Octatrack : Simple midi foot control without Breaking the Piggybank

Elektron Gear Octatrack
#1

Hello Elektronauts,

I’m piking up on the guitar again, and integrate it into my performance. I would like to be able to switch parts using my feet(nothing fancy). I have looked a several tutorials in Your Tube, including one from legendary Cuckoo, and this other from Andrew Newman (very friendly you tuber). Both tutorials involve you getting expensive midi hosts, plus a foot-switch. almost $400 total cost

So this is why I’m here, I wonder if there is a more affordable solution out there, that I’m not aware of, any advice in this regard will be deeply appreciated.

Thank you!

2 Likes
#2

Ok, so I haven’t done this setup, BUT the Behringer FCB-1010 is pretty much the cheapest foot controller out there (around $150) https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FCB1010--behringer-midi-foot-controller-fcb1010

It can be fully programmed on the unit itself, but I use a program called iFCB https://download.cnet.com/iFCB/3000-2170_4-126021.html I think it’s like $10 or $20 for a full license.

I used it to play notes on a Minitaur, but I know you can send CC as well.

6 Likes
#3

You mean OT Parts or song parts? Anyway it’s better to switch OT Parts with patterns.
So you’d need something sending Program Change midi message. Many cheap guitar multi-fx can do it.

Personally I have a cheap Boss FC200 that does it really well, it also can send midi notes, Control Changes.

I recently bought a Yamaha MFC10, much better.

There are also very cheap DIY Arduino solutions.

https://www.elektronauts.com/search?context=topic&context_id=27479&q=Midi%20foot%20controller%20%23elektron-gear%3Aoctatrack%20&skip_context=true

2 Likes
#4

+1 for a MFC10 (I have 2 of them), or any midi footcontroller that has switches AND a expression pedal. I have mapped the expression pedal to the OT crossfader. Very interesting to be able to introduce variations while playing guitar or bass.

3 Likes
#5

Maybe a stupid question … but I didn’t find in the midi-control reference of the manual, how a Part can be changed by midi without changing the pattern too. Is there a way to do it? If yes, I would love to learn, how to do it … :smiley:

1 Like
#6

No, that’s not implemented. It’s not recommended even doing so manually. Best practice is changing parts by changing patterns. Which can be done by midi, of course.

4 Likes
#7

Thanks … so I’ll keep doing it the intended way :wink:

1 Like
#8

Thanks! I meant OT patterns. You know the ones distributed horizontally in the triggs

#9

Thanks, I will check on it, I wish it was a bit smaller though, but as I said before the price is my priority here.

#10

That sounds great! what software did you use to do the mapping?

Thanks for the feedback!

#11

Morningstar MC6 mk2, smaller and easier to program than the Behringer–costs a bit more, but does much more as well. Can be powered by USB, uses both USB midi and DIN midi.
2 expression pedal inputs.

Morningstar MC6

3 Likes
#12

No software is neccessary to program the MFC10, just assign CC48 to your expression pedal.

1 Like
#13

Thank you Mr. Roadmoviemusic!

What about to change patterns in the octatrack, not program necessary also?

#14

No, not neccessary indeed.

1 Like
#15

Thank you, Mr. roadmoviemusic but!

It is hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that this device will do what I want, just like that out of the box, without me any kind of programming? Could you please confirm?

#16

Yes I confirm that you don’t need any software to program it, it’s a standalone device that has been around for ages. You program it in a very simple way using the front panel. Not available new anymore, I believe but you can find them quite easily on the used market. The Behringer doesn’t need any software either, but it has less possibilities IIRC.

1 Like
#17

I also confirm MFC10 is pretty easy to program. Edit : program changes are already avaible, just choose their number in the Program Change mode (normal mode).

Concerning FC200 : no need to program Program Changes either.

This one is pretty cheap and compact. Additionnal exp pedal possible.

1 Like
#18

Cheap-o DIY solution needs a computer tho and a bit tinkering

1 Like
#19

Oh that one is nice size wise, very nice looking. Mr. sezare56 thanks for the contribution. this post came out good! :slight_smile:

#20

Thank you! Mr. Nad-RON I will check too!