Midi help

I find that odd because the MIDI spec is for 5-pin only. There are 2 unused wires, the outer wires, which have been used to provide DC power in a few RARE instances. It never really took off. Most MIDI cables are wired with all 5 wires wired, although really only the middle 3 are used.

Now, let me assume a few things, perhaps incorrectly. If you have a controller, it is most likely meant to be paired with a specific base unit, such as an effects unit, synth or some other type of device that is usually rack mounted. This rack mounted device would typically be the unit that would provide the power, and chances are, would also provide this 7-pin connection. Without having the manuals(and forgive me for not downloading them and making a bigger effort), assuming that you're right, an adaptor cable can be built.

Then again, maybe the controller is incompatible with your controller. Based on what minimal information I have been able to find, this controller is meant to be paired with a specific tube amplifier, which in itself is a cool thing. But, that's not the problem. The problem is that I'm fairly sure the controller uses program change commands, and that the Magic 260 uses NOTE ON commands. You need a controller that works off NOTE ON commands. Behringer makes a guitar-oriented foot controller that can be programmed to send NOTE ON commands.

One thing we have to remember is that just because a device has MIDI capability, doesn't mean it has FULL MIDI capability. It is very common for most guitar foot controllers to send program change commands. Typically speaking, these foot controllers pair to some sort of signal processing unit. You would access PROGRAM CHANGES, so hence, the foot pedal would send program change commands. In one case, a guitar player I worked with used one such system. Don't get me started on this guitarist, he's F'ing amazing. I was doing tech for the entire band(guitar, bass, keyboard, but not drums). At any rate, the foot controller had to be getting power FROM the rack unit because it had no external power connection. I must admit that I do not recall if it used a special cable or not. I just know that we used a certain long cable all the time. I forget the termination, it may have been a DIN connector for all that matter.

But, let me cut this here and now: I think you're wasting your time with this controller for the purpose you want to use it for. You need to find something else that can send NOTE ON instructions.

Hello Chris, Thanks for the reply it was very helpful.I did not know that there were different types of "midi" signals. After doing more research midi solutions (www.midisolutions.com) makes an interface box that you can program to switch from program change commands to note on comands, but the cost is comparible to the behringer unit you were talking about. so I think I will go the route that you suggested. (as it would be just another gaget to deal with!) Also do you know if the two expression pedals on that unit could be used for anything like dimming or prehaps strobe speed? Thanks again for your time it is much appreciated, Doug.

Typically speaking, volume and expression pedals tend to be CC-controllers. In the case of my keyboards, the expression pedal hooks up via a TRS 1/4" cable to the keyboard's "expression pedal port". The control that the keyboard MIDI OUTPUTS based on the stuff I do with the expression pedal is sent as CC(continuous controller) data via the proper sub-addressing on the MIDI channel.

So, with that in mind, you have the right concept IF it works out for you. You'd simply assign the pedal(most likely as-is on your controller) and tell MyDMX to learn MIDI on the applicable channel(s). If you have 2 pedals, you could definately in MyDMX assign one for dimming, and another for strobe speed.

The only concern I would have is in regards to dimming. It's perfectly acceptable for a CC control signal to be "learned" by multiple DMX channels. Let's say you hvae a bank of eight 64 LED Pros, you can assign that dimmer controller to all 8 of the lights' dimmer channel. You will want to play with the HTP/LTP/Auto setting to ensure you're getting what you want. It can be a bit tricky, but once you have it figured out right, you're good. One nice thing is that you can play with this while using the 3D Visualizer.

Do keep in mind that anything you want to have some degree of manual control over in MyDMX, you need to ensure you have those channels in either HTP or LTP mode or else whatever values are in the scene(including zero values) will take precedence during scene changes.

OOP!! My bad. I forgot we're talking about a Magic 250 controller. Crap, let me take back EVERYTHING I just said. I don't think the Magic 260 supports CC data. There is nothing wrong with using any controller that is soft enough to be programmed the way you need it to go(assigning pedals to note ON instead of program changes for example). Looking at the MIDI implementation for the Magic 260, not to slam ADJ, but it sucks hard and is probably one of the more inefficient methods I've seen if implementing MIDI access. You only get access to 48 scenes via note ON and you do NOT have CC controller control at all. If you can assign your pedals to use all 16 MIDI channels, you might have a chance of this all working out for you.

(actually, I'm not taking back the MyDMX stuff, I'm leaving it in to show how a software package can offer more functionality than a hardware controller).

A few folks have the Behringer pedal and are using it with MyDMX. I won't be buying one of these, mainly because I'm not a guitarist. I may purchase a Behringer BCF2000 to help augment my Korg nanoKONTROL, but right now that little korg controller works fine as-is.

If you don't have a lot invested into that Magic260, might I suggest going to MyDMX? I can give you a few options, including a reseller I deal wiht exclusively now for lights who can give you some good pricing. Also, at the risk of people here tearing me a new one, Guitar Center has MyDMX available as well. Yes, you will need a laptop, but it does work on XP, Vista and Win 7 in both 32-bit and 64-bit mode. I suspect it should run fine on most of those netbook computers as well.

Hey Chris, thanks for your insight! I have learned alot in your two posts. unfortunatly I just purchased the magic 260 and hate to part with it right now as I don't have the extra funds for a laptop. Trying to save $$ for 4 scanners and 2 movable head fixtures to round out my 16 led par cans. I think I can get by with the 48 different scenes. right now I cycle through 18 scenes in a show at 8 seconds each with one and a half second fade time. kinda boring but I just got all this stuff and still trying to sort it out! anyway I do thank you for your time, I will check out the MyDMX for a future purchase if the magic 260 does'nt seem to cut it. Thanks again, Doug.

Well, have fun with the Magic260. You're right, you do have access to 48 scenes, which if well utilized, can really be a powerful toolkit for your shows. Of course, you'll be having fun figuring out what works best, which is definately trial and error. You do have MIDI access to all the scenes and I think 12 shows, which I think are chase sequences. That should be quite a bit to play with.

You'll love MyDMX, especially if you're getting scanners and moving head fixtures. Using complicated scenes with many steps, you can do some super cool stuff FAST and easy.

Right now, have fun learning. When you're ready, MyDMX will be waiting for you!

Let us know how shows go with your existing rig. Photos are cool too!