MIDI capabable expression pedal

jamcoops · November 21, 2022 at 10:15 PM

Hi all,

Has anyone used one of these:

https://beatbars.com/en/midi-expression-pedal.html

I'm looking to be able to control my delay mix with CCs to avoid using morph. I like to have control of delay independently of everything else and I don't think I can do it without using midi.

Any other suggestions?

Many thanks,

Mark

kevinduren · November 21, 2022 at 10:22 PM

I want to know about this also.

Wheresthedug · November 22, 2022 at 8:14 AM

That looks like a really interesting pedal 😎

Like both of you, I would really like to have a dedicated pedal assigned to delay mix (or possibly wet mix for delay and reverb) but also want to keep morph free for other things.

Not sure f it would work with the Kemper but wold love to hear if anyone confirms it.

thebrushwithin · November 23, 2022 at 8:06 PM

Here are some alternatives, that I have heard good things about.

MIDIexpression

Ruefus · November 23, 2022 at 8:30 PM

They quit making it, but Source Audio had their Reflex pedal:

Reflex Expression Controller - Source Audio Website

Something like this box from MIDI Solutions will allow you to use all sorts of different pedals:

MIDI Solutions Footswitch Controller; General Purpose Input to MIDI

jamcoops · November 23, 2022 at 10:41 PM

Thanks guys. I'm trying to avoid using a seperate midi controller and pedal. If I do that then the Kemper Stage goes on a board, adds size and weight etc... Plus then I will start adding more pedals and so on.

That's why the midi expression pedal I linked attracted me. I'll probably take a chance and get one to try.

All the best,

Mark

Wheresthedug · November 24, 2022 at 11:23 AM

let us know how you get on with it

jamcoops · November 24, 2022 at 4:24 PM

I don't think this will work for me. I've had a bit more of a dig round on the internet and whilst the BeatBars pedal will probably do what I want it requires an external power supply. Either a 9 volt 'pedal' type or through USB. That means I will be back to either having a wall wart and more faffing or mounting on a pedal board - if I do that I may as well use one of the mid-controllers I have and a standard experession pedal.

Oh well!!!!

Wheresthedug · November 24, 2022 at 11:55 PM

That's disappointing to hear.

If only Kemper would allow us to have a second Morph pedal or a dedicated Delay mic pedal type there would be no need to find a workaround.

lightbox · November 25, 2022 at 9:51 AM

Quote from jamcoops

it requires an external power supply ... through USB.

I wonder if a small mini-powerbank attached with some velcro would do the trick.

The power consumption of the pedal is 40mA only. So I think even a tiny power bank with 5000mAh only should run it for 100 hours plus.

Of course you'd need a short patch cable like this one from powerbank to pedal:

Ruefus · November 25, 2022 at 1:29 PM

If what you’re looking for is an unpowered (passive) way to send MIDI messages, I’m pretty sure you’re out of luck. Something has to provide the power MIDI requires to function.

paults · November 25, 2022 at 2:46 PM

Any expression pedal can be connected to this. It is powered by the MIDI cable. If someone wants just an expression pedal on the floor, the device can be in the back of the rack, or attached to a toaster.

https://midisolutions.com/prodped.htm

jamcoops · November 25, 2022 at 10:14 PM

Quote from paults

Any expression pedal can be connected to this. It is powered by the MIDI cable. If someone wants just an expression pedal on the floor, the device can be in the back of the rack, or attached to a toaster.

https://midisolutions.com/prodped.htm

Now that looks interesting. Many thanks.

jamcoops · November 25, 2022 at 10:16 PM

Quote from lightbox

I wonder if a small mini-powerbank attached with some velcro would do the trick.
The power consumption of the pedal is 40mA only. So I think even a tiny power bank with 5000mAh only should run it for 100 hours plus.
Of course you'd need a short patch cable like this one from powerbank to pedal:

The one independent review I found said they couldn't get it to work with a usb powerpack.

Thanks though.

jamcoops · November 25, 2022 at 10:18 PM

Quote from Ruefus

If what you’re looking for is an unpowered (passive) way to send MIDI messages, I’m pretty sure you’re out of luck. Something has to provide the power MIDI requires to function.

I was hoping to find a pedal that is battery operated. I already carry spare 9v batteries for my IEM pack. The little gadget that Paults has highlighted looks interesting though.