Hello everybody.
First post on this forum , and presentation of my project
My name is Emmanuel, from France.
I have already build successfully several guitar FX pedals, and as I am a curious guy I am always looking for a new diy challenge !
I thought that something with midi and electronic+ code could be a nice build;) I always try to take benefit from a build to learn something in a new domain (not just building)
I am a happy owner of an AXE FX II , and I use a POD HD500 as midi foot controller.
It is (almost) perfect for my needs, intended that I use 99% scene change within the current loaded preset .
I am a bedroom player, no live performance.
Of course the fractal MFC-101 midi controller is great in terms of compatibility with the Axe FX II, but it is very expensive intended that I don't need to have a foot acces to all Axe FX II function
This is why I have tried to list what could be the best midi foot controller for my needs . (I have read other threads, but they don't cover exactly my needs)
Description of my project :
Axe FX II midi foot controller.
- Based on 1 MIDI CPU only (cost)
- Midi in / midi out + activity led
- Input ¼ Jack for 2 expression pedals (at least 1)
- Phantom power coming from Axe FX II + led
- (DC/battery power optional)
- Full use of the layer functionality of the MIDI CPU
o Layer 0 : Scene (8 switches/led for 8 scene within each Axe FX II preset)
o Layer 1 : Presets (8 switches/led for 6 presets + bank up + bank down)
o Layer 2 : FX on/off of current preset in Layer 2
o Layer 3 : Looper
- Layer choice with round robin logic (0-1-2-3-0-1-2-3-
) ; 1 switch ; 4 leds (status layer)
- Vol+ / Vol- with access in all 4 layers (use of the controller without expression pedal) ; no led ; 2 switches
- Tap tempo ; 1 switch, no led
Summary:
- 2 ¼ Jacks
- 12 switches
- 14 Led
o Layer 0 ; 2 led light up max
o Layer 1 ; 2 led light up max
o Layer 2 ; 7 led light up max
o Layer 3 ; 2 led light up max
o (+ led DC + led midi activity)
If necessary, I could reduce the switch number (Vol +/Vol - optional) and/or the led .
I ignore if it is realistic to recover the FX status from the Axe II (layer 2 ) ? If not possible , i could live with status from 8 FX I will determine in advance . In this case it would just be CC# for every switch (list available in Axe FX II manual)
I am very new to midi sysex code , midi cpu itself, ...
Before to go further, I would be very happy if someone could check it is realistic or not, and provide me with some information.
- Switch/led matrix or not,
- Wiring,
- Which firmware (1.4 I suppose)
...
Any help or advices will be welcome :D
Of course, I am also currently reading and compiling information by myself on other project on the forum, and reading the documentation available.
Not easy at first sight, but it will come. It seems well documented.
I have not a good idea on what kind of switch to use (momentary SPDT soft touch ??) and how to build physically the controller (PCB, Tagboard, Header, ...).
I am at the start of the project, and I have time.
I will only order parts when the "theory" will be on the paper, and part list done (final cost estimation)
Many thanks in advance for any help or advices.
Emmanuel