All,
I thought I would share this little project that has made my recording life easier with Reaper.
I am a guitar player and decided I wanted to start recording some of my songs and tried multiple DAW programs and settled on Reaper because of price and the sheer amount of features this program has. Not to mention, it's easy to use, it is updated quite frequently and the support from Reaper and the community is great.
Once I started recording, I quickly realized how much I hated using the mouse or keyboard for pretty much anything. I wanted to be able to control Reaper with the touch of a foot (since that how all of us guitarist like to control effects).
So I started researching of what I could use. Well I found a little gadget that allowed me to assign MIDI Control Codes to momentary stomp switches (there were only 3). I figured that would be plenty. Start, Stop, Record.. Should be good right? So I bought it.
Well after purchasing it and using it for a few months I quickly realized that I was using other transaction commands, Arm Track, Remove Item, etc quite frequently and the 3 button version just was not cutting it. I then started my search for one that had more. I settled on 8 switches is what I could use. I found out that these little Programmable USB MIDI Foot Controllers with 8 switches were indeed pricey and I did not want to dish out the coin for that, especially since I know how to program.
So... I built my own.
I used a Teensy 3.2 Micro Controller (Arduino code), panel mount USB extension, SPDT toggle, 2 x LEDs and 8 SPST Momentary (soft touch) switches and an old 3U Raised Rack Space cover(for enclosure) and 4 adjustable feet.
The controller is coded in 'C' language and is 2 controllers in one. If the Toggle is off it will send MIDI Note Codes while pressed (note on) and send the 'note off' code when released. When the toggle is engaged it will send the MIDI Control Code, this is the type I needed to do so I could send MIDI CC to Reaper to control Transaction commands like Record, Play, Stop, Arm, etc. (the controller will work with other DAW programs but Reaper in my book wins hands down)
Now I have a completely functional 8 switch (can have more if you want) Programmable MIDI USB Foot Controller that i use with Reaper. It's easy to build and code and not to mention I did the whole thing for under $70 USD and a few hours.
It even works on Windows 10 with no drivers needed they are already there.
For a high resolution pictures in the below link
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uh9b2ux15...t5FRJfNda?dl=0
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq9DME06KDI
It can even have a MIDI IN/OUT 5pin DIN connected to it so it can send CC codes to an actual guitar rack effect if i wanted to wire that in.
For more informatino on the Teensy 3.2 used you can go to:
https://www.pjrc.com/store/teensy32.html
If you would like more information of how I did it contact me.