Hi folks. I have some downtime between projects and I’m restructuring my Cantabile set-up and looking for some input from other users who are also using the AudioFront Midi Expression unit (https://www.audiofront.net/MIDIExpression.php).
I’m curious how other are utilizing this device. Do you put in the background rack, it’s own separate rack? Do you very the functions of the pedals? Dedicated pedals to each board/vst?
Thanks in advance for taking the time to resond.
Cheers!
I use it for changing song states with a Boss FS-5u pedal. I have it set up in the background rack and it has worked flawlessly for that purpose. The developer updates the software and firmware frequently. I am considering getting the Quattro to use instead as I want to start using a volume pedal for the hammonds.
The only downside is that shipping takes a while, at least to the U.S. I understand Covid has been tough on him for manufacturing and shipping.
I have one. I used it for a few years, but then it kept losing its settings. I would do a firmware update and it would work for a while longer, but then have the same problem. I need to contact the company. I think they might work with me on replacing it. They were out of stock for a long while, so I bought a Logidy – three built-in switches and one expression pedal input. It’s been working great. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find one for sale online right now. Maybe you would have better luck. 
How did it work out for you with the MIDI Expression? I am considering the Quattro. Also, anyone knows how much hassle there is getting it shipped to Europe?
I use the Quattro and like it a lot.
I have 3 Moog Expression pedals and typically use them to control volumes of individual racks within songs or to provide the Expression CC that is mapped to a VST via a Cantabile binding.
I should probably put it in background rack but (mostly out of laziness) I have the selected the option to make the Input Ports available as binding sources.
Regarding shipping, it was somewhat of a hassle getting it shipped to the US. The only downside of the product to me.
I know this is an old post but since you all were using AudioFront MIDI Expression successfully I thought I’d supplement another post I have open. If I get an answer I’ll respond in both posts so as not to waste anyone’s time.
I recently received a new single channel MIDIExpression and have it connected to an M-Audio expression pedal. I’m trying it with Modartt Organteq.
When I bring up standalone Organteq and the Standalone MIDIExpression application, I can right-click on the rightmost Organteq pedal and have Organteq ‘learn’ the MIDI settings. After doing this, the Organteq pedal I’ve assigned moves along with the physical expression pedal.
However, when I add MIDIExpression64 plugin to a Cantabile song and send the MIDIExpression plugin MIDI output to Organteq MIDI in, Organteq doesn’t recognize the expression pedal to ‘learn’ it. The plugin GUI moves when I move the expression pedal, but doesn’t send anything to Organteq.
I contacted the AudioFront developer and he’s told me that the MIDIExpression plugin doesn’t send MIDI, it only remembers any MIDI settings assigned. So it sounds like you always have to manually bring up the MIDIExpression standalone whenever you want to use MIDIExpression. Is this correct? If so, that seems to eliminate most of the advantages of the plugin. On my other post, someone recommended creating an explicit MIDI mapping for the MIDIExpression plugin. I’ll try this, but if the plugin doesn’t emit MIDI I don’t see what this will accomplish.
So, are you folks always having to manually start the MIDIExpression standalone app whenever you use your expression pedal in Cantabile? If you have an automated solution I’d love to hear it, as I’d only be using the expression pedal for a small subset of my Cantabile songs and I don’t want the standalone app running all the time.
I never had much luck with the VST for the MIDIExpresion. I have the 4 port version and have one pedal set-up as Sustain, and the other 3 set to “dummy” MIDI CCs. I then just direct the output into whatever VST I need and use mappings in the song to map the “dummy” cc to whatever other cc I need in the VST.
(Replied on another post but just to close the loop) Setting up MIDI input/output ports for the MIDI Expression took care of it. I’m able to use the expression pedal and it retains settings with the plugin. I can close the standalone app for ongoing use as it’s not required. All good!