Anyone using MP-201 as Midi Controller and expression pedal?

[DavidYates]

OK, it must be me, but I really don't care for the user interface on the Factors. I own the TF, MF and PF and LOVE what they can do, but finding my way around them during a performance is frustrating.

I am looking for two enhancements for my use.

One is an expression pedal that I can switch between the 3 pedals in real time. Was planning on making a diy switch box to select the connection.

The other is a way to select my pedal presets in a user-friendly way during performances. Here, something like an iPad interface that would wirelessly connect to a mini midi box on my pedal board, giving me a graphical interface that I could select and modify effects from there…

OK, so that's not real likely.

But the MP-201 looks like it has possibilities to easily satisfy #1 (yes, I know I have to divide the voltage from 5 to 3, but that's easy as I'm an electrical engineer…) and maybe #2. Looks like if I can send a full set of midi configuration commands to each of my 3 pedals (and maybe the SpaceFactor soon) then I can have a number of multi-pedal presets that I've worked out prior to stage time and then simply select and send when I'm ready.

Anybody out there doing this?? Or something like it with other hardware???

Your tips and experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks!

David

[Imerkat]

Hey David,

No real experience with the MP-201 BUT it is something i'm implimenting in my board. But beware of compatiblility issues found here;

http://forum.eventide.com/cs/forums/p/5814/24930.aspx

and here;

http://www.moogmusic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7047&view=next

the problem i see (on paper) that the user interface looks about the same. In preset mode you only get four presets and have to bent down and use the "encoder" to access the rest.  So IMO opinion you'll find the same frustrations. Sad part is, this is the ONLY unit that can merge points 1 and 2 on the market

[DavidYates]

Thank you, imerkat!

Yes, the other confounding issue is that the MP-201 is discontinued, so there is no hope of Moog providing any updates, a real computer interface to program it, etc. No word on a new version, just discontinued. Even the buzz on the Moog board is confusion.

I had read the links you sent before posting my question, but re-read them in light of what you said. It is not a match made in heaven for sure, but maybe one of the only solutions out there to give me expression pedal control and presets.

I have a nice collection of 'Foogers and 'Factors, plus a Voyager… I think I may just have to get one and see what I can do with it.

I'm a bass player, and as such, can't take full advantage of all the sounds of my various "Factors; they just don't really apply to bass. But the ones that do are amazing!

If I can get the four floor button presets to send my pedals 4 complete configurations and then use the CV outputs to drive my expression inputs (based on my preset) I'll be happy. If I have to turn the knob on the floor to select the next 4 presets to be assigned to the 4 floor buttons, and it works, then I'll be happy as a clam!

David

[sebastiank]

sounds like i have the setup you are thinking of: MP-201 controlling MF, PF and TF. Don't have a SPACE but i would have thought that it works as well as the others.

it does work but there are a few things you will need to get right:

1. Make sure that all factor pedals have the latest firmware. The earlier firmware versions of MF and TF (maybe PF too but i bought that with a later firmware) had lags in MIDI response when I used them in this configuration.

2. MIDI control of multiple parameters CAN be slugish on a single pedal: e.g if you map 3  parameters to the MIDI CC used for expression pedal on a single preset of a single Factor unit it will struggle to keep up with the changes being sent to it. This is particularly evident when you use the oscillators from the MP-201 (you can set an LFO to send varying values via MIDI).

3. The only way I had it work was to set all factors to MIDI thru (see user manual if you dont know how to do that) and have a separate CC on separate channel for each one's expression pedal assignment. This has additional complications of meaning that you cant sync tap temp via MIDI (one has to be set to transmit which messes up the control messages being passed through from the pedal) – best bet is a Y / whatever a 1-3 stereo cable is called to sync tap tempo to all at once.

4. Be aware that with the MP-201 you are paying for the amazing CV control that is the pedal's primary purpose. For me thats a plus because there is a lot of cool (if a little expensive) gear out there that uses CVs. Also the MP-201 cannot do standard expression pedal operation that most stompboxes accept. I love how the LED brightness on the MP-201 shows the value that each is set to at the moment and you can hold them in certain positions while changing others.

cheers

seb

[DavidYates]

Very cool, seb.

Just out of curiosity, why not use the CV output for the expression pedal input? You do have to divide it to keep the voltage under control, but there would never be any lag or other midi monkey business.

I would be happy to make you the proper cables to do this in exchange for a bit of tech hand holding as I set this up. I'm an experienced electrical engineer, so there are a lot of things you won't have to explain. I'm just not very comfortable with midi.

[brock]

Enlightening thread.  I had no idea that the MP-201 was being phased out.  I've researched it obsessively, always thought that the issues linked by imekat above were largely addressed in Version 2, and come this_close to buying one on many occasions.  Largely, it would be to consolidate some functions of my current setup, with a milder interest in converting the CV output to control other pedals.  Those EG parameters are enticing.

 

Quote:

Anybody out there doing this?? Or something like it with other hardware???

My combination has a Lexicon MPX-1 for the control stuff [tempo, LFOs, envelopes, S&H, etc.], followed by a FCB-1010 for expression pedal(s), patch changes, static CC values, etc.  That's the head of the MIDI stream; distributed to the various audio processors downstream.  The MPX-1 (MIDI-channelized) controller information merges with all of the (MIDI-channelized) per-switch functions via the FCB-1010's Soft THRU setup.

Something like that isn't going to 'feed" those CV devices of yours, but I point out my routing to give you some ideas about alternative options over MIDI.  The 5 simultaneous program changes cover my pedalboard, and the programmable CC values are perfect for 'Factor pedals.  I use the two MIDI 'expression' pedals in a more global sense, as the individual 'boxes all have their 'local' expression pedals, switches, and / or auxiliary switches.

There's more to it on the rack than that {MIDI rack effects, MIDI router, sequencer, keyboard-specific routings], but that's not pertinent here.  I'd be interested in your take (or anyone else's) on the CV applications of the 'Factor pedals.  Only a passing mention is given in the UM.   Maybe we can kick around some schematics on how to design 'safe' connections to the various voltage ranges out there.  0-3V always struck me as odd, but no stranger than – say – a Pigtronix Philosopher King using a 2-12VDC range.

[DavidYates]

I'm slammed today… Brock, that is very cool. I'll get back to you either tonight or tomorrow.

David

[DavidYates]

So my MP-201 arrived today, I'm still at the day job. Hoping to get some time with it tonight!

Full report to follow.

David

[sebastiank]

Good to hear they are still available! It is actually a great accompaniment to the Factors in operation: Most things can be programmed simply using it's rotary encoder.

Good luck!

[Imerkat]

Hey David,

Any updates?

[DavidYates]

The MP-201 is a really, really nice expression pedal. I made my attenuated cables and it is working flawlessly with my TF, MF and PF. And is ridiculous with my Moogerfoogers.

I dialed in 5 or 6 efx on each pedal and will get it all back on my board and take it to a gig this weekend.

No midi experiments yet… I may try it on my Voyager with some of the built-in presets first.

More later…

David

[Imerkat]

Hey David!

I got my MP-201 and am looking to follow in your footsteps, any advice for someone that's not handy with electrical devices to get those attenuated cables?

thanks for your time

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