audionerd
Missing Chase Bliss Audio pedals
CBA pedals have a custom Type B midi to TRS implementation, which make them quite complex to set-up. It is a shame because the midi implementation is exhaustive, and really unlocks the full potential of these very powerful devices.
CBA sells a MIDIbox for 59$/79€ - without cables, which is basically a DIN IN and Through + 3 TRS outs, with jumpers inside to make them compatible with Empress pedals and other ones.
Once properly wired, CBA pedals need to be sent a CC with the same number as the channel you want them to receive from. For guitarists who don't know much about MIDI, this can be complex, so I'm pretty sure most of them give up on syncing their boxes and pass on incredible opportunities.
If you could explore, and provide
- a list of compatible midi devices that would allow to sync CBA pedals - as well as other ones (the CBA MIDIBox is expensive for such a simple device, and is very specific)
- a simple explanation about how to setup one channel per pedal
- maybe a tutorial to sync them with Ableton
that would be completely amazing and help many owners of CBA gear.
Thanks for reading this! And for the great website!
In case it adds useful information:
I got this email from Chase Bliss yesterday after asking [email protected] for some guidance:
Chase Bliss pedals use a non-standard pinout for MIDI connection. It is neither Type A or Type B. It is Ring Active with Floating Tip. This is similar to Type B, but Type B uses the Tip for current source, and Chase Bliss pedals use the Tip for external tap tempo or bypass.
Additionally, without a MIDI Box, Chase Bliss pedals aren't fully MIDI Standard compliant. So using an adapter cable isn't guaranteed to work depending on the MIDI control device you're connecting to.
The issue comes down to the MIDI Standard is current (mA) based, but our pedals are voltage based. So some controllers meet the official MIDI Standard, but don't have enough voltage to drive the MIDI input of our pedals.
Also found this discussion online: https://www.reddit.com/r/blooper/comments/12qbe0u/psa_chase_bliss_midi_is_pretty_much_midi_trs_type/
