What is the best MIDI foot controller for PA?

[Lee]

Looking for input here....

I will get a Korg EC5 this week, but I also want to add more!I want to control lots of things with foot switches and have at least 1 MIDI CC change foot edal (volume type)

I am looking to get a new MIDI foot controller for my PA2.

I have looked at the Yamaha MFC-10 ( I like it) the Behringer fcb1010 (hard to program/poor quality??) and the Roland fc-300 (don't think it fits).

Any comments on these ot other ideas??
Thanks,
Lee

[karmathanever]

Hi Lee

Behringer fcb1010 (hard to program/poor quality??)

I have one of these and find it to be very sturdy and good quality.
Programming the pedal on the pedal is a nightmare but the free PC software editor is superb and easy to use:-
http://www.mtnsys.com/faq-fcb/pceditorbeta.htm

I particularly like the 2 expression pedals which I have used for UPPER 1 & 2 volumes and also for rotary speaker speed.
Also I like the fact that you can use any of the FCB1010's foot switches to activate the PA2Xpro footswitch setting - this saves having a separate footswitch.

I use the pedals for "Performances" mostly and for style elements - this leaves my EC5 for the SYSEX assignments that cannot be set up via a MIDI pedal.

I can only comment on this pedal - haven't tried any others...

Cheers

Pete

[Lee]

Pete,
O, very good...thanks,
How do you use the pedals? Is the variable pedal smooth?
Will it do everything that the PA allows remotely?

Lee

[karmathanever]

Hi Lee

Please see my message above again (was editing it when you replied)

You can set up anything on the FCB1010 that can be found in the implementation details in the manual i.e. anything that has CC and PC data listed. There are some things that can only be achieved on the EC5 (e.g. "Ensemble ON/OFF").

You can set up data as per page 324-325 of the latest User Manual.

The variable pedal is smooth - in fact you can adjust the "tightness" of these pedals with a screwdriver.

Cheers

Pete

[Lee]

Pete,
OK, great. sounds like you like it and it is good for use with PA2.

I guess the only other contender is the Yamaha FCB-10.

Lee

[Lee]

Pete,
In looking at the FCB1010...does it work real well settng down at the keyboard (as far as the pedal positions and angle of the variable pedals etc). I don't stand to play ever.

Thanks,
Lee

[karmathanever]

Hi Lee

I think it is OK whether standing or sitting but just be aware of its size - I find that it is sometimes an issue positioning it particularly with an "X" type of keyboard stand - sitting down would mean the "X" stand would most likely be wider at the bottom and would better accommodate the FCB1010.

Hope this helps

Pete

[Lee]

Pete...
Appreciate the heads up on size...I checked the specs and it looks like it is 27" wide...no problem, I use an onstage stand that is a Z type not X. It will fit fine.

OK, now...how did you mount the EC5? I'm thinking of making a bracket to mount it above the FCB10101.

Then I have the EC5 and fcb1010 available anytime

Lee

[karmathanever]

Hi Lee

Your idea sounds good - I haven't done very well with mine - I just have it to the left of the FCB at an angle - it's not so bad when standing and playing but I can imagine that it would be uncomfortable if sitting to play.

Cheers

Pete

[Lee]

Pete,
Once I get it done...I'll post the details for all of the forum...
Lee

[sehasafade12]

Hello everyone:

I was hoping that one day one of our kind musicians here in the forums could put a step by step info on how a midi works with Korg Pa800/Pa2x Pro. I red the manual but got lost and had to gave it up. When it comes to midi set-up there are not many info in the manual and nor on this forums. I wish someone one day could put a step by step with photo direction. I know I have seen in concerts that musicians use drum machines, other keyboards for example Roland D-50 and computers connected to their Pa800/Pa2X. I always wonder how it works. I guess I am too old to learn but if someone else direct and show me the way then it will be easy to follow specially for me instead of the confusing manual. Thanks in advanced.

Fahim

[pcguy]

Hello everyone:

I was hoping that one day one of our kind musicians here in the forums could put a step by step info on how a midi works with Korg Pa800/Pa2x Pro. I red the manual but got lost and had to gave it up. When it comes to midi set-up there are not many info in the manual and nor on this forums. I wish someone one day could put a step by step with photo direction. I know I have seen in concerts that musicians use drum machines, other keyboards for example Roland D-50 and computers connected to their Pa800/Pa2X. I always wonder how it works. I guess I am too old to learn but if someone else direct and show me the way then it will be easy to follow specially for me instead of the confusing manual. Thanks in advanced.

Fahim

Fahim, you're not any older than me for sure! I was as lost as you are. So finally i decided to get together with a local musician. I think you should do the same. If time is an issue for you, then it's best to have someone teach you a few private lessons. It was an eye openning experience for me.

[sehasafade12]

Thanks pcguy. Time and not knowing anyone to help me is the issue. I will look for more info on the web. Thanks again for the respond.

Best regards,

Fahim