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9936 Views 40 Replies Latest reply: Mar 11, 2010 11:02 AM by es336td RSS
es336td Just Startin'
es336td
154 posts since
Jan 29, 2007
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Dec 27, 2009 6:32 PM

M9 Expression pedal

I just got this a week or so ago, but this is the 1st chance I've had to play with it.  Setting up the scenes was a breeze!   However, I wanted one FX to be a wah.   I got an expression pedal with it; only has an input jack and came with a cable.   The cable was a standard guitar cable.   I didn't need all the extra length, so I replaced it with a similar (working) shorter cable.   I set the heel toe parameters, ensuring that all FX groups (1.2.3) are using EXP1 (where I have the pedal plugged in).   Nothing... If I turn the knob when setting heel toe, it works, but I haven't figured out how to kick it in under a live situation.   Any ideas?  Please advise.

  • es336td Just Startin'
    es336td
    154 posts since
    Jan 29, 2007
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    Dec 28, 2009 8:11 AM (in response to es336td)
    Re: M9 Expression pedal

    Dumb question?   Is it in the manual and I just don't see it?

  • MaestrosounD Just Startin'
    MaestrosounD
    195 posts since
    May 13, 2007
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    Dec 28, 2009 9:26 AM (in response to es336td)
    Re: M9 Expression pedal

    Can you tell me what expression pedal you use? Not every expression pedal works with the m13. examples of pedals that do work are the line 6 ex-1, the ernie ball active pedal and the mission engineering pedal for line 6 products.

    Plus of course, you're expression pedal needs an output..

    • es336td Just Startin'
      es336td
      154 posts since
      Jan 29, 2007
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      Dec 28, 2009 12:14 PM (in response to MaestrosounD)
      Re: M9 Expression pedal

      It's a Line 6 EX-1 and the unit is the M9, not the M13.   On the EX-1, where the Output jack should be is a plastic plug.

       

      Update:

      I've been searching for pix or a spec sheet for the EX-1, but can't find anything but the facing away pic.  Can anyone verify I indeed have an EX-1?  The receipt from American Musical shows that it is an EX-1.

      • es336td Just Startin'
        es336td
        154 posts since
        Jan 29, 2007
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        Dec 28, 2009 12:19 PM (in response to es336td)
        Re: M9 Expression pedal

        I think this user http://line6.com/community/message/29109#29109 is having the same problem.   His solution is connecting the EXP1 jack on the back of the M9 (M13 in his case) to the OUTPUT of the EX-1... my EX-1 has only an Input and the output is plugged with a plastic plug.  WTF?

        • es336td Just Startin'
          es336td
          154 posts since
          Jan 29, 2007
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          Dec 28, 2009 12:29 PM (in response to es336td)
          Re: M9 Expression pedal

          I was researching the EX-1... found a FAQ section... was told to click on a link to see more info and got this.  WTF?

          ERROR.jpg

          • es336td Just Startin'
            es336td
            154 posts since
            Jan 29, 2007
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            Dec 30, 2009 8:53 AM (in response to es336td)
            Re: M9 Expression pedal

            I got around the above error... the link in the text gives you that... the link to the right works.  Go figure.

             

            At any rate, I still haven't figured this out.   I have a gig tomorrow night and would like to use it.   Right now the EX-1 is just taking up space.  I will do more research and see if I can find the solution.   If I do, I'll post it here.   If anyone has had a similar problem, and solved it.  Please post.  Thanx!

  • Line6Perry Line 6 Support
    Line6Perry
    6,868 posts since
    Dec 26, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Dec 30, 2009 3:27 PM (in response to es336td)
    Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

    Hi,

     

      Once you've set the Min and Max (Heel Down and Toe Down) values for whichever FX parameter, it's set. You don't really "kick it in" under a live situation in the sense of actuating the settings: once they're set, they should remain set.

