Quatschmacher Posted February 27 Author Posted February 27 (edited) 36 minutes ago, Buddster said: Is anyone able to say how good the midi out is while playing? Can you for instance, use it to trigger a sound module to play a piano sound? Yes I posted clips during beta testing showing it triggering a DX7. Will be several pages back in this thread. Edit - here: Edited February 27 by Quatschmacher 1 1 Quote
SumOne Posted February 27 Posted February 27 On 25/02/2025 at 14:10, Quatschmacher said: Panda FI4 in mini housing is available to order now. Shipping in April! I wanted to call this the “FI Petit Four” On 25/02/2025 at 14:10, Quatschmacher said: Panda FI4 in mini housing is available to order now. Shipping in April! I wanted to call this the “FI Petit Four” https://www.pandamidi.com/store/future-impact-vip They definitely should have gone with your 'Petit Four' suggestion. Looks good, main thing for me was the v4 having improved accuracy and the option of speed/accuracy option (I didn't like the octave jump thing) so I was already tempted, smaller enclosure option is a bonus. Realistically, for a gigging pedalboard I don't actually mind the bigger version as my size 12 boots in a dark pub need a big area with plenty of room for stomping error....although I'm already considering what would fit well in that space saved if I go 'Petit', something like a Zvex Mastotron would fit nicely beneath it. 1 Quote
Quatschmacher Posted February 27 Author Posted February 27 (edited) 1 hour ago, SumOne said: They definitely should have gone with your 'Petit Four' suggestion. Sadly, I thought of it after they’d had the samples back from the manufacturer, but before everything was finalised, so I guess it would’ve been extra hassle to redesign it around that if they’d wanted to use it. It’ll have to remain an informal moniker. Morningstar switcher should also fit nicely in the extra space. Edited February 27 by Quatschmacher 2 Quote
SumOne Posted April 13 Posted April 13 (edited) Exciting times! I've gone and got a full sized v4 from here and it all works well but I'm having trouble with the firmware update/connect for editor. I think I'm doing everything correctly: Midi Out to Midi In and vice versa Selected the Midi in/out on the FI firmware page (it recognises my 'UA Volt 2' interface)('auraplug' wants to make changes to your Midi device - accept) Turn off/on FI with switches held down so the light is flashing for 'update' mode Click update .....'FI not present or communication error detected' Editor doesn't connect to the FI either. Any ideas? I did have a v3 and seem to remember there was something needed like not having any other Chrome tabs open (I have closed all), anything else simple like that I should try? The UA Volt 2 is a relatively new interface for me and isn't what I used when I had the FI v3, so it could be that - I'm hoping not though as it is a decent Midi interface that has worked with other things and I'd obviously like to avoid having to buy another interface just for the FI. Edited April 13 by SumOne Quote
Quatschmacher Posted April 13 Author Posted April 13 49 minutes ago, SumOne said: Exciting times! I've gone and got a full sized v4 from here and it all works well but I'm having trouble with the firmware update/connect for editor. I think I'm doing everything correctly: Midi Out to Midi In and vice versa Selected the Midi in/out on the FI firmware page (it recognises my 'UA Volt 2' interface)('auraplug' wants to make changes to your Midi device - accept) Turn off/on FI with switches held down so the light is flashing for 'update' mode Click update .....'FI not present or communication error detected' Editor doesn't connect to the FI either. Any ideas? I did have a v3 and seem to remember there was something needed like not having any other Chrome tabs open (I have closed all), anything else simple like that I should try? The UA Volt 2 is a relatively new interface for me and isn't what I used when I had the FI v3, so it could be that - I'm hoping not though as it is a decent Midi interface that has worked with other things and I'd obviously like to avoid having to buy another interface just for the FI. Ports probably the wrong way round. 1 Quote
SumOne Posted April 13 Posted April 13 30 minutes ago, Quatschmacher said: Ports probably the wrong way round. 'fraid not. definitely correct out to in, in to out (and swopped just in case) Quote
Quatschmacher Posted April 13 Author Posted April 13 44 minutes ago, SumOne said: 'fraid not. definitely correct out to in, in to out (and swopped just in case) If you are using Windows, make sure there are no other USB-MIDI connections open. 1 Quote
SumOne Posted April 13 Posted April 13 2 hours ago, Quatschmacher said: If you are using Windows, make sure there are no other USB-MIDI connections open. The UA Volt interface is the only thing physically plugged in to the Laptop, I'll look into that though - perhaps a virtual connection, or a competing driver or something else buried. Quote
