At 7:43 AM +0000 11/8/01, Italo De Angelis wrote:

>Let's start the thread about EVENTIDE MIDI PEDALBOARD !
>Any ideas, folks?

I think there are at least two categories of users, those who want a
reasonable measure of control at a reasonable price and those who
want a great deal of control and are willing to pay for it. Therefore
it is probable that we'll be talking about two different units. This
presents a problem, because the sales numbers may not justify the
parallel development. However, I think we should approach the design
process with this dialectic. It is also helpful to consider that
other manufacturers have done this (Line6, Alesis, Digitech all come
to mind).

* Whether there is one model or two, the obvious control elements
must include switches, (optional) control pedals, and one or more
displays.

* Programming of this unit should be easy to do on the unit itself,
but there should also be cross-platform software for programming from
an external computer. I stress that this software must be available
for both PC and Mac.

* A built-in programmer should be similar in layout to the standard
Eventide keypad, but for the sake of durability underfoot the
programming switches should probably be membrane switches.
Programming switches should be distinct from the operational foot
switches. The layout of the Mitigator RFC-1 may be a good model.

* Switches should be robust AND quiet. They should provide both
tactile and visual feedback to indicate that they have indeed been
pressed, but there should not be a resounding "click" - not everyone
plays at rock and roll levels.

* Switches should be able to function in several modes, assignable in
software: momentary, toggle, step forward/back through several
states, etc.

* There should be direct support of multiple continuous control
pedals. Some performers may need eight or more (I've seen as many as
24). There might be a pair of pedals built in, as many existing
controllers do have, and there should be some number of 1/4" jacks to
accommodate common expression pedals.

* There should be an option to daisy-chain multiple external pedal
modules. These modules should have a similar form factor to the
Mitigator CFC-4 pedal, four continuous pedals mounted together in a
solid frame. These frames could optionally be locked together with
hardware that would permit them to be in a straight line or at a
variety of angles. The pedal groups should probably link
electronically by MIDI, or by EVE/NET if it's up to the task.

* The system should accommodate inputs from other types of
controllers, designed by Eventide or third parties. One pedal design
idea I've been promoting for years is a continuous controller pedal
with a return-to-center function such as is commonly found in
keyboard pitch bend wheels.

* The controller should have multiple visual displays. Ideally, each
switch should have its own alphanumeric label. This will certainly
bump up the cost, but it will be a big ergonomic improvement over
most other pedal boards.
--

______________________________________________________________
Richard Zvonar, PhD
(818) 788-2202
http://www.zvonar.com
http://RZCybernetics.com
http://www.cybmotion.com/aliaszone
http://www.live365.com/cgi-bin/directory.cgi?autostart=rz

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