The Microdesignum EHX Talking Machine with MIDI control is an Electro-Harmonix Talking Machine guitar pedal with a Microdesignum MIDI control module built in, made for selecting programs 0 to 9 via MIDI1. The Talking Machine itself is Electro-Harmonix's vocal formant filter pedal; what Microdesignum adds is MIDI program selection, so a foot MIDI controller or a computer running DAW software can switch the pedal's saved programs instead of you bending down to turn the knob12.
The maker's product page lists availability as temporarily unavailable. The page offers an automatic e-mail notification once the product is available, and the e-mail address is deleted from the database afterwards1.
What MIDI controls
The module's scope is deliberately narrow: the controlled parameters are programs only2. In practice that means MIDI program change messages step the Talking Machine through its ten program slots, 0 through 91. Microdesignum describes the module as "a small electronic kit" that facilitates controlling the Talking Machine using a foot MIDI controller or from a computer by DAW software2, so the same module serves both a stage rig with a MIDI footswitch and a studio setup where the DAW sends the program changes.
For players who already use MIDI pedals elsewhere on the board, this puts the Talking Machine's saved settings on the same footswitch as everything else, without a separate tap dance2.
Pedal and module versions
Microdesignum sells this in two forms: the finished pedal with the module already built in (this page), and the MIDI module for EHX Talking Machine as a kit you install yourself12. The module version is offered with short delivery times in different variants3, and one of those variants is a build-in service: "Building the MIDI module into customer's own Talking Machine sent to us"3, meaning you can ship your own pedal to Microdesignum and have them fit it.
If you install the module yourself, the maker's instructions cover the whole job2:
- Drill the pedal: predrill the holes with a 2.5 mm bit, drill the main holes at 16 mm, and finish the small holes at 3.5 mm2.
- Screw the MIDI IN socket and MIDI OUT socket into the pedal2.
- Solder 4 wires: +9V, GND, Sw1 and Sw22.
Drilling templates are included in the package, along with a sticker describing the module2. The maker's product page also carries a photo gallery of 27 installation photos for this module, dated 25 November 2019, which shows the job step by step2.
Price and quantity discounts
The pedal with the module built in is listed at 430.00 USD as of 26 October 2026, with the price per unit dropping at larger quantities1:
| Quantity | Price per unit |
|---|---|
| 1 | 430.00 USD |
| 2 | 421.40 USD |
| 3 | 417.10 USD |
| 4 | 412.80 USD |
| 5 | 408.50 USD |
| 10 | 387.00 USD |
| 20 | 344.00 USD |
Related Microdesignum modules
Microdesignum makes MIDI modules for a range of Electro-Harmonix pedals using the same approach. If the Talking Machine is not the pedal you need converted, the same maker offers modules for the EHX POG2, the EHX Cathedral, the EHX Ring Thing and the EHX Voice Box, among others23.
Videos
Microdesignum s.r.o.
Questions
Which Talking Machine settings can MIDI control?
Programs only. The built-in Microdesignum module selects programs 0 through 9 via MIDI, so a foot MIDI controller or a computer running DAW software can switch between the ten saved settings on the Talking Machine. Other parameters of the pedal are not brought under MIDI control by this module; if you want more than program selection, that is outside what this kit does.
Can I send my own Talking Machine to Microdesignum for the module to be fitted?
Yes. Alongside the module you can fit yourself, Microdesignum offers a build-in service variant where you send your own Talking Machine to them and they build the MIDI module into it. The module itself is also offered with short delivery times in different variants, so you can choose between doing the installation yourself and having it done for you.
What do I need to drill to install the module?
The installation calls for three hole sizes: predrill the holes with a 2.5 mm bit, drill the main holes at 16 mm, and finish the small holes at 3.5 mm. Drilling templates are included in the package, along with a sticker describing the module, and the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT sockets are then screwed into the pedal.
Can a DAW control the Talking Machine with this module?
Yes. Microdesignum describes the module as a small electronic kit that facilitates controlling the Talking Machine using a foot MIDI controller or from a computer by DAW software. That means you can send program changes from your recording software as well as from a MIDI footswitch on stage.
Sources (3)
- EHX Talking Machine with MIDI control, Microdesignum (www.microdesignum.cz)
- MIDI control module for EHX Ravish SitarTalking Machine, Microdesignum.cz, 2019-11-25
- MIDI Control for Electro Harmonix Talking Machine, Microdesignum
