MeloAudio MIDI Commander: The End of My Pedalboard?

[@contranistasband998]

This man is like the Bob Ross of guitar videos. Love it!

[@Kh3rtis]

Your talking isn't stupid. It's wonderful. Thanks for the upload.

[@post-man23]

I like how calm your are and slow and steady at explaining things.

[@Luxsound67]

Bill, you are the best ! I"m not really an ambient fan but that's ( as you know ) not important ! I love and appreciate ( as i think many others do that to ) the way, you describe all the stuff and your vision of making sound ! Wanted to tell you that for longer time - so all the best from Germany !

[@jamisonfrench]

Thorough and to the point. Much appreciated. Cheers! 🍻

[@olavisaksjoflot2932]

I really like the way You present Your videos, - elegant and stylish. Im not heavily into Ambient, but I appreciate the style and sounds, - this video on Logic also was interesting - this Learn-function was new to me. All the best from Norway!

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much Olav!!

[@100thschool]

Nice job, I had this old gaming racing wheel controller which i realized i could use as midi cc as well, I used fergo joystickmidi software to make wheel pedals to control various parameters in a daw, works like charm. And then if i really want to go even further i could use my mouth on actual wheel to control even more cc parameters, now that would be real overdrive

[@tamtambadboy]

Thanks for this video. It is exactly what I was looking for. I had no idea how to midi control these effects. ! Awesome.

[@dougc84]

Seems like a nice alternative to some of the other MIDI pedals on the market with a nice price point. I'd, however, *always* recommend RJM's or Disaster Area's stuff if you're looking for something that goes outside the studio at all - they cost a little bit more (especially RJM's), but they're amazing pieces of equipment. The RJM accels at commanding a rig (Strymon/Eventide/etc. pedals, Helix, Kemper, rack effects, etc.) with a full software application to configure button names and patch names and all that as well as intricate commands and grouping, while Disaster Area's stuff is a little more simplistic (press a button and it does a thing). As far as turning on and off plugins, you should be able to select "Chromaverb - Bypass" (or something like that) for each plugin you use instead of fudging around with the mix. This way, you can adjust the mix (or other parameters) as you want later without having to worry about changing the buttons as well. You could also muck around with your setup a bit by putting the delays and reverbs on busses. You could use your buttons (which you can map to more than one parameter at a time) to turn on and off the busses and change the sends (send your channel to a bus instead of to master out). That way, you could retain the delay and reverb tails, if you so wanted. It's definitely a bit more complex, and I can't think of how exactly to program it off the top of my head to use in a two-button scenario, but it's totally something you could do with a little bit of experimentation.

[@telvision]

Brilliant! Just what I've been looking for for Logic Pro and Midi Guitar 2. Thanks for a great review.

[@matteogazzolo1]

Thank you for making me think about a new effective interaction with the great features of a computer. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@dstrats]

Awesome demo. Thank you!

[@the_friendly_shirt]

Hey Bill, just wanted to say I love your channel. As a musician in his 30’s I find a lot of your content and thoughts inspiring - thanks for everything man.

[@cfibanez]

This set up makes more sense to me than any multieffects unit, "disrupter" or otherwise. It is more flexible, still rather compact (with a laptop), upgradeable and future-ready.

[@chordsoforion]

Certainly true as you think about swapping software effects in and out of the chain.

[@cfibanez]

I use a hybrid setup, with a MIDI controller surrounded by effects on a pedalboard.

[@grateful4068]

I like your videos about software and hardware for software as much as your videos on pedals and other 'traditional gear.' 🤷‍♂️👏

[@marcosledesma8529]

Thanks for your tutorials Bill!

[@Dobroz99]

I really appreciate your videos

[@TheOnlineBusker]

Wow, so I could actually use Amplitube at a gig with a "pedalboard" (instead of having to change virtual pedals with laptop) ?? That's EXACTLY what I was looking for!! Great vid man!

[@chordsoforion]

Yes indeed!

