The Microdesignum EHX Voice Box with MIDI control is an Electro-Harmonix Voice Box guitar pedal with a Microdesignum MIDI control module built in, made so that programs 1 to 9 can be selected via MIDI1. The module is a small electronic kit from the Czech maker Microdesignum.cz, designed for the EHX Voice Box and controlled either by a foot MIDI controller or from a computer by DAW software2.
The ready-built Voice Box with MIDI control is listed as temporarily unavailable. The module itself, however, is offered as a standard product with short delivery times, and Microdesignum says it is newly possible to order the items in its eshop2.
What the MIDI module controls
The module switches the Voice Box between its presets. Microdesignum lists the controlled parameters as programs only, so MIDI reaches the pedal's program selection and not its individual parameters3.
| MIDI message | What it does |
|---|---|
| Program Change / Control Change 1 to 8 | Switches the Voice Box to the corresponding preset, just by pressing a button on a MIDI footswitch controller2 |
| CC#21, momentary | 64 to 127 is press, 0 to 63 is release; suitable for full control by a computer or any MIDI controller that can send CC commands2 |
Because the momentary CC#21 mode responds to any controller that can send CC commands, the module works both from a simple MIDI footswitch on stage and from a DAW at a desk2.
Ways to get one
Microdesignum offers the module in three variants2:
- The MIDI module itself, for building into the effect
- A build-in service, where the installation is done for you
- A new Voice Box with the MIDI module already built in
For the do-it-yourself route, the module's soldering points are described on pictures, and Microdesignum notes that all other parts of the install process are similar to the MIDI module for EHX Cathedral3. The module page for the Voice Box sits alongside Microdesignum's other Electro-Harmonix conversions, such as the MIDI module for EHX POG2 and the MIDI module for EHX Talking Machine, and the maker's broader range of MIDI pedals.
Questions
Which MIDI messages control the Microdesignum Voice Box?
Program Change or Control Change messages 1 to 8 switch the Voice Box to the corresponding preset, and CC#21 works as a momentary