The Cusack Music MIDI to PBT is a small MIDI module for the PBT. It accepts a Program Change message from a MIDI device, such as a foot controller, and sends it to your PBT, letting you change presets from that device and expanding the number of presets on your PBT to 1281. It sits in the wider family of MIDI pedals as a utility module rather than a sound-shaping effect.
What it does
The module's job is simple: it takes incoming MIDI Program Change messages and passes them to the PBT as preset changes. Because it accepts Program Change messages from all MIDI Channels, any MIDI device sending on any channel can drive it2. For a player whose PBT preset count feels limiting, the maker positions this module as the way to change presets with a MIDI foot controller and expand the PBT to 128 presets1.
Connections and controls
The module has three connections, described in the maker's manual2:
| Connection | What it does |
|---|---|
| MIDI IN | Connects to your MIDI device's MIDI out jack using a regular MIDI cable |
| PBT OUT | Connects to the Com Link on the output side of your PBT, using a regular 4 wire phone cable |
| DC Power Jack | Powers the module, with the same pin-out as standard pedal supplies: tip is ground, sleeve is 9V |
There is also one indicator, the Com LED (green). When the module is powered, it is solid green; when data is being transferred, it blinks on and off2. That makes it easy to confirm at a glance that MIDI messages are actually reaching the module.
Power
The MIDI to PBT draws about 5 mA and runs from its DC power jack, which uses the same pin-out as standard pedal supplies: tip is ground, sleeve is 9V2. That low draw means it sits comfortably alongside other pedals on a typical supply.
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Questions
What does the Cusack Music MIDI to PBT do?
It is a MIDI module for the PBT. It accepts a Program Change message from a MIDI device such as a foot controller and sends it to your PBT, so you can change presets from that device and expand the number of presets on your PBT to 128.
Does the MIDI to PBT respond to all MIDI channels?
Yes. According to Cusack Music's manual, the MIDI to PBT accepts a Program Change message from all MIDI Channels and sends it to your PBT, so you do not need to match a specific channel.
What cable connects the MIDI to PBT to the PBT?
The PBT OUT jack connects to the Com Link on the output side of your PBT using a regular 4 wire phone cable, the same kind of cable used for telephone connections.
What is the power polarity of the MIDI to PBT?
The DC power jack has the same pin-out as standard pedal supplies: the tip is ground and the sleeve is 9V, so a standard center-negative style pedal supply connection applies.
What does the green Com LED mean?
When the module is powered, the Com LED is solid green. When data is being transferred, it blinks on and off, giving you a quick visual check that MIDI messages are passing through the module.
Sources (2)
- MIDI to PBT Looper Communication Box, Cusack Music
- MIDI2PBT.pdf, Cusack Music, 2014-10-21