     

      I guess I'm confused because your final sentence of "If I turn the knob when setting heel toe, it works, but I haven't figured out how to kick it in under a live situation." So essentially you set the values to the EX1. Now what happens when you immediately start playing your instrument and sweep the pedal? Do you not hear the change in parameter?

     

      Regards,

      L6Perry

     

    P.S. There's only 1 1/4" jack on a EX1. There does appear to be a "plug" on the side of the pedal. This is correct.

    • es336td Just Startin'
      es336td
      154 posts since
      Jan 29, 2007
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      Dec 30, 2009 7:31 PM (in response to Line6Perry)
      Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

      Once again, I'm not clear.   What I meant about kick it in...    if I plug the EX-1 into Pedal 1...  go in and change the global settings to show that all three FX banks have Pedal 1 as their expression pedal... then I go to the patch where I have the wah... I place the EX-1 in the heel position and make sure the value of the tone (or whatever it's called) is 0...  then I place the EX-1 in the toe position and make sure the value of the tone (ditto) is 100%.  If I understand correctly, I should be able to hear it sound like a wah when I rock the EX-1 from heel to toe.   That's not happening.  I move the EX-1 and nothing happens.  If I turn the tone (or whatever it's called) knob is moved it sounds as it should when I use the EX-1, as it should.

       

      As for the EX-1 with just one input... yep, that part of the question is answered.

      • es336td Just Startin'
        es336td
        154 posts since
        Jan 29, 2007
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        Dec 30, 2009 10:20 PM (in response to es336td)
        Update

        Well... I hooked it up to my laptop and updated the flash from 1.01 to 2.01...  still no luck...    Wish I could figure it out.

  • Line6Hugo Line 6
    Line6Hugo
    6,556 posts since
    Apr 8, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Dec 31, 2009 10:11 AM (in response to es336td)
    Re: M9 Expression pedal

      It sounds as though there may be a hardware problem with either the M9 or the EX-1. It sounds like you are doing everything correct and all i can think is that there is a hardware problem with one or the other.

     

    I suggest taking both to a Line 6 dealer and testing each on a different M9 or EX-1 pedal.

     

    If you find that they work with a different M9/EX-1 that should isolate the issue enough to let you know where the problem lies.

     

    If the M9 has the problem, it will need to go to an authorized service center:

     

    http://line6.com/service_centers/

     

    If the EX-1 has a problem, please contact our customer service dept:

     

    (818) 575-3600

     

    Regards,

     

    Line6Hugo

  • jack_cass Just Startin'
    jack_cass
    116 posts since
    Mar 31, 2007
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    Jan 1, 2010 6:42 AM (in response to es336td)
    Re: M9 Expression pedal

    Have you tried using a different cable to connect the EX-1 to the M9? The cable that came with my EX-1 was DOA. Since it looks like a pretty crappy cable anyway, I just tossed it and used a new cable.

    • es336td Just Startin'
      es336td
      154 posts since
      Jan 29, 2007
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      Jan 1, 2010 12:34 PM (in response to jack_cass)
      Re: M9 Expression pedal

      Well... the cable that came with it was longer than needed, so I connected it with one of those short pedal board cables (yes, the cable is good).   I used the one that came with it because it fit the run I needed from one side of the pedal board to another.  However, I shall try another just for the sake of arguement

  • Line6Hugo Line 6
    Line6Hugo
    6,556 posts since
    Apr 8, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 4, 2010 9:19 AM (in response to es336td)
    RE: M9 Expression pedal

    Let us know how things turn out.

       

      Regards,

       

      Line6Hugo

    • es336td Just Startin'
      es336td
      154 posts since
      Jan 29, 2007
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      Jan 4, 2010 10:43 AM (in response to Line6Hugo)
      Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

      Ok... didn't have time to switch cables... played two gigs over the holidays and enjoyed the M9 more than I had thought!

