S88 MkII + Yamaha FC3A pedal poor calibration fix?

Headybiz · 2024-05-29T23:06:42+00:00

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When using the FC3A sustain pedal with the S88 MkII the sustain function/effect does not engage until the pedal is depressed about 75% of the way down. This is totally unrealistic and impractical and makes piano playing with sustain pedal changes basically impossible.

I have tried it plugged into both A and B pedal inputs, in continuous and switch mode, I have calibrated the pedal many times, and have also tried to mess with the midi value range to no avail. This is one of the recommended/compatible pedals NI listed for the S88 mkII, is it a problem with this particular pedal? Anyone else had this issue or know how to correct it?

I am running Mac Studio M1 Ventura 13.6.7 (tho the issue has been present in all previous versions as well - I’m only getting around to posting about it now bc I thought I’d eventually figure out a solution), and I use Logic Pro X 10.8.1 The problem also occurs in Komplete Kontrol or Kontakt 7 standalone modes.

Please help, thanks!

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Accepted answers

Jeremy_NI

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/158543#Comment_158543

Sorry, I should have included a link to this article: How to Monitor the Output of a MIDI Controller

Also, the FC3A is a half damper pedal and should be set up as follows, taken from the setup article: How to Configure Sustain / Expression Pedals on Kontrol Keyboards

Half-Damper (Pedal B)

Note: Please check this article for a compatible list of pedals.
Select and click Pedal B and set the Mode to Cont (Continuous).
Set the Type to Ctrl Change.
Set the MIDI Channel to 1.
Set the Number to MIDI CC# 64.

The complete assignment for Half-Damper is summarized in the image below.

Note: Not all virtual instruments support half-pedaling. Further configuration within your plug-in may also be required.

Calibration

You may calibrate your expression pedal to ensure that the Komplete Kontrol software interprets the full continuous range correctly.

Click the Calibrate button:
When prompted to move the pedal all the way down, move the pedal to the heel down - toes up position and click OK.
When prompted to move the pedal all the way up, move the pedal to the toes down - heel up position and click OK.

All comments

Jeremy_NI

@Headybiz There hasn't been reports of that behaviour yet, only issues with setting it up on MK3 keyboards, but for very specific reasons).

If you check with MIDI monitor, what does it show? Are you able to test the pedal on another keyboard or device?

Headybiz

@Jeremy_NI Hi - I don't know what MIDI monitor is, how would I check it and what would I be looking for? I have a m-audio code 49 I suppose I could check it on. I also have an OnStage pedal - these are both part of my live rig. I could try them, but I was under the impression the Yamaha was of superior quality (and as far as build goes it definitely is). thanks

Jeremy_NI

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/158543#Comment_158543

Sorry, I should have included a link to this article: How to Monitor the Output of a MIDI Controller

Also, the FC3A is a half damper pedal and should be set up as follows, taken from the setup article: How to Configure Sustain / Expression Pedals on Kontrol Keyboards

Half-Damper (Pedal B)

Note: Please check this article for a compatible list of pedals.
Select and click Pedal B and set the Mode to Cont (Continuous).
Set the Type to Ctrl Change.
Set the MIDI Channel to 1.
Set the Number to MIDI CC# 64.

The complete assignment for Half-Damper is summarized in the image below.

Note: Not all virtual instruments support half-pedaling. Further configuration within your plug-in may also be required.

Calibration

You may calibrate your expression pedal to ensure that the Komplete Kontrol software interprets the full continuous range correctly.

Click the Calibrate button:
When prompted to move the pedal all the way down, move the pedal to the heel down - toes up position and click OK.
When prompted to move the pedal all the way up, move the pedal to the toes down - heel up position and click OK.

Headybiz

ok thanks I’ll try that. I thought I had set it up correctly, but can’t remember. Also possible that the piano instrument plugins I’m using are not compatible

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