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: *SEE BELOW FOR ISSUES!

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!

 

EDIT: If you're considering the Hotone Ampero Control, HOLD OFF FOR NOW!

I got mine today. It can only be edited using a mobile app via BT, and I can't for the life of me get it to connect to BT!

My iPad sees my WAZA AIR HP, and every one of my other devices as well as all of my neighbor's devices, but after initially connecting, it won't reconnect. I've opened a support ticket, but got no confirmation and AFAICT, nobody else has ever gotten a reply from Hotone support (in CHINA!). There's little to no info on the web, so I'll wait a week before I return it to Amazon.

 

 

 

 

[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)

[rd2rk]

@stevenrossbrown

 

If you're considering the Hotone Ampero Control, HOLD OFF FOR NOW!

I got mine today. It can only be edited using a mobile app via BT, and I can't for the life of me get it to connect to BT!

My iPad sees my WAZA AIR HP, and every one of my other devices as well as all of my neighbor's devices, but after initially connecting, it won't reconnect. I've opened a support ticket, but got no confirmation and AFAICT, nobody else has ever gotten a reply from Hotone support (in CHINA!). There's little to no info on the web, so I'll wait a week before I return it to Amazon with an appropriate review!

 

I'm looking at the AIRSTEP MULTI (Xsonic). I have the BW version that is specific to the WAZA AIR HP. It also has problems with BT (drops the connection frequently), but the app (which doesn't actually work with the BW, which is not configurable, being specific to the WAZA) at least SEES it and allowed me to update the FW. Unfortunately, it's twice as much as the Hotone (you get what you pay for?) and since I don't really need it... at least I know that they actually have support, as they answered my question about the BW promptly.

 

I HATE BT!

[stevenrossbrown]

thanks!

(heck, I even appreciate that you follow through and do what you say you will... I know this all takes time & effort) 

right there with you on BT – even with the way my iPhone talks to my car (and glitches) - too many modes, protocols, dropouts, etc, sheesh ... not to mention the ol' inherent latency for live play monitoring (like with the Catalyst /headphones) ... speaking of which, since I have to stick with headphones at home, just came across another thread here: "Your experience with Catalyst and headphones" – totally agreed with the reply/advice posted mentioning AKG K240s - then saw it was you! I love mine, and they're 45 years old ...

 

anyway, will continue to keep an eye on the CX60 foot controller thing, the AIRSTEP is the right direction, but I'll want more...

 

LOVING the Catalyt's Dynamic amp model - it's opened up a whole new approach to picking, and controlling an amazing range of tone and gain with just the pick and pinky on volume knob...

 

for now, I have a CLEAN and DYNAMIC setting for both the Strat and Les Paul, Strat assigned to A and B, in Bank 1; Les Paul A and B in Bank 2... LFS2's FS1 toggles A+B; FS2 handles Boost, Delay and Reverb ... so that's a total of 8 distinctly different sounds with the LFS2's buttons and one bank change ... and with hot but quiet DiMarzios on both guitars, DYNAMIC gives me a whole additional range of sounds just with attack & pinky control ... the Crybaby into a BOSS CE5 chorus up front, so for now at least I've got it covered, without the additional 20 lbs of the 100 (and maybe better speaker?)  and as you'd mentioned, I'll be using the iOS Edit app on my phone, clipped to a music stand for easier bank changes than leaning down for two hands on the amp.

 

I guess the ultimate would be a HELIX for foot controlled effects, and two pedals for wah and volume ... but so much more money it's really not worth it

 

YET...

[rd2rk]

Hotone update!

 

I finally got it working. It seems that it had formed a secret tryst with my studio laptop, though I don't recall ever enabling BT on it - did I mention that I HATE BT!?

 

It still won't pair with my iPad, but it does pair with my iPhone. Go figure!

 

The SW offered the option to update the FW, which I did right away.

Programming it was a breeze, and it works great over USB - Hotone>iPad>AUM>Cat USB.

 

I set up seven banks, one for each amp "category" plus MANUAL.

FS1/2 = Channels A/B; FS 3/4 = BOOST/FX1. I always have a reverb on, so the four switches are perfect!

 

Of course, my Cat100 also has standard MIDI connectors, so that's what I'll use should I ever feel like leaving my Helix at home.

 

Bottom line - as long as you can get a device to pair with it, it's easy to program, and you can use either iOS or Android (I'm told).

It works great with AUM, probably other MIDI routing apps too.

AUM is the one I have, and since it's also a multi-track recorder and AU Host, you can add a Drum plugin and record along with drums. Way cool!

 

 

[stevenrossbrown]

Wow. Very cool. I'm definitely learning a lot as I move from the analog world I was so familiar with in the 70s and early 80s into the incredibly fast-advancing and rapidly changing digital world of music. I did it with art as a career in 1984 after 13 years analog, starting with the Atari ST because the Mac wasn't color until 1987's Mac II. Thanks for your help with that!

 

Wasn't going to send you more "mystery foot control hardware" questions, but what the heck – any thoughts on this one maybe playing nicely (and, uh - fairly easily) with the Catalyst (CX) - 60?  The specs down at the bottom of the Amazon page seem favorable to the Catalyst's USB, but what do I know!

 

https://www.amazon.com/Nektar-Pacer-MIDI-Foot-Controller/dp/B07CXMPLXM/ref=asc_df_B07CXMPLXM?mcid=450aab1620323032ac35d4207000e607&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693366139088&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18062600383398314803&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013668&hvtargid=pla-571840873838&psc=1

[stevenrossbrown]

can this

Programming it was a breeze, and it works great over USB - Hotone>iPad>AUM>Cat USB.

 

be this?

Programming it was a breeze, and it works great over USB - Hotone>Cat USB.

[rd2rk]

On 11/27/2024 at 12:14 PM, stevenrossbrown said:

can this

Programming it was a breeze, and it works great over USB - Hotone>iPad>AUM>Cat USB.

 

be this?

Programming it was a breeze, and it works great over USB - Hotone>Cat USB.

 

No. USB requires a HOST, which is the function of the iThingy. Any laptop will work too.

AUM routes the signal through from the Hotone to the Cat.

On a laptop you could use MIDIOX (there's also a MAC MIDI utility, don't recall the name) or any basic DAW for routing.

[rd2rk]

The CX is just a Cat with some cosmetic differences and the FW pre-installed vs having to do a FW update to get the new features on the original Cat.

So, yes, it will work fine, but still requires a HOST.

[stevenrossbrown]

yeah, that much I know, just qualifying which one I have but really doesn't matter in this thread... and you confirmed my suspicions – that the HOST element of the USB/MIDI chain for the 60 is always required, isn't resident in the amp, and apparently is never included in the various potential foot controllers, except maybe the more expensive (and Line 6?) versions

 

also, this is why my current and increasingly looking like permanent solution for my footswitching things as much as possible when playing live is the LFS2 for A/B and Boost/FX, 1 bank for the Strat, a second for the Les Paul; and then the iPhone on a music stand running Cat Edit and quickly switching the banks as needed with my finger! Wah and Chorus up front; Delay and Reverb in the Cat, switched with the LFS2 ... and if the finger method proves quick enough, may even add a couple "specialty Banks" with Octave Divider, Oblivion/Badonk, massive Delay, etc – anyway, it's coming along ... rehearsal last night, great tone blended with our other guitarist (an old Princeton and crazy-big pedalboard) – and me with no lower back trouble!!!

 

[stevenrossbrown]

oh yeah - and that Nektar would also need a HOST?

[rd2rk]

Yes.