       

      Impressions:

      1. It seems like the overall tone of the unit is bassier than without it.  Not sure if I have something set wrong or not.

      2. It also seems as if the unit pads down the signal... I'm sure I've not set it up correctly.

       

      More use this weekend.

       

      As for the EX-1... it just occurred to me...  I see this pedal supposedly will work with an AX2...  I have one.  That would tell me if I have a defective EX-1 or M9...   More as I know it.

  • ricksox UberGuru
    ricksox
    11,641 posts since
    Mar 28, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 6, 2010 3:39 PM (in response to es336td)
    Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

    Hello,

     

      The EX-1 won't work with the AX2. I'm not sure where you got that information from. If it is from our website then please let me know where so we can change it.


    Edit: The EX-1 WILL work with the AX2. Thanks Andy!

     

      The way you described how you were setting up the expression pedal is correct.

     

      In Setup you need to make sure that all of your FX rows are set to Pedal 1.

     

      I think something may be up with either the EX-1 or the M9 but you need to isolate the problem to the right device. Is there any way you can plug the EX-1 into an FBV Shortboard at a dealer or something? Maybe an X3 or XT Live pedal?

     

     

      Line6Miller

  • Line6Andy Line 6
    Line6Andy
    4,345 posts since
    Jun 5, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 4, 2010 3:26 PM (in response to es336td)
    RE: M9 Expression pedal

    Hello,

        You are correct, the EX-1 will work to control the Wah or volume function on the AX2.  See the manual (page 5*14) for the details:

       

      Manuals

      http://line6.com/support/manuals/

       

      Let us know what you find.

    • es336td Just Startin'
      es336td
      154 posts since
      Jan 29, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 5, 2010 7:15 PM (in response to Line6Andy)
      Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

      I took the EX-1 off my pedal board and left the cable I was using attached.   I then hooked it up to my AX2; 1st as a volume pedal and then as a wah.  In each function it worked exactly like the built in pedals on the AX2's floorboard.   Now what?

       

      I will attempt to get it working with the M9.  This time I will try Pedal 1  & Pedal 2...   I REALLY don't want to have to take this to a repair center... either close to me is over an hour away AND I have a two night gig to do this weekend.   I rarely use a wah, but would like to control other functions with the EX-1.  More as I know it.

      • es336td Just Startin'
        es336td
        154 posts since
        Jan 29, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Jan 5, 2010 8:16 PM (in response to es336td)
        Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

        Well... it still does nothing in either Pedal 1 or Pedal 2 (with the appropriate selection in set up).

         

        I noticed in the manual section that it says

         

        1. bring up the patch you want to control

        2. THEN plug in the EX-1; heel position

        3. set the thing you want to control to the 0% value, then put the pedal into the toe position

        4. set the thing you want to control to the 100% value

        5. it should work, then?

         

        From the beginning, I have connected the EX-1 before powering up.  Is that wrong?

  • ricksox UberGuru
    ricksox
    11,641 posts since
    Mar 28, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 6, 2010 3:46 PM (in response to es336td)
    RE: M9 Expression pedal

    Hello,

       

      It shouldn't make a difference at which point you plug the EX-1 in. I can't reproduce the issue you are experiencing on our M9 here so I think you do have a hardware issue with the M9.

       

      It could be that the expression pedal jack on the M9 is damaged. Have you tried both jacks?

       

       

      Line6Miller

    • es336td Just Startin'
      es336td
      154 posts since
      Jan 29, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 6, 2010 6:27 PM (in response to ricksox)
      Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

      Yes, I set it up with Pedal one for all FX units and Pedal two; same result.   There are pixel cut outs for heel toe settings as indicated in the manual, but the entire remainder of the bar is solid... not as in Pixel Heel & Toe example in section 3.3 of the advanced manual.

