M Audio Black Box and Mobius

[Trigger]

I understand that I can use most any interface with Mobius but would anyone here know if I can use the midi capabilities of the M Audio Black Box to make Mobius start to record/overdub? I just cannot afford any more gear at the moment and really would like to start looping again using a foot pedal. The pedal board that one can use with the Black Box will let you start/stop the internal drum machine. Can that functionality be implemented in Mobius?

Does anyone know? I know squat about midi but apparently the BB can send (some of?) it over USB. According to the M Audio website...

"The momentary switches control tap tempo, select presets and drum beats, start/stop drums, and turn on/off the tuner, effects, amp, and delay."

[Per Boysen]

If that black box thing of yours sends MIDI you just have to route that MIDI into Mobius and set the appropriate MIDI events to trigger the preferred looper functions (as described in the manual and in discussions all over this forum)

[Trigger]

Thanks very much Per. I appreciate the information. I expect that when you know what these things are it can be easy but given that I am quite luddite when it comes to midi I don't really know how/what to ask or search properly. I will post on my results once I have built the footswitch. Thanks again.

[Jeff]

I have a Black Box and I'm pretty sure the answer is no. The footswitch
does not send MIDI. You can use it to control the Black Box but
nothing else. Once you get the internal drum machine started
it will send MIDI transport controls (start/stop/continue) and clocks
but these can't be used to control Mobius functions. You can make Mobius
sync to the clocks but you can't for example turn overdub on and off.

You should be able to have Mobius synchronize recording to the MIDI
clocks being sent by the Black Box. But you will still have to
start and stop the recording using a computer key or UI button.

A cheap workaround some people have tried is to get a cheap USB
keyboard and pry off most of the keys leaving 4 or 5 you can step
on reliably. Then set up computer key bidings for those keys.

[Trigger]

Jeff. Thanks a lot. I feared this to be the case. I really wanted to use just a two or three switch f/s. I have an idea that an Arduino device might be the key. In essence I could get away with just start record and stop record. Beyond that I could get away with the mouse. I was going to hack an actual mouse but the seems to be a time lag -albeit a small one - that I can't seem to get used to. I only have a modest Samsung netbook so I'm trying to keep the setup really simple and then get performing again. I would like to meet the asswipe that stole my Jamman. Nonetheless I'm glad I have met the chap that developed Mobius. :)

If anyone has any modest f/s ideas I'd be grateful. I cannot afford an FCB and even so it is way too big for what I need.

This is what I think about at night.

Would something like this work?

http://www.amazon.com/Targus-PAUK10U-Ultra-Mini-Keypad/dp/B00008NG7N

I've never hacked a computer keyboard but I've seen a few smashed up. They have 4 pole switches right? I may do some hackage after my exams as using the regular keyboard on the Samsung is pretty close to what I could use in a live situation. I guess I just got used to the Jamman "physical" latency - an inherited trait of 10 years of use.

I really hope it all works out as I love looping.

[RDWIV]

Here's a DIY plan for a USB foot switch built from a Numeric Keypad.
http://cycling74.com/2007/10/16/making-connections-building-a-usb-footswitch/
You wouldn't have to use Max/MSP to remap the switches. Mobius key bindings would be all you'd need.

[Trigger]

RDWIV, thanks very much for that. I would liked to have got back earlier to say thanks but there it is. Happy New Year!

[Trigger]

Great stuff!!! I have hacked a qwerty to map the innards and it is all good - €20!!! I have an old MXR footswitch that can go on the floor and has plenty of room inside. I am truly stunned by the power of Mobius. Jeff you are the man!!!

I saw too that I can use the Korg Nanokontrol to do other stuff too. If this is obvious to regulars around here please excuse my gushing enthusiasm.

http://www.marcresearch.com/blogs/merrill/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/flounder_animal_house_1c.jpg

Oh Boy is this great!!!