I found this awesome free looping software http://evenfall.com/ambiloop/ . And i read that i can use a midi controller foot pedal to assign specific tasks to each function like play, record, change channel etc. I have been looking at the Behringer FCB 1010 it seems like a pretty solid device. and its way cheaper than say a jamman or similar looping pedal.
My question is how does a midi controller like the Behringer i was looking at plug into my computer, usb? Or do I plug my guitar directly into the pedal, and then somehow into my computer. i cant seem to find the answer anywhere i look.
Thanks in advance,
Dave
Dave
To plug a MIDI device into your computer you would need a MIDI interface such as - http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MOTU-Fast-Lane-USB-Midi-Interface-?sku=706405 That will let your computer "talk" to the MIDI device. If you have that and the MIDI foot controller you would then be able to control software that accepts MIDI signals. So, with that software, the MIDI interface, and the foot controller you would be able to play pre-recorded loops.
If you want to be able to record your own guitar (say rhythm tracks to play lead over) you will need an audio interface to get your guitar signal into the computer. So, you would need something like this on the cheap end - http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-UCONTROL-UCA202-USBAudio-Interface?sku=702540 Or something like this on the more expensive end - http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Fast-Track-Pro-Mobile-USB-AudioMIDI-Interface?sku=241710 If you went for the higher end you wouldn't need the MIDI interface since it has one built in.
With that you could do what you do with the JamMan but it would be a lot more finicky to set up and keep running. Also, the cost is going to be comparable to the cost of the JamMan by the time you include the footcontroller and the interfaces. On the plus side this has the potential to be much more flexible and allow more options (use the footcontroller to control any MP3 in your computer or a CD or pehaps other music software).
I currently have a JamMan and to be honest it is probably the best practice tool that I've ever found. However, I too have been thinking about replacing it with a MIDI footcontroller and somewhat higher end audio interface. I'm currently thinking of either of these:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Edirol-FA66-6X6-FireWire-Audio-Interface?sku=705375
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alesis-iO14-Portable-14-Input-FireWire-Audio-Interface?sku=246030
I wouldn't do it if all I wanted was a JamMan replacement though. The costs are at a minimum comparable and the setup and maintenance is higher. But I'm thinking of doing some recording with the setup too.
Pop music is about stealing pocket money from children. - Ian Anderson
excellent thanks for the help. i already have an alesis 8 track usb mixer that i plug my instruments and mics into. so all i need is the pedal and the midi interface. I found both on ebay for under $150.
Im planning on using this setup to perform live. I want to be able to lay down a bass line, then some percussion (via cubase), then maybe a few guitars, a mandolin, harmonica, and then lyrics. I think this would be really cool because you could solo on any one of these instruments, to a full band, created by one guy in front of you.
Dave