  • ricksox UberGuru
    ricksox
    11,641 posts since
    Mar 28, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 7, 2010 8:34 AM (in response to es336td)
    RE: M9 Expression pedal

    Hello,

       

      It really sounds like there is a hardware issue with your M9. You are under warranty so you have the option of taking it to a local service center or you can even call us directly and arrange a repair with our service department.

       

      (818)575-3600

       

      http://line6.com/support/serviceCenters/

       

       

      Line6Miller

    • es336td Just Startin'
      es336td
      154 posts since
      Jan 29, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 12, 2010 3:48 AM (in response to ricksox)
      RE: M9 Expression pedal

      Ok... I used it last weekend for a two night gig and have grown very fond of all the effects!   I spent the past two days trying every combination to get the EX-1 to work, but no luck.   I realize that I really need to take it somewhere or forget about using the EX-1 ever.  I have contacted two local repair centers that are a little over an hour from me about turnaround.  Would it be quicker to send it to you?  Do I need to also send the EX-1?  This really sucks...  I have a small window of about 3 weeks before I'll need the unit again.  Wish I could just walk in somewhere and swap units... but I bought it from American Musical Supply, so it will need to be shipped or taken somewhere and I'll have to wait for repair... any suggestions?

      • es336td Just Startin'
        es336td
        154 posts since
        Jan 29, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Jan 13, 2010 12:01 PM (in response to es336td)
        Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

        Since it is highly likely that I will have to send my M9 in for repair... what do I use to dump everything to my PC?   I'd really like to save all the scenes I have now in the event they are wiped during the repair, or I get a replacement.   Thanx!

         

        L

         

        UPDATE:  Found it: http://line6.com/community/docs/DOC-1450

        • es336td Just Startin'
          es336td
          154 posts since
          Jan 29, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Jan 13, 2010 11:50 AM (in response to es336td)
          Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

          Anyone?  Bueller?   Am I the only one that's ever had this problem?

          • jack_cass Just Startin'
            jack_cass
            116 posts since
            Mar 31, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Jan 13, 2010 5:33 PM (in response to es336td)
            Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

            Just send it in to Line 6 and they will fix it up for you. I don't mean to be a jerk, but they told you 2 weeks ago to send it in. You would be that much closer to having back a fully-functional unit by now if you had sent it in already...

            • es336td Just Startin'
              es336td
              154 posts since
              Jan 29, 2007
              Currently Being Moderated
              Jan 13, 2010 7:39 PM (in response to jack_cass)
              Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

              You're not being a jerk... I've redone my whole pedal board... don't have the old effects any more.... bet the whole farm on the M9, all the time thinking I was just doing something stupid.   Obviously, I'm the only one that has had this problem.   I had gigs up until this weekend, now I have down time and can afford to send it.   Thanx to everyone that responded.

              • whackystrings Just Startin'
                whackystrings
                23 posts since
                Feb 28, 2007
                Currently Being Moderated
                Jan 14, 2010 12:28 PM (in response to es336td)
                Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

                Last night was my first time really playing around with the EX-1 on my M9. I have to work out a few things because I was not able to get it working when I believed everything was set up right. I realize that this following suggestion may be full of holes but I futzed about with a few different settings and was able to get it going...will work on it more this evening.

                 

                • Plug EX-1 into M9 pedal input #1
                • Go into Settings and into the 'page' that has the Expression pedal parameters.
                • Ensure that all 3 FX are enabled with the Expr pedal #1 (yes, I realize that one shouldn't have to enable all 3 FX in this manner just to operate the Pitch Glider, say, on FX#2 but this is just to put it to the real test - this is what I had to do in order to make it work)
                • Now try one of the effects like Whammy that have a very 'unsubtle' effect so that if it works, the effect of the treadle movement is extremely obvious.

                 

                BTW, I have my effects running in a Right-to-Left pattern (3>2>1), not the default running order (1>2>3)...this setting, too, is found on one of the Settings 'pages'.

                 

                This is all by memory...when I am at home tonight I will keep trying.

