TEC Breath Control Review

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0:00 Intro
0:50 Configuration
1:58 Live (Borg) Performance
4:11 My setup
5:21 Verdict
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[@DavidMalone74]

Of all searching I've done, your video answers the questions I had regarding the freeing up of hands.

[@SecondTierSound]

Great!

[@thegatesofjanus9073]

You apply a great effort for quality and your videos are simply excellent. I admire your ongoing work and I believe your channel will boom soon. For what matters, you are an inspiration to me (and I am sure to many others) and I will support you becaus at the end of the day we need your work and this will be our thanks. I wish you nothing but the best, you deserve it.

[@SecondTierSound]

Wow, thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot to me. Take care

[@Larsmannetje66]

“Borg resistance is futile kind of thing” - you know your classics, sir! Btw: thx for the useful info. And for the excerpt of the Clarinet Concerto. One of my favorite pieces!

[@PraiseTracks]

Love this, beautiful way to connect directly to a virtual instrument. Well done Sam.

[@SecondTierSound]

Thank you Simeon! It could work well for your live videos.

[@jk-qr4pr]

Beautifully played and thank you for showing us this tech.

[@Thmusic7]

thanks! Your video was very informative and entertaining at the same time. I almost lost it when you stood up and got tangled with your headphones and brass controller. But it’s sold. I’m getting ready to purchase the breath controller right now.

[@SecondTierSound]

It actually happened for real, so I thought I had to make a thing of it in the video

[@reziahamed6654]

This is in my wishlist Sam.. Really apprrciate your view & indeed this this could be the most engaging way to have fun with the vsts specially winds.... Cheers mate...!

[@SecondTierSound]

Thank you Rezi! Hope you get it soon.

[@tablaninja]

10 seconds into Borg and I’m off To order one!!! Holy crap this is so cool

[@kingslaphappy1533]

Another great video!

[@lightfusionproductions4891]

Thank you for posting this!!! Nice job.

[@SecondTierSound]

Cheers!

[@abagatelle]

Very useful review, thanks Sam

[@SecondTierSound]

Cheers!

[@PraiseTracks]

Sam, coming back to watch your take on the TEControl, as I am very excited to be receiving one as well. I cannot wait to experience this. Keep up the wonderful work. Joyfully yours!🎹

[@SecondTierSound]

That's great Simeon! I'll keep a look out for this. But don't hesitate to let me know when you have something. Cheers!

[@Thmusic7]

Any update on your experience with using the brass controller? Can you read it to order it now from Sweetwater and would love to get some moves opinion.

[@PraiseTracks]

@@Thmusic7 , yes, I did finally get this and it was a very interesting experience. I need to work with it some more but there are many things to consider when approaching it as it challenges how you approach it physically. Like a real brass or woodwind player, there has to be effort put in to train yourself to create a type of embouchure just as you would a real instrument, so that is what I am continuing to work on.

[@SecondTierSound]

You definitely have to get used to it, but when you do, you can't go back. It frees your hands up, and you think differently in terms of phrasing.

[@briancollins1475]

Thanks for this. It has made me go back and try to use my TEC BC more effectively. It certainly made me more confident in adjusting the sensitivity graphs to what I previously thought were extreme slopes and it has now become much less tiring to use. BTW I have found for the EW Opus instruments that reversing your proposed configuration works better - breath for expression (11) and nod for mod modulation (1)

[@SecondTierSound]

Yes, the controller needs some tweaking. And yes, opus is reverse by default, so you can either change opus, or the controller. Cheers!

[@abj358]

Nice video, Locutus! I had a DX7 in the early eighties (I think) and used the breath controller for a lot sax lines during live performance. It was very satisfying to play breath controlled instruments that way, that is, except for the occasional drooling on long solos. Didn't know anyone was still making such a beastie. Really like the new studio! Could do without the RGB, tho. Oh, and thanks for teaching me Opus Orchestrator. Would have been lost without your help!

[@SecondTierSound]

Yes, the drooling handling needs an update too, hehe

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

Great mockup!

[@SecondTierSound]

Thank you.

[@JudgeFredd]

Very nice rendering

[@Jarreenzo]

I have one and I love it.

[@Tumer-Ulucinar]

2:35 😄😄😄 Great video man.

