Topic by L3nnard

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Topic: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

Dear Pianoteq Users,

I am not a totally new use of Pianoteq. My history began when version 5 was released, but still I stuck with the search for a proper stepless, smooth pedal that Pianoteq deserves. When I bought my new master keyboard I bought also the Yamaha FC-4A pedal which can do on and off. I know that my master keyboard (NI Komplete Kontrol S88) supports up to two stepless pedals, but I could not find any where I can say I know it is stepless due to the lack of good descriptions of online stores (mainly Thomann and Music Store), also a local store could not help me.

Now the question to you is, do you know pedals that are stepless? I can be also a pedal for guitars if it works with a MIDI/master keyboard; it's just about how it works.

Best regards and thanks in advance,
Lennard

Reply by EvilDragon

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

Roland RPU-3 has continuous pedals (all 3 of them). Kurzweil KP-1H is also continous. There's also Korg DS-1H and Yamaha FC3A.

Last edited by EvilDragon (23-06-2019 20:12)
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Reply by sjgcit

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

Is what you want just an expression pedal ?  Many MIDI keyboards support them (although by no means all keyboards do).  They're sometimes referred to as "volume" sockets but look identical to standard pedal sockets.  I'm not sure if they're supported by any hammer style keyboards.

If your keyboard supports an expression pedal then you should be able to use something like M-Audio's EX-P expression pedal (not a recommendation, just an example).  I can't say I'm aware of how many steps these have in practice - I've always assumed they were continuous analogue devices.

You might also consider using  such a pedal with a USB adapter like the Audiofront interfaces.  I don't use one myself but such a combo has been on my list of interesting add-ons for a while.  This would let you plug your pedal into your computer via a USB port and if properly calibrated supposedly produces a good range of "volume" levels (as a MIDI signal).

Maybe also something like the Behringer FCB1010 if you're really going for it.  Reputedly as tough as nails and big, heavy and fully featured.  I think these use MIDI DIN plus but MIDI DIN to USB adapters are easy to find.

StephenG

Reply by EvilDragon

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

I think it's pretty clear he wants a continuous sustain pedal, not an expression pedal

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Reply by sjgcit

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

EvilDragon wrote:

I think it's pretty clear he wants a continuous sustain pedal, not an expression pedal 

The OP says this, which I take to mean that it does not have to be a sustain pedal as such and expression pedals are OK.

L3nnard wrote:

I can be also a pedal for guitars if it works with a MIDI/master keyboard

Many Pianoteq users use MIDI keyboards and don't really need (or want) piano-like pedals or keyboards.  I know that's heresy to some folks, but these are the facts. :-)

StephenG

Reply by Viridis

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

I have the Yamaha FC3 foot pedal. It looks, feels and acts like a real piano sustain pedal.
The only complaint I have, is that it squeaks after a while (very annoying). After applying some lubricant (silicone based body glide ), I can use it for a few weeks before I have to start the procedure over again.
I don't know if this is a common problem of this foot pedal?

Last edited by Viridis (24-06-2019 11:12)
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Reply by L3nnard

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

Dear All,

thank you very much! I guess I might take an expression pedal and misuse it as a continuous sustain pedal; anyhow I would like to know if "supports half-padeling" or "half-pedaling" means "continuous". Sorry, that I am asking so obtrusive, but I need more than just an "half-damping" pedal to execute all kinds of steps in between (stepless).

Best regards and thanks so far an in advance,
Lennard

Reply by sigasa

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

L3nnard wrote:

Dear All,

thank you very much! I guess I might take an expression pedal and misuse it as a continuous sustain pedal; anyhow I would like to know if "supports half-padeling" or "half-pedaling" means "continuous". Sorry, that I am asking so obtrusive, but I need more than just an "half-damping" pedal to execute all kinds of steps in between (stepless).

Best regards and thanks so far an in advance,
Lennard

Hi Leonard,

I use the Roland triple pedal through an audiofront pedal to midi adapter. The software with this triple pedal plugged in confirms 128 velocities from each pedal.

Hope this helps

Warmest regards,

Chris

Reply by L3nnard

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

sigasa wrote:
L3nnard wrote:

Dear All,

thank you very much! I guess I might take an expression pedal and misuse it as a continuous sustain pedal; anyhow I would like to know if "supports half-padeling" or "half-pedaling" means "continuous". Sorry, that I am asking so obtrusive, but I need more than just an "half-damping" pedal to execute all kinds of steps in between (stepless).

Best regards and thanks so far an in advance,
Lennard

Hi Leonard,

I use the Roland triple pedal through an audiofront pedal to midi adapter. The software with this triple pedal plugged in confirms 128 velocities from each pedal.

Hope this helps

Warmest regards,

Chris

Thanks, that helps!

Reply by Yuri

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

Korg DS-2H, 6 levels, but do not forget about the polarity - it can be different, and the pedal from one instrument may not work correctly with another.

Reply by Viridis

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

Yuri wrote:

... but do not forget about the polarity - it can be different, and the pedal from one instrument may not work correctly with another.

You can change polarity on many (most) pedals.
It can also be changed in PTQ (Pedal damper mode: normal / reversed).

Have a nice day & happy playin'

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Reply by Yuri

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

Viridis wrote:
Yuri wrote:

... but do not forget about the polarity - it can be different, and the pedal from one instrument may not work correctly with another.

You can change polarity on many (most) pedals.
It can also be changed in PTQ (Pedal damper mode: normal / reversed).

The polarity can usually be changed only on the pedals, which are without intermediate steps, alas.

Reply by EvilDragon

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Re: Search for a stepless, smooth pedal

Either way Pianoteq can invert polarity.

Hard work and guts!