Use MD to create bass pedals?

[Rovalo]

I use MD for triggering of orchestral percussion samples using normal trigger pads next to the acoustic drum kit.

I would be even better when I could trigger samples with my feet using pedals similar like base pedals, so generate a midi note during the time that the pedal is pressed down.

Is there a way to use MD inputs and some DIY work to achieve this?

[dmitri]

Why not to place several piezos (small piezo pads) on the floor which you could hit with your feet?

[airflamesred]

Piezo under some rubber cover.

[Rovalo]

Yes, that is certainly a simple way for hits.

But some would require to keep the midi note on during the time the pedal is pressed down, like a switch.

Is there an option to achieve that?

Maybe simulate a continuous trigger wave signal in combination with a foot switch for midi note on/off?

[dmitri]

Maybe to use simple foot switches on switch inputs and and configure your sampler to start samples on Aftertouch On and stop on Aftertouch Off?

[Rovalo]

I will check.

So MD will process the switch inputs with sending midi aftertouch messages although it does not receive a trigger wave on the paired channel connected to the switch channel?

[dmitri]

Yes. You configure one pair of inputs as a dual head piezo/switch pad/cymbal and use only the switch part of it. You will of course waste a paired (head/bow) piezo input.

[Rovalo]

Nice, I will try to figure that out.

[glenn.szymanski]

Depending on where you are, there are usually people giving away free organs on Facebook or Craigslist. Then you can take the bass pedals out and buy this cheap circuit board called "Basyn" for like $50 and that converts the pedals to midi. I've done this once and I plan on making a 2nd one.