[@guitarofdestiny]

Thanks for this video. I've always thought of getting something that would control my effects plug ins in real time within my DAW. Looks like this is a very affordable way to do it👍

[@davidbergewaytogo]

I’m doing something similar with Mixcraft 8, Amplitube 4 and the MorningstarFX MC6 MKII controller. Moog EP-3 expression pedal plugged into the back of the MC6... Powerful stuff!

[@chordsoforion]

Excellent!!

[@muhammadrezahaghiri]

I think I need something similar. It's really cool!

[@geducam]

Good tutorial

[@jamescuttsmusicjcm5013]

Good to see you coming over to the good side Bill. Let's be honest... it was Valhalla Delay that did it wasn't it? Hahahaha. Seriously though... Great vid as always. Peace. Oh... one more thing that you might find useful if you don't already know about it is a free midi effect called Midicurve. Not sure if it is available on mac tbh, but for expression pedals it is excellent for tweaking the way they react in their sweep, plus their thresholds. It may be useful to you, it may not. But if it isn't available on mac I'm sure there is some other similar solution available somewhere. Take care Bill. :).

[@EricJones1969]

It is funny to see reference to Sam's channel on the preview😏 😊

[@Eventual420]

I've been using an ART X-15 for 31 years. The rocker pedals control volume levels for effects input and sampler output, but can be mapped additionally, like a guitar output level. The program change buttons do exactly that, but the mode button switches to on/off triggers, these are mapped to sampler record/play/stop for two samplers, and there are 4 bypass switches for 4 different Harmonizer channels. With a USB MIDI cable the PC can send this information as dictated by curves on the timeline. Establish which CC message you need, and create a stepped curve (not a smooth) for the change. The PC can screw this up however. It will constantly send MIDI data on smooth curves, so the gear is constantly receiving. Not good. Stepped curves will calm the PCs MIDI out. I'm not doing a live show, so these features aren't useful. Plus none of gear or sounds come from the PC, it's all traditional outboard amps and effects. Speakers and mic's. Power, valves, tubes, what have you. But Ive always appreciated MIDI controllers. Nice to see I'm not alone.

[@kirkdecker6228]

Right on! I used to have one back in the 90's. MIDI is infinitely flexible if you really know how to use it to its fullest extent as I'm sure you realize. Nice post.

[@davidknight754]

Great workflow for sure. When you said “run everything through the computer” is where I usually draw the line. I can’t work that way creatively. Yes on mixing and mastering. No during the creation process.

[@kirkdecker6228]

Amen buddy! Amen.

[@SergeiKlokov]

You might like Behringer FCB1010. I know they guy who was touring with it and laptop. It also has 2 expression pedals.

[@dougc84]

The expression pedals are pretty much garbage though. I've had two and they're incredibly finicky, have no weight to them, and often read incorrectly. I've seen many people mod them by opening it up, disconnecting them, literally sawing the end off, and replacing the end cap.

[@dennismosercreativearts]

@@dougc84 The FCB1010 expression pedals have ALWAYS been a weak point; there are a couple of forums out there that spend most of their time rehashing how to "fix" the things... still, the FCB1010 can be had pretty cheaply and it will certainly do the job.

[@dougc84]

@@dennismosercreativearts I never said it was bad. But, if you're buying it for the expression pedals as a cheap way to get into the MIDI door, you'll be disappointed pretty quickly. As a controller, it's pretty decent, especially for simple controls.

[@dennismosercreativearts]

@@dougc84 Oh, I wasn't saying that the FCB1010 was bad; actually quite the opposite... just that those expression pedals are REALLY not very good. And yes, it IS a very simple, straight-forward (and affordable) controller!

[@maxupp]

Hey man, just letting you know, the new Helix Update enables all this functionality as well.

[@chordsoforion]

Good to hear!

[@wheresallthezombies]

the new helix update came out?

[@TonyImperatrice]

That's very cool.

[@randszzob8590]

I've been doing this with both a Yamaha MFC10 and Behringer FCB1010 for about a decade. It doesn't look like there is anything new here. Am I missing something?

[@guitarofdestiny]

There's one in every crowd ^^^

[@randszzob8590]

@@guitarofdestiny I could say the same thing. It was a genuine question. Thanks so much for your helpful answer...

