KPP without phone or desktop: how do you navigate 30+ song p

Quote from StefanErtle

That looks amazing. Not sure if I am able to build it myself 😬

Thank you! I completely understand.

The enclosure files, footswitch layout, wiring diagrams, bill of materials, and assembly information will be made available free of charge. I will try to document everything as clearly as possible so that the project is approachable even for people without much experience in electronics or fabrication.

If you purchase the M5Stack Tab5 development board yourself, I expect that a local custom pedal builder or electronics workshop could use the released files and documentation to manufacture the enclosure and assemble the footswitches and wiring as one complete unit.

This way, you would not need specialized fabrication equipment or have to do the wiring and soldering yourself.

Quote from Arek77

Not really.

Midi Captain gives you more options than Stage or other units have. Especially in case of Player where you get footswitches and usefull screen.

Here is my pedal case:

Lots of LEDs going on. My Pedalboard is similar though I have less indicators in use.

For convenience I attached barefoot glow in the dark buttons on the Player as I hated the one thousand LEDs that do not provide satisfactory information for me.

I could be happy with four buttons (three fx and one for morph).

Where can In find a store to buy the MAKIO components? Maybe I am to blind to find it on the website.

Quote from StefanErtle

I could be happy with four buttons (three fx and one for morph).

Where can In find a store to buy the MAKIO components? Maybe I am to blind to find it on the website.

Thank you for your interest! The project only started recently, so the website is not fully set up yet. I’ll be uploading the 3D-printable files soon, along with customizable case designs for various footswitch configurations.

For those who find DIY assembly difficult, I’m also considering offering a kit with the case, footswitches, and wiring preassembled, so it can be easily connected to the development board.

The six-switch version shown in the photos uses the M5Stack Tab5. The smaller version uses the Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.91-inch AMOLED Touch. A four-switch configuration like the one you described is also something I’ll consider!

That would be great.

Looks great, but I'm not buying a $1,000 (after the upgrades) unit to turn around a buy a third-party display. If I cannot use it as-is effectively, then the original product has an issue.

Quote from nwmusic32

Looks great, but I'm not buying a $1,000 (after the upgrades) unit to turn around a buy a third-party display. If I cannot use it as-is effectively, then the original product has an issue.

Well, the “issue” is with the user. Maybe we all thought that having 625 slots meant we needed to use all of them within the player, and only afterwards realized that we need some kind of orientation to get everything organized. At least, that’s what I would assume.

I also can’t imagine that a display with a simple controller would cost $1,000. My Paint Audio Mini 6 cost €120, or €100 without VAT, and I’m sure someone still made a profit on it.

Quote from StefanErtle

Well, the “issue” is with the user. Maybe we all thought that having 625 slots meant we needed to use all of them within the player, and only afterwards realized that we need some kind of orientation to get everything organized. At least, that’s what I would assume.

I also can’t imagine that a display with a simple controller would cost $1,000. My Paint Audio Mini 6 cost €120, or €100 without VAT, and I’m sure someone still made a profit on it.

Agree to disagree. I gave the Player a full summer of gigs, with two different bands, and it was a hassle to deal with.

For me, I'd rather get a Stage than a Player with a bunch of accessories to make it work better.

Quote from kihong

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mpc60mk2 Thank you for mentioning MAKIO, and for your interest in the project.

I originally built it for my own use. After several people asked whether I could make one for them, I decided to develop it as a public project.

The name MAKIO comes from MAKE + I/O. It is currently being developed as a modular system based on widely available development boards, so it can be customized—or built in DIY form—around each player’s equipment, needs, and way of playing.

While MAKIO currently uses general-purpose development boards, the long-term goal is to transition to a dedicated device designed specifically for the pedalboard system.

For the smaller version shown above, the core functions relevant to this thread are already complete. It can display the current bank/Slot and Rig name, together with the effect on/off states.

I’m now preparing the firmware package, 3D-printable enclosure files, and build and installation documentation, so I hope to make this focused version available relatively soon.

