Expression Pedal Recommendation

[Tarkio]

I need to buy an expression pedal for Stradivari 2. Every time I find a reasonably priced product, reviews by users claim that the particular product does not draw a smooth expression curve, or the pedal itself does not have a wide smooth range.

Anyone have a recommendation of a good expression pedal for a Roland keyboard controller?

[Jibrish]

I use the Fatar VP/26 and it works well for me (smooth, full range). It's the same one kurzweil and roland sold for quite awhile. If you get the kurzweil you'll have to flip the polarity around (I think) which just means, trading the two non-ground wires inside (soldier). They're usually about $30.

http://fatar.com/intere/VP_26intera2.jpg

Best.

[Giorgio Tommasini]

I'm using two of these VP-26-U on my Elka Mk76.
Definitely a good choice.

Giorgio

[Tarkio]

Thanks for the recommendation. I ordered the Fatar pedal last night for $29.95.

[ofafeather]

How can I tell which expression pedal will work with my keyboard? I have a Kawai MP4. ~ Eric

[Rhap2]

Yeah, me to. I have a Peavey DPM C8p Controller keyboard. It is now out of production, so they aren't making volume/expression pedals anymore. Looked around, but didn't find any Peavey volume pedals.

Was advised to use another volume pedal, but find out the value of the potentiometer of the Peavey and modify the new pedal accordingly.

[Cody]

I Have an old ensoniq ts-10. Anyone know what, if any, pedal will work with it?

[Cody]

I was given a Roland EV-5 expression pedal for christmas and it works great.

[PeterMR]

I've got a dumb question: Is there a difference between what's called a volume pedal (like the Fatar) and an expression pedal? (At least as far the Strad is concerned.)

[ofafeather]

As far as Strad goes, I don't think it makes a difference as long as the pedal is set to control cc#11 which is what expression pedals do. On my Kawai I set what the pedal controls. ~Eric

[Bosco Adama]

I was given a Roland EV-5 expression pedal for christmas and it works great.

My EV5 has given me nothing but problems. :( It's headed for eBay!:n:
That potentiometer on the side seems to be inaccurate. I can not achieve the full midi value range ( 0 - 127). The best value range I've been able to get is 0 -108. Also, if the pedal is set to any position other then zero it constantly sends a midi control change.
I need something more reliable. *()

[Eric von Bayer]

I have an EV-5 and I replaced it today with a Yamaha FC7. The difference is night and day. The Roland never gets a full range, the best I've ever gotten was like 11 to 126, and that was after a lot of playing around. The Roland pedal also seemed to jump values so it was never all that smooth. Also it seemed to be non-linear (most of the change was lumped to the top.)

The Yamaha on the other hand is built like a tank, the motion is fluid, the values get from 0 to 127 (small bit of bottom end pegs at 0, but not more than say 5% of the travel), and seems pretty linear. If I recall correctly they are about the same price. Honestly after the experience I've had today, I'll probably pick up a second Yamaha FC7. Only possible downside is the Yamaha is about 30% bigger, for me I like that as I have big feet, but if you're trying to fit stuff into a tight space it might be a problem.

[Cody]

Well I guess that I was lucky that the ev-5 that I got seems to get the full range and has no problems. Maybe they fixed the more recently manufactured ones. Or maybe the working one that I got was a fluke.

[Bosco Adama]

I have an EV-5 and I replaced it today with a Yamaha FC7. The difference is night and day. The Roland never gets a full range, the best I've ever gotten was like 11 to 126, and that was after a lot of playing around. The Roland pedal also seemed to jump values so it was never all that smooth. Also it seemed to be non-linear (most of the change was lumped to the top.)
The Yamaha on the other hand is built like a tank, the motion is fluid, the values get from 0 to 127 (small bit of bottom end pegs at 0, but not more than say 5% of the travel), and seems pretty linear. If I recall correctly they are about the same price. Honestly after the experience I've had today, I'll probably pick up a second Yamaha FC7. Only possible downside is the Yamaha is about 30% bigger, for me I like that as I have big feet, but if you're trying to fit stuff into a tight space it might be a problem.

I just picked up a Yamaha FC7 to try to replace my Roland EV5 . The best range that I can get from the Yamaha is 19 - 127. It seems these pedals must vary alot.
But I do like the solid construction. I wonder if there is a way to adjust it to get the full range.

[bigears]

On the EV-5 you have to set it up first by pressing it all the way down, and turning the volume on your keyboard to the maximum setting, then press the pedal all the way back, and set the knob on the pedal to the minimum setting. Then you should have full range. Maybe the Yamaha is set up like this as well?

