The Microdesignum EHX POG2 with MIDI control is an Electro-Harmonix POG2, the polyphonic octave generator pedal, sold with a Microdesignum MIDI module already built into it. The stock POG2 has no MIDI control as it comes from the factory, so anyone wanting to run it from a MIDI rig normally has to reach down and turn the pedal's control knob by hand. This version removes that step: the built-in module lets you select the pedal's programs and, on the Bypass variant of the module, switch the effect on and off, all from a MIDI foot controller or from a computer running DAW software123.
The complete pedal is listed by Microdesignum at 590.00 USD4.
How the MIDI control works
The POG2 is operated by a single control knob, an encoder that you turn and press to move between its stored programs. The Microdesignum module works by electronically simulating that turning and pressing, replacing the action the guitarist would otherwise have to perform while playing47. Nothing about the pedal's sound circuit is changed; the module simply performs the knob operations on command.
The pedal can be controlled by either Program Change or Control Change MIDI commands4:
| MIDI command | What it does | Variants |
|---|---|---|
| Program Change 1 to 8 | Set program 1 to 8 | Basic and Bypass |
| Program Change 9 to 128 | Program off, the effect corresponds to the positions of the sliders and buttons | Basic and Bypass |
| Control Change 24 | Effect on, engage | Bypass variant only |
The Program Change mapping can be reconfigured to Control Change if your controller works that way48. In use, the POG2 sets itself automatically to the preset matching the Program Change number received, or to a clean, unmodified sound for the off commands7.
Basic and Bypass variants
Microdesignum makes the module in two versions, and the difference is simple:
- MIDI module for EHX POG2 (Basic): controls programs only. This variant does not control the Bypass function3.
- MIDI module for EHX POG2 with Bypass: controls programs and the Bypass button, adding Bypass switching via Control Change 24 on top of everything the Basic module does321.
Both variants use the same Program Change 1 to 8 program selection, and both can be reconfigured to Control Change48. If you want to bring the POG2 in and out of your signal chain from your MIDI controller, the Bypass variant is the one that does it; if you only need to jump between programs, the Basic module covers it.
Buying options: pedal, module, or install service
There are three ways to get MIDI control on a POG2, and the module can be bought without the pedal46:
- The complete pedal. The EHX POG2 with MIDI control arrives with the module already installed, ready for selecting programs and switching Bypass via MIDI5.
- The module alone. Sold as a bare assembled printed circuit board without an enclosure, and without a power adapter, for building into a POG2 you already own2. The Bypass variant was listed with expected availability in 6 days2.
- The install service. You send Microdesignum your own pedal, they install the MIDI module and send it back. The MIDI module is included in the price of the service68.
Installing the module in your own POG2
Microdesignum says the module makes a POG2 MIDI controllable in 60 minutes31, and the company documents the process in a step-by-step photo gallery. The published steps include:
- Drill holes in the bottom lid, 3.2 mm diameter (3 to 3.5 mm is acceptable)9.
- Solder the 6 conductors of the bypass cable wiring10.
- Screw the MIDI module to the bottom lid9.
- Affix the sticker with the description9.
"Enjoy controlling POG2 with your MIDI footswitch controller"
The install service page describes the same control set once the module is in: program number via PC#1 to 8, or program off via PC#9 to 128, plus Bypass on CC#24611.
Videos
Microdesignum s.r.o.
Microdesignum s.r.o.
Microdesignum s.r.o.
Questions
How does the MIDI module control the POG2's knob?
The built-in module electronically simulates turning and pressing the POG2's control knob, the encoder you would normally use to step through programs by hand. A MIDI message sent from a foot controller or a computer DAW makes the module perform that turn or press inside the pedal, so the effect changes exactly as if you had done it yourself mid-song.
Which Program Change numbers select POG2 programs?
Program Change 1 through 8 selects the matching POG2 program. Program Change 9 through 128 switches the program off, leaving the effect at the positions of the sliders and buttons. The module can also be reconfigured so Control Change messages do the same job instead.
What is the difference between the Basic and Bypass variants?
The Basic MIDI module for EHX POG2 controls program selection only. The Bypass variant does everything the Basic one does and also switches the pedal's Bypass function over MIDI using Control Change 24, so you can engage and disengage the effect remotely as well as change programs.
Can I buy the module without the pedal?
Yes. Microdesignum sells the module on its own as a bare assembled circuit board without an enclosure, in Basic and Bypass versions, for fitting into a POG2 you already own. There is also an install service where you send in your pedal and Microdesignum fits the module for you.
Sources (11)
- MIDI module for EHX POG2 with Bypass, Microdesignum.cz, 2014-03-15
- MIDI modul pro EHX POG2 s Bypass, Microdesignum (microdesignum.cz)
- MIDI module for EHX POG2, Microdesignum (www.microdesignum.cz)
- MIDI Control for Electro Harmonix POG2, Microdesignum (www.microdesignum.cz)
- EHX POG2 with MIDI control, Microdesignum
- Install service: MIDI control for EHX POG2, Microdesignum s.r.o.
- Vestavba MIDI ovládání do kytarového efektu POG2, Microdesignum (www.microdesignum.cz)
- MIDI Control for Electro Harmonix POG2, Microdesignum
- How to install MIDI module into POG2: 4) Attach the module, Microdesignum, 2021-03-01
- How to install MIDI module into POG2: 2) Bypass cables, Microdesignum, 2021-03-01
- Vestavba MIDI ovládání do EHX POG2, Microdesignum
