Softstep?

[PalmWino]

I know you've plenty to keep you busy Jeff, but any more thoughts on a little app for this thing? (Or am I the only sucker still bothering with it?? :D)
Dave

[Jeff]

The need for an alternative interface application diminished once
they released an upgrade that let you download the configuration into
the pedal so you wouldn't need to run the large Max application just to use it.
I haven't had a chance to try this but from what I understand this is how most people use it now. You use the Max app only to play around with the configuration, then once you have it where you want it that is downloaded into the pedal and the pedal then sends the MIDI you configured without needing anything else.

[PalmWino]

Thanks for the update.
I left the original software behind around v1.1 & went down the bidule route, cobbling together a setup that gives me up to forty note triggers if I need them (though fiddly to work!).
I looked at v1.2 & thought it looked even more complex, with its simple & advanced editors etc, so didn't bother.
Just wondered. I think you're wise to abandon the idea - an awful lot of other folk seem to have done too!
Dave

[PalmWino]

Been laid up for a few days so working on refining my bidule group for taming mobius. Threw out some redundant crap, & tried rationalising a bit.
Pretty specific to my setup, but gives 40 note on/offs (4 per pad), with transposes for the ones whose cc#s clash with mobius 'common' config note#s, and/or 40 CCtoggles (I use them for bidule routing switches etc), again 4 per pad.
A weird foot controller group (but works!) & program change for the Navpad.
Don't think I can upload a .bgrp extension here, but you can find it at:

http://www.plogue.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5733

if anyone's interested in playing around with it.

Dave

[gtodd876]

I pulled out the softstep again recently but updated to the latest softstep drivers I feel like the pads are much more responsive now. They must have ironed out just the right default response to foot presses. Before I used to get double presses or sometimes it wouldnt trigger at all. Works much better now.

[Newbie Brad]

Softstep looks very viable for my needs and I have been thinking about purchasing it. Controlling Mobius was an aspect of my ideas. Owners happy with SoftStep?

[PalmWino]

Can't say I'm exactly happy with it, just not prepared to shell out 500 quid for a Gordius Little Giant, which seems to have the favour of many users here.
I've not updated to the latest KMI software, since I went down an alternative (& very time-consuming) route; the one beneficial offshoot of this is that I've got much more familiar with Plogue Bidule, and found some useful techniques in using that.
I didn't feel the original software gave enough usable control variations for me; ten pads (+ NavPad) only gave access to ten functions/scripts in mobius at a time (mobius doesn't respond well to CCs in this respect), so switching between two or more 'scenes' to access other functions in an improvising, live environment didn't work for me. It's also pretty labour-intensive to program, & didn't respond well to size 10 feet (but see above post for improvements in latest version).
I still doubt that the multi-functionality (5/6 different possible configurations for each pad?) represents more than ten usable functions at any one time; I fail to see how it's possible to use a controller function (eg) on the same pad as a note on/off, without triggering the note too. Anyone care to disagree? I'd be interested in trying it out.
So, the neon backlighting is still a source of interference for guitarists, it's not cheap, (FCB1010 cheaper, but heavier, & apparently a b*gger to program too...), & I don't think it's quite as clever & versatile as KMI would like you to think. I'm a stubborn s*d though, so I'm still plodding on with it (for over a year now!), learning to dance more delicately (four functions per pad is even trickier!), & beginning to wonder if I shouldn't just bite the bullet & shell out for the Gordius.
Guess this doesn't sound too positive eh?:)
Rant over....
Dave

[Jeff]

Speaking strictly as a controller for Mobius, I think the decision comes down mostly to size. If the size of an FCB1010 doesn't bother you and you are primarily a home studio musician that doesn't travel, then the Softstep
isn't a very attractive option IMO. Many people find it harder to use than
the FCB due to the closer spacing of the switches. As far as Mobius goes,
the functionality is overkill since there isn't much use for the pressure sensitivity. The biggest problem I have with it is that there is zero tactile feedback when you press a switch making it easier to get false triggers.
In a perfect world, I wish it were 8-10 inches wider with bigger switches
and the back row higher than the front row.

That said, if you travel a lot it simply can't be beat for size and weight. And if you have other devices you want to control, especially Max/MSP, the pressure sensitivity has a lot of creative potential.

[Per Boysen]

I also use joystick style controlling (X/Y vector pad) a lot. Currently using a Faderfox LV3 that offers two joysticks but I'd prefer to do that from my feet. Not prepared to buy Softstep just for that. The best in my opinion would be a little foot-sized floater inside a sensitive frame. You put your foot on the floater and move it up-down and left-right for the X-Y vector control and maybe twisting left vs right could also send two additional CC#s. I know the Softstep can do that, but I'm still looking for something more sturdy (already using the Gordius but in order to control a X/Y vector set of two parameters the only way is to assign two expression pedals and it becomes a bit difficult when needing to push one while pulling the other :-) Joystick style is the better way to go)

[PalmWino]

Looking forward to getting my teeth into Mobius2 (& firming up a 1.45 setup for a gig this wednesday) when I managed to pull the flimsy USB socket off the mainboard moving my softstep! :(
Pins broken on socket, copper stripped off PCB, beyond my abilities to fix - this piece of c**p's going in the bin, along with it's interference-inducing backlighting & 18 months of my life trying to make it usable.
Further to my guarded earlier post....don't touch this thing with a bargepole.
Dave

[PalmWino]

Well, to be fair to them, the guys at Keith McMillen have sent me a replacement after I sent my busted one back, so thanks to them for that. Sadly I'm not very excited about its arrival, as it's brought back all the frustrations too (except for the broken USB socket:)).
I actually was starting to get quite good results out of a modified Korg Nanokey in the meantime, but I doubt it'd last many gigs being stomped on, however gently!
So...onward & upward....
Dave