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Alternative To FC7?

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Hello! Got a couple FC7s, and they're very nice, but a bit difficult for me to use, due to their rather large size. Does anyone have any experience with a smaller expression pedal that works well with the MODX? Thanks in advance for any help you provide!

 
Posted : 07/02/2019 10:37 pm
Jason
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Source: https://www.yamahasynth.com/ask-a-question/fc-7-pedal-throw (Credit: Stefan)

Just a note that I am using the Korg EXP-2 pedal instead of FC-7. Works just great.

There may be other threads and suggestions. That was the first one that the search engine returned.

 
Posted : 08/02/2019 5:24 am
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I've used M-Audio EX-P pedals for quite a while with both Yamaha and Korg synths...they work OK and are small and lightweight (and inexpensive), but of course are not nearly as strong and solid as the FC7...hasn't been a problem for me since I only play out a few times a month, and am careful with and easy on equipment (I'm still using the first EX-P that I got some years ago)...

df

 
Posted : 08/02/2019 5:12 pm
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I have used the M-Audio EX-P, and I'm happy they've worked well for you. Unfortunately, I've had both I've owned die pretty quickly. Also, the sweep range was never quite as smooth as I had hoped for. Either way, thanks for the response!

Korg EXP-2 looks interesting. Never used any of their pedals, but it does seem that reviews for the product are kind of mixed. Thanks for your response, as well!

 
Posted : 08/02/2019 6:08 pm
Bad Mister
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It is a real drag when you set the Super Knob to sweep a set distance like, for example, an octave. And you have an off-brand pedal that only reaches 95% of the value. This will obliterate the effect... You go to sweep the OCTAVE using the Foot Pedal to move the Super Knob and you wind up short and flat!!!

You purchased a high grade sport car, do yourself a favor - get the recommended pedal! You and your audience will appreciate it!

 
Posted : 08/02/2019 8:28 pm
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The OP agrees that while the FC7 is very nice, it is "a bit difficult for me to use, due to [its] rather large size"...again, the use of a more suitable pedal (however the customer defines this) would be possible if there was a user pedal calibration routine under System/Settings, as there is for touch panel calibration...

df

 
Posted : 08/02/2019 10:23 pm
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The OP agrees that while the FC7 is very nice, it is "a bit difficult for me to use, due to [its] rather large size"...again, the use of a more suitable pedal (however the customer defines this) would be possible if there was a user pedal calibration routine under System/Settings, as there is for touch panel calibration...

df

As he stated, I agree that the FC7 is great. I have no problem with them, and I'm happy they work well for most. I do wish Yamaha would release a scaled-down version, though. I would love to use the pair of them, but they're quite sizable, and can be pretty difficult to squeeze onto an already-crowded pedalboard. If I can't find a suitable alternative, I'll figure out a way to use the FC7, but it's not ideal.

 
Posted : 08/02/2019 11:35 pm
Jason
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I think the OP is having problems parallel parking his FC7 tank into a sports car's space. Nothing wrong with tanks. They're just heavy and don't fit everywhere. Compromises ensue.

There's another post in a different forum where a user mentions physically cutting down the FC-7 to make it "tiny". Promised pictures that never materialized. Maybe you can physically cut down the FC-7 to size.

The specs of the Korg EXP-2 show the wiring is identical and POT looks like it can be switched to 50k - same range as FC7 - or 100k (for compatibility with other devices). 50k looks like it may be linear vs. log - so the travel will be slightly different between the two. Other than that - the Korg appears on paper to be the most compatible from a list of pedals I have specs to.

The Moog EXP2 seems "ok" but needs to be rewired or have an adapter.

M-audio EX-P is correct wiring, but pot is 10k. Which explains why the sweep doesn't work for full range. Not recommended.

 
Posted : 09/02/2019 12:10 am
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I am using Nektar NX-P. While not exactly "build-as-a-tank", it works perfectly with my MODX. Worth checking.

 
Posted : 11/02/2019 3:10 am
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The M-Audio EX-P with my MODX has a MIDI CC data range of 0x00 to 0x7D when the minimum value control is set to the lowest (and reaches full range, 0x7F, if the control is set higher)...0x7D (125) is 98.5% of full range, probably enough for any controller destination, unless, as the Bad One says, you're depending on full pedal depression reaching some exact control value (that's not how most of us use continuous pedals, I think)...I can't tell any difference between the EX-P pedal and the Super Knob when the pedal is assigned to that CC...still, if your equipment doesn't seem to last very long, you should look for a more durable alternative...

 
Posted : 12/02/2019 12:53 am
Jason
Posts: 7896
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Reaching and having a predictable stable "landing zone" may be different. At both extremes it would be nice to have a landing zone such that the pedal is not a hair-trigger to move (change values) when full heel or likewise when full toe.

 
Posted : 14/02/2019 10:07 am
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