SumOne Posted April 14 Posted April 14 It's a bit of a mystery. No other Midi connections open, all other Chrome tabs closed, no programmes open (includes the FI editor), Midi cables correct, FI in pairing mode, interface recognised and selected (in and out).....and still 'FI not present'. This has now been about 4hrs of muck about. Gotta say,this is the biggest downside of the FI (and I've seen many others with the same issue). 'user error' or 'wrong interface' 'not FI's problem' stops being a reasonable on a version 8 years after v1, clearly it isn't very user friendly/foolproof, could really do with a usb connection or something. I'm going to have to fork out for another midi interface, and if that doesn't work then I'll be selling the FI - as good as it is, it isn't worth the time/faff. Quote
Quatschmacher Posted April 14 Author Posted April 14 1 hour ago, SumOne said: It's a bit of a mystery. No other Midi connections open, all other Chrome tabs closed, no programmes open (includes the FI editor), Midi cables correct, FI in pairing mode, interface recognised and selected (in and out).....and still 'FI not present'. This has now been about 4hrs of muck about. Gotta say,this is the biggest downside of the FI (and I've seen many others with the same issue). 'user error' or 'wrong interface' 'not FI's problem' stops being a reasonable on a version 8 years after v1, clearly it isn't very user friendly/foolproof, could really do with a usb connection or something. I'm going to have to fork out for another midi interface, and if that doesn't work then I'll be selling the FI - as good as it is, it isn't worth the time/faff. We tested loads of cheap generic interfaces during development and everything worked just fine. This was precisely to make sure the problems of v3/interface compatibility weren’t present. If the interface is showing correctly in the editor then I still maintain something else is afoot. Is there an app for your interface? If so, and there’s the option, make sure sysex messages are enabled. I’d be happy to help troubleshoot over video call. 1 Quote
Quatschmacher Posted April 14 Author Posted April 14 (edited) Could be a combination of issues. Did you try swapping the cables round when attempting connect to the editor? Do this without putting the FI into update mode. Select the in and out ports from the MIDI preferences menu, connect the cables and then move some sliders in the editor. You should see two horizontal lines in the FI display. If you don’t, swap the cables to the opposite ports and try again. If you do see two lines in the display, it shows the connection is working. Another thought - make sure your interface has any MIDI thru functionality turned off - a MIDI loop would cause problems (with any interface). Is your interface plugged directly into your pc or is it using a usb hub? Edited April 14 by Quatschmacher 1 Quote
SumOne Posted April 14 Posted April 14 (edited) Thanks @Quatschmacher, that is much appreciated. The interface shows in the editor: ....but then moving the FI sliders does not do anything on the FI. (I have tried swopping Midi cables around, and this is while not in the 'update'mode). There is a simple app for my interface, and ASIO setting changes via Reaper DAW, but no options for sysex messages: The interface usb is going direct to the Laptop (no USB hub), and everything else is closed - no other USB things plugged in, no other programmes running. Perhaps the Midi thru functionality is the issue, but the UA Volt app only has simple Status/Sample Rate/Buffer things that can be changed, Midi thru isn't an option. I might order a second Midi interface from Amazon with free returns to see if that solves it. A cheap Bespeco one worked for me with FI v3 (I don't have either any more), but I remember a certain amount of un-intuative faff needed (something like the order of turning things on, only working with Chrome, not other internet tabs open) and then it was still a bit hit and miss. It reminds me a bit of a time I worked for a mining association - miners kept jumping over a dangerous rock conveyor to get to the break/smoke area instead of the long walk around, some got hurt, the mine response was put up a big sign saying 'do not cross the conveyor', people still did it and got hurt and the mine response was 'user error - we told them not to' and then they spent a lot of money on fences which mysteriously started getting human-sized holes in them. The issue was the lacking human centred design. I dunno, but FI editing and updates via Midi just seeems a bit fraught with 'user error', things like Source Audio, TC electronic, Line 6, Boss etc (admittedly much bigger complanies) all seem to be relatively simple via usb, 'plug into Laptop and it works'. The only other thing I've had so much connectivity faff with has been the NUX MLD Preamp. Edited April 14 by SumOne Quote
