I am seeking your expert opinion on the best MIDI Foot Controller for the Yamaha GENOS Arranger Keyboard.
I will be using a Roland RD-700GX 88 Key controller sitting on a Quik-Lok M91 Keyboard Stand.
https://www.quiklok.com/product/m-91-monolith-keyboard-stand/The Yamaha GENOS will sit on the adjustable Quik-Lok M2 2nd Tier.
https://www.quiklok.com/product/m-2-monolith-add-on-tier/This is a stylish and sturdy stand leaving a 32” wide clearance for a Pedal Board or Foot Controller.
I would like to trigger the Style Variations, Fill-ins and Breaks from the Foot Controller so that my hands are free to play on the Roland RD-700GX.
I see there are several MIDI Foot Controllers that may work:
- BEHRINGER MIDI FOOT CONTROLLER FCB1010
- Roland FC-300 MIDI Foot Controller
- Yamaha MFC10 MIDI Foot Controller
- Nektar PACER MIDI Footswitch Controller
- Studiologic MP-113 MIDI Pedal Controller
- Crumar MojoPedals 13-note MIDI Pedalboard
- Blackstar Live Logic 6 Button MIDI Foot Controller
- MeloAudio USB MIDI Foot Controller
1.
BEHRINGER MIDI FOOT CONTROLLER FCB1010 https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FCB1010--behringer-midi-foot-controller-fcb1010$160
This device seems to have a loyal following. This website has everything you would ever want to know about the FCB1010
http://host.mtnsys.com:81/faq-fcb/IdiotsGuide.htm
http://host.mtnsys.com:81/faq-fcb/showfaqs.asp
There is a full tutorial on how to program this device. I was amazed with the quality of this production.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYNND5nMWhcI can see how the programming can get tedious.
Luckily, an Editor has been designed by
Mark van den Berg.
You can download the FCB1010 Manager from:
https://mountainutilities.eu/fcb1010The lady who created the 47-min tutorial on programming the FCB1010 posted another excellent tutorial showing how to program the device using the FCB1010 Manager.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMJQ-AHRSMsShe uses the Korg Pa4X as an example showing how this foot controller can trigger the Styles, Variations, Fill-ins, etc.
To use the FCB1010 Manager you need to install the latest EPROM version 2.50.1E
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Behringer-FCB1010-V-2-5-1E-EPROM-latest-firmware-/153483058469There are many 3rd party EPROMs that extend the functionality of the Behringer FCB1010 unit.
Here is one from Eureka:
https://www.eurekasound.com/eurekapromThere is a Behringer FCB1010 FaceBook User Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1024147077666105/This device is well supported by the User Community and 3rd party vendors.
It features everything one may ever want in a versatile MIDI Foot Controller.
2.
Roland FC-300 MIDI Foot Controllerhttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FC300--roland-fc-300-midi-foot-controller$515
At first I was shocked to see that this was priced over 3 times more than the FCB1010.
Then I realized why the price is justified. This is built like a tank. It weighs in at a hefty 11 lbs. This has the legendary Roland build quality. It will last for decades. It has got 5 star reviews from the proud owners. This is the high-end of MIDI Foot Controllers.
The only drawback is the lack of an Editor. This means you would need to dig into the manual and study the MIDI Implementation Chart.
3.
Yamaha MFC10 MIDI Foot ControllerThis device has been discontinued by Yamaha. It is easy to see why. The MFC10 got squeezed out by Behringer in the low end while it could not compete with the Roland unit in the high-end.
I see users pointing out that the switches are harder to press compared to the FCB1010 unit.
A few sellers still have a few new units for sale:
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-MFC10-MIDI-Foot-Controller/dp/B0002H0F2E$370
This will definitely work with the Yamaha GENOS.
4.
Nektar PACER MIDI Footswitch Controllerhttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Pacer--nektar-pacer-midi-foot-controller$230
This device has USB connectivity. This means it can be easily programmed from your PC/Mac. It is geared more towards controlling your DAW.
5.
Studiologic MP-113 MIDI Pedal Controllerhttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MP113--studiologic-mp-113-midi-pedal-controller$500
This unit doubles as a pedal board.
6.
Crumar MojoPedals 13-note MIDI Pedalboardhttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MojoPedals2--crumar-mojopedals-13-note-midi-pedalboard$500
This is another good choice if you are looking for a pedal board.
7.
Blackstar Live Logic 6 Button MIDI Foot Controllerhttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LiveLogic--blackstar-live-logic-6-button-midi-footcontroller$180
This is a sleek compact unit that can be used to trigger the variations and fills.
8.
MeloAudio USB MIDI Foot Controllerhttps://www.amazon.com/MeloAudio-Commander-Multi-Effects-Portable-Controller/dp/B07DQPTZ1F$150
This unit is budget priced to match the Behringer FCB1010.
However, the FCB1010 wins with its larger feature set and free Editor.
Judging from the features of the above 8 units, it looks like the Behringer FCB1010 is the best choice if you are a hobbyist.
The Roland FC-300 is the best choice if price is of no concern. It will appeal to professionals who have to travel a lot and need a reliable unit that will last.
Is it worthwhile to add the FCB1010 or the FC-300 to control your GENOS when paired with an 88-key controller?
Or, is it better to just add a Yamaha FC7 Volume/Expression pedal
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FC7--yamaha-fc7-volume-expression-pedalalong with the Yamaha FC4A Sustain Pedal
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FC4A--yamaha-fc4a-sustain-pedal-foot-switchand a simple Yamaha FC5 Foot Switch?
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FC5--yamaha-fc5-foot-switchIt is possible to save all your song settings into the 10 Registrations. Moreover, it is possible to sequence the Registration Changes on the GENOS.
So, all you need is a Foot Switch to step through your Registration Sequence.
There is no need at all to press the Variation and Fill-in buttons.
This YouTube video demonstrates this function:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrhO6veyjMUWith all these possibilities, what have you found to be the most practical?
The GENOS is on backorder with most large music retailers. The wait time is over 30 days with B&H and Full Compass.
This could be a good sign. Yamaha may be getting ready to launch their successor to the GENOS later this year. So they are making limited quantities just to satisfy the units ordered. Once the new model is announced, it would be hard to sell the remaining inventory. They would have to go well below MSRP.
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