Can Strike Multipad send out MIDI CC of RealHat position ?

[Fabrizio Pigliucci]

Hello all, I searched on the forum before to write here but I can't find a solution.
I have a Strike Multipad, with KU100 kick pedal and Alesis RealHat pedal.
I'm trying all solutions to send hh pedal position to CubasePRO from the multipad, but with no success.
No midi CC from the RealHat is sent to midi out, and only a same midi note of the hitten pad is sent, even using sync groups.

Anyone knows how can be possible to manage hh position to correctly use sampled libraries on computer?
The only solution I found (suggested here) was to use my digital piano sustain pedal and MidiTranslator to convert on/off piano pedal to close/open hat (different midi notes). This works, but it is not a clean solution (the sustain pedal is not comfortable as a hihat pedal, it's connected to the piano, and it's only on/off)

Any help is appreciated !
Fabrizio

[Chaser]

Hello all, I searched on the forum before to write here but I can't find a solution.
I have a Strike Multipad, with KU100 kick pedal and Alesis RealHat pedal.
I'm trying all solutions to send hh pedal position to CubasePRO from the multipad, but with no success.
No midi CC from the RealHat is sent to midi out, and only a same midi note of the hitten pad is sent, even using sync groups.

Anyone knows how can be possible to manage hh position to correctly use sampled libraries on computer?
The only solution I found (suggested here) was to use my digital piano sustain pedal and MidiTranslator to convert on/off piano pedal to close/open hat (different midi notes). This works, but it is not a clean solution (the sustain pedal is not comfortable as a hihat pedal, it's connected to the piano, and it's only on/off)

Any help is appreciated !
Fabrizio

The pedal itself does not send CC4...Voltage (3.3v) is present from the module and the pedal provides a resistance range.
The module interprets the range (pedal position) and converts to CC4.

Unfortunately Multipads are not built/programmed like drum modules.
Multipads typically do not interpret or send CC4 as a drum module does.
The STRIKE Multipad pedal options are for Variable and Switch...that is for identifying the type of pedal so  the SMP can determine what to expect for a signal coming in and interpret it...the pedal(s) can only work for open closed.
You can adjust the pedals travel to determine when it opens/closes along that resistance range.

You can use a pedal to MIDI Converter to Connect to the SMP and set MIDI to Thru.This will only send CC4 to where it works..out to software.The SMP cannot and does not recognize/interpret CC4 for pedal position.The SMP Firmware only translates pressure/resistance change to ON/OFF.The only way to add CC4 support (if possible) is a Firmware update..which there hasn't been an update for the SMP in years.
I attached images of a Hardware solution..using a pedal to MIDI converter and showing how it works through the SMP.
Images are of MIDIOX and EZ Drummer..using the Realhat with the Audiofront MIDI Expression I/O through the SMP to MIDI OUT.
I assigned General MIDI to a Pad and the Realhat Pedal..46-Open..44-Pedal..21 Splash.
In MIDIOX only STRIKE Multipad Output is selected..and EZ Drummer 3 showing CC4 recognized being sent from the STRIKE Multipad.

Audiofront MIDI Expression I/O



Note:
The SMP must be set to MIDI THRU and 5PIN to USB = ON. for use with Vst/Software and USB MIDI.
Set 5 PIN to USB=OFF and use a 5 PIN OUT to an Audio interface to the Vst/Software and the Notes sent by the MIDI Expression will also trigger the pads on the SMP assigned with those notes.
If 5 PIN to USB is ON..SMP does not relay the MIDI from the 5 PIN to the Pads.

Use caution when shopping around for the Hardware as some of the pedal to MIDI converters are expensive (and have less features..For example: don't have 5 PIN MIDI and don't support Hi hat pedals or FSR.

Audiofront offers the MIDI Expression I/O ($154.00) up to (4) pedals with USB MIDI that also has 5 PIN MIDI IN/OUT so you can chain it..(Manual).

DOREMidi offers one up to (4) pedals with USB MIDI but only 5 PIN MIDI OUT so you can't chain it..(currently on sale $65)..I have numerous DORE MIDI Products and have worked with them on projects including Firmware for one of my major projects nearing completion.

MIDI Solutions also offers a one or two pedal ($125-150) and even tho it has 5 PIN MIDI IN/OUT..it only supports  footswitch/contact type..not Hi Hat pedals.

They all have programming software..Audiofront also has an iOS app.

This type of converter box is nothing new they have been on the market since the 1980's,I don't believe most are aware they exist and there are many others out there however not all support Hi Hat pedals.

EDIT:
Added Links..Images

[Fabrizio Pigliucci]

Hello all, I searched on the forum before to write here but I can't find a solution.
I have a Strike Multipad, with KU100 kick pedal and Alesis RealHat pedal.
I'm trying all solutions to send hh pedal position to CubasePRO from the multipad, but with no success.
No midi CC from the RealHat is sent to midi out, and only a same midi note of the hitten pad is sent, even using sync groups.

Anyone knows how can be possible to manage hh position to correctly use sampled libraries on computer?
The only solution I found (suggested here) was to use my digital piano sustain pedal and MidiTranslator to convert on/off piano pedal to close/open hat (different midi notes). This works, but it is not a clean solution (the sustain pedal is not comfortable as a hihat pedal, it's connected to the piano, and it's only on/off)

Any help is appreciated !
Fabrizio

The pedal itself does not send CC4...Voltage (3.3v) is present from the module and the pedal provides a resistance range.
The module interprets the range (pedal position) and converts to CC4.