[@guitarofdestiny]

@@randszzob8590 helpful? You don't need any help, do you buddy? I mean you've been doing this for about a decade already. Lol

[@randszzob8590]

@@guitarofdestiny Actually, I've been playing ambient guitar for much longer than that. Why the attitude?

[@amalantosgs2]

the size

[@bammbammrawks]

Great video but Do you have a video showing how you set up the commander in logic? Mine is not working seemingly at all. LPX is recognizing it , I have it in set up as a HUI but I still get nothing Thank you and be well BAM

[@sbrave]

Can you help with sending PC messages from this controller? I can only send CC's. In the CUS1 setup, when I set any of the footswitches to send a PC, and go to the next footswitch setting, the footswitch I just assigned switches to CC??? I can't get an answer from anyone who uses this controller. Any ideas?? I'm using the Headrush MX5 and have enabled PC's, matched the MIDI channels and assigned a PC number to a specific rig, but something is not working. When I go to a random preset and press the footswitch for my PC, the MX5 does nothing...?

[@natteaap]

thanx for the very nice video. For some strange reason, I can't seem to get my midi commander to work with logic's pedal board or amps. Weird. I set the channel to number 2 (as someone suggested, but you are in 1) but neither 1 nor 2 nor 3, doesn't"t work. Tried the factory reset. Tried every trick I could think of, it doesn't work. Well, the strange thing is, it works 1 time. just once. I can assign it, it clicks on and off and that's it. After that it doesn't switch anymore though it gives the cc to logic. I'm really confused here. I suppose you don't know the answer either? yours probably worked right out of the box or did you have to fumble around a bit with the cc commands?

[@osborne4282]

You should release an album with a mix of the different styles of music that you like and that you are good at. Not sure if you did that, but it would be interesting

[@murahachibu]

Do you still recommend this midi controller? I’m considering it for Logic Pro. Also, have you tried to map it to the looper in MainStage?

[@chordsoforion]

I still use mine and it works very well for my purposes. And no, I have not tried it with Mainstage.

[@michaelbutler2312]

very well done. i did think you should have mentioned where you got the parameter area to do the midi learn. fun video.

[@Pedalheadshow]

How did you get the midi commander to not freeze with logic ?

[@chordsoforion]

Nothing special. Just plugged it in and configured Logic to recognize it. That being said, I have not used it for over a year. What kind of Mac, and versions of MacOS and Logic are you using? I can get it out and try it again.

[@mdub5733]

@@chordsoforion I was wondering this myself. Can I not just plug the USB straight into my computer and it work without using the midi out? Did you break yours out and try it again? Any help is appreciated. Thank you. Your videos Rock!

[@sandyturner1911]

I just got the Plethora, and I have the Boss Sy300, and a Triple Delay. I'm assuming it should work with any MIDI device?

[@norbertv4784]

Hi There, nice video! Maybe you can help me, Logic Pro x doesn't recognize Midi commander, It works with stand alone Bias FX. How did you link Midi commander to Logic Pro x thanks a lot

[@artyomhvans]

Hi Bill! Do you use any expression pedal with the Midi Controller? Just wanted to know what actually is compatible with it and what not, before buying an expression pedal. The Melo Audio's own ones seem to be out of stock. Would really appreciate any input from your side.

[@chordsoforion]

I have several expression pedals (BOSS, M-Audio, JAM, etc.) and they all work fine. The manual for the MIDI Commander also say Zoom, Roland and Yamaha work.

[@artyomhvans]

@@chordsoforion thanks a lot. This helps!

[@wrekkingcru]

iRig Stomp I/O can do this type of thing for Amplitube. Very useful.

[@peterjessop1878]

Seems like a bigger version of the Source Audio Soleman. Cool!

[@davestarns]

I’ve used the MFC-101 (MIDI foot controller for the Fractal Audio Axe Fx II) in exactly the same way. I’ll split my guitar signal into Logic and record a track through the Fractal simultaneously with a clean track for possible re-amping. Occasionally, I’ve gone back and used only the MFC to record the MIDI data associated with an effects chain linked to the clean track just like you did here, except that I’m doing it after the fact, “playing” the pedal after the guitar has already been recorded. The mind boggles at the options...