For the larger Tab5 version, I’m still evaluating what can be supported using only the information published in KEMPER’s official MIDI documentation. Some advanced functions may need to be limited, particularly displaying the Rig names of all five Performance Slots at once and providing full bidirectional, real-time control of effect parameters.

I’m also working toward fabrication files for sheet-metal and CNC-machined aluminum enclosures, as well as a PCB for future I/O expansion.

If you’re interested, you can find more information about the project at glasshalf.io.

Thank you again!

Display More

This looks amazing, really looking forward to your progress!

Regarding the smaller version, I'd like to try it on the PLAYER and have two questions:

1. If I purchase a Waveshare ESP32-S3 Touch AMOLED, install the firmware you provided, and connect it to the player, will it work right away?
2. The Waveshare ESP32-S3 Touch has Bluetooth. Once connected to the player, can it function as a Bluetooth MIDI receiver to control the player simultaneously with an external MIDI pedal? If that's possible, it would be truly perfect!

Quote from AppleTreeChen

If I purchase a Waveshare ESP32-S3 Touch AMOLED, install the firmware you provided, and connect it to the player, will it work right away?
The Waveshare ESP32-S3 Touch has Bluetooth. Once connected to the player, can it function as a Bluetooth MIDI receiver to control the player simultaneously with an external MIDI pedal? If that's possible, it would be truly perfect!

Thank you! I’m glad you like it.

1. Yes, you can purchase the Waveshare ESP32-S3 Touch AMOLED, install the firmware, and use it with the Kemper Player. There are still some areas that need improvement, so I’m continuing to refine it. Since the display is quite small, I’m also experimenting with the UI to make the current status as easy as possible to recognize at a glance while standing.

2. The Bluetooth MIDI receiver function you described has already been implemented. I have tested it successfully with the M-VAVE Chocolate MIDI Plus, allowing it to control the Player through the Waveshare device. I still need to test other Bluetooth MIDI controllers, but I expect compatible BLE MIDI devices to work as well.

   
   

Quote from kihong

Thank you! I’m glad you like it.

1. Yes, you can purchase the Waveshare ESP32-S3 Touch AMOLED, install the firmware, and use it with the Kemper Player. There are still some areas that need improvement, so I’m continuing to refine it. Since the display is quite small, I’m also experimenting with the UI to make the current status as easy as possible to recognize at a glance while standing.

2. The Bluetooth MIDI receiver function you described has already been implemented. I have tested it successfully with the M-VAVE Chocolate MIDI Plus, allowing it to control the Player through the Waveshare device. I still need to test other Bluetooth MIDI controllers, but I expect compatible BLE MIDI devices to work as well.

   
   

Perfect! Thank you for your reply. I will try the smaller version first. When the full‑kit becomes available, I think I will consider purchasing one. Wish you all the best.

Quote from AppleTreeChen

Perfect! Thank you for your reply. I will try the smaller version first. When the full‑kit becomes available, I think I will consider purchasing one. Wish you all the best.

Thank you so much! I’m planning to release a more stable firmware version on the website this weekend.

My current build is based on the Waveshare ESP32-S3 Touch AMOLED 1.91-inch model with pre-soldered header pins. This version makes it easy to connect physical footswitches using Dupont connectors. If you only need a status display or a Bluetooth MIDI bridge for an external foot controller, the version without pre-soldered pins may be cleaner and more practical.

The GPIO pin assignments have already been decided. However, the documentation is a little behind because I’m handling the hardware, firmware, website, and documentation by myself. I apologize for the delay and will publish the wiring and pinout information as soon as possible.

Awesome project.

kihong

Hello! I have prepared the Waveshare ESP32‑S3 Touch AMOLED 1.91, but I found that the firmware which used to be available on Glasshalf is no longer accessible. What should I do?

Quote from Radek01

Normally I use WiFi with the phone app or the desktop Rig Manager. But sometimes I find myself with just the KPP on my pedalboard — no phone, no desktop, no MIDI. And that's when navigation becomes a problem.

I know a Floorboard would solve this with its display, but I'm working with what I have.