[Bosco Adama]

On the EV-5 you have to set it up first by pressing it all the way down, and turning the volume on your keyboard to the maximum setting, then press the pedal all the way back, and set the knob on the pedal to the minimum setting. Then you should have full range. Maybe the Yamaha is set up like this as well?

Thanks for the tip but I already tried that after reading the instructions. The instructions also state - *Connect the EV 5 only with Roland or Boss products......or may result in damage to the unit.

My controller is a StudioLogic 880 (there is no volume slider to set to max). While using the EV5 the best range I can achieve is 0 -108 and often my 880 keyboard freezes up and requires several reboots.~|
The Yamaha FC7's range is 19-127 without any lockups. According to the instructions the range is not adjustable.:confused:

[Tarkio]

I just tested the range of the Fatar VP/26 expression pedal that I recently bought after Giorgio's recommendation. It produces a range of 0 - 127, and the controller curve drawn by the pedal is very smooth. A real performer at $29.95.

The Fatar pedal is designed to work with Roland, Yamaha, Kurzweil, Ensonic, and Korg.

[PeterMR]

FWIW, I just got a VP26-F (an older model). Works fine, gets 0-127 on a PC88MX but the cheaper construction doesn't make a for a really smooth (physically) pedal.

[Kenny Long]

Hi Rhap2, I also have a couple DPM-C8 controller keyboards. I love them! I have used all of the volume pedals mentioned above with no problems and I was able to get full control out of all of them. I prefer the Yamaha myself.

[Rhap2]

Thanks Kenny. I have been pulling my hair out emailing manufacturers (without replies) trying to find out about the compatabillity of the C8p with different volume pedals.

Your like the Yamaha. Did you try the VP 26 U? You did mention that you tried all of the above and it was included. Georgio Tommasini really likes the VP 26. Why do you like the Yamaha over it?

Thanks again for your info.

Jack

[Bosco Adama]

Thanks for the tip but I already tried that after reading the instructions. The instructions also state - *Connect the EV 5 only with Roland or Boss products......or may result in damage to the unit.

My controller is a StudioLogic 880 (there is no volume slider to set to max). While using the EV5 the best range I can achieve is 0 -108 and often my 880 keyboard freezes up and requires several reboots.~|
The Yamaha FC7's range is 19-127 without any lockups. According to the instructions the range is not adjustable.:confused:

Well, just a follow about my faulty expression pedals -

The problem was not the Roland EV5 or the Yamaha FC7 but the SL 880. I tried my pedals with another keyboard and they both work flawlessly:o
I like the Yamaha best - it's built like a tank!:hp:

[spitfire31]

I like the Yamaha best - it's built like a tank!:hp:

My EV-5 is more like a soft skinned Humvee...

/Joey

[Kenny Long]

Hi Rhap,

The yamaha has this nice spring feature so that you can make the foot pedal act like the pitch-wheel - you know, it springs back to the middle position when you lets go. That is really useful for some controllers. You can change the spring or deactivate it if you don't need that functionality.

The other pedals all seems fine to me, but the Yamaha is so well made - it weighs a couple of pounds. Guess I'm not too picky :)

Cheers,
Kenny

[Bosco Adama]

Hi Rhap,

The yamaha has this nice spring feature so that you can make the foot pedal act like the pitch-wheel - you know, it springs back to the middle position when you lets go. That is really useful for some controllers. You can change the spring or deactivate it if you don't need that functionality.


The Yamaha FC7 has an angle adjustment setting to choose between standing and sitting position. But I haven't been able to locate a spring function or is it mentioned in the directions.

[Rhap2]

Sounds good, Kenny. I'll give it a try. Thanks for your response.

Jack

[GaryW]

For those of you having trouble with your expression pedal, you should be aware of a polarity incompatibility between the expression inputs of Roland and Yamaha keyboards, and other keyboards as well. Having just gotten the Strad in the group buy, I bought a Yamaha FC-7 foot pedal, but found that on plugging it into my Roland A-37 controller it was very nonlinear, pegging at 127 with almost no rotation. If you don't want to hassle with DIY soldering to get the polarity right, there is a fairly cheap solution available from
http://music.ashbysolutions.com/misc.html ,which is a connecting cable that switches the polarity going into the keyboard. It runs $15 plus $4 shipping in the US. This made my FC-7 perfectly linear, moving nicely from 0 to 127. The only problem now is to get the brain to leg interface working equally as smooth!

[CBK780]

I just bought the Fatar at I must say that I don't like it. I found it hard to control and a bit lightweight. It has a plastic gear that looks easy to break. Hard to complain at $29 but not what I had hoped

Obviously not the way others feel who have posted here. 'I'm trying o decide whether to keep it or return it and purchase something more substantial.

