cheapest way to assemble a foot controled bass synth

[h3rtz]

hi there,

i wonder if some of u guys experimented with this kind of live gear. the point is to be able to play guitar and bass synth in the same time, so i am looking for a convinient way to foot control a hardware synth. the only dedicated gear i found so far is the moog taurus, but the prize matters, and so does the size.

currently i am thinking of getting a DSI mopho desktop and a behringer fb1010. i would connect it directly to each other and program the footboard to trigger the sequencer of the mopho. all analogue sound, about 450 euros. i just wonder if i could program the peadals to hold a note if i keep pushing it, in case i dont want to use the sequencer. i know theres midi bass pedals, but those are crazily expensive, more than the synth itself, and huge and heavy.

i already have a line6 m13 guitar effects which can send CC messages, but they cant be changed on the board. so i would have to run the midi signal through my computer to a midi mapper before it gets to the synth, right? anybody got experience with that? would it be theoretically possible to control propellerhead rebirth in a similar way? or is there another combination of a synth and a foot controller which makes more sense in this price range? it should include a step sequencer. a good software solution might also be interesting.

looking forward to your suggestions!

greets, h.

[Angstrom]

Edit - post removed due to function doubt

[crumhorn]

There's the Roland PK5, but they're rather expensive a single octave pedal board IMO. typically £385.

MIDI equipped organ style pedal boards all seem really expensive, and quite rare.

For years I've had a half baked plan to build my own using the guts out of cheap midi keyboard. one day....

[Moody]

Hire a bass player?

[h3rtz]

@Angstrom: what?

@crumhorn: just to ensure we are talking about the same thing: the pk5 doesnt generate sound, its a pure controller, and way to expensive. also too big as i am on the move a lot. as far as i know the fcb1010 is fully hackable, not small but handy, light and...cheap! but i am not sure if its layout fits. u need at least 12 step buttons for being able to play a full octave. the fcb1010 does have precisely twelve, but two are labeled as bank up/down switches. not sure if these can be programed on notes.

@moody: i always loved playing in bands, but this project is just me with a live sampling concept. i am currently living abroad and don't have the time to deal with other peoples schedules. so it's a one man live band. i am trying to avoid being stuck in endless overdubs, thats why i am looking for alternative solutions to control instruments.

[Ryanmf]

This seems to be more or less what you're looking for, for about $350/€250/£220 with a MIDI adapter (unless you're okay with USB, then it ends up being ~$50/€35/£30 cheaper): http://www.keithmcmillen.com/12step/overview

For my needs the softstep is more compelling, but it's really more for effects control, whereas the 12 step is their full octave instrument controller.

[h3rtz]

@ryanmf: this is indeed what i was looking for. thanks a lot mate. can't wait to get it.

any suggesions about aynths with sequencers, anyone? i wonder if u can use the arpeggiator of, for instance, a blofeld, to hold melodic patterns.