MIDI to expression pedal (not other way round ...!)

SpikeyMcSpikeFace

Anyone know how to use a MIDI signal to control the expression pedal input of a stomp (in this case, a DryBell vibe) …?

I control various things via my MIDI switcher using an XP, and that's obviously easy if you're controlling another MIDI device (in my case, various parameters in an H9). But if I also want to control a non-MIDI device (ie. the speed of my vibe) I need a way of converting the relevant MIDI CC from my switcher into something the stomp recognises as an expression pedal input.


I've looked at various things from (eg) Kenton, and can only see MIDI-to-CV converters, but my technical knowledge isn't sufficient to know whether that's what I need - for some reason I have in my mind that XP's work not by transmitting a CV but by changing resistance; but I may be talking BS here so please put me right if I am …!

Any MIDI gurus out there who can help …? Really appreciated if you can - I am at a loss.

Ta.

Spike

hubobulous

Not sure how widel this works beyond CB and Empress pedals, but might be worth investigating

http://chaseblissaudio.com/product/chase-bliss-audio-midibox/

SpikeyMcSpikeFace

Thanks hubobulous - that's really interesting. I'll look into it and post back if it does work as a solution - I know a couple of other guys who've said they've been wondering the same thing. Cheers. 

steamabacus

I don't think that Chase Bliss midibox is what you are after. It looks to me that it is just a box for midi splitting and output to trs instead of 5-pin DIN (midi only uses 3 of the 5 pins). What is on the trs outputs is still midi information.

If I'm understanding you, what you're after is a midi controllable variable resistor. I'm afraid I don't know of anyone who makes such a thing although it seems achievable.

SpikeyMcSpikeFace

Ah - Steamabacus, you are right. Darnit - it seems like one of those things somebody would have addressed by now … Cheers.

normula1

What you need is something like one of these    https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.onsemi.com/pub/Collateral/AND8414-D.PDF&ved=2ahUKEwjEoc7fg6vbAhWNLlAKHVCqAn8QFjAEegQIBRAB&usg=AOvVaw1Nlsy7Wd7_71IF5jMrd0wK  controlled by something like one of these http://www.midiwidget.com
Rather annoyingly, highly liquid used to make exactly what you need, and even more annoyingly for me, I didn't buy one before they stopped making them.

SpikeyMcSpikeFace

WOW normula1 - this has blown my tiny little mind. My tech knowledge struggles to fully grasp all of that, but I get the gist. Awesome - thanks. Seems I probably need to chat to my local tech ...

steamabacus

I was intrigued and so have been doing a bit of searching - and came up with this ..

http://www.soundsculpture.com/volcano 

The expression socket is INPUT (as they all seem to be) but I'm thinking if you make up a y-cable (TRS > 2x TS) and connect to the IN and OUT sockets you could get what you're after (a bit like using a volume pedal as an expression pedal).

No idea of the price, though.

Bebopper

(IGNORE ME - I'm was talking about MIDI-to-CV converters but I'm not sure CV and expression pedal inputs are the same thing.)

Mano

I’m about to buy a Meris Polymoon. And in this case the Chase Bliss Audio Midibox will allow me to send expression pedal sweeps via midi. In case that helps anyone.

SpikeyMcSpikeFace

Thanks Mano - share how you get on. If it works as you say, then it'd be the answer to my prayers …!