The MIDI Commander - MP 100 Foot Control 1.0 is a remarkable Max for Live MIDI Effect developed by AbletonKurse. Tailored for musicians seeking expansive control over their Harley Benton MP-100 MIDI Foot Controller, this device offers a platform to establish advanced and varied control systems using one pedal.
Beyond its basic operation, the MIDI Commander sets itself apart with the ability to configure multiple control commands for a single pedal via control presets. Users can create an impressive 128 presets, offering significant flexibility and customization during performances.
An exceptional feature of this device is the ability to institute GLOBAL ACTIONS, giving users the capability to recall these actions within their Ableton Live sets effortlessly. Different from other MIDI controllers, the MIDI Commander uniquely blends hardware integration with software innovation, creating a fluid process for digital music creation.
It's important for artists who use the MeloAudio MIDI COMMANDER to be aware that there might be compatibility issues due to possible differences in older firmware versions. The interaction between the MIDI Commander device and these older firmware versions is not always as seamless as it is with the Harley Benton MP-100 MIDI Foot Controller. If you suspect compatibility issues, AbletonKurse provides an instructional video that elucidates the situation and the steps you can take to ensure smooth integration.
Even though MIDI Commander hasn't been updated since August 5, 2024, it remains a powerhouse in the Max for Live catalog, continually aiding performers who want to utilize their foot control facilities within Ableton Live. To run the device as intended, Ableton Live version 12.0.5 and Max version 8.6.2 are recommended.
As a commercial device, MIDI Commander is available for purchase, enabling musicians who are looking to enhance their stage performances further. If you are interested in exploring the MIDI Commander's functionality or would like to add it to your toolkit, you can find it here: www.maxforlive.com/library/device/10853/midi-commander-mp-100-foot-control
While the MIDI Commander represents a leap forward for foot control in Ableton Live, the expansive world of Max for Live offers even more devices. Enhance your knowledge and explore a variety of resources at maxforlivedevices.com. There you will find different categories filled with devices revolving around hardware control, free Max for Live offerings, FAQs, and how-tos.
From installing Max for Live devices to acquiring them, maxforlivedevices.com has covered everything you need. You can also find blog posts revolving around the best Max for Live devices for live music performance in 2022, and a dedicated FAQ section for any inquiries about Max for Live.
In conclusion, the MIDI Commander - MP 100 Foot Control 1.0 is a powerful tool for any musician utilizing a Harley Benton MP-100 MIDI Foot Controller during their live performances. Its extensive capabilities allow the user to customize their controller fully, ensuring every performance is unique and engaging. If you want to see the MIDI foot controller in a new light, trying the MIDI Commander might be the way to go.
Example Usage
Let's say you've just added the MIDI Commander - MP 100 Foot Control Max for Live device to your Ableton Live set, and you want to set up a basic control scheme for the Harley Benton MP-100 MIDI Foot Controller. Here's a simple step-by-step example of how you can start using this device:
- Make sure your Harley Benton MP-100 MIDI Foot Controller is connected to your computer via USB and is properly configured to send MIDI to Ableton Live.
- Drag and drop the MIDI Commander - MP 100 Foot Control device from your User Library onto a MIDI track in Ableton Live.
- Open the device interface by clicking on the device's title bar. You'll be presented with the default view of the MIDI Commander - MP 100 Foot Control's settings.
- Start by creating a control preset for one of your footswitches. Click on 'Control Preset 1' (or whichever preset number you want to configure), and using the 'Learn' button, teach the device to recognize your footswitch by pressing it.
- Assign a MIDI channel and control change (CC) message to your footswitch under the 'Control Preset 1' settings. For example, set it to MIDI channel 1, CC number 64, typically used for sustain.
- Now let's set up a global action. In Live, you might want to use this footswitch to start/stop the playback. In the 'Global Actions' section of the MIDI Commander device, select an empty slot and choose 'Playback Toggle' from the dropdown menu.
- Use the 'Assign' button next to the 'Global Actions' slot to link this action with the control preset you've set up in step 5.
- Test your setup. Press the footswitch you've just configured, and you should see Ableton Live's playback start or stop accordingly.
Remember, this is just the beginning; you can create up to 128 presets for different controls and actions. This flexibility will allow you to tailor the MP-100 to fit your exact performance needs, keeping your hands free and your mind on the music.
For more detailed instructions and use cases, be sure to check out the device's documentation and online resources at maxforlivedevices.com and AbletonDrummer's blog.
Discover the creative power of controlling Ableton Live with your feet using the MIDI Commander - MP 100 Foot Control Max for Live device. Ideal for live performances, this configuration lets you dynamically manipulate effects and navigate your Live set seamlessly.
Let's create a real-world scenario where you're a guitarist, and you need hands-free control over your Ableton Live set while performing. We'll assume you have the MP-100 connected and the MIDI Commander device loaded in a MIDI track.
Step 1: Map Basic Transport Controls - Create a preset on the MIDI Commander device to control Ableton’s transport. - Map preset buttons to Play, Stop, and Record so that with a tap of your foot, you can control these essential functions without breaking your performance flow.
