Alternative controllers and controls

[andersborg]

This seems to be the right forum for this question, even though it doesn't have directly to do with Korg's own products. Rather adding to the possibilities offered by existing Korg products.

Thinking aloud:

I am, and several colleagues of mine are, into electronics and embedded systems programming on a pro basis, and I'm currently developing a prototype "D-Beam" like device (distance measurement via infrared) with MIDI Out for my own use, so...

- Do you think there's generally a market for complementing controllers using technologies like ribbon, X/Y touchpad, X/Y/Z sensing (how?), infrared distance, foot pedals/switches, angle measurement etc, controlling filters, volume etc?

- Would they be most useful if they had MIDI In/Out or USB or both?

- What would you pay for e.g. a stand-alone IR distance device?

- Is there any aspect of synth control that you don't see satisfied today?

- In the other direction: Is there anything you'd like to control from your synth that you can't control today (that would make sense, of course)?

I'm not selling to you. I'm just checking if there might be a market for such controllers, and hence worth pursuing. I'm a lazy person, so I don't do things that are not worth my while, unless people shout at me.

Cheers,
Anders

[Rob Sherratt]

Hi Anders,

Most keyboard players have their hands full of keys most the time. Most useful controller would be a lower 2-octave MIDI footboard which can either be used to play bass line like an organ, or can be programmed to generate MIDi control values (eg start/stop/variation/fill etc). There 2-octave programmable footboards exist (Roland, Yamaha) but are very expensive - $800 plus. So there is a market for a lower cost version maybe at $300.

Also many people buy a MIDI breath controller. One problem with existing ones is that you need a MIDI interface box as well as the breath controller, and that makes it expensive at around $600. So again, there is a market for an all-in-one breath control unit that can generate aftertouch values or MIDI continuous controller values.

I don't know about Theramin and D-beam type controllers. I wouldn't use them myself, like I say I've normally got my hands full of keys to play and I have no time to wave them in the air! Most I can do is to knock the joystick occasionally to create a slide.

Best regards,
Rob

[andersborg]

Thanks for the reply. It's this kind of real-life feedback I need.

The Behringer FCB 1010 could handle the footpedal control requirements and is rather inexpensive yet remarkably sturdy, but is not ideal as bass pedals, even though Note on/off events can be programmed.

Regarding a breath controller, I guess there's need for a separate box for practical reasons, but it sounds expensive even so.

I fully understand the "out of fingers" problem.

Cheers,
Anders

[andersborg]

Late follow up reply.

I doubt many would use a breath controller (it looks more "synthy" than most would like).

It seems the feet are relatively free though, but foot controllers maybe hinders movement. I thought of a controller that combines bass pedals with analog pedals and switches for MIDI control.

You can see my MIDI controller prototype here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZzfY20mxS0

I've also implemented so that it's possible to control vibrato, filter cutoff and resonance via the distance sensor and knobs, easily reconfigurable via Sysex from a PC.

This prototype is just for my own evaluation, so don't see this as the final thing.

Anders