                • es336td Just Startin'
                  es336td
                  154 posts since
                  Jan 29, 2007
                  Currently Being Moderated
                  Jan 14, 2010 12:37 PM (in response to whackystrings)
                  Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal
                  • Plug EX-1 into M9 pedal input #1
                  Did that

                  • Go into Settings and into the 'page' that has the Expression pedal parameters.
                  • Ensure that all 3 FX are enabled with the Expr pedal #1 (yes, I realize that one shouldn't have to enable all 3 FX in this manner just to operate the Pitch Glider, say, on FX#2 but this is just to put it to the real test - this is what I had to do in order to make it work)
                  Did that all along... still nothing...

                  • Now try one of the effects like Whammy that have a very 'unsubtle' effect so that if it works, the effect of the treadle movement is extremely obvious.
                  I was trying to get a wah working, but also tried it on Whammy and rotary... nothing.

                   

                  BTW, I have my effects running in a Right-to-Left pattern (3>2>1), not the default running order (1>2>3)...this setting, too, is found on one of the Settings 'pages'.

                  Have not tried that... the other way seems more normal to me, but if that's what it takes...

                   

                  This is all by memory...when I am at home tonight I will keep trying.

                  As shall I

                   

                  Thanx!

                   

                  • es336td Just Startin'
                    es336td
                    154 posts since
                    Jan 29, 2007
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                    Jan 15, 2010 9:59 PM (in response to es336td)
                    Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

                    Well... I redid everything as suggested... still nothing on any patch.   So, it's off to the service center next week... it REALLY sucks something new has to be broken...  that's the mild way to put it.  It would be nice if I could just go somewhere and swap it for a working model.   Might as well wish in one hand...

                     

                    Thanx for all the patience and support.

        • es336td Just Startin'
          es336td
          154 posts since
          Jan 29, 2007
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          Jan 15, 2010 10:11 PM (in response to es336td)
          Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

          It was just a great night...   I connected my MIDISport 2X2 to the M9 and the USB to my laptop.   I tried MIDI Ox... no luck... it said everything was connected, but everytime I did the send from the M9... nothing...    I then tried my copy of Cubase LE... it has so many options I couldn't figure how to dump SysEx stuff.    I am pretty sure this is my stupidity and not the M9...   If anyone has successfully used either of these methods to dump SysEx... could you dumb it down for me?   (I know, it's not that hard to begin with, but I must be missing something).  Thanx.

           

          L

          • jack_cass Just Startin'
            jack_cass
            116 posts since
            Mar 31, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Jan 16, 2010 6:08 AM (in response to es336td)
            Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

            Open MIDI-OX. Select "View-->SysEx". Now the "SysEx View and Scratchpad" window should have popped up. Now selected "Sysex-->Receive Manual Dump". That will put SysEx in a waiting mode. Now tell the M9 to dump. Once it's finished, then in SysEx select "Display Window-->Save as..."

             

            This is assuming, of course, that you have SysEx set up correctly. I don't see the detailed SysEx setup in the "M9/M13 Scene Backup and Loading" document. The detailed instructions are found in the "M13 Update" document. I'll paste them here:

             

             

            Additional Instructions for WINDOWS Users Using MIDI Ox:

             

            1. Make sure the Driver is installed and working.

             

            2. Run the MIDI Ox application.

             

            3. Go to Option, then MIDI Devices; select USB Audio Device for both MIDI Inputs and MIDI Outputs; uncheck Automatically Attach Inputs To Outputs During Selection; click OK to accept it.

             

            4. Go to View, then Port Routing; delete the connection between Input Ports and Output ports if they are connected; make sure only MIDI Ox Event Port connects to Output Ports.

             

            5. Go to View, then Sysex; in Sysex View and Scratchpad, go to Sysex, then Configure, make sure to check Delay After F7 and set the Delay (Milliseconds Between Buffers) to 60ms; click OK to accept.

