|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
Just thought I'd see if anyone has a latest foot controller they've tried (and could recommend) that handles a computer keyboard (particularly BIAB) really well. I plan to get one soon.
Thanks....
Cecil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238 |
Cecil, is there anything like that even available?
2008 Gibson ES-339 Custom & 2010 Les Paul Traditional. Fender SCXD Amp
BIAB/RB 2015 UltraPAK + Ketron SD2
Windows 7/64 Intel i5 3550 PC, Tascam USB144MKII
Behringer X1204 Mixer
Bose Companion 3 and/or L1 II w/T1 + SM58 MIC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi Cecil, If you want to start and stop Band-in-a-Box with a footswitch, these guys look promising: http://www.delcomproducts.com/products_USBFSW.aspYou'd basically set up one of these switches to send a Space Bar command. Thanks Kent PG Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,446
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,446 |
Don't forget about the Frontier Design Tranzport, with native support in BIAB. They are discontinued, so you'll have to hunt, and they are more money, but they are very handy with BIAB.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
Thanks for the update info, Kent and Matt. As you see (along with me), Dick, there's quite a few foot controllers that emulate a number of the mouse and computer keyboard operations. I pulled up the Web address sent by Kent and noticed the 903604-5M Delcom foot switch.....it appears to do quite a bit (a little pricey, but it does quite a bit). What Matt mentioned has also been one of the classic controllers that's been around for quite some time. I was thinking there just might be another NEW thingy floating around by now that someone has tried out and can report on.
Again, thanks for the info,
Cecil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Maybe what we want is not just a foot switch but a foot operated mouse. This way you can use all the functions of BIAB on your laptop using your feet. With this said I have come up with the following feet operated mouse/mice via a Google search. Foot Control Foot Mouse Video Variolus Foot PedalsHope this helps.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
Danny,
You've wow'ed me.....I just got ta figure out which to get now!! I'm sure glad I started this thread and I'm sure glad you found it. This is exactly the kind of stuff I was hoping to hear about. If anyone has tried out any of these (or similar ones), let me know. I'll definitely be bringing my feet "into the picture" now, especially since I got a new hip over the Christmas holidays.
Thanks,
Cecil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
Shucks,
After pulling up the Delcom foot controllers and checking them out more closely (they seemed as if they were the appropriate foot controller for my situation), I noticed that they all require a 32 bit environment, but I have Win 7 Premium on my machine which, of course, is a 64 bit system. Seems as if I had another device a while back that I had a similar problem with (might have been my M-Audio Ultra sound card) but, if I recall correctly, I downloaded a driver which fixed the situation (i.e., it permitted the 32 bit specific device to work just fine in a 64 bit environment). However, I'm thinking this is probably an incorrect recall because we all know the Coyote DXi has to be used in place of the VSC DXi because the latter is a 32 bit thingy.
I'm saying all this in hopes someone might have a definitive "voice of experience" to straighten me out so I can decide if I need to start looking elsewhere for a foot controller,
Cecil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I don't think I'd much like a foot-controlled mouse when using BiaB to play a live gig.
Too much goin' on there.
If you require more controls than the simple footswitch combos offer, you might consider a Scripting Program running on top of BiaB and programming it to mimic mouse moves in response to a single foot tap on a switch.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345 |
There is also a program called "Bome's Midi Translator" that will control functions and hot keys , in a computer, via any midi footpedal.
Maybe this is an alternative?
Mick
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
First what do you want to control with your feet?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Quote:
I don't think I'd much like a foot-controlled mouse when using BiaB to play a live gig.
Too much goin' on there.
--Mac
I wouldn't either Mac . . . but those slippers are wayyyy tooo cooool man!
Later
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
To answer Silvertones, I'd like to use a foot controller to:
1. tweek volumes, tones, etc.
