![]() Sync Up Multiple MIDI-compatible Guitar Pedals Let’s go through a few different ways you can use a MIDI foot controller for guitar. Whether you’re a live performer or you simply jam at home, you may find that you can use a MIDI foot controller to do things that you never considered before. MIDI foot controllers can be used for guitar in a number of ways that open up your rig to interesting options. Different Ways to Use a MIDI Foot Controller for Guitar If you’ll be setting up different banks and presets and controlling everything with a foot controller, a decent screen makes a big difference. Having a display also makes it easier to program the foot controller. If you want to use a MIDI controller to control complicated rigs, turn individual effects on or off, or use with software, you’ll probably want a controller with a decent display. ![]() ![]() You can use tape to mark what each footswitch does if your rig won’t be too complicated. If you’ll be using a 4-switch controller to switch between different presets, then you probably won’t need a display. Some MIDI controllers are simple and don’t require any display. When comparing all of the MIDI foot controllers for guitar in this guide, take note of what type of connections they offer. This saves you from having to use cables and frees up your device’s USB port to connect to an audio interface. Alternatively, you can use a MIDI to USB cable to connect a non-USB foot controller to your computer.īluetooth: if you use a smartphone or tablet, you may prefer to use a MIDI controller that connects via Bluetooth. So if you want to run a guitar rig using a MIDI controller, look for one that offers USB connection. USB is used when connecting a foot controller to a PC/Mac/Tablet/Smartphone. USB: some foot controllers use a USB connection to send the MIDI commands. You’ll have to look at the pedal’s manual to find out what can be controlled as every pedal is different. If a guitar pedal has one or two of these jacks, it means you can control it in some way using a MIDI controller. Standard MIDI: these devices use one or two round jacks as shown in the below photo. Make sure you choose the right type of connection to suit your rig. There are three ways a MIDI controller can connect to other devices. Some foot controllers don’t require power, others will require you to plug the controller to a power supply and others are battery-powered.īefore you buy a foot controller, take notice of what options you have for power so you know what to plan for with your rig. Having the option to connect an expression pedal is far better than needing to buy a completely new controller. If you’re comparing two MIDI foot controllers and one of them allows you to connect an external expression pedal, choose that one. You can gradually ramp up the gain during a solo, then lightly roll it off during softer parts.Įxperimenting with an expression pedal to control different effects parameters is one of the best things I’ve done with my guitar rig and I highly recommend it. This means instead of only having your overdrive in either on or off states, you can smoothly adjust how much gain it has at any time by adjusting the expression pedal. Or you can set the expression pedal to control the gain of an overdrive pedal. As you roll the pedal, you’ll hear the delay swell in your tone. For example, you can set the expression pedal to control the feedback setting on a delay pedal. You can also use an expression pedal to dynamically control any effect parameter on the fly. There are a lot of effects that benefit from an expression pedal, so consider whether you may have a use for these effects now or in the future. If you only want to be able to switch between presets or turn effects on or off, you may not be interested in having an expression pedal.īut don’t make this decision too quickly, as an expression pedal gives you a lot more flexibility in how you control your tone and effects.įor example, you can use an expression pedal to access wah sounds, control volume levels, or access whammy effects when combined with software such as AmpliTube or BIAS FX. Some MIDI foot controllers have inbuilt expression pedals while others allow you to connect an external expression pedal. Here are some of the key features you may want to consider for controlling your rig. There is a big difference in the things you can do and control with a small foot controller compared to a massive foot controller with expression pedals. In the below photo, you can see a big difference in the features available in MIDI foot controllers. 7.1 Related Guides and Lessons: MIDI Foot Controller Features to Look For
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