What I really liked about the Fatar was the polarity switch. Seems like it would be a pain to have to resolder the connector if it didn;t work with your keyboard.

Charlie

[Kenny Long]

Hi Bosco,

Mine has a spring angle adjustment - 0 to 10 degrees. It is right next to the angle adjustment.

Anyone else have the FC-7? I'd like to know if others have this spring feature or not.

Cheers,
Kenny Long

[Bosco Adama]

Ok. I've put on my spectacles and found it.
On the bottom and in the center of my FC7 pedal there is a figure 8 shaped plastic section. The top hole has nothing in it but has printed next to it
<SPRING POINT ADJ.

The bottom hole has the adjustment screw.

thanks!

[Bosco Adama]

For those of you having trouble with your expression pedal, you should be aware of a polarity incompatibility between the expression inputs of Roland and Yamaha keyboards, and other keyboards as well. Having just gotten the Strad in the group buy, I bought a Yamaha FC-7 foot pedal, but found that on plugging it into my Roland A-37 controller it was very nonlinear, pegging at 127 with almost no rotation. If you don't want to hassle with DIY soldering to get the polarity right, there is a fairly cheap solution available from
http://music.ashbysolutions.com/misc.html ,which is a connecting cable that switches the polarity going into the keyboard. It runs $15 plus $4 shipping in the US. This made my FC-7 perfectly linear, moving nicely from 0 to 127. The only problem now is to get the brain to leg interface working equally as smooth!


thanks for the tip!

[beardedone]

I finally got an Axiom 61 to play with the Strad. The Fatar VP/26 does not appear to be available in Canada. So, could someone sound recomend another decent expression pedal that will work with this midi keyboard? I would rather not spend more than CDN$75.00.

Thanks,
Gordon

[beardedone]

I have a question about using aftertouch with the Strad. My new Axiom 61 keybpoard has mono aftertouch. But it does not appear to do anything when playing the Strad in Kontakt 2 full as a standalone or in Sonar 6.21. No aftertouch data is recorded in Sonar. CC131 data (CC1313 is the Axiom alias for afternouch) should be visible along with the CC1 and CC11 data I do find in the event view. Obviously I am missing something about how Stradavari instrument in Kontakt 2 (or Sonar receives) this data. Please note that I am using Kontakt 2 full version.

Thanks,
Gordon

[spitfire31]

Ten minutes ago I received my Yamaha FC7 expression/modulation pedal and was able to retire my old Roland EV-5.

The difference is dramatic!)(~

Not until now have I been able to appreciate the wide range of expressions available in Strad and Gofriller. I realize now that the EV-5 was a disaster – the Yamaha is smooth, heavy, built like a tank and has a long throw, enabling fine control.

Highly recommended!

I should add that I use it with a Yamaha keyboard (an old but still going strong DX7). YMMV if you connect it with another brand.

/Joey

[Cryptografiek]

Ten minutes ago I received my Yamaha FC7 expression/modulation pedal and was able to retire my old Roland EV-5.

The difference is dramatic!)(~


Dear Joey,

How did you make your Yamaha FC7 work within ten minutes? I'm trying to get a signal from it for 24 hours now... I plugged it in my CME UF80. No signal at all...

[spitfire31]

Dear Joey,

How did you make your Yamaha FC7 work within ten minutes? I'm trying to get a signal from it for 24 hours now... I plugged it in my CME UF80. No signal at all...

Dear Cryptografiek,

No doubt my success was due to the fact that my current mother keyboard is a (don't laugh!) Yamaha DX7! Built like a tank, nice synth action keyboard. I'm saving up for an S90 ES, though... ;-)

The CME keyboards can be problematic, I've noticed. I.a., please see the following KVR thread:

www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=186962&highlight=cme

Sorry I can't be of more help! CME has a user forum, though – maybe you could try there?

Best,

Joey

[Cryptografiek]

Dear Joey,

Thank you very much for your quick response!

I suddenly woke up - in the middle of the night here - and a quick sleep gave the solution: for a correct MIDI flow, I had to connect the pedal before powering up my UF80 - a keyboard that, IMHO, isn't done justice in the link you provided. The UF80 works very well here in the Netherlands!

Edit: I shouted much too early with joy...

This "solution" didn't work... Still as dead as a doornail... :mad:

I even looked for a power switch. The Yamaha FC7 doesn't exist for my system.

Best,

Frans

[Andrew Koenig]

I've got a dumb question: Is there a difference between what's called a volume pedal (like the Fatar) and an expression pedal? (At least as far the Strad is concerned.)

The answer is yes. A volume pedal is designed for controlling the volume of an analog signal; an expression pedal is designed to act as input for a device such as a MIDI controller. Some pedals, such as the Yamaha FC7, have a switch that will allow the pedal to act in either way.

