Topic: M-Audio Keystation Pro 88, Yamaha FC4, M-Audio SP-2 and half-pedaling

Need some advice..

Well, first I believe that the sustain pedal input on the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 does not supports continuous pedaling (how could they overlook this? - it's not that old). However the expression input can be assigned to CC64 and with a pedal that does continuous pedaling (like the Yamaha FC3 I think), I should be able to get half-pedaling.

However, I also need to use the expression input for a true expression pedal to control a variety of functions like CC11 Volume, CC1 mod wheel (a lot of string libraries use CC1 to do a lot of assignable things).

The M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 has three assingble inputs, 1 and 2 are note on/note off only, and 3 is continuous.

This is fine for PianoTEQ I suppose because I can use my existing pedals to get Sostenuto, harmonic pedal, and sustain pedal (if i get a FC4 and put it in input 3 and then assign with PianoTEQ).

However, when I switch to my string, brass and wind libs, I have to unplug the continuous pedal and plug in a real expression pedal and make sure everything is assigned right in the new library.

I.e., it's a pain in the A$$. Not to mention that the pedals slid around all of the time (I can fix that).

So..

Maybe I should sell the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88, although I love the feel, and the slide controllers for controlling dynamics, or MIDi channel volumes, etc... and get a newer controller that has all continuous inputs that can also use on/off pedals.

Any advice?

Regards,
Steve Steele
stevesteele.com
Music theorist, composer, Vienna Ensemble Pro templates, YouTube channel (Mains: 2 Mac Pros, Digital Performer, Vienna Ensemble Pro, and an iPad Pro.)

Re: M-Audio Keystation Pro 88, Yamaha FC4, M-Audio SP-2 and half-pedaling

The M Audio is actually a great controller with adequate action, and many live features most performers seem to overlook.
If I were you I would look into www.midisolutions.com
and see if you can get what you want there.
I use to have the KS88s and the F8 with a custom 8 slot pedalboard.
I could program keyswitches to footswitches, and many things that most controllers just do not implement.
The software package where the programming is edited allows many choices.

Or you could use the http://www.logidy.com/?pid=0
which is a USB hardware that can add another Expression Pedal/Continuous Controller

Hardware Analog, DSP, PhysMod. VSTi Romplers....

Re: M-Audio Keystation Pro 88, Yamaha FC4, M-Audio SP-2 and half-pedaling

Also, less expensive than the Midi Solutions box would be an Anatek Pocket Pedal, which is what I use. There are two pedal inputs- one is a switch and one is continuous. If you can find one they usually go for $30-40.

Re: M-Audio Keystation Pro 88, Yamaha FC4, M-Audio SP-2 and half-pedaling

Hey teamsterjim - Thanks for the response. I'll look into those. I recently discovered Plogue Bidule. Seems like it might solve some problems. Ever heard of it?

http://www.plogue.com/products/bidule/

Regards,
Steve Steele
stevesteele.com
Music theorist, composer, Vienna Ensemble Pro templates, YouTube channel (Mains: 2 Mac Pros, Digital Performer, Vienna Ensemble Pro, and an iPad Pro.)