expression pedal

[fooloof]

A while ago, I asked about programming crescendos via MIDI and the suggestion I liked best was to get an expression pedal. This is mainly for hardware (Virus Polar TI2). I am now ready to get one, but know very little about them. the thing i want to do most is control volume, hence the need for a volume pedal. but it would be nice to trigger sustain sometimes, too. is there a pedal for under $200 that does both? Otherwise, what do you think is the best VOLUME pedal for that same price point? I am not into drawing MIDI, so I prefer a pedal, and doing it in real time. Thanks.

[ark]

An expression pedal is a different beast from a volume pedal.

A volume pedal takes an audio signal in and produces an audio signal out that varies in volume based on the position of the pedal.

An expression pedal has a resistance that varies based on the pedal position, and is intended to be connected to an appropriate device. Most MIDI keyboards are equipped to be connected to an expression pedal.

The Yamaha FC9 has two channels. One of them always functions as a volume control; the other can be switched between volume (so you can use it for stereo signals) and expression.

If you want to trigger sustain, you probably want a pedal that switches on or off rather than one that produces a varying value. There are lots of those on the market; right now I'm using a Yamaha FC4.

[dan p]

Originally Posted by fooloof

A while ago, I asked about programming crescendos via MIDI and the suggestion I liked best was to get an expression pedal. This is mainly for hardware (Virus Polar TI2). I am now ready to get one, but know very little about them. the thing i want to do most is control volume, hence the need for a volume pedal. but it would be nice to trigger sustain sometimes, too. is there a pedal for under $200 that does both? Otherwise, what do you think is the best VOLUME pedal for that same price point? I am not into drawing MIDI, so I prefer a pedal, and doing it in real time. Thanks.

Expression pedal:cc11
Volume pedal:cc7
Some synths respond to cc7 while others will respond to cc11.
I use Yamaha FC7 with anatek pocket pedal.
You can also get a pedal that is a dedicated expression pedal,cc11.
I dont lay keyboard and synth parts without a pedal.Been working this way for a long time.Best way to add life to your tracks without having to do it come mix time.


Dan P

[fooloof]

Originally Posted by ark

An expression pedal is a different beast from a volume pedal.

A volume pedal takes an audio signal in and produces an audio signal out that varies in volume based on the position of the pedal.

An expression pedal has a resistance that varies based on the pedal position, and is intended to be connected to an appropriate device. Most MIDI keyboards are equipped to be connected to an expression pedal.

The Yamaha FC9 has two channels. One of them always functions as a volume control; the other can be switched between volume (so you can use it for stereo signals) and expression.

If you want to trigger sustain, you probably want a pedal that switches on or off rather than one that produces a varying value. There are lots of those on the market; right now I'm using a Yamaha FC4.

It sounds as if volume and sustain are different than expression. What, exactly is expression. You mentioned "resistance", but I don't understand what you mean. Thanks.