[@SecondTierSound]

Resistance is futile

[@Zaleskee]

another Superb video!. 1:58 Birth Controller?!?!, HAHA 😂🤣😂🤣😂You Rock Mann!!!. this was a neat video, thanks for sharing.

[@TheDrfrankenstien]

I'm using Expressive E's Touché, which also has four Midi assignable controls and comes with a fantastic software. These products really bring samples to life, there's just no going back once you've used them. I have been considering this product recently as it would free up my 2nd hand, however I'm not sure if that alone justifies the €250.

[@SecondTierSound]

It is a little pricey, I agree. But then again, most midi controllers that can do the same cost the same or more

[@LaurinaHawks]

Agree, 250 is a bit shocky. Consider, that you will get a really good Midi Keyboard for the half.

[@bluedragontoybash2463]

@@LaurinaHawks midi keyboard don't have breath control. FYI can do make it yourself with little to no technical expertise.

[@kingslaphappy1533]

Yeah for me that’s almost $400 canadian… 400… c’mon guys i mean 400 bucks, let’s get back to reality here.

[@praveenchaddha]

I have it. Very useful thing.

[@SecondTierSound]

It is

[@midinerd]

1:18 might be fun, might be a good workout - for some reason that made me crack up laughing

[@midinerd]

2:15 okay - so I'm just new to your channel. and have now re-calibrated to your humor and it's fantastic. I've only seen this level of comedy and technology coalesce after too much cellular peptide cake with mint frosting, landing me right in an afterhours at the holodeck

[@SecondTierSound]

I do have a little warped sense of humor, but I just can't help it. My kids both love and hate me for it. Mostly love 🙂

[@midinerd]

@@SecondTierSound problem with a warped sense of humor? Probably need to go to engineering to fix that

[@klemens33331]

I bought it, but I don't know how to connect it to my Tyros3. I suppose it has to go via a PC and a special App? Is there any less expensive way? By the way, can it create the elusive accordion bellow effect?

[@edelcorrallira]

Between the wonderful sounds, and that Locutus Borg reference, resistance to like and subscribing is futile! I can easily see this combine perfectly with my YouRock midi guitar-like controller, as well as my keayboard (heck, maybe even for a standard guitar as a means of controlling expression in some effects). Now I want one lol :P

[@SecondTierSound]

I'm liking it more and more myself. It is something you don't think you need until you have tried it.

[@danielortizdecaracas]

I Need this

[@SecondTierSound]

It does change the workflow quite a bit

[@modernman4269]

great video what woodwinds are you using ??, I have been looking for some good info on breath control, do you use with EWQL ? MANY THANKS BARRY

[@SecondTierSound]

In this case, strings is spitfire, clarinet vsl, and the rest opus.

[@evilmeowth]

Is an aerophone(such as Roland AE-10) possible to do the Breath midi controller things(when there is another piano-like midi controller to determine the notes)?

[@SecondTierSound]

I'm afraid i don't know, but most midi devices can be made to control most midi data.

[@lawrencediggs7957]

Do they have a local distributor yet? Last time I checked, they did not. That would be kind of risky. What is their return policy? Last time I checked, it worked for them more than for the consumer.

[@teebagz1]

much appreciated!

[@SecondTierSound]

Cheers!

[@williamgeorge719]

Beautiful, Can I somehow get a similar result out of other libraries? Such as Cinematic Studio Strings.

[@SecondTierSound]

Thank you. I think you can do really well with cinematic studio strings. But each library jag its pros and cons.

[@bhushanvaze4168]

Hello Your video is very informative. Can I attached breath controller to any midi keyboard ? Or this TECONTROL breath controller compatible for any midi keyboard ?

[@SecondTierSound]

Thank you! The breath controller is connected to your computer, as its own "midi controller". You can play on any midi keyboard, and use the breath controller at the same time, as long as you have enough usb ports. The breath controller doesn't control your midi keyboard, but the CC values you assign to it. For example CC1, which happens to be the same CC value as your MOD wheel. Your instruments on your computer reads these values. There are 127 CC values, most common are modwheel, expression, sustain, velocity, pitch, etc.

[@jon_do]

Hi! I have few questions: a. How do you match sample library patches with the controller? You can breathe both staccato and longs, but which sample articulations do you select? Do some libraries work better than others because of articulation options? b. Which instruments matched better? Do you really just summarize it as woodwinds/brass as good and strings as bad? Or are there more specifics? (My idea is to imagine the size of the opportunity per instrument.) Would you dare use it with choirs? Haha

[@SecondTierSound]

The breath controls any midi data you select. For example modulation, or expression.It is easier to use sample modeled instruments, but any library works. I choose articulations that use the modulation and/or expression. Strings don't need to breathe, hence they are less suited, but iit still works.

