Rocktron Midi Mate and Stage Setter 8??

Here's where I'm thinking that it MAY work:
Rocktron's MIDI Mate has three modes of operation. Mode One is the BANK Mode and allows the user to step through 128 presets in groups of ten. Mode Two is the INSTANT Mode which allows the user to select preset 01 through 99 with only two foot taps. This makes it easy to jump from a lower bank to a high bank with a minimum of scrolling. For example, you can jump from preset 20 to preset 86 instantly without scrolling from bank 2 to 8. - Mode Three is the CONTROLLER Mode which allows the user to program buttons 5 to 9 (top row) to access on/off controller assignments (not presets) while buttons 0 to 4 (bottom row) access presets. This allows presets to be recalled and modified (turn off/on chorus or delay, for example) without the need to switch modes.

The Stage Setter 8 only responds to note ON/OFF instructions, not CC data.

Presets(patches) will not work.

It doesn't sound like this controller is a good fit for your intended application.

I think Behringer makes a foot controller than can work off note on/off commands. People are reporting usable results with ADJ's MyDMX and this controller option. I have no use for this option myself as I am using a controller surface with MyDMX to get similar results.

wait just a second here, I'm reading the instruction manual for it and it says (ahem):
Allows you to change presets within a bank of 5
presets with the touch of a single button, as well as access 5 buttons
which can send MIDI on/off control commands with the touch of a single button.

I know zilch about midi, am I still way off here?

edit: oohhh, says control commands, can I assume that's what CC stands for in your post?

Yeah, sorry about that.

Older and even many current guitar and bass oriented footboard controllers are typically a MIDI interface that often ties into a specific unit that is also made by the same company. Guitarists would change their "sound" by moving through various patches/programs, which were a combination of signal processing, effects and later on amp simulation.

Your situation is one where you have to know what the device you want to use is capable of, as well as what is the other device capable of.

Personally, reading the specs of the Stage Setter 8, I don't see how well this is going to work with a foot controller. The main thing is that it doesn't appear to be as scene based. IF you find a foot controller that is highly configurable, you might have good luck. I would say if you're using a computer as as sequencer, you might fare better.

Look at Behringer. It's not a recommendation but it seems to be affordable and at least works off note on/off commands.

oh well, thanks for your help, you were a LOT more help, and more courteous, than American DJ. Their tech support told me that any controller would work with it, and their sales told me no controllers would work... all with attitude.

Thanks again.

Odd. I've alway had good results with ADJ support. But, frequently on the ADJ forum, I'm having/choosing to deal with questions pertaining to external controllers and the MyDMX product. As well, I have experience using MIDI control with the DMX Operator so I know how this can all work or not work.

While MIDI is relatively simply, it takes more than a basic understanding of connectivity when it comes to how some things relate to each other. The worse part would be that you get the controller and then you get super angry that it won't work. At least now you know why it won't work. Not saying this pedal isn't great, I've seen thousands of those. This one just isn't right for the task you want it for.

I discovered all of this just by a quick read of the manual to answer your question.

Now, I fail to see why ADJ would say any controller would work. They should have said "Any controller that uses note on/off commands should be able to work with this". That could be as simple as a keyboard being used as your controller. Really, a MIDI keyboard is more of the target type of controller for this product. Controller is any device that can send instruction signals.

To say NO controller would work, then why go and implement MIDI and slap a MIDI port on there? That makes no sense either. Adding the capability just adds cost to the product and to firmware development, which is passed along to the end user. Again, why add it if it's not going to work?

Here's where I see the failures of this controller working with a foot pedal controller, considering that you go out and get one that is compatible:
To turn on stuff, you're not only going to have to hit the pedal, but unless it has a latching function(will stay on until you hit it again, don't know which ones do or do not support this), you may have to stand there with your foot holding the pedal the whole time.
You have to be highly organized, but this is minor. Musicians and performers have adjusted since like forever to make the things happen that they wnt to make happen. Once you find a suitable controller should you go that route, you'll spend time playing with it and learning it, then figuring out how you need to really set it up to work good for you.

Best of luck in your search for a suitable controller.