[@DoKsTa1]

I bought the MC some time ago , for my Ipad but it doesnt seem to talk with even the MO lightning adaptor, I was not aware it the Mc would work with the Pc n DAW, so thks, I want to use it for my Bias FX software on Pc , as i did on my Ipad..So here goes Noob in action ..

[@dokerz]

Hello, great video! You made me buy the thing... Can I ask, how do you use the up and down buttons on the right? Thanks... to anyone who can answer

[@marpymellow3805]

This could be quite handy playing live via a lappy, not sure I'd use it much recording in my DAW other than maybe for the occasional improvisational wig-out. Everyone and their cat has an inexpensive M-Audio expression pedal (or three), I'm surprised they haven't brought out a USB version. I'd buy it, even if just single input to use as a volume pedal. I think I'll give this a miss but thanks for the review Bill. BTW, I'm finding your 'Building an Audience' series fantastically helpful.

[@dougc84]

It's useful in your DAW if you're using digital plugins and you want to automate changes while playing. Say you have a riff and you want to kick on an effect for a couple notes or at the end of a solo, or you need a volume boost (say, from 0.7 to 0.85). You could absolutely draw it in with automation, but Logic (and any other DAW worth its dirt, for that matter) will record those changes as you play. So you may not want to do it to be a "rig in a box" when you're at home or something, but it definitely could be useful for automation.

[@jimtalltheislandbrothers6639]

There is a cheaper one, made in the same factory, exactly the same device but has harley benton written on it..A lot cheaper

[@RobertDorschel]

Watching again to see your settings on each plugin, since you've got some of those Frippy tones nailed down solid with these tools. Unless, of course, you're up to sharing that Logic project file, or trade for it in some manner of currency or likewise clever project file(s). Also, welcome to the dark side. (But keep using all those pedals, in a hybrid setup if you can swing it without too much latency)

[@XavsLo]

is it possible to map more than 1 pedal from logic pro? let's say fuzz + robo flanger but control them independently? I'm looking to buy a midi commander but I gotta make sure it does the trick before you know?

[@arkavagoswami3068]

n the midi commander, there is neither a guitar input nor a line output/xlr out except the only midi output jack... I do find out everybody is discussing it can work wid bis fx/kemper/axe fx etc but NONE explaining about the connections that where do I connect my guitar in or how do I get the signal out from midi out to mixer desk/pa system.....

[@jscurley]

Not sure if this will make sense but: Are you able to change the A-D banks to fx controls as well instead of presets like 1-4? specifically, could you have them on simultaneously if they were controlling fxs

[@DreidMusicalX]

I used a lot of amp modeling as well. It has it limitations especially when making changes on the fly. I also use a pedal board and I love all my pedals and being able to use them. To me it tests how good you really are or not. Also it seems that modeling also has glitches and its a bitch once you program something and its gets lost. So like a computer you need a way of backing up everything that you do.

[@tommylockett99]

Did you ever look at the Morningstar Midi controller, and if so why did you choose the Midi Commander...like your video's

[@chordsoforion]

I saw the Morningstar, however it is more expensive and has less programmable buttons. I suspect it is more roadworthy than the MIDI Commander, so if I played live, it would probably go for that one or another that has a sturdier build.

[@alvaromartingrunertvillega829]

Hi! Thanks for the video. I'm interested on buying this pedal for live shows. I wonder wich is the cables/equipment confifuration you can use for this goal. Do you go from the interface to the mix console directly? Or you put a direct box in between? I hope I'm explaining myself well. Thanks a lot!

[@Windiguana]

I'm using a similar pedal to control devices with midi capabilities, you could for sure use it that way. I know there are some stomp boxes out there that are midi capable. The midi controller I have also has amp relays out so I can switch channels on my guitar amp too.

[@reid1967]

Hi Bill, love the channel, I've been meaning to ask if you had tried an all software approach. The Line6 FBV Express is worth looking at, it's even more compact as it has an expression pedal and activation buttons in one, I use it with Amplitube.