I have roughly 30 song presets spread across multiple banks. The problem is knowing where I am at any given moment. The bank button colors cycle through only 5 options — is there any logic or map to them beyond that?

What I've considered:
- Retrovision Retrokit — solves the display problem, but it's an extra cost for what feels like a basic need
- Paper notes — I currently have notes like "42-1" next to song names, but I could also add color patterns there if I knew what the colors actually mean across banks

What I'd like to learn from you:
1. How do you organize your banks so the color pattern actually helps?
2. Do you have a cheat-sheet system that actually works on stage?
3. Any creative solutions I'm missing?
4. For those using the Retrokit — is it worth it? Can you read it from a standing position?

Any tips welcome. Thanks!

Display More

I got this weel on my controller that navigates thru banks...

It works, I think it would be better to have Kemper stage, but I do already have the rack, the player and I love the way my pedalboard is light with this controller and a wood+aluminium board to keep it light...

Quote from AppleTreeChen

kihong

Hello! I have prepared the Waveshare ESP32‑S3 Touch AMOLED 1.91, but I found that the firmware which used to be available on Glasshalf is no longer accessible. What should I do?

Hello! Sorry for the inconvenience. The firmware was temporarily unavailable while I was working on some updates, but it is now available for installation again.

To put the Waveshare ESP32-S3 Touch AMOLED 1.91 into download mode:

1. Press and hold the BOOT button.
2. Press and release the RESET button.
3. Release the BOOT button.

You should then be able to install the firmware. If you experience any problems during the installation, please contact me at [email protected]

Quote from kihong

Hello! Sorry for the inconvenience. The firmware was temporarily unavailable while I was working on some updates, but it is now available for installation again.

To put the Waveshare ESP32-S3 Touch AMOLED 1.91 into download mode:

1. Press and hold the BOOT button.
2. Press and release the RESET button.
3. Release the BOOT button.

You should then be able to install the firmware. If you experience any problems during the installation, please contact me at [email protected]

Thanks! I’ve got to say, this is absolutely awesome! It perfectly makes up for the KPP’s lack of real‑time display.

1. The on‑board firmware installation is extremely straightforward.
2. Status feedback is responsive, the display is crisp, and the UI layout is well‑thought‑out. Even when switched to full‑screen mode, it remains perfectly readable when viewed while standing.
3. It even syncs the color indicators for every preset slot!
4. It works flawlessly with the Bluetooth MIDI pedal (the M‑Vave Chocolate Plus — funny enough, I’m also using this one).
   I believe the current state of MAKIO‑Micro is already sufficient for daily‑use requirements. I’m really looking forward to your full‑size kit!

Quote from AppleTreeChen

Thanks! I’ve got to say, this is absolutely awesome! It perfectly makes up for the KPP’s lack of real‑time display.

1. The on‑board firmware installation is extremely straightforward.
2. Status feedback is responsive, the display is crisp, and the UI layout is well‑thought‑out. Even when switched to full‑screen mode, it remains perfectly readable when viewed while standing.
3. It even syncs the color indicators for every preset slot!
4. It works flawlessly with the Bluetooth MIDI pedal (the M‑Vave Chocolate Plus — funny enough, I’m also using this one).
   I believe the current state of MAKIO‑Micro is already sufficient for daily‑use requirements. I’m really looking forward to your full‑size kit!

Wow, you got it installed very quickly! I haven’t released the bottom enclosure files yet, so it looks like you made one yourself. It looks fantastic!

The inactive effect icons may need to be dimmed a little more, possibly because of the AMOLED display’s high contrast. I’ll improve that.

The grid area to the left of the BPM display shows the Morph value when you connect and move an expression pedal. However, I couldn’t find any MIDI feedback in Kemper’s official documentation for displaying Morph transitions triggered by a footswitch.

I left some features out of this initial release to improve stability, but I’ll continue adding and refining them step by step.

Thank you very much for testing it and for sharing such encouraging feedback!

Maybe you two should team up ;0?

kihong

What about the waveshare ESP32-S3 4,3 inch touch display? Will that work?