using expression pedal to crossfade inside a combi

[jeebustrain]

I don't know if this is possible, but I'm trying to figure out if there is a way to use the expression pedal to crossfade between 2 sounds. Basically, I have a rhodes that I want to blend with an analog string. I'd like to be able to pull the pedal all the way down and have only the rhodes sound and when I push the pedal all the way up, I want only the string sound. I think the key to this is being able to reverse the controller value for one of the timbres (both sitting on the same midi channel currently). I've been exploring Karma to see if there's a way to do this, but I have yet to figure out a method.

Anyone know if something like this is possible? My expression pedal is currently set globally to act as a volume pedal.

[SanderXpander]

I think KARMA should be able to do it, but you'd have to set your pedal to expression or foot controller. Also, you'd have to assign it to a KARMA slider which can interfere with some combi playing.

A more common solution, if you don't mind sacrificing two IFX slots, is to throw both sounds through an individual compressor at 1:1 setting, and use the pedal to increase the level of one while decreasing that of another.

[jeebustrain]

I think KARMA should be able to do it, but you'd have to set your pedal to expression or foot controller. Also, you'd have to assign it to a KARMA slider which can interfere with some combi playing.

A more common solution, if you don't mind sacrificing two IFX slots, is to throw both sounds through an individual compressor at 1:1 setting, and use the pedal to increase the level of one while decreasing that of another.

Oh, good idea with the compressor IFX. Yea, I'd hate to have to remap it from a volume control, mainly because I'm using it all over on a lot of songs and even have it controlling volume on the v-synth, too.

[HardSync]

As SanderXpander said, KARMA might be able to do it, perhaps by using two RealTime GEs or two Gated GEs and an appropriate DynMIDI setting to control CC#7 or CC#11 values of a GE Real Time Parameter (slider setting not required).

But, looking at the DynMIDI sources, you would need to reassign the pedal to CC#4 Foot Pedal, since neither Volume nor Expression are KARMA DynMIDI sources.

Presumably, you need to keep both hands on the keys at all times? If not, the Vector Joystick is ideal for cross-fading volumes in a combi. Personally I would use the VJ for this and try to adjust my playing to accommodate that -- this isn't always possible though...

If you absolutely have to use the pedal to do this, one thing you could do is temporarily assign the foot pedal to CC#4 and reassign it back to CC#7 Volume after you're done playing that combi. Call up the combi, and then switch to Global Mode and go to the P2 Controllers page and stay on that page whilst playing the combi (so you don't forget to change it back to the volume setting when done).

But that only works if you don't need to make any screen-based edits or need to see the combi's play page while playing the combi, or if you don't need to control the volume of your V-Synth.

[SanderXpander]

If you assign Karma slider 1 to CC#11 globally you can then generate CC#4 from slider 1 in the combi, I'm pretty sure. I've done this with wah, I think with your help. The problem is if you actually use Karma, your foot pedal will always control slider 1, and also if you have a large combi with many sounding timbres, the amount of midi data generated is huge and will lead to stuttering.

[LZ]

There are a number of ways to do this, and I've done it different ways, depending on the sound and the situation. The easiest cleanest way to do it takes up extra program slots, but is to just modify the patch adding expression pedal to the amp section to work in the direction you want, save as new patches, and use those in your combi.

To do it in the combi, I've used a preamp IFX with expression assigned to wet/dry.

Use mono or stereo tube preamp - I run mono.

For both scenarios, set both tube pre 1 and tube pre 2 gains to -24 dB

For the sound you want louder with more pedal:

Output = wet, source=foot pedal, amount=-100

For the sound you want reverse:
Output=dry, source=foot pedal, amount=+100

You can route multiple sounds to each for layers, if any sound needs it's own IFX, route it there first, then route IFX to the preamp.

[jeebustrain]

beautiful - thanks Dan.

I'm going to give this a shot tonight.