             

             

             

             

            That may be the missing step for you.

            • es336td Just Startin'
              es336td
              154 posts since
              Jan 29, 2007
              Currently Being Moderated
              Jan 21, 2010 1:18 PM (in response to jack_cass)
              RE: M9 Expression pedal

              Well... took it in for repair today.  Hopefully it will be quick and simple.   Didn't have time to figure out how to dump the SysEx stuff... but the thing is such a breeze to work with, it should be simple to get everything back if need be.   Once I find out what was wrong with it, I'll post here so if it happens to anyone else...

              • jack_cass Just Startin'
                jack_cass
                116 posts since
                Mar 31, 2007
                Currently Being Moderated
                Jan 21, 2010 1:24 PM (in response to es336td)
                Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

                Hopefully they get it sorted for you quickly.

                 

                I have a little notebook that I've written in some of my favorite settings for different models. It's pretty quick just to write down "drive: 70%" etc. I don't worry about being super-accurate, just in the ballpark. After all, if I have my volume knob different, it'll sound different anyway. So as long as I'm in the general vicinity of my favorite setting, I can dial it to suit the venue or even when I change my tubes.

                 

                I take the most effort in writing down delay settings accurately. The only modulation I use is the Univibe, which I know I like everything turned way down except for the mix, which is about 1/3 wet.

                 

                Like I said, hopefully they get your M9 back quickly!

                • es336td Just Startin'
                  es336td
                  154 posts since
                  Jan 29, 2007
                  Currently Being Moderated
                  Jan 21, 2010 1:49 PM (in response to jack_cass)
                  RE: M9 Expression pedal

                  Exactly!

                   

                  I've only used it for about a month and can't really think how I ever did without it!   Most of my stuff is the factory default.  I've done some tweaks on a few, but nothing severe.   I'll get into dumping it when I get it back and actually have a bunch of time into tweaking it.   I have a gig on 2/6... I really hope it's done by then!

                  • es336td Just Startin'
                    es336td
                    154 posts since
                    Jan 29, 2007
                    Currently Being Moderated
                    Jan 29, 2010 12:17 PM (in response to es336td)
                    Re: RE: M9 Expression pedal

                    Update: just got word from the shop that the main board needs to be replaced.  Doubt if it will be ready by the 6th, so guess I need to quickly work with my AX2 and get it ready for next weekend.   More as I know it.

                    • es336td Just Startin'
                      es336td
                      154 posts since
                      Jan 29, 2007
                      Currently Being Moderated
                      Feb 17, 2010 10:18 AM (in response to es336td)
                      RE: M9 Expression pedal

                      Just got an update from the shop... bottom line is, I'll be getting a new M9; mine is toast.   Hopefully it will be here before the 26th so I can redo my pedal board in time for a show that night.   Lovely.

                      • es336td Just Startin'
                        es336td
                        154 posts since
                        Jan 29, 2007
                        Currently Being Moderated
                        Mar 10, 2010 8:37 PM (in response to es336td)
                        What a long strange trip it's been...

                        The brand new M9 arrived from the shop on the 1st of March or there abouts.  Just got time to mess with it tonight.  At first I thought it was deja vu all over again... In checking the cable to the expression pedal, I noticed that the one I was using was loose in the socket on the pedal.  I replaced it with a short SwitchCraft/Belden cable I had made and the expression pedal started working!   Set up one scene and went on to the next.  The pedal didn't work again... went on to the next... the pedal worked.  Not sure what is up.  I have all FX groups set to use Pedal 1.  I think in an answer somewhere in this thread, I was told that I didn't have to unplug/plug the pedal each time I wanted to set the heel toe positions...  not sure what is up.  Will play more later.

                         

                        One thing that was disheartening is I can't control the speed of the rotary drum patch... true, this was in the scene that wouldn't work, but... I didn't see the heel toe cut outs in the settings.  How do I tell it to control the speed?

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