Add MIDI Encoders (KNOBS!™) to HX Stomp

[StarF666]

Did anybody ever add an external MIDI knob controller to a modeler? I'm currently building a new hybrid board and want to use an HX Stomp for modulation and time based effects. But I want direct access to some parameters like delay feedback and mix or reverb time and mix. Is it possible to add a MIDI knob controller to the Stomp and use the MIDI learn function for this? Did anybody already do this? Any recommendations for a pedalboard friendly controller? I think there were already Ideacale requests for custom knob mappings on the Helix floor but the Stomp just hasn't that many knobs. And I'm very sorry we will never see a new Helix firmware because I used the word knobs way to often.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Yes it's possible and yes, I did just that already.
But I was using a Behringer BCR2000 for a testride and it's WAY too huge for a live board.

I'm actually still looking for something else (no urgent need, though) and found things such as the Intech ones:

PO16

Single turn rotary potentiometers for controlling parameter banks and making quick motion changes.

intech.studio

They don't have straight MIDI Outs, though, no idea whether it'd work plugged in straight to the USB port (it needed to be a USB host for that to work, something I don't knoe whether it's supported), but I'd likely use my CME WIDI Jack anyway (even if the controller doesn't work wirelessly).

There's also ParksTools:

ParksTools, a series of budget knob/fader-only non-fancy MIDI controllers

ParksTools from Finland has a series of affordable knob or fader-only MIDI controllers that are neither fancy looking nor feature overloaded

synthanatomy.com

These do have 3.5mm MIDI Outs.

For me, one thing is important, though: You will likely not be happy in case you were switching patches, simply because once you're doing so, all the positions of the MIDI controller will not correspond with the Stomp's values anymore. As a result, once you'd touch any controller, you'd run into parameter jumps.

As a result of that, if I was using such a thing, I'd stay within one patch all throughout.

 

[StarF666]

Thank you. I know about the parameter jump problem. I usually stay on one kitchen sink preset though and am willing to accept the shortcomings. The intech controller I also had in mind. I have a Morningstar MC8 Pro incoming, this has USB MIDI host and 3,5mm MIDI capabilities. Just remembered my Nektar LX Mini controller so I can basically test it before investing in something. I could also imagine going DIY and put some encoders in a Hammond enclosure with one of those AVR MIDI projects if this works out.

 

[StarF666]

The

There's also ParksTools:

This looks cool. Probably the easier alternative to DIY. Thank you.

Edit: They even got SLIDERS!

 

[Sascha Franck]

If you end up buying any such a thing, please keep me/us informed!

 

[StarF666]

Of course. Still in the early stages. Gonna test things with my floor.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Fwiw, one thing the Behringer BCR2000 has is a "send all values" function. So you can switch patches from there and the knobs will as well send their values. As a result, all parameters are "synchronized", which is great. Just that all of the smaller MIDI knob/fader boxes I have seen so far don't feature any such a function.

 

[StarF666]

Fwiw, one thing the Behringer BCR2000 has is a "send all values" function. So you can switch patches from there and the knobs will as well send their values. As a result, all parameters are "synchronized", which is great. Just that all of the smaller MIDI knob/fader boxes I have seen so far don't feature any such a function.

Great feature. Or a MIDI command to trigger such a "send all values" would be handy. I hope MIDI 2.0 will make bi-directional parameter mappings possible. But it's gonna take time to see this widely spread in the wild and I'm getting old .