using a FOOT switch for transport functions

[pscott57]

I have read a bunch of stuff via forums (like this) and general Google searches to find out if there’s a way to use a “standard”, non-latching FOOT switch to start/stop, punch in/out with Pro Tools with meager results.
I’m surprised and disappointed that a seemingly simple and useful tool is so hard to find, and solutions available are quite pricey.

I was recently able to get my old Digidesign 003 console to work with my current PT version (Artist, v. 24.3.0.113). It has a foot switch jack and worked as I needed it.
Unfortunately, the Digi 003 died on me.
I’m not considering getting it repaired - yet - as there are other, up-to-date control surfaces, like the PreSonus*FaderPort Production Controller, that might turn out to be a less expensive way to go.
Any thoughts/critique of this unit and others would be appreciated.

I also have a Roland FA-08 keyboard that has both MIDI and USB connectivity to my computer, as well as MIDI to my interface (Focusrite Scarlett 18i20).
From what I’m reading, this may be the way to go, as I’ve read that you can set it up so that a foot switch can start/stop a DAW by using “wait for note”.
I’ve always found MIDI very confusing, but I’m willing to try figuring it out, and if there’s any help in implementing that, I’d appreciate that, too!

I hate to be cheap, but I'm retired and on a fixed income. As much as I’d like to invest in newer gear, it’s just not cost effective at this point. So, anything someone suggests that keeps expenses to a minimum is really appreciated.

Here’s the current situation and why I want to use an actual "old school" FOOT switch:
I’m a multi-instrumentalist and have a large arsenal of percussion, which is across the room from my computer. I have a foot switch with a nice long cable that reaches the FA-08 as well as the Scarlett and the computer, so this might be a solution, and it wouldn’t cost anything.

Until I can figure out if that would work, I have found a very crude work-around: I have two wireless computer keyboards; one has some keys that don’t work, so I bought another to replace it. I have found (thanks to this forum) that I can have both keyboards working at the same time, so I placed the faulty keyboard by the percussion on the floor and can hit the space-bar with my foot.
This works fine, but it’s also easy to hit other keys accidentally.

I apologize for a lengthy post. As stated before, any help is much appreciated!
Thanks!
Paul

Current set-up consists of:
iMac 27” (late 2015) OS 12.7.4
Pro Tools Artist v 24.3.0.113
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen.
Roland FA-08

[its2loud]

Use Avid Control on your phone. Not a foot switch but next best think for controlling Pro Tools.

[pscott57]

Thank you!
But I do need to use a physical foot switch, as I would be holding sticks or instrument(s) in my hand.

[its2loud]

There are tons of Bluetooth footswitches that trigger midi events. I bet with one of those sending a midi signal you could program keyboard maestro to convert the midi to a keyboard troke. Thus giving you the ability to have control.

[pscott57]

Yes. Looking into those if I can't make what I have work. Thanks agin!

[albee1952]

Maybe this?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PRMCTGB...v_ov_lig_dp_it

[pscott57]

Thanks, ........................Dave
Something like the switch from amazon looks like a possibility, but the Z4 and MBox are a bit pricey at the moment for me.
There may come a time in the not-too-distant-future where I'll have to consider upgrading my entire system (Ack!) as that's the nature of this stuff.
But for now, I'm looking to be able to use what I have. I have to look more deeply into MIDI, as I have 4 gadgets that might do the trick ...
Cheers!!

[its2loud]

I have to look more deeply into MIDI, as I have 4 gadgets that might do the trick ...

You can definitely have a midi event trigger a keyboard even using Keyboard Maestro.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by pscott57

Thanks, ........................Dave
Something like the switch from amazon looks like a possibility, but the Z4 and MBox are a bit pricey at the moment for me.
There may come a time in the not-too-distant-future where I'll have to consider upgrading my entire system (Ack!) as that's the nature of this stuff.
But for now, I'm looking to be able to use what I have. I have to look more deeply into MIDI, as I have 4 gadgets that might do the trick ...
Cheers!!

That foot pedal should work with any system.