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Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:DYPSS1::SCHAFER
Created:Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2852
Total number of notes:33157

1358.0. "MIDI-programmable buttons/switches?" by FGVAXZ::LAING (Jim*261-2194*DEC MemorabiliaCollector) Fri May 06 1988 14:41

    I've been hoping the following sort of device would be readily
    available:  Have you ever noticed the little white buttons (called
    pistons) under each manual (keyboard) on a pipe organ?  They were
    mechanically "programmable" to call up various registrations
    ("patches") quickly and easily as the organist played.  
    
    I could really use a similar device on my MIDI setup.  How 'bout
    a set of programmable, small, easily mounted buttons/switches that
    could be placed ANYWHERE on a setup (maybe with thin wires connecting
    back to the controller unit), and set up such that ANY MIDI MESSAGE
    could be sent by hitting that button.  Come could call up program
    (patch) changes, another might send a CRASH CYMBAL "note on" to
    the drum machine, another might change the tempo of the sequencer,
    another might increment the pattern # of the drum machine, etc.,
    etc.
    
    Is anything remotely like this available?  How much work would it
    be to "rig something up" like this, w/o needing a PC, that is?
    
    	-Jim
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1358.1Small, easily-reached buttons/switches...FGVAXZ::LAINGJim*261-2194*DEC MemorabiliaCollectorFri May 06 1988 14:448
    Adding to my .0 note ...
    
    The key thing (no pun intended) for this idea would be the ability
    to mount these things such that they were EASILY and QUICKLY accessible
    WHILE the musician was playing.  And, be small/easily mounted almost
    anywhere ... on the rail just below the keyboard, etc.
    
    		-Jim
1358.2DFLAT::DICKSONNetwork Design toolsFri May 06 1988 15:493
Such a thing does exist, but I don't remember who makes it.  It is meant
to be attached just below your keyboard so you can hit its buttons with
your thumb.
1358.3SALSA::MOELLERHeavily TTTTTT influencedFri May 06 1988 16:179
    re .2.. Paul means that bar for various modulations that fits just
    below the keyboard.
    
    No, there is a device called the Voyetra VOYCE that is marketed
    as allowing you to create a full-function MIDI master keyboard out
    of a simple-minded one. It's ~6x8 inches and mounts over your existing
    keyboard.
    
    karl
1358.4then there's the SleeZee way ...MIZZOU::SHERMANBaron of GraymatterFri May 06 1988 16:374
    Not quite the same, but if I'm driving the system with my CZ and set up
    the TZ for it I can do patch changes from the CZ.
    
    Steve
1358.5mapperGIBSON::DICKENSSproiinnnnggggTue May 10 1988 20:278
    Cheap keyboard or equivilent set of switches
    
    	plus
    
    Midi mapper (with "message buffers")
    
    	equals what you're looking for, I think.