Universal Audio MIDI control

MIDI Control
1

So just as a preface, I do not have any Universal Audio gear and am purely just interested in them and curious if anyone else had any thoughts on this topic. Out of the box, Universal Audio pedals do not support MIDI in any way (though they do have a USB C port and from what I understand it is simply for firmware updates). That said, they do have this UAFX app to control their pedals remotely similar to how Eventide has an app. This app connects to the pedal via Bluetooth and then can change the presets, parameters, functions, etc remotely…

Here’s my thought… If the pedal itself supports parameter changes, preset changes, etc via a Bluetooth connection, then that’s similar enough to MIDI control that it can’t be all THAT difficult to implement. I understand the protocols of WiFi and Bluetooth are very different, but theoretically if a WIDI jack can send MIDI over a WiFi connection then why couldn’t there be something similar via Bluetooth?

As further proof to this theory, I found this Android application called MIDI Chief where this developer has show just how a feat can be accomplished. I believe in this case, he used his MIDI controller to send messages to his phone which would then send the corresponding PC/CC message to the pedal via the UAFX Control app. Overall this is really more a thought experiment than anything and I’m curious if anyone has ever dabbled with this specifically before or has any thoughts to share on the subject!

2

Cool.

It’s possible the sysex is used between the App and the pedal and MidiChief has figured that out.

It’s also possible that MidiChief is using something like MacroDroid to press buttons in the UA App.

3

Now we have UAFX 2.0 and midi control is possible.

I have an original MC8. How do I integrate a Meris LVX (5 pin), Boss XS-100 (3.5inch) with two UAFX pedals… Lion + Galaxy?

Usb midi needs a host?

Can the new MC8 control a UAFX? Just one, or more?

4

Updating this thread to note that Universal Audio pedals have MIDI now with the latest UAFX 2.0 firmware update. We made a video about it demonstrating the new MIDI capabilities.

5

UAFX pedals receive MIDI via their USB device ports. As such, you will need a USB host port to be able to communicate with them. Only our PRO controllers have host ports. To control multiple UA pedals, you can connect a USB hub to the MC8 PRO for more ports. More info in the manual here.

With the standard MC8, you could purchase and connect a MIDI USB host to a non-PRO controller’s USB device port, and be able to control UA pedals too. However, not all MIDI USB Hosts support USB hubs, so do check reviews before purchasing.

6

Thank you for keeping up to date with this!! Honestly for a long time now this has been my biggest gripe with UAFX, but man is this exciting! I know this really wasn’t on you guys as they were the ones lagging behind with the backend to support this but I appreciate you keeping tabs on other venders so closely to post a detailed video so quickly!!

Morningstar: Best MIDI control on the market bar none :white_check_mark:

7

Thank you Benjamin.

It was a good excuse to purchase a MC8 Pro. Your MC8 has served me well for years. Rock solid.

I still might want to use two UAFX pedals with the MC8 Pro… if anyone has any suggestions for USB Hub I would be greatful.