MIDI Solutions F8 Footswitch / MIDI Converter

This unit is flexible. Anything you want to trig from a simple closure contact can be converted into midi.
I use it for triggering samples by converting a passive pedal into midi notes which are fed to a sound module.

Obviously this could have been done by a midi footcontroller able to send notes, but my priority is to keep any wiring passive and eliminate need for power supply at the pedal position on stage plus for the board not to take up a lot of space.

Works very well and is flexible since "anything" could be programmed. This of course requires the user to deal with written code instructions sent from a pc via usb. However it is simple and nicely explained.

On top of this the unit does not need separate external power. This is supplied via midi. The box is robust and 1U 19" format.

Price wise I know I could obtain same functionality a bit cheaper with another unit which is why I rate it at 4 not 5 stars. However, certain design options such as rack mountability became determining factors.

I initially purchased a b-stock version to "play" with to see if it could solve a problem I was having, and now I have two and about to order a third. They are robust, and easy to program, and very flexible...

The initial problem I had was a guitarist was adding a looper to his stage set up, but due to the other pedals he uses, it was difficult to have the looper close enough to tap on the switches easily. So I connected the looper to the FB via MIDI, and then programmed the box to send CC# to 3 Boss FS-5U switches which could be then positioned in locations more fitting to his performance style.

The next implementation was to connect a Strymon Big Sky to the F8 via MIDI and send Program changes via Boss FS-5U switches. This allowed the Big Sky to be controlled from multiple positions on the stage, without the need to run back and forth across the stage, or have multiple units.

Only thing I would suggest is to get the power adapter (Item no: 258434). The box can be powered via MIDI, but getting the power adapter just made it easier as, once the box has been programmed it doesn't need to stay attached to a computer or MIDI Hub, so it can sit on the side of the stage, powered by the PSA.