[Tim Miskimon]

The answer is yes. A volume pedal is designed for controlling the volume of an analog signal; an expression pedal is designed to act as input for a device such as a MIDI controller. Some pedals, such as the Yamaha FC7, have a switch that will allow the pedal to act in either way.
I bought the FC7 a few weeks ago.
Where is this switch you speak of?
I haven't been able to locate it on my pedal.
Could you possibly have an older version of this pedal?
The one I just bought doesn't have a switch.

[spitfire31]

Don't worry about it – my FC7 (fairly new) doesn't have a switch either and it works just fine as expression pedal connected to my Yamaha mother keyboard (well, not exactly mother keyboard; an original DX7 if you must know...:) )

/Joey

[Andrew Koenig]

I bought the FC7 a few weeks ago.
Where is this switch you speak of?
I haven't been able to locate it on my pedal.
Could you possibly have an older version of this pedal?
The one I just bought doesn't have a switch.

Oops -- sorry, I was thinking of the FC9. The FC7 is exclusively an expression pedal; the FC9 is switchable.

[beardedone]

Wow! It took over a year to get to the point where I can actually use the Strad. I can finally play the Garritan Strad in the manner it was designed.

Here's the story: I was using the Yamaha FC-9 pedal with my M-Audio Axiom 61 keyboard, but was not getting a full range of CC11 into Kontakt or any other VST instrument or effect I tried. Just 60-127. I kept getting frustrated and put the Strad aside and shelved the pedal too. I then finally acquired aBoss FV500-L and found that it that yeilds a full range of CC11 data. This pedal is perfect for playing the Strad with the Axiom 61 (it works with the other Axioms as well btw) and is very smooth delivering full 0-127 continuous controller data with no jumps or gaps.

The FC-9 feels very good and is a well built unit and I will keep it as a volume pedal for playing electric guitar. It does this job it does very well and is sturdy enough for use on stage.

Phew!

Cheers,
Gordon

[Bosco Adama]

<<<Wow! It took over a year to get to the point where I can actually use the Strad. I can finally play the Garritan Strad in the manner it was designed.

Here's the story: I was using the Yamaha FC-9 pedal with my M-Audio Axiom 61 keyboard, but was not getting a full range of CC11 into Kontakt or any other VST instrument or effect I tried. Just 60-127. I kept getting frustrated and put the Strad aside and shelved the pedal too. I then finally acquired aBoss FV500-L and found that it that yeilds a full range of CC11 data. This pedal is perfect for playing the Strad with the Axiom 61 (it works with the other Axioms as well btw) and is very smooth delivering full 0-127 continuous controller data with no jumps or gaps.

The FC-9 feels very good and is a well built unit and I will keep it as a volume pedal for playing electric guitar. It does this job it does very well and is sturdy enough for use on stage.

Phew!

Cheers,
Gordon>>>



I had that exact problem with my Yamaha FC7 pedal and Studiologic keyboard until I followed the suggestion below -


<<<Originally Posted by GaryW
For those of you having trouble with your expression pedal, you should be aware of a polarity incompatibility between the expression inputs of Roland and Yamaha keyboards, and other keyboards as well. Having just gotten the Strad in the group buy, I bought a Yamaha FC-7 foot pedal, but found that on plugging it into my Roland A-37 controller it was very nonlinear, pegging at 127 with almost no rotation. If you don't want to hassle with DIY soldering to get the polarity right, there is a fairly cheap solution available from
http://music.ashbysolutions.com/misc.html ,which is a connecting cable that switches the polarity going into the keyboard. It runs $15 plus $4 shipping in the US. This made my FC-7 perfectly linear, moving nicely from 0 to 127. The only problem now is to get the brain to leg interface working equally as smooth! >>>

[zz0zz]

Is it mandatory to use an expression PEDAL?
Can't you draw in cc11 data in your sequencer?
Does this do more than just volume in Stradivari Solo Violin?
Can the Peavey DPM C8 which I also use assign cc11 to one of the wheels?
Thanks in advance for any help!

[Sharkbat]

you can draw midi CC#11 in your DAW if you want to, that will work. The pedal will be helpful with real-time playing, hard to do if you have to draw in the data, but if you're just sequencing it then drawing the data in is just fine.

Hope this helps,

Richard

[zz0zz]

Thank you for your reply but for some reason I don't hear very much of a change in the sound when I draw in cc11.
What is the difference between cc7 channel volume and cc11 expression in Stradivari Solo Violin?
I also don't hear a change in the sound when I assign cc11 on my controller, although modulation (vibrato) and cc7 channel volume work normally.
Could it be a Kontakt 3 setting?