Nord Stage 2 toggle synth section on/off via MIDI pedal

[dr88s]

Hi all,

I have a question about feasibility of using MIDI to control the synth section(s) on an NS2 program. I have downloaded and looked at the PDF file on the Nord stage MIDI tutorial, which I find difficult to decipher; my understanding is that this should be possible, but I would like someone with knowledge of the MIDI implementation on the Stage 2 let me know whether this is possible, before I do a deeper dive on the actual procedure.

I want to use a MIDI foot pedal and have two different switches turn the synth section in slots A and B on and off. One switch would toggle the synth section on and off in slot A, the other would toggle it on and off in slot B. The program in question has slot A and slot B engaged simultaneously.

I know I can assign the volume of the sections to a continuous controller footpedal (with 1/4” TRS cable) and use that to bring sounds in and out, but I find myself not coordinated enough to rapidly change from on to off with a rocker pedal fast enough.

I need both hands playing so I can’t reach up and hit the toggle button on the synth panel itself either.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

[maxpiano]

Hi, if you check the NS2 Manual at page 52 (MIDI Controllers List) you will find the answer, every section has an Enable CC (Synth Enable is CC 113), so if you assign a distinct MIDI Channel to Panel A and B (or just Synth A and B) you can enable/disable Synth A/B by using that CC (127=on and 0=off) on the respective MIDI channel.

[dr88s]

Thank you so much!

[FZiegler]

If ever you say 'toggle', 'switch on/off' or 'step forwards/backwards', you will learn that there is no MIDI command for that. So you will need an additional logic that can transfer this into different MIDI commands. Sending on or off is always two different commands as far as I can see. Even more complicated for 'next' and 'previous' program: The controller needs to know which program you are on, so that it will be able to send the absolute program number for the next or previous program. The MIDI foot controllers I know of don't do that, but there are 'smart' controllers which do.

[dr88s]

If ever you say 'toggle', 'switch on/off' or 'step forwards/backwards', you will learn that there is no MIDI command for that. So you will need an additional logic that can transfer this into different MIDI commands. Sending on or off is always two different commands as far as I can see. Even more complicated for 'next' and 'previous' program: The controller needs to know which program you are on, so that it will be able to send the absolute program number for the next or previous program. The MIDI foot controllers I know of don't do that, but there are 'smart' controllers which do.

Yes; it seems I would need to program 4 different footswitch buttons - 1) Slot A synth section ON 2) Slot A synth section OFF 3) Slot B synth section ON 4) Slot B Synth section OFF.

Suddenly this requires coordination to find the right switches quickly while playing…

[maxpiano]

If ever you say 'toggle', 'switch on/off' or 'step forwards/backwards', you will learn that there is no MIDI command for that. So you will need an additional logic that can transfer this into different MIDI commands. Sending on or off is always two different commands as far as I can see. Even more complicated for 'next' and 'previous' program: The controller needs to know which program you are on, so that it will be able to send the absolute program number for the next or previous program. The MIDI foot controllers I know of don't do that, but there are 'smart' controllers which do.

Yes; it seems I would need to program 4 different footswitch buttons - 1) Slot A synth section ON 2) Slot A synth section OFF 3) Slot B synth section ON 4) Slot B Synth section OFF.

Suddenly this requires coordination to find the right switches quickly while playing…

Not necessarily, some controllers enable you to program a single switch to Toggle between 2 values (0 and 127), which device/pedalboard are you planning to use for this purpose exactly?

[dr88s]

Some controllers enable you to program a single switch to Toggle between 2 values (0 and 127), which device/pedalboard are you planning to use for this purpose exactly?

I don’t own one, but I’d guess the FCB1010.

[dr88s]

Some controllers enable you to program a single switch to Toggle between 2 values (0 and 127), which device/pedalboard are you planning to use for this purpose exactly?

I don’t own one, but I’d guess the FCB1010.

It should support toggle switch settings (check its manual for confirmation and how-to).

[dr88s]

@maxpiano

I really have to extend a very heartfelt thank you to you.

Based on what you wrote, I ordered a Hotone Ampero Control 4 footswitch pedal from Amazon. Within about three minutes of unboxing it, I had it functioning exactly as I had hoped, toggle function and all. You explained it very clearly and it was incredibly easy to make it work with the instructions you provided me.

Cheers!