[@TrishCausey]

Are you singing the music line through the TEC? Or are you playing the music in your hands & the TEC then gives the "sound" of onset, nuance, etc., of a wind/brass instrument? Thank you!

[@SecondTierSound]

You blow into it, and that controls midi data, such as for example expression. It feels more natural, like blowing into a flute. I still play on my midi piano

[@georgesraymaekers8831]

so amazing, to use this device, a computer must be used or it can be connected directly to the keyboard (Tyros4), greetings

[@SecondTierSound]

Normally a computer, but any device with a usb port

[@foghornblue]

Buying my first breath controller felt unnecessary, and I thought it might be difficult to use. But it really isn't bad, and it's a total game changer for my workflow. Personally, I find it both speeds up my process, while also allowing me to record more nuanced performances. I use it for strings, but it really shines when used for brass, woodwinds, and choir parts, forcing me to play more realistic passages complete with breaks for catching breath. Of course, I mostly keep these breath breaks when capturing solo performances, since ensembles/sections are able to feather in and out so as to hide the breathing breaks of individual players. LPT: Unless you're an experienced woodwind/brass player, consider adding a subtle filter to both attack and decay in the TEC utility. It basically smooths out your input, making it easier to execute smoother crescendos and decrescendos.

[@SecondTierSound]

Great insight and tips!

[@justinr1094]

Something I've always wondered about this controller is how do you clean it? Sounds kinda tricky.

[@SecondTierSound]

Good question, i haven't had any issues. I guess blowing into it actually, but I'll check

[@justinr1094]

Thanks!

[@collinember]

Thanks a lot for explaining the benefits. As I am keyboard player: Do you consider the BITE functionality of any use? I played *real* Saxophone for a short time but still cannot think what that might be used for - and it doubles the price.

[@SecondTierSound]

Honestly, it was a little hard, and i don't need more than two functions myself, but the tilting was really useful. The biting could work as a switch, but i think you can do without it.

[@collinember]

@@SecondTierSound Thanks a lot!

[@crnova7]

In a day I'll get the re.corder by Artinoise. Its wireless with bluetooth midi. The biggest concern is latency but we'll see.

[@SecondTierSound]

Sounds cool

[@petertremblay3725]

Would be curious to see if i could make my duduk vst sound realistic with this!

[@SecondTierSound]

Probably, but it also depends a little on the library

[@petertremblay3725]

@@SecondTierSound I have the desert wind vst + Silk and Ra so it would be interesting to see how they play with this.

[@jmproductions59]

Does anyone else have these problems with the TEC breath controller? ... 1. The rubber (?) mouthpiece tingles and becomes uncomfortable on my lips after a short while. 2. The mouthpiece slips down and sometimes off as I play - I guess I can fix the latter with a rubber band underneath?? Vaseline okay to address problem 1? (but probably too slippery) Anyway, would be great to hear your suggestions, thanks 🙂

[@music_creator_capable]

Hello friend!

[@LaurinaHawks]

Looks and sounds interesting. Have you ever testet a Guitar Midi Controller?

[@SecondTierSound]

No, I haven't. That would be quite fun, but I'm not as good with a guitar as a keyboard.

[@LaurinaHawks]

@@SecondTierSound Ah ok, it's the opposite with me, since I am a classical educated guitarist since ages. My keyboardskills are autodidactic and on a low level. But the problem with midi guitar is, that its simply uncomfortable to sit in an office chair playing the guitar. Also my room is very small, there is simply no room for keeping one or two guitars (and I would need electric and acoustic gits as well) always around. It's a mess. But the idea to trigger an orchestra with my Gibson Guitar is intriguing. The pipe thing is intriguing too, but it's a bit out of my budget momentarily. Greetings!

[@lawrencediggs7957]

I was interested but they would not guarantee the unit and they didn't have a USA distributor. Did this change?

[@SecondTierSound]

That I'm afraid I don't know, as I live in Europe. Ask them.

