Some help choosing a MIDI Switch

[DrTek]

Hi there guys:

I need some help in order to choose a Midi foot switch. I got involved on a project where I had to launch samples as well as processing some guitars, so I need hands free operation. I've been looking for MIDI switches like the Tech 21 MIDI Moose, but it looks like it sends only change program, and what I need is to send control changes, in order to launch the clips, activate tracks and effects. I also need to change MIDI channels or what controls are assigned to the switches from song to song and if I can have expression, will be cool, but not necessary. I already discarded the Behringer FCB 1010 because is too huge, and I already have to bring the guitar, the amp, a keyboard and the laptop, with the cables and power supplies, the keyboard stand and the extension for the laptop... So I need something really portable, reliable and easy to program, under 250€. Any sugestions?? What do you think of a second hand Guitar Rig 1 controller? It could fit my needs? Thanks in advance, people!

J:)

[jmdumas]

Hi

I use this all the time: http://www.roland.com/products/en/GFC-50/index.html

It rocks, it is quite small and will NEVER break! The price tag is also within your price range.

I do my MIDI routing through max so i'm not sure how easy it is to program directly on the hardware though.

cheers
jm

[yur2die4]

There are these two options:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FBVExp2

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FBVSB2/

Both programmable and connectable via USB. I can't find the measurements of the larger one but I think it is on my constantly updating wishlist haha.

[jmdumas]

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FBVExp2

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FBVSB2/

those things spit out MIDI? you sure?

i thought they were meant only to be used with Line6 stuff like the Pod (hence the stupid proprietary connector), and that USB was only meant to edit your patches. but i've been proven wrong in the past!

if they do spit out straight MIDI, i'm getting one.

[yur2die4]

I will look further into it to confirm. I'd hate if you purchased one and it did not do what you needed!

[yur2die4]

If you look at the "FBV Control Software" on the bottom, it explains how you can program the midi CC's (once again, i think i would want the bigger board! more programming options!) be sure that you are looking at the MKii's, they are usb programmable. This thing would go great with my Podxt

Edit: oops! forgot link!!:

http://www.line6.com/footcontrollers/fb ... smkii.html

[yur2die4]

er... actually it doesn't say whether it would work through the USB connection alone still, only for programming as you mentioned... i Must find the answer! (i think there was an earlier post by someone that owns the Express version).

Edit: (I am sorry about the multiple posts)

http://line6.com/community/message/80374

confirmed.

[jmdumas]

er... actually it doesn't say whether it would work through the USB connection alone still, only for programming as you mentioned... i Must find the answer! (i think there was an earlier post by someone that owns the Express version).

Edit: (I am sorry about the multiple posts)

http://line6.com/community/message/80374

confirmed.

nice! well i'm getting one for sure then.

[delicioso]

There are these two options:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FBVExp2

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FBVSB2/

Both programmable and connectable via USB. I can't find the measurements of the larger one but I think it is on my constantly updating wishlist haha.

These Line 6 FBV Shortboard MKII are not usb bus-powered are they?

[yur2die4]

They appear to be USB powered. In that link to the Line 6 forum someone mentions how they acquired the footboard before receiving their actual amp and were able to connect it to their computer (the only way to do so is via USB) and use it. There are other posts on that forum mentioning its use as a daw midi controller.

[delicioso]

They appear to be USB powered. In that link to the Line 6 forum someone mentions how they acquired the footboard before receiving their actual amp and were able to connect it to their computer (the only way to do so is via USB) and use it. There are other posts on that forum mentioning its use as a daw midi controller.

It doesn't look like these are usb bus-powered which is too bad.
All it says on the decriptions are "Self-powered via included locking RJ-45 cable":
http://www.audiomidi.com/FBV-Shortboard ... 12528.aspx

[yur2die4]

I looked in the manual on their site and found this in the troubleshooting section:

USB/MIDI Operation

Q: FBV won’t power on when connected to my computer.

A: FBV MkII receives power from the USB cable, when connected to your computer. Make sure both ends of the USB cable is connected securely. It is typically best to connect directly to one of your computer’s on-board USB ports (rather that to a USB hub). You might also try a different USB cable to make sure the cable itself is not the problem.

Also interesting is that it apparently shows up as 4 midi devices on the computer (any of them are selectable to receive the same commands). So you could use it on up to 4 programs at once

If you want to get sickeningly excited about the board, that same manual in pdf "FBV MkII Series Controller Advanced " has an example chapter on setting up the FBV for use with ableton live including diagrams. I'm drooling hahaha

http://www.line6.com/support/manuals/?f ... mit=Submit

[DrTek]

Thank you all, guys!! I've decided to get the Shortboard MkII. Looks great, sturdy, and easy to program. And BTW, does any of you have any idea on how to generate some sort of program change on Live. I'm thinking in something like "Mute track 1>Active Track 2>Change input on track 2>Active plug-ins on track 2>.... " all in single button press. Once I'll get the shortboard I¡ll make some investigations. Thanks people!

[yur2die4]

Program Change can be done either through individual clips (each clip can be assigned One program change, it is in the clip properties) or through an attached midi device.

One negative quality about that shortboard that I must point out is that it does not appear to have the ability to switch between multiple stored layout banks. It doesn't seem like a huge deal but I imagine it could frustrate some power users haha.

[DrTek]

Thanks, I completely forgot about that!