Unfortunately Multipads are not built/programmed like drum modules.
Multipads typically do not interpret or send CC4 as a drum module does.
The STRIKE Multipad pedal options are for Variable and Switch...that is for identifying the type of pedal so  the SMP can determine what to expect for a signal coming in and interpret it...the pedal(s) can only work for open closed.
You can adjust the pedals travel to determine when it opens/closes along that resistance range.

You can use a pedal to MIDI Converter to Connect to the SMP and set MIDI to Thru.This will only send CC4 to where it works..out to software.The SMP cannot and does not recognize/interpret CC4 for pedal position.The SMP Firmware only translates pressure/resistance change to ON/OFF.The only way to add CC4 support (if possible) is a Firmware update..which there hasn't been an update for the SMP in years.
I attached images of a Hardware solution..using a pedal to MIDI converter and showing how it works through the SMP.
Images are of MIDIOX and EZ Drummer..using the Realhat with the Audiofront MIDI Expression I/O through the SMP to MIDI OUT.
I assigned General MIDI to a Pad and the Realhat Pedal..46-Open..44-Pedal..21 Splash.
In MIDIOX only STRIKE Multipad Output is selected..and EZ Drummer 3 showing CC4 recognized being sent from the STRIKE Multipad.

Audiofront MIDI Expression I/O



Note:
The SMP must be set to MIDI THRU and 5PIN to USB = ON. for use with Vst/Software and USB MIDI.
Set 5 PIN to USB=OFF and use a 5 PIN OUT to an Audio interface to the Vst/Software and the Notes sent by the MIDI Expression will also trigger the pads on the SMP assigned with those notes.
If 5 PIN to USB is ON..SMP does not relay the MIDI from the 5 PIN to the Pads.

Use caution when shopping around for the Hardware as some of the pedal to MIDI converters are expensive (and have less features..For example: don't have 5 PIN MIDI and don't support Hi hat pedals or FSR.

Audiofront offers the MIDI Expression I/O ($154.00) up to (4) pedals with USB MIDI that also has 5 PIN MIDI IN/OUT so you can chain it..(Manual).

DOREMidi offers one up to (4) pedals with USB MIDI but only 5 PIN MIDI OUT so you can't chain it..(currently on sale $65)..I have numerous DORE MIDI Products and have worked with them on projects including Firmware for one of my major projects nearing completion.

MIDI Solutions also offers a one or two pedal ($125-150) and even tho it has 5 PIN MIDI IN/OUT..it only supports  footswitch/contact type..not Hi Hat pedals.

They all have programming software..Audiofront also has an iOS app.

This type of converter box is nothing new they have been on the market since the 1980's,I don't believe most are aware they exist and there are many others out there however not all support Hi Hat pedals.

EDIT:
Added Links..Images

Hello Chaser, thank you for the deep and complete explanation !!! I'm so grateful, now all is finally clear. I'm in touch with the Alesis support and after various mail messages he can't still give me a decent answer to this question. I too asked them for a firmware update, it is frustrating that this device (also expensive) can't manage a so simple and central fact.

Thinking about possible alternative solutions, I too landed to the hypothesis of a converter as audiofront, but I was not sure if it can be the only right way, so you given me a precious confirmation and a lot of useful insights !

Thanks again,
have a great day,
Fabrizio
 

[Jeremykeys]

I just stumbled upon this little thread and I"m trying to do the same thing. Use the Multipad as essentially a drum kit in my studio with the Cubase drum sounds. I'm running Cubase 13 Pro. I have to 2 Yamaha pedals as I couldn't get the Alesis ones.
Did you eventually have success?

Jeremykeys

[Chaser]

I just stumbled upon this little thread and I"m trying to do the same thing. Use the Multipad as essentially a drum kit in my studio with the Cubase drum sounds. I'm running Cubase 13 Pro. I have to 2 Yamaha pedals as I couldn't get the Alesis ones.
Did you eventually have success?

Jeremykeys

The STRIKE Multipad Hi Hat is not Variable and does not send CC4..just Open Closed on one Pad in Hi Hat Mode.
The HH Input can be set to Switch or Variable , however that is only for the SMP to determine what signal to expect/Interpret.It is not for selecting between Open/Closed or Variable Hi Hat Pedal Usage.
ie..selecting variable Hi hat will not give you a Variable Hi Hat as the SMP HH does not have Variable Articulations/Samples which typically are linked as a circuit in a drum Module.
The SMP allows you set up any pad as an Open/Closed Hi hat.

You can take multiple pads or inputs (Inputs do not need to have a trigger connected to have a MIDI assignment) place in a group and more samples setup with different Velocity ranges to simulate an open to closed range (closed > 1/4 open > 1/2 open > 3/4 open > Full Open etc etc...which would also have to match the Hi Hat Mapping in the software it is sent to..otherwise as posted above..you have to use an external TMI (Trigger to MIDI Interface)..Module etc and set it up for a Variable Hi Hat and Chain it thru the SMP.