Quatschmacher Posted April 14 Author Posted April 14 (edited) 2 hours ago, SumOne said: Thanks @Quatschmacher, that is much appreciated. The interface shows in the editor: ....but then moving the FI sliders does not do anythign on the FI. (I have tried swopping Midi cables, and this is while not in the 'update'mode). There is a simple app for my interface, and ASIO setting changes via Reaper DAW, but no options for sysex messages: The interface usb is going direct to the Laptop (no USB hub), and everything else is closed - no other USB things plugged in, no other programmes running. Perhaps the Midi thru functionality is the issue, but the UA Volt app only has simple Status/Sample Rate/Buffer things that can be changed, Midi thru isn't an option. I might order a second Midi interface from Amazon with free returns to see if that solves it. A cheap Becos ones worked for me with v3 (I don't have either any more), but I remember a certain aount of un-intuative faff needed (something like the order of turning things on, only working with Chrome, not other internet tabs open) and then it was still a bit hit and miss. It reminds me a bit of a time I worked for a mining association - miners kept jumping over a dangerous rock conveyor to get to the break/smoke area instead of the long walk around, some got hurt, the mine response was put up a big sign saying 'do not cross the conveyor', people still did it and got hurt and the mine response was 'user error - we told them not to' and then they spent a lot of money on fences which mysteriously started getting human-sized holes in them. The issue was the lacking human centred design. I dunno, but FI editing and updates via Midi just seeems a bit fraught with 'user error', things like Source Audio, TC electronic, Line 6, Boss etc (admittedly much bigger complanies) all seem to be relatively simple via usb, 'plug into Laptop and it works'. The only other thing I've had so much connectivity faff with has been the NUX MLD Preamp. I’m sure there must be a setting in there that needs altering, maybe the time stamps one as presumably reaper isn’t in use when using the FI. Does Volt use any extra virtual ports or something? (My MC6 pro does so I have to make sure I select the correct one.) Also, it appears that the MIDI ports are active in the volt app; that being the case, windows won’t allow them to be used with anything else. Try disabling them in the volt app and see if they still appear in the FI list. I tested with an interface that looks identical to this and it worked fine: https://amzn.eu/d/hC65j9C Edited April 14 by Quatschmacher 1 Quote
Woodinblack Posted April 15 Posted April 15 Is your midi interface not being 'owned' by reaper in those screenshots? I am not sure how windows does it - I don't get why the ASIO and midi inputs are connected, one is for audio, unless it is the same interface that does both? 1 Quote
Quatschmacher Posted April 15 Author Posted April 15 56 minutes ago, Woodinblack said: Is your midi interface not being 'owned' by reaper in those screenshots? That was what I was getting at in my previous comment. Sounds like a combination of the Windows single-USB-MIDI limitation along with a complex set of interface controls as opposed to an FI problem - the same issue would occur with any other app that needed access the USB MIDI connection in this scenario. 2 Quote
SumOne Posted April 15 Posted April 15 4 hours ago, Woodinblack said: Is your midi interface not being 'owned' by reaper in those screenshots? I am not sure how windows does it - I don't get why the ASIO and midi inputs are connected, one is for audio, unless it is the same interface that does both? It is, Reaper is closed when trying to run FI, I was just going via Reaper for the screenshotys as that is shows the UA Volt is readable as Midi in/out and shows more info like the Buffer/Sample rate etc status. The Interface also has aduio inpits/outputs (e.g. audio cable from Bass guitar, outputs ro monitor speakers) which is what it is showing. It also has Midi in/out, and the usb interface. 3 hours ago, Quatschmacher said: That was what I was getting at in my previous comment. Sounds like a combination of the Windows single-USB-MIDI limitation along with a complex set of interface controls as opposed to an FI problem - the same issue would occur with any other app that needed access the USB MIDI connection in this scenario. This might be it. However, 'interface problem, not an FI problem' is kinda my beef with the FI using a system that can have so much 'user error' potential. I do have another interface arriving from Amazon tomorrow, hopefully that sorts it. I've recently used Midi DJ Equipment (Rane One), a Midi keyboard (Yamaha), multi-fx with Midi (Helix and Boss) Midi controllers (Luminite and Akai), as well as digital pedals (Boss, Source Audio, TC Electronic etc.) and all worked fine with this Laptop and UA Volt as an interface and did software updates etc with minimal faff. None used Midi as the interface for updates and patch editing etc, probably for good reason. Quote