I understand what you're saying, and thanks again for taking the time out to help me understand. More of my frustration with ADJ was the attitude that both individuals I talked to. Rather than trying to empathize with me and my question, I got more of a "you're bothering me on a Friday" tone. When the tech support rep told me that it'll work with all controllers, I questioned him (nicely), saying "Wow, I was reading online where only certain controllers worked", he sounded miffed and transferred me to sales. Sales was the exact opposite. "Won't work".

I was under the impression that midi mate was a stomp box type of device with on/off switches. Maybe I've been using the word pedal incorrectly. Thanks again for your help.

You're right in the fact that the controller you're looking at is a series of on/off switches, but it's how they are programmed is where the issue is. There's nothing wrong with your terminology. The problem is with the understanding of sales and support of this product. Honestly, I'd have preferred them to say, "I don't know." It would have been more honest. Or even "The Stage Setter 8 can work with any MIDI controller capable of sending note on/off signals, provided the MIDI controller is able to send the correct signals".

There are so many controllers out there, that coming from a lighting making company, it's really not their responsibility to track this sort of stuff or at least directly research it. They also don't want to say "hey, these MIDI controllers work" because they could get tied up into some sort of "we endorse this product" sort of mis-understanding that can get users up in arms, or various competing makers angry at Elation or ADJ.

It takes someone who doesn't work for either company to say "Hey, this works or this doesn't work, at least in my experience". Even if on their "official support forums", this is OK because it comes from a third party that is NOT a hardware vendor.

For example, it's been PROVEN for a fact that with the American DJ, the Korg nanoKEY, nanoKONTROL and nanoPAD work with MyDMX. I can say "Fact" because I've done it. An Elation employee has stated that a certain Behringer control surface works with MyDMX. Another user has stated a specific Behringer footcontroller has also worked with MyDMX as well.

The pedal you are looking at is more of a "legacy" controller: the programming is very restricted. While it is an on/off switch, the switches are hard-programmed to send patch/program changes only. They have to use on/off switches or else they can't get it to work. But the trigger is "when this pedal is pressed, go ON and send patch change XXX", and the off is not necessary to be tracked.

In the case of a hand-based controller, such as the Korg nanoKONTROL, the controller is TOO soft in my opinion. Everything on that little controller can be manipulated. But again, this is a hand controller and would NOT be suitable as a foot controller.

There are so many things with MIDI that can be done, thanks to the various instructions and CC controllers. It's impossible for everything to support everything, except for sequencers, which ideally should support the entire MIDI protocol, which is why they tend to cost at least $100 for a decent new in the box sequencing package. For everyone else, it's a matter of reading the MIDI specs of both and seeing if they line up.

You're going to have a bit of an issue finding a controller that's going to work very well with your Scene Setter 8 for live performance the way you want to do things. It may be a good time to step up to say a DMX Operator or DMX Operator 192. These are more scene based, but you can trigger scenes by MIDI Note ON(offs are ignored). You still need a controller that can handle MIDI note sendings, and are limited to 128 of the 240 total scenes available, but that would probably be your better bet. Another option might be the ADJ product MyDMX, or a entry level Compu Live product. Still, you need a note-on capable controller for triggering.

Really, in your case, the foot controller is going to be a major hurdle with the Scene Setter as I am not personally aware of any foot pedal boards that support latching. This isn't to say there isn't one, just that's not my area of expertise.

I wanted to take some time out to let you know how much I appreciated your help and education here. I suppose we'll have to find a light person here before too much longer. I'm not really interested in spending any more money on the lighting just yet. I got this set up at a great price. Thanks again!

A lighting tech is always the best way to go. But I'm a live sound engineer/live sound production company. I'm constantly advising bands to NOT do their own sound and lighting because the results tend to stretch the band thin and the performance will suffer.

Chances are, if you hire a lighting guy, you'll want to give up some amount of control to that individual. That's OK if they are listening to what you want done. I always feel dedicated specialists is the best way to go, be it lighting or sound. The best area to cut corners on is instrument techs for now, they are largely not needed at this level. That's not to say you shouldn't give your rigs an annual once-over.

On the positive side, you didn't waste money on gear that won't work for you.