[@allsongshaveastory440]

Hi ! Great video, I have a technical question, I like to have a little feedback sound when I turn off my pedals when I use my « real pedals ». I noticed that when you turn off the delay in your video, the effect just stops, is there a possibility to have feedback with a midi foot controller and a VST delay plugin when you turn it off ? Thanks a lot !

[@chordsoforion]

It would depend on the specific plugin and also how you are routing the sound, but there should be a way to allow the delay repeats to "spill over" when you turn the effect off.

[@allsongshaveastory440]

@@chordsoforion Thanks a lot ! If ever you find a solution and make a video about it that would be very helpful ! Great stuff, keep up the good work (music) Cheers.

[@venutoppo331]

@Meloaudio has a really bad customer service , have been writing to them for the past 3 weeks to get an update on the “express “ delivery of my midi commander but not even a single reply , any leads would be helpful

[@Fedor_Tkachev_Music]

Pretty well priced controller. What was the expression pedal you've used here?

[@johnnyringo8174]

So, can I use my Rocktron All Access midi controller through a irig midi interface to control the presets and effects in my Ampkit app or would I need the Melo midi commander?

[@silent-sand]

Did this 10 years ago with the fcb 10/10 by behringer....and it has 2 expression pedals but anyway cool video for starters..

[@kentrey]

Ahhhhh. This is a necessity that I didn't know I needed. Would this work for Studio One or FL Studios? If so, I'm clicking on that Amazon link and buying.

[@kentrey]

Signed, Mister Happy Fuzz Face

[@chordsoforion]

Looks it should work for Studio One, as there is a MIDI learn feature similar to Logic: www.pro-tools-expert.com/studio-one//midi-learn-in-studio-one - I don't know if FL Studio has MIDI learn but it has MIDI mapping at a granular control level.

[@kirkdecker6228]

Yes it will work but you have to be very good at MIDI programming to make full use out of any midi devices. If a device has a midi in and out or thru port, you can slave up to 128 midi devices all together. You are going to have to study some manuals when things don't work as expected, which always happens. MIDI is very old tech but very reliable and flexible if your willing to put some time into it.

[@hughtwg]

Hi, I'm a new guitar player. Could you do a series on the music theory of ambient music? I like ambient music but as a new player I'm mostly playing what Hal Leonard tells me to play and I don't understand how ambient music is conceived and how you feel the pulse. thanks.

[@humblegeorge]

very good video :>)

[@chrisedu]

this pedal board is great if you connect it using midi only but it would be even better if it could run in USB mode with OSX 10.12. It doesn't work currently and the method used to upgrade the firmware don't work unfortunately.

[@bpmac123]

Hi Bill, what expression pedal are you using with this set-up? Thanks!

[@chordsoforion]

I am using a BOSS EV-30, but the lower cost M-Audio pedal works great as well.

[@dylanbpf1011]

How do you program the midi commander to change between amp presets?

[@XavsLo]

Also, what's the model of the guitar behind you? Is it a variant of a telemaster?

[@chordsoforion]

It's a semi-hollow PRS SE-277 baritone guitar.

[@PhilSmy]

What expression pedal(s) are you using? (you don't spec that in the notes!)

[@chordsoforion]

Ah yes, I did forget to mention. I have a BOSS EV-30 and the inexpensive M-Audio. They both work great. I was using the BOSS in the video.

[@jimflauntt683]

Why don't you get an Eleven? They have solved this though their gear for like 10yrs now

[@chordsoforion]

What's an Eleven?

[@lestoinkzzconcepcion2868]

does it work on headrush gigboard?pls let me know..than you

[@5882300rickroll]

an affordable midi foot controller! I wonder if this would work using mobuis looper plugin in logic. Then you'd have midi control and looper functionality.

[@icebob8555]

Mister fuzz face sounds good think about it. based on looks it should be Mister smilie face. Maybe Miss Delay

[@mikjaru]

Bill, it's very interesting what state you are from. I mean ... English is not my first language and I have never heard a more understandable accent )

[@chordsoforion]

I am currently in Virginia (near Washington DC). Glad I am understandable!