Woodinblack Posted April 15 Posted April 15 3 minutes ago, SumOne said: This might be it. However, 'interface problem, not an FI problem' is kinda my beef with the FI using a system that can have so much 'user error' potential. I do have another interface arriving from Amazon tomorrow, hopefully that sorts it. I've recently used Midi DJ Equipment (Rane One), a Midi keyboard (Yamaha), multi-fx with Midi (Helix and Boss) Midi controllers (Luminite and Akai), as well as digital pedals (Boss, Source Audio, TC Electronic etc.) and all worked fine with this Laptop and UA Volt as an interface and did software updates etc with minimal faff. None used Midi as the interface for updates and patch editing etc, probably for good reason. because it's easier to add usb and provide a usb driver when it is new. But in a few years you may not be able to get the driver for those things - I have several devices that only run with really old hardware (like winxp drivers) that are next to useless. If the were midi I could connect to them with anything from any of my computers. i know midi is a bit more of a faff with windows but with a decent interface it should be trouble free 1 Quote
SumOne Posted April 15 Posted April 15 (edited) 10 minutes ago, Woodinblack said: because it's easier to add usb and provide a usb driver when it is new. But in a few years you may not be able to get the driver for those things - I have several devices that only run with really old hardware (like winxp drivers) that are next to useless. If the were midi I could connect to them with anything from any of my computers. i know midi is a bit more of a faff with windows but with a decent interface it should be trouble free Perhaps, but right now (after days of faff, vs all those other products that work fine), I'm not sold on that! The UA Volt 2 is one of the most popular Midi interfaces, probably only second to Focusrite. It is about £130 so should be decent enough to do this. I dunno, I don't think I have anything too unusual going on with my setup. The FI updater recognised the UA Volt but then does not connect and does not give any reason for it/sollution/check list. I've used DAWs etc for about 25 years, and like I mentioned - lots of digital pedals and Midi etc but this one connection seems impenetrable to figure out, I've just about given up. If there is a second 'virtual Midi' running or something, well - nothing online or from hours of searching seems to show how I can see it/turn it off. Edited April 15 by SumOne Quote
Woodinblack Posted April 15 Posted April 15 28 minutes ago, SumOne said: Perhaps, but right now (after days of faff, vs all those other products that work fine), I'm not sold on that! The UA Volt 2 is one of the most popular Midi interfaces, probably only second to Focusrite. It is about £130 so should be decent enough to do this. No doubt. I have tried the behringer uphoria and that worked ok on the PC ok for me, but just with a keyboard, but I haven't spent much time on it. I also used to have a future impact and didn't have a problem with midi on it, but understand it does seem to work for you and get you would be down on it. 1 Quote
SumOne Posted April 16 Posted April 16 Sorry to say, but my patience with the FI v4 has just about ran out and I think it will be for sale tomorrow. I got a new Midi interface (Digiflex), and on the FI updater it recognises it, select it, go into update mode, click update..... 'FI not present of communication error'. Go onto the FI editor and go out of update mode on the FI, select Midi in/out (it recognises the device), go to editor and move some sliders and the FI display changes from number to two horizontal lines (so the Midi device must be working - it is connecting to the FI and making a change in display). But go to 'manager' tab and 'download from FI' and ......'the FI not present of communication error' message pops up. There are no other virtual or physical devices connected to the laptop, no other usb ports used, not using a usb hub, no other programmes running, the new Midi device seems to have no sortware - no option of thru functionality, and as far as anything I can access - no other virtual Midi is being used. It probably is something to do with my Laptop settings, but this is such a ballache to figure out that I'm gonna give up. 1 1 Quote
