Catalyst 60 with midi footcontroller?

[Mikevande70]

I have a Line 6 Catalyst 60, and the little tweo button footswitch isn't cutting it. WHat do I need to make a midi foot controller work with the midi USB B I/O on the back panel? WIll this work? Amazon.com: CAMOLA USB MIDI Host Box High Speed USB to MIDI Converter MIDI Interface(UMH-21) : Everything Else

[rd2rk]

Yes, that should work with whatever controller you have.

Xsonic (Xtone series) and Morningstar both make combination controller/host boxes if you don't already have a controller.

[RealSkier]

I realize I'm necro-posting here but I may have found a solution to the OP's question. It's a cheap ($35) but versatile MIDI-USB footswitch called the M-VAVE Chocolate BT. (Yes, M-VAVE, not M-Wave.)  It sends MIDI over USB-C which, in theory, could control the Catalyst 60 directly without a host interface. It seems to work that way with other MIDI controllable devices. 

 

Here's a complete discussion of what it can do: MIDI "Chocolate" controller with the Mod Dwarf, an introduction - Random - MOD Audio Forum

 

Here's an Amazon link: https://a.co/d/cCsuanu

 

It will also take a standard expression pedal as a control input on 1/4".

[stevenrossbrown]

Hi rd2rk (or anyone else who might be able to answer) –

 

Recently got the Catalyst CX 60 and love it. I've read everything I can find re: using a MIDI foot controller with it, in order to easily access all 12 A/B channel presets when playing live (wah and volume pedals would be nice too, though not essential with other workarounds). I get it that the overall best answer is "spend another $100 for the CX 100" – but at another 20 lbs, my lower back really really wants to stay with the CX 60, perfect in every way for me except the MIDI controller.

 

Will one of the Hosts mentioned above work, along with a USB - B to USB - A cable/adapter – and a Behringer FCB1010 controller? (I've seen solid Youtube and other info online that shows the FCB1010 working just fine with the CX 100).

 

Thanks! crossing fingers ...

and I know a lot of this stuff is changing quickly - so any other "economical" or "simpler/easier" solution that may have come along would be swell too.

 

[stevenrossbrown]

hi – it’s been four days since I asked this question. Just wondering if it will ever be approved to be posted? Thanks!

[rd2rk]

On 4/25/2024 at 2:38 PM, RealSkier said:

I realize I'm necro-posting here but I may have found a solution to the OP's question. It's a cheap ($35) but versatile MIDI-USB footswitch called the M-VAVE Chocolate BT. (Yes, M-VAVE, not M-Wave.)  It sends MIDI over USB-C which, in theory, could control the Catalyst 60 directly without a host interface. It seems to work that way with other MIDI controllable devices. 

 

Here's a complete discussion of what it can do: MIDI "Chocolate" controller with the Mod Dwarf, an introduction - Random - MOD Audio Forum

 

Here's an Amazon link: https://a.co/d/cCsuanu

 

It will also take a standard expression pedal as a control input on 1/4".

 

On 11/4/2024 at 1:49 PM, stevenrossbrown said:

Hi rd2rk (or anyone else who might be able to answer) –

 

Recently got the Catalyst CX 60 and love it. I've read everything I can find re: using a MIDI foot controller with it, in order to easily access all 12 A/B channel presets when playing live (wah and volume pedals would be nice too, though not essential with other workarounds). I get it that the overall best answer is "spend another $100 for the CX 100" – but at another 20 lbs, my lower back really really wants to stay with the CX 60, perfect in every way for me except the MIDI controller.

 

Will one of the Hosts mentioned above work, along with a USB - B to USB - A cable/adapter – and a Behringer FCB1010 controller? (I've seen solid Youtube and other info online that shows the FCB1010 working just fine with the CX 100).

 

Thanks! crossing fingers ...

and I know a lot of this stuff is changing quickly - so any other "economical" or "simpler/easier" solution that may have come along would be swell too.

 

 

In order to use MIDI over USB, there MUST be a HOST device. Chocolate is NOT a HOST.

As I've posted elsewhere, if you have an iPhone or iPad you can use the camera kit and AUM to route MIDI from any USB Controller to the Cat60.

I have tested this using my FCB1010 with iConnectivity MIDI to USB cable. Works great.

IDK about Androids, I don't allow them in my house.

[stevenrossbrown]

thanks rd2rk!

I've been studying this a lot over the past few weeks while I deep edit & save presets along the way, and keep coming back to the FCB as the ideal solution – 8 preset switches, a clear visual display of what switch is on, bank up & down, and pedals for both wah and volume ... really appreciate that you've tested it & it works!  

Hoping this "one in, one out" will work, and is what you're using? There are a few others, and I'm not sure if directional issues of MIDI/USB in which was is IN vs OUT come into play... 

 

[rd2rk]

If you do decide on an FCB1010, be aware that using the stock chip is limiting. Better alternative below.

 

While it CAN be configured to send toggling CC#, the LEDs will NOT reflect the ON/OFF status.

Either try to find one that has already had the UNO Chip Mod, or factor that into your purchase.

Also, regardless of that, get the UNO_ControlCenter Editor. Without it, programming the FCB is MADDENING!

