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Midi Controllers

Posted: 05 May 2010, 17:16
by mattjake4
Hi.

Im new to the (USB DMX) stuff.

Im used to using a board but now im thinking of going into a software. I chose freeStyler.

Now, Im using this program via Enttec Pro USB DMX and Im doing live shows. Im using LEDS, moving heads, and Fog Machines/ Strobes ALL DMX controlled.

I cannot rely on a keyboard or mouse to "GO" on a cue.

Is there any hardware controllers ment for free styler? Im not good with setting things up, so if you guys can give me a list of controllers and how to set it up that would be great! Id rather be using a hardware controller rather than a keyboard. I've hit the space key by accident too many times.

Thanks.

Re: Midi Controllers

Posted: 05 May 2010, 18:39
by jonny b good
Take a look at the External Control forum and specifically the Behringer BCF2000 midi controller

or

if you are rich you can purchase the Enttec Wings to use with FreeStyler, which work over your ethernet network.

Re: Midi Controllers

Posted: 05 May 2010, 19:12
by LJ_krede.dk
HI Mattjake

Welcome to Freestyler.

A lot of the FS users use a Midi Controller to program (doing it myself some times)and execute sequences for Live shows. You can use any kind of Midi controllers (USB connection is the best) but the most popular MIDI controller is the Behringer BCF 2000. It is not cheap (about 175 EUR at Thomann) but it is worth it. You get motorized faders and rotating encoders with LED Rings, so if you change page or make changes in FS, FS will instantly update the fader and encoder positions. furthermore you have a lot of buttons with LED lights.

Another good but cheep midi controller which works great with FS is the Korg nanoKontrol it dont have motorized fader and LED rings and can't resieve MIDI messages from FS like BCF but it is really cheap(55 EUR at Thomann) I havent found any other MIDI controller which can do the same for that prize. but you have to be aware of if you do changes in Freestyler, it is not showed on the MIDI nanopad.

It is easy to use the midi controllers, if you dont have special needs, but you need to do small adjustments before you can use the mentioned controllers. I recommend you to read the manuals and use the MIDI edit programs which is needed to configure the controller.

you can read more about the BCF and MIDI assigning on the FS WIKI

I hope my post answers your questions. if not or you need more info, just write again. I'm sure me and the other users will help you out..