Step 2: Control Your Effects - Assign another preset with continuous controllers (CCs) mapped to frequently used effects parameters such as reverb size, delay feedback, or filter cutoff. - With the expression pedal, you can swell into a reverb or dynamically change the texture of the sound by adjusting the filter - perfect for accentuating certain parts of a song.
Step 3: Looping On-The-Fly - Setup a looping preset so that with a single press, you trigger Ableton Live’s Looper device. - Assign additional buttons to control loop actions like start, stop, overdub, and clear. - Now, you can build complex layers during a solo performance or create backing tracks in real time.
Step 4: Scene and Clip Launching - Configure presets to navigate and launch clips and scenes. - Assign buttons to arm recording for different tracks or directly trigger scenes, enabling you to conduct your set arrangement while keeping the rhythm with your feet.
Step 5: Change Presets Instantly - Utilize the ability to switch between up to 128 presets on the MP-100, corresponding to different sections of your set. - With a tap, you can move from controlling your guitar’s audio effects to triggering synth stabs or activating samples without missing a beat.
Here’s how this might look in action:
During a live song, you start with preset 1 controlling basic transport. As the intro ends, you tap your foot to switch to preset 2, engaging a heavy delay on your guitar for the verse. In the bridge, you activate preset 3, looping your rhythm guitar part, and by the time the solo hits, you’re back on preset 2 controlling your effects, adding texture and depth to the lead lines.
To polish this interaction, practice switching presets in real-time to ensure a seamless transition between the different parts of your performance.
Remember to save your Live set with the MIDI Commander device and your customized presets locked and loaded. With your MP-100 as an extension of your creative will, you'll enrich your live performances, engaging with your music and audience on a whole new level.
Further Thoughts
Let's dive into creating an advanced setup for a live performance using the MIDI Commander - MP 100 Foot Control Max for Live device within Ableton Live. This scenario will outline how to leverage the MP 100's flexibility, coupled with Ableton Live's robust features, to control a live set dynamically.
Imagine a guitarist who requires hands-free control over their Ableton Live session. They want not only to switch between different presets but also to control the parameters within those presets and have quick access to global actions such as starting/stopping loops or scenes.
- Initial Configuration: - Connect the Harley Benton MP-100 MIDI Foot Controller to the computer and ensure it communicates correctly with Ableton Live. - Load the MIDI Commander - MP 100 Foot Control device onto a MIDI track within Ableton. - Open the device's user interface and familiarize oneself with the layout.
- Setting Up Control Presets: - Preset 1 could be set for controlling a synth VST for ambient pads. - Preset 2 might be assigned to effects rack control for real-time guitar processing. - Preset 3 can be a loop triggering preset to fire off drum loops or samples. - Create all 128 presets catered to the diverse needs of the performance.
- Global Actions Integration: - Let's program the footswitches for global actions – one switch to start the metronome, one to tap tempo, and another to start/stop the currently selected scene. - Using the Max for Live device, map these global controls, and adjust settings to ensure they are easily accessible during performance.
- Live Set Integration: - With all presets mapped, integrate the foot controller setup into a live set. Let's map Preset 1 to switch between different synth sounds in a layered instrument rack. - Preset 2's switch to toggle an overdrive effect on the guitar track, turning it on for solos and off for rhythm sections. - Preset 3 set to trigger loops in an auditory cue-based live looping setup where each loop is assigned to a different clip in Ableton.
- Interactive Control: - Program expressions pedals through the MP 100 to control parameters like the filter cutoff on the synth or the mix on a delay effect for the guitar. - Set up incremental changes or toggle functions – for instance, pressing a footswitch halfway to engage a light phaser, and fully down to switch it to a deeper modulation.
- Diving Deeper with MIDI Mapping: - Use Ableton Live's MIDI mapping mode to fine-tune the control presets, selecting the MIDI Commander as the controller and aligning it perfectly with all desired parameters. - Experiment with MIDI mappings to ensure that each switch and pedal expresses the exact range of control needed for the live elements.
- On-Stage Practicality: - Test the setup rigorously to ensure reliability and ease of use in a live setting. Key presets should be muscle memory to the artist. - Label the MP-100 with preset numbers/functions to avoid confusion on stage.
- Pushing the Boundaries: - Experiment with creative ways to use the MP 100, like mapping a pedal to scroll through scenes or adjust the send levels to an ambient reverb, creating a dynamic mix that responds to the performance.
- Finalizing for Performance: - Rehearse with the entire setup to ensure seamless transitions between presets and a deep familiarity with the mapped parameters. - Make any final adjustments based on rehearsal feedback to optimize performance utility.
By utilizing the MIDI Commander - MP 100 Foot Control device's powerful capabilities within an Ableton Live set, the guitarist now has an intricate, comprehensive control system—all manipulated by foot. This allows the artist to be fully expressive with their instrument while dynamically manipulating their electronic environment, ultimately leading to a more engaging and immersive live performance.