[@mikjaru]

@@chordsoforion Thanks you, from me and my curiosity ). And by the way, your music is beautiful !

[@oleaginous1511]

send a clean signal in send the same signal out then back in post volume pedal?

[@BrunnoR]

Does it work with native instruments guitar rig?

[@chordsoforion]

Good question. I do not know the answer, as I do not have guitar rig. Here's the link to the manual: drive.google.com/file/d/1FCevouOx5HqhReFVoMOgyiRbVt0FMj2v/view

[@jumpingman8160]

Isnt this a rebranded Joyo?

[@pedalscapes]

Superb Bill! Thanks for that. It's been a while since I upgraded sound card/pc etc but it looks and sounds like latency is not an issue on your system, which makes me hopeful for the future. Cheers, Matt :)

[@kirkdecker6228]

Latency has never been an issue since the 90's if you're really familiar with the ins and outs of MIDI programming. Infinitely flexible, but you need to know what you want, have some imagination when setting up (programming) your midi gear and be able to read some manuals and apply that knowledge. Programming is really no different than playing an instrument.

[@pedalscapes]

@@kirkdecker6228 pardon me - was talking about audio latency Sir! Have been happily using Midi since mid 80s :)

[@gilbertotoledo1421]

This weird and scary to me, but I can't deny it's cool. Call me a luddite but I I'm just barely starting to get the hang of digital effects processors and amp modelers.lol

[@hyakurifu]

My English Has'nt progressed very far. I want to Understand what you said All.

[@zesvo]

Hasn't. I would like to understand everything you said.

[@randommuiscchannel1049]

I wonder if this gadget will work with a GR 55?

[@kirkdecker6228]

It will but I hope youre good at MIDI programming. Midi channels, control channels, program changes. MIDI is very old but very flexible tech if you get into the nuts and bolts of it.

[@PhilSmy]

I love this. For years I've wanted to do something like this but I still see 1 barrier - looping. I do not understand why some clever software person doesn't make a faithful recreation of the Boomerang III as a Logic Plugin. If I had that then I would ditch everything for one of these controllers (or something similar) even for live.

[@chordsoforion]

Yes - that is my next project with the MIDI Commander. Apple has a live performance product called Mainstage, and it has a looper. I am also interested in trying out the Mobius looper plugin. If I can get them going, will report back.

[@jackfryer3617]

Will it work with hx stomp

[@nickojohnodtujan2795]

Can I use this one on HX stomp?

[@chordsoforion]

Yes indeed.

[@shckltnebay]

An energetic band, you mean punk/metal, probably won't own one

[@beachsidetech]

These unit have significant quality issues and no support. Not recommended.

[@IamJean-Miguel]

Please elaborate more in detail, I'm curious🙏🏾☺️.To my understanding it's sounds like less movement is needed from this unit, you could correct me on your comment .

[@mobizoid8261]

I won't buy one of these things until they release a proper computer editor application.

[@andreasleonlandgren3092]

Ha great title

[@markkens9]

Pick any guitar 'god' playing live...how _do_ they endure pedals... :)))) That being said, this looks like a real stream-of-consiousness aid to your expression.

[@oanarhia]

Behringer 1010

[@rwrp]

Morningstar

[@kirkdecker6228]

Complete garbage. How many designs has Behringer ripped off from other companies?

[@kirkdecker6228]

Lots of MIDI controllers with expression pedal settings. Custom Audio Engineering is far superior, in my opinion. Plus it's heresy to use amp modelers. Might as well use a synth.

[@chordsoforion]

Ah - I have been a happy heretic for the last 9-10 years. Avid Eleven Rack rules! :-)

[@ronpaulismyfriend]

I only play non binary fuzz faces

[@philoumars3168]

1 mn it is funny. After that minute each second lasts one century.

[@TheLordcasio]

What!? Are you really just discovering MIDI foot controllers!?

[@chordsoforion]

No. Have tried one or 2 other small controllers that did not work well.