2. control the conductor
3. do a selection of the next tune to play (e.g., from My Favorites list)
4. to try other styles "on the fly" while a tune is playing
4. and numerous other things to
free my hands for other purposes. I agree with Mac, unless I got really good at using my feet, I suspect I'd use this thing during practice sessions, with friends during informal/relaxing sessions, and for possibly only very specialized things during a gig. Since I play a guitar, my hands are already quite occupied during sessions.
Catch ya later,
Cecil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Cecil, I have found that the more proficient I get with some of the BIAB features that enhance live playing I find myself less in the need for any foot gear, and I too play guitar on the gigs. I have found that with my playlist loaded in the order I want them in my "Fav" folder in-between songs I can pretty quickly select what I want next. And because of the faster generation time of the realtracs I do get more tunes in per gig than I did before. The only thing I find that I may have to tweak from time to time while the song is playing is the volume of one instrument track or another. When this is required I just reach up to the laptop and adjust the volume for said track. And as most of my solos are somewhere in the middle of the tune I am just comping or playing chords at the time so me missing a strum or two while I make the adjustment is not even noticed by the audience. For the next tune I just reach up and click that little "F" to the left of the song title to get back to my playlist and click another and as they say in Nawlins . . . I am ret-to-go. Another reason why the foot controllers won't work for me on live gigs is that I play 99% of the time standing. Heck I wouldn’t be able to find my foot controller most of the time! Besides I play a lot of retirement gigs and with those slippers (that come with one of those controllers) and my thinning gray hair I may be mistaken for one of the clients.  But I do love those slippers man. Of course I am talking about live gigs here but for recording and arranging I can see where tweaking as you stated in your last post would be beneficial, especially trying styles on the fly. Take care of that new hip, just curious did they give you a 30 day no questions asked money back warranty i.e. BIAB? Happy New Year,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Cecil, Quote:
1. tweek volumes, tones, etc.
2. control the conductor
3. do a selection of the next tune to play (e.g., from My Favorites list)
4. to try other styles "on the fly" while a tune is playing
5. and numerous other things too
That sounds way more complicated than having a laptop on a stand next to you using a mouse or mousepad.
Once you tried to coordinate all this with your feet and glancing up at the screen to see what's happening, you might get dizzy and fall off the stage! 
It just sounds like way more trouble than it's worth, and I don't know if all of what you're looking for would be possible. If all you wanted to do was start and stop, I'd say go for it. It would be handy in that case to use a footswitch.
Just my 2 cents. Good luck and take care of yourself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
Danny, Bob, Mac, and John,
Thanks for your insights about this.....coming from the four of you, I've definitely changed my mind (each foot controller I was considering was somewhat pricey as well) and will not get one. You did exactly as I had hoped....you were blunt and "to the point". I respect your comments tremendously and am appreciative of your time in getting me "set straight".
I'll just keep using my foot as a metronome......
Cecil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Cecil, Quote:
I'll just keep using my foot as a metronome......
On one of my son’s piano recitals on “parents night”, my son and I were performing a jazz/blues piano/guitar combo and I was tapping my foot.
My son's piano teacher looked confused and “ribbed” me about tapping my foot while playing guitar.
I looked at her and was confused about why she thought “tapping my foot” was strange!
LOL! Oh well. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
Bob,
Yeah, I can relate to that.....I didn't do something about my passion for music until somewhat late in life (actually beginning at age 57), but I'm convinced I probably came out of the womb "tapping my foot"....there's probably a gene or two that some of us have geared to doing that. I can't seem to "chew gum" without "tapping my foot"....if I had proceeded ahead and got the foot controller and put my feet to "messin' with that", it would have probably screwed up my whole music approach: I hadn't thought about it until now, but I'm thinking my foot has "GOT" to be tapping....just saying...
Have a great New Year,
Cecil
P.S. Thanks again for your thoughts on the foot controller.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
A music teacher actually said that?
Man, that is a sad state of affairs...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,734
Posts795,442
Members39,941
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean