Foot Pedals via USB (e.g. in Mainstage)

[jonny]

Hi,

I’m fairly new to MIDI controllers, but I’m really enjoying playing my INSTRUMENT 1. I’d like to add a foot controller to my setup (Mainstage on a Macbook Pro) so that I can dampen or add expression to the sound, but I notice most MIDI foot pedals seem to only have 1/4" jack outputs.

Are there controllers/interfaces/converters that can read the foot pedal 1/4" jack and connect via USB? I think the iRig Blueboard might do something like this, but I think it only has space for 1 1/4" jack - ideally I’d like to be able to attach 2-3 pedals at once (also, the iRig is Bluetooth and I’d prefer USB for my Macbook). I was particularly thinking of a 3 in 1 pedal such as the M-Audio SP Triple.

Otherwise, are there USB foot controllers? Or pedals/pedalboards that go to a MIDI IN port? I have a Steinberg UR22, so could use that to receive the MIDI IN signal if necessary. I’ve seen the Behringer FCB1010, but this seems to have far more pedals than I need. I’ve also seen reviews that suggest it is difficult to set up.

Any advice would be very welcome!

Thanks,

Jonny

[arne]

It looks like the best option could be to use any keyboard that has volume and expression 1/4" inputs. After looking quite a bit there seems to be no simple USB or DIN 5-pin pedals. There could be some more DIY solutions but I could not find anything simple.
This one could solve your problem but it has a lot more than 2 “pedals”:

https://www.keithmcmillen.com/products/softstep/

[Swoononeone]

Hi Jonny,

You might try Logidy. They seem to have guitar style foot switches that are USB and class compliant. “UMI3”

http://www.logidy.com/?pid=1

I’ve not tried to use them with my iPad and a Camera Connection Kit or a computer just yet. Just ordered one. I prefer a USB type connection instead of using batteries and Bluetooth. Set up with either option should be relatively easy using a utility and or in application “MIDI learn” allowing you to map each switch to a function in your music software/DAW/App.

[Swoononeone]

Jonny,

I tested the Logidy pedal and it could suit your needs though I don’t have an expression pedal. Do note that you should save a configuration to the pedal using the Logidy App. I suggest running the Logidy set up App at the same time as your DAW to fine tune a pedal configuration that works.

Note that the expression pedal used with the UMI 3 needs to be a TRS style (tip, ring, sleeve - expression pedals with a TRS connector where the wiper of the pot is connected to the Tip will work.)

From the manual: UMI3 Compatible pedals include: M-Audio Ex-p (in “M-Audio” mode), Moog EP2, Alesis F2, Roland EV-5, EV-7, Boss FV-500L.)

I used my UMI 3 pedal with my iPad. I use an Apple Camera Control kit and a USB hub to connect both the pedal and the Instrument 1. In my App (Loopy HD) I assigned functions to each button using MIDI learn. In this case I created a “loop pedal” to record sounds from the Artiphon App via Audiobus but I’m sure you could assign your expression pedal using a similar method in your DAW or Apps.

[gzapper]

The logidy pedal is great, easy to use and program. Expression pedals work fine with it.

The Keith McMillen stuff is fussier. The softstep is a pain to program as its almost too powerful, and the footstwiches are hard to use accurately. Even trying to run one of the switches as a basic volume pedal is tough, as you almost need to keep your foot on the pedal continuously.

Go for the logidy UMI3, cheap and works great.