The Beat Bars EX3 is a stand-alone MIDI/USB expression pedal from Beat Bars. Unlike a conventional expression pedal that sweeps an effect on another pedal, the EX3 speaks MIDI directly: it has a USB port and a 5-pin MIDI output, so it can control MIDI-capable gear or a computer without anything in between1.
What it does
The pedal's rocker is a MIDI controller. It can be set to send various types of MIDI data: CC, pitch bend, and poly or channel aftertouch, so it can be matched to whatever parameter the connected device accepts1.
It can also transmit a MIDI clock signal whose tempo is controlled by the pedal, letting a player tap in tempo with their foot rather than a button1.
Connections and computer support
The EX3 is class compliant and works on Windows, Mac and Linux computers, so no driver is needed1.
Price and availability
The EX3 costs EUR 169.90, as reported at its introduction, and both it and the companion FS3 MIDI foot switch were available to order from the Beat Bars website1.
The price given here is in euros as reported at launch in March 2020. It has not been converted to US dollars.
What reviewers said
Writing at the pedal's introduction, Lasse Eilers of gearnews.com summed it up: "Both the EX3 and FS3 seem like very useful pedals capable of solving a variety of problems. I especially like the clock"1.
Sources (1)
- Beat Bars intros EX3 MIDI expression pedal and FS3 MIDI foot switch, gearnews.com, 2020-03-19