[@lawrencediggs7957]

​@@SecondTierSound I did.They are the ones who told me that when I asked what happened if it did not work. The shipping was quite high and I would hav to pay to return it. They said they had no distribution in the USA. I decided to pass. Squeamish I guess. 😁

[@SecondTierSound]

I'm sorry about that

I live next to Sweden in Finland but even to Finland they do not sell from their web page. Very strange and in eBay it is close to 400€ so I cannot have it now…

[@SecondTierSound]

That is strange. I would contact them

[@tompetroff]

Is TEC still around? I can't get any response from them

[@SecondTierSound]

Hmmm. As far as I know. Have you contacted them through their KZbin channel?

[@gerardlanphear9185]

Could you please give an example of using this successfully with the East West libraries and Opus? Another KZbinr, LoFiLeif appears to feel that the SWAM engine is the only way to go. I was hoping not to go down that road as I am an EW subscriber.

[@SecondTierSound]

Maybe. I would say though that breath controllers work better for modeled instruments, yes, but I also use them for other libraries, absolutely. Not so much for strings, but definitely for brass and woodwinds. You just have to make sure your set it up correctly, either in opus or the controller, as opus mainly use expression instead of modulation to change dynamics. Well, depending on the patch, that is.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

⚠️ I wish they did a midi pianica, so I could play synthesizers and sounds like flute, clarinet, saxophones, etc. It would be a good presence of stage. Why there aren't midi pianicas ? 😮

[@SecondTierSound]

There are some pretty small midi keyboard out there.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

@@SecondTierSound But the question is not the size, it´s using like a saxophone or a wind instrument. The stage impact is greater when you are a wind instrumentist and on pop video recordings also.

[@SecondTierSound]

You might want to look into a keytar, like Yamaha kx5

[@DihelsonMendonca]

@@SecondTierSound The Yamaha KX5 was my dream for many years. It's beautiful and have a futuristic shape. Chick Corea always used on Elektric Band. Good times. I have a Roland AX1, but although it's small, the keybed is extremely noisy. Looks more like a toy. I'm thinking about a Yamaha Reface, but I don't know about it's keys if they are resistant, confortable, fast response and not noisy. I live too far away from big cities to test first before purchasing.

[@fattigmanskultur]

Does it work with ios instruments?

[@SecondTierSound]

I actually don't know. Check out their site, perhaps send them a question. I think they'll answer you.

[@SecondTierSound]

I actually don't know. Check out their site, perhaps send them a question. I think they'll answer you.

[@counterpoint1014]

"I do want to warn you, when you have this thing on, you don't look so great. It's not the sexiest instrument out there. In fact, it's rather sorta' borg 'resistance is futile' kind of thing." Hilarious! However, I just realized how much sense this would make for me considering one of my primary instruments is a wind instrument. I'm quite used to adjusting for expression, volume and intensity by adjusting breath control.

[@SecondTierSound]

Yes, and for a composer it reminds you of breathing and phrasing, which is essential. 🙂

[@gokhancanbulat1554]

Hiç there Obivan Kenobi

[@SecondTierSound]

Well met!

[@pepinillosazucarados6743]

ITS GOOD FOR PLAYING SLOW EVOLVING NOTES BUT WHEN YOU WANT TO PLAY FAST STACCATO PARTS IT DOESNT RESPOND WELL ... THE CEO AND DEVELOPER OF SWAM INSTRUMENTS ALWAYS USES A PEDAL EXPRESION CONTROLLER INSTEAD OF A BREATH CONTROLLER WHEN SHOWCASING HIS INSTRUMENTS AND THAT SPEAKS A LOT OF HOW REALLY BREATH CONTROLLERS ARE

[@SecondTierSound]

I actually do not agree with this. It depends on the instrument. Breath controllers are not so good for strings, but are absolutely fantastic for brass and wind instruments. Those instruments really come alive with a breath controller that is difficult to do with a modulation wheel or a pedal.

[@SayJee]

expensive

[@SecondTierSound]

It's not cheap, but most midi controllers are quite spendy, if they are any good, unfortunately. If one is serious about this kind of work it is a good investment, but quite a purchase for a beginner/hobbyist The best thing about it is that it is way more. Intuitive then other controls and frees up your hands.

[@SayJee]

@@SecondTierSound you have a point!

[@bluedragontoybash2463]

not the sexiest instrument... (translation : don't video record yourself playing it)

[@SecondTierSound]

Really important advice 😉