S.A.S.S.)

Status
Not open for further replies.
#983
Got a question for folks familiar with the Soundblox Pro and version 2 product lines: it's about how they handle MIDI and Hot Hand inputs.

Right now, I've got a Programmable EQ that's controlled via the MIDI jack. Works great, and I'd like to continue that approach by adding a BEF 2 when it comes out, so that its presets can be triggered by a MIDI channel. Theoretically, I could switch to a specific EQ and effect in one shot.

But I also want to hook up a Hot Hand, and that's where things get murky. From what I can see at http://www.sourceaudio.net/products/soundblox_pro/bass_envelope.php, the BEF Pro has a dedicated sensor input for the Hot Hand, plus a standard MIDI port. I'm all set, right?

The BEF 2 isn't out yet, so I had a look at the back panel of the Multiwave Bass Distortion 2: http://www.sourceaudio.net/products/soundblox2/multiwave_bass_distortion.php. No dedicated MIDI port is shown; instead, there'a "Multifunction-in" jack for the Hot Hand or an expression pedal, which also "allows MIDI access to preset and parameters".

Sounds like that multifunction input will take a Hot Hand or MIDI, but not both at the same time. Is that correct? If so, I'll stop waiting for the BEF 2 and simply buy the Pro version.

Can anyone confirm or correct this? Thanks ...
 
#984
The Soundblox 2 units will be MIDI compatible through the multi-function input once we release the adapter. We are still working on tweaking the final product and we will make an announcement once its ready for release.

For the time being, I would recommend that you go for the Pro versions.
 
#985
Thanks for the quick reply. Just to clarify, is the adapter intended to support _both_ MIDI and the HH hooked up at the same time? In other words, the performer could pull up a preset via MIDI, then immediately start applying Hot Hand control to pedal output?

itswac said:
The Soundblox 2 units will be MIDI compatible through the multi-function input once we release the adapter. We are still working on tweaking the final product and we will make an announcement once its ready for release.

For the time being, I would recommend that you go for the Pro versions.
Click to expand...
 
#986
"Sounds like that multifunction input will take a Hot Hand or MIDI, but not both at the same time. Is that correct? If so, I'll stop waiting for the BEF 2 and simply buy the Pro version."

out of the box, this looks true, but there are interfaces that convert a TRS expression input to midi, so it may be possible to control the presets and use a HH3 with midi at the same time. But midi information is incomplete in SB2 manuals so it's just a idea I have right now. What I did pick up on the SA site is that the midi adapter will have an IN and OUT/THRU, plus you can daisy chain SB2 pedals (not Pro) with multifunction IN/OUT. or do what I did with my pro pedals and get a midi splitter/hub.

too bad the HH3 doesn't have a midi out, or will a multifunction midi adapter work on the Dual expression pedal and HH3? That would be cool, VERY COOL !! I just thought of that. Hmmm.

I have a feeling that the answer be "if you need midi, expression and HH, get the Pro", but no Pro Dimension. What would "complete" my setup would be a Pro verb/delay/flange/chorus pedal.
 
#987
itswac said:
The Soundblox 2 units will be MIDI compatible through the multi-function input once we release the adapter. We are still working on tweaking the final product and we will make an announcement once its ready for release.

For the time being, I would recommend that you go for the Pro versions.
Click to expand...

I would recommend the Pro version of the BEF even though the SB2 versions doesn't exist yet. More than 2 presets, plus the eq and backpage stuff are very useful.
 
#988
Yeah, I've slowly reached the same conclusion. Six presets are a lot more appealing than two, and the real estate savings of the SB2 design will be wiped out by needing an adaptor.

Looks like instant gratification (the BEF Pro is available right now) is the way to go.

Thanks for your insights.

Gadgetjunky said:
I would recommend the Pro version of the BEF even though the SB2 versions doesn't exist yet. More than 2 presets, plus the eq and backpage stuff are very useful.
Click to expand...
 
#989
Yes, do it. The BEF Pro is sooo fun. I'm controllling the presets and expression function with midi and have the HH all running at once. I just ordered the daisy chain cable to link HH to my Classic Pro to see what more extreme Dub I can create.
 
#991
Basehead said:
The expression function on the BEF Pro can be controlled via MIDI?? How is this done?
Click to expand...

I have the Behinger FCB1010, but any Midi foot controller with an expression input (Ground Control Pro, Midimate, etc.) can be used. Then you just send one of the 4 CC commands oulined in the BEF Pro manual to control the expression funcitons. BUT, you only get 4 choices (control of the 4 knobs essentially), not all of the 16 different Expression combinations with the TRS input. But it get's the job done very nicely.

The FCB1010 has 2 expression pedals next to each other, so I've got a killer sweep patch where I rock both expression pedals at the same time controlling the BEF Pro and the Classic Pro - it sounds KILLER!!!
 
#995
Basehead said:
The expression function on the BEF Pro can be controlled via MIDI?? How is this done?
Click to expand...

Depending on which version of firmware you have, CC #24 writes to the expression control which can then be assigned to whatever.

This has not been carefully tested which is why it's not in the manual. But feel free to try it!

Jesse
 
#996
Thanks for the info Gadjet! I was playing with this last night...great stuff!

Jesse, I'll have to try this tonight. Are there any plans for future Firmware updates that will allow for any other features (I wouldn't begin to know what since the BEF Pro is feature packed!)?
 
#997
jesseRSA said:
Depending on which version of firmware you have, CC #24 writes to the expression control which can then be assigned to whatever.

This has not been carefully tested which is why it's not in the manual. But feel free to try it!

Jesse
Click to expand...

DO WHAT!!! So CC #24 will basically assign it to Backpage XC? Tell Will, this was the answer I was looking for.

Next question, how do I tell what firmware I have and I have as USB/MIDI thingie so how do I update if needed?
 
#998
Ok, I just got my daisy chain cable, and not only did it come quickly and I have it for my gig, it has right angle plugs. Online it shows straight plugs which would actaully be fine for me because I have my Pro's on a sliding rack shelf, but this is just evidence that SA listens to us here. I remember seeing a post in the first mega SA thread about this issue and the power adapter. Guess what, my Classic Pro has a straight, but then my BEF Pro came with angles. Thank you SA


[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#999
36675bec09a011e2a94622000a1e8b13_7.jpg


finally it's here :)

the synthy multiband sounds is just what I'm after, add some flanger/chorus and I'm all set
 
#1,000
This may seem like a pretty dumb idea--or a really obvious one. But I'm thinking about setting up me MWBD thusly:

Green preset 1:
normal singleband for a bit of rock fuzz
mid boost

Green present 2:
multiband wackiness for some Flaming Lips wackiness
mid boost

Green present 2:
multiband octave for even MOAR wackiness (or something I could use in conjunction with the BEF)
mid boost

Red presets would be set exactly the same except I'd scoop the EQ suitable for slap instead of fingerstyle.

Doing this, I could use the footswitches to select the distortion I want and use my expression pedal to get the eq for the technique I want.

Dumb? Obvious?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back