Expression pedals: what ya got? how's it working?

[soundog]

Macciz: thats another good data point. From that, we can probably safely assume that any linear potentiometer between 10k and 100k might work OK, after calibrating it properly using the SS software. But if your pedal is mono, ya gotta rewire it for "stereo."

[Macciza]

Hi
10k is the MIDI standard for control/expression pedals as far as I am aware.
However I have seen PIC micro circuits that use 100k pots .
Usually it will come back to RC time constants varying lag etc.
Might have to try a 100k and compare responses
Can someone from KMI confirm optimal value for best response?
Cheers
MM

[rickd]

I'm looking to purchase an affordable expression pedal for my softstep and would like to know if there were any specific pedals that work best with the unit.

[ericzang]

Win7 x64, using software 1.1 and firmware vk1, the pedal calibration seems to have no effect. I can draw with the mouse a completely inverse line, or a flat line, and I see no change in the numbers generated from the expression pedal. I tried this in hosted mode. Perhaps there is an additional action to make it take effect?

I was also trying In standalone mode (the mode I normally use), but when does the change of the pedal calibration curve get applied to the SS? I saved the changed pedal curve as a settings preset, saved the scene, and then downloaded the scenes - but still no change.

[ericzang]

Got a quick response from Sarah after sending email directly to support, thanks!

don't use mouse to modify the displayed curve - doesn't work
save your calibration as a settings preset, download the scenes.

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Alesis F2 pedal = no good

Roland EV-5, good, but with mine (an old one) a midi monitor shows that the smallest value increment I can produce is 3-4. Perhaps this is of no practical significance though?

My old proel, good, (no model number on it) does have the ss sending increments by 1 value though.

[ross3117]

rickd wrote:
> I'm looking to purchase an affordable expression pedal for my softstep and
> would like to know if there were any specific pedals that work best with
> the unit.

I own and have tested the following with my SoftStep (both work perfectly after calibrating them with the SS software):

1. M-Audio EXP (http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/EXP.html)
2. Behringer FCV100 (http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/FCV100.aspx)

[jfunk]

The Roland EV-5 has been getting bad reviews, both in public reviews and on the KMI boards. The Behringer one above is no longer available at Sweetwater (didn't look elsewhere) and the M-Audio EX-P pedal looks cheap and flimsy.

Is there anyone using a nice sturdy expression pedal with confirmed 1-at-a-time MIDI value increments and a natural, smooth feel?

I would really appreciate it if you nice folk at KMI would take the time to compile a real list of tried-tested-true pedals besides 'Roland EV-5'. And a 2nd list of pedals to avoid.

I'm not the first to ask and judging by how hot this topic is...

[mixerguy]

I am using a Yamaha FC9. It works fine once I realized I needed (and found in my cable pile) a TRS 3 wire cable.

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/music-pr ... mode=model