 

In addition to the MIO (IN connector goes to device OUT and vice versa) you'll need the camera kit. The link below is what I use. My iPad/iPhone have lightning connectors. You may need to look for the proper connectors if yours does not have Lightning. This kit/hub has two type A camera connectors, one for the MIO and one for the Cat60. It also has a Power connector. This allows you to keep the iPad/iPhone charged while in use.

 

iOS Lightning Camera Kit/Hub:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T913J3D?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

Here's links to the UNO chip and Editor. Note that the Editor works with the stock FCB Chip as well as the UNO chip:

 

UNO Chip:

https://www.fcb1010.eu/

 

UNO_ControlCenter:

https://www.fcb1010.uno/

 

I use AUM for the iOS MIDI routing because it has a lot of other capabilities, but there's also an app called MIDIFLOW which just does MIDI, but in that context has more functions than AUM, akin to classic MIDI utilities like MIDIOX.

 

HAVING SAID ALL OF THAT...

 

The FCB1010 with UNO is quite capable, and if you NEED to have 10 switches available at all times it is probably the most economical choice.

HOWEVER - it is BIG, UGLY and somewhat limited in its capabilities. The UNO chip adds functionality, and the UNO2 chip does away with almost all of those limitations, but programming UNO2 is actual programming, not a GUI interface like UNO_ControlCenter. It's not a complex programming language, and if you have programming experience (I do), it's NBD, but if not, it can be daunting.

 

Look at this instead:

 

Ampero Control:

https://www.hotone.com/products/controlers/Ampero Control

 

Advantages -

you don't need the MIO

cheaper and as powerful as the FCB/UNO2

small and flexible - connect via standard MIDI, USB or BT (I do not recommend BT, I find it undependable. YMMV)

useful beyond the requirements of the Catalyst

get a HOTONE wah/volume/exp pedal and do it all MUCH cheaper/smaller than FCB/UNO/ControlCenter/MIO

easy to program via iPhone or Android

 

I do not have one of these, as I have many other MIDI controllers and a Cat100, but I WANT one, just because.

If you get it from Amazon or some other seller with a good returns policy, it's minimum risk.

My mouse is hovering over the BUY button on Amazon...

 

I just bought it! Arrives Friday!

If you want to hold off until after the weekend, I'll report on it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[stevenrossbrown]

Wow - total thanks again, way faster & more detailed options than I'd expected/hoped for. Really appreciate it all, but looks like it's quickly stacking up to be a lot more time, trouble and expense than I have available. (full time graphics job, family, also a painter, too many hats, oh well)

 

In my band days of the mid 70s I had all the best analog stuff, customized myself, and a decent home studio... most of it sadly let go over the years in garage sales, much of that I now see listed online as expensive collector's items!

 

So I'm resurrecting it now in the simplest digital way I can, and playing live again. Have moved from a Line 6/Bogner amp, using a POD HD Bean and FBV Mark II foot controller to replace its funky malfunctioning digital FX preamp; and now the Catalyst CX 60 to replace that. Love it! 20 lbs lighter than the Bogner (or Catalyst 100), but still with the warm tube sound of the Bogner.

 

- I'll wait... eager as I am to get the foot control thing resolved for live playing, (boy do I know the "hover over BUY effect") with Amazon as a preferred less-risk route - knowing more first would be great

 

- I do know programming in a limited way, but also avoid it like the plague (I'm a graphics guy who left my band days behind over 45 years ago with a need to opt for more regular family-oriented paychecks) ... had to learn a ton of HTML5 and CSS3 in a week some years back when my engineer dropped out of a big website project I was designing, pulled it off but no fun at all

 

- the link you sent goes to a page about this 4 button controller – which looks like it could do what I need, and then I'd just put my old Crybaby and Volume pedals up front - but you also mention "HOTONE wah/volume/exp pedal", which is a separate piece of hardware ...? and wouldn't give me the MIDI control over CX 60 presets I need

 

- and, as if thats not enough – Android items not allowed in our house either!

 

Anyway, I'll figure it out yet, and really appreciate your help!

[rd2rk]

On 11/20/2024 at 3:17 PM, stevenrossbrown said:

- the link you sent goes to a page about this 4 button controller – which looks like it could do what I need, and then I'd just put my old Crybaby and Volume pedals up front - but you also mention "HOTONE wah/volume/exp pedal", which is a separate piece of hardware ...? and wouldn't give me the MIDI control over CX 60 presets I need

 

- and, as if thats not enough – Android items not allowed in our house either!

 

The wah/volume/exp pedal (Soulpress II) was suggested IN ADDITION to the Ampero Control, since I've read that other expression pedal options have trouble calibrating with the Ampero Control, and who doesn't need a WAH? But you already have a WAH, as do I, so the Soulpress is not essential.

 

I'll let you know how it stacks up. I installed the Ampero editor on my iPhone long ago, and it looks pretty easy to use.

[stevenrossbrown]

great, thanks

heck, I even had the original VOX pedal, and when I was 16 (no license yet) my mom drove me to Thomas Organ in Van Nuys CA not far from where lived (it was invented there) - where I bought a new pot to replace the one that had gotten too noisy ... $13, I still remember! Then that wore out too, and I got the Crybaby a few years later – I replaced that pot, kept it in good shape with Radio Shack Tuner Cleaner ... and it still works great today! (45+ years of no use probably helped, I was amazed)