Taking your first steps towards MIDI control can be intimidating. There are a whole lot of manuals, menus, submenus, and customization that can drive you up the wall. But it’s getting easier. What we’ve usually associated with huge '80s rack rigs and hair metal is slowly becoming more simplified for the average, modern-day player. Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of incorporating MIDI control (or pedal switchers in general) is the ability to control your rig with efficiency. This makes for a cleaner configuration, more intuitive control options, and a rig that can be much easier to set up and tear down.
These devices work on the basic principle of grouping single effects or combinations of effects into switchable loops. This is especially useful if you plan on grouping together a variety of similar units like overdrives and reverbs for quick recall. The magic really starts to happen when you use a switcher capable of communicating by way of MIDI to help you get the most out of your compatible effects. Let’s take a quick look at some of the benefits to help you decide if this kind of technology is right for your rig.
One of the more basic options you find with MIDI capable switchers is the ability to create bank accessible presets. Let’s say your board hosts a variety of stackable drives you like to mix and match throughout different points in your song. Instead of taking part in the all too familiar tap dance routine, you can assign these combinations to different presets within a bank categorized as "Intro", "Verse", "Chorus", "Bridge", etc. This will help you keep your footwork to a minimum while letting you focus on your playing.
You can also apply the same flexibility to time-based effects with complex tempo preset capabilities. Take the popular Strymon multi-effects processors for example. They possess some of the heaviest programmability options and looping them in with a MIDI controller really allows you to unlock their true potential. This is especially true if you’re running a combination like a Timeline with a BigSky. A well designed MIDI controller lets you switch through programmed tempos to keep your time-based effects clean and ready song after song. Some manufacturers like Disaster Area Designs create controllers and in-house firmware specifically suited for these functions.
Aside from the efficient programming that these controllers allow for, there is also the ability to aesthetically and ergonomically improve your rig. Since these controllers allow you to access everything through neatly arranged toggle switches, you can move your pedals towards the back of your board and keep the essential control options at the very front. A word of warning though: One of the downsides of this configuration involves the use of several ¼” patch cables. Be ready to make quite a few of them if you’re taking the DIY soldered/solderless route.
Additionally, you can also opt to remove your effects from the floor completely and house them within a rack for a cleaner stage setup. The unfortunate side of this approach is the extra equipment you might have to lug around, which could ultimately hinder your original plans for a simpler rig. While this is a common practice for several MIDI wielding pro musicians, it could prove impractical if you’re a weekend warrior without an army of roadies. Still, the options are there and if this is something you feel would work for your then go for it.
Unfortunately, it’s a bit difficult to wrap up all the possibilities of a MIDI charged rig in a single article. Even interfacing your rig with software like Ableton Live for its MIDI clock feature is still scratching the surface. Imagine playing live with your backing track while having signals sent to your time-based effects via MIDI that change presets and tempos for you. Now we’re talking.
Whatever the case may be, adding a MIDI component to your setup will take some careful evaluation of what you want and what you need. Don’t be afraid to research your options too. There’s a massive variety of manufacturers out there developing fantastic MIDI switchers, so you definitely have some options. Whether you’re looking to clean up your rig for efficiency or find new ways to tap into your creativity, adding MIDI control to the equation could prove to be a great choice.