Quatschmacher Posted April 16 Author Posted April 16 12 minutes ago, SumOne said: Sorry to say, but my patience with the FI v4 has just about ran out and I think it will be for sale tomorrow. I got a new Midi interface (Digiflex), and on the FI updater it recognises it, select it, go into update mode, click update..... 'FI not present of communication error'. Go onto the FI editor and go out of update mode on the FI, select Midi in/out (it recognises the device), go to editor and move some sliders and the FI display changes from number to two horizontal lines (so the Midi device must be working - it is connecting to the FI and making a change in display). But go to 'manager' tab and 'download from FI' and ......'the FI not present of communication error' message pops up. There are no other virtual or physical devices connected to the laptop, no other usb ports used, not using a usb hub, no other programmes running, the new Midi device seems to have no sortware - no option of thru functionality, and as far as anything I can access - no other virtual Midi is being used. It probably is something to do with my Laptop settings, but this is such a ballache to figure out that I'm gonna give up. Sorry to hear of your struggles. This is most unusual. If the manager isn’t reading the files, but the editor messages are being received, then it sounds like the problem is that the response message from the FI isn’t getting back to the PC. Have you definitely selected both the in and out ports in the editor and connected both cables? Go to midimonitor.com (with the editor closed). Plug FI into interface and change programs using FI’s foot switch. You should see the PCs being sent in the MIDI monitor, which will confirm that the out port is working. Have you tried using a different usb port on your machine? One other thing - you used to have an FI v3 right? It could be that some residual files from the v3 editor are somehow interfering with the v4 editor (though unlikely). Might be worth checking that all old install files and associated config files are removed. Another thing might be if your Volt (or its software) is taking charge of usb MIDI ports in the background. Also may be worth making sure the generic windows usb MIDI driver on your machine is the latest one. 1 Quote
SumOne Posted April 17 Posted April 17 (edited) Thanks @Quatschmacher all of this this tech support is much appreciated (and hopefully could be useful to someone else reading this thread one day). Via midimonitor it confirms PC messages are being sent from FI to Laptop when clicking the FI switch: And changing sliders on the FI editor changes the FI number to the hoizontal lines - so that confirms that signals are going from Laptop into the FI. - Both in and out Midi ports are selected (via editor and when using the updater). - Cables have been swopped around and re-checked. - I've tried the two usb ports (well, now tried four: via two Midi devices - one uses usb C tried 2x different ports, the other is type A tried in 2x different ports, not via a hub - all direct to Laptop) - All FI v3 Editor etc has been deleted (and I've uninstalled/re-installed v4 Editor). - Same results with the Volt unplugged and virtually disconnected, and just using the new Digiflex interface. (I can tell when it is doing the single Midi conncection thing as if using midimonitor the device doesn't show up on the FI editor, go out of that and it re-appears). - Everything on the Laptop is updated. It doesn't seem an issue with the FI as such, or the Midi interface - as the FI it sends and receives Midi from the Laptop. It's the data for the firmware update or via the editor that for some reason are not going back and forth - I assume somewhere buried in my Laptop is something selected that isn't allowing that type of Midi data transfer? ....but with this new Midi interface there isn't even any app to make any changes and Windows has no control pannel settings for Midi (aparently it was removed a few years ago). Some seem to have a problem with things like 'Intel Smart sound for USB audio' driver needing to be disabled, but that isn't something on my Laptop, I assume something similar buried somewhere. Edited April 17 by SumOne Quote
Quatschmacher Posted April 17 Author Posted April 17 2 hours ago, SumOne said: - All FI v3 Editor etc has been deleted (and I've uninstalled/re-installed v4 Editor). Did you also delete all config files and the (hidden) stuff in the local app data folders? delete any residual FI-related files and folders in the Windows Program Files folders. delete the "FuturelmpactEditor" directory under the path"c:\Users\username\AppData\Local\" delete the "FIEditor4" directory under the path "c:\Users\username\AppData\Local\" 1 Quote
Kev Posted Monday at 14:53 Posted Monday at 14:53 Any VIPs out in the wild yet? Would love to hear some real world feedback regarding that potentially dodgy right switch/pot placement, as even raised I still feel like it wouldn't last a week of my gig stomping! 😅 Quote
Quatschmacher Posted Monday at 15:24 Author Posted Monday at 15:24 (edited) 32 minutes ago, Kev said: Any VIPs out in the wild yet? Would love to hear some real world feedback regarding that potentially dodgy right switch/pot placement, as even raised I still feel like it wouldn't last a week of my gig stomping! 😅 A wide switch topper might ease your anxiety. Could also swap the encoder for a less tall one. Or external switcher, which is fairly essential to add stuff like expression control anyway. There’s a TB member who said his was due to arrive today. There should be a bunch going out this week. Edited Monday at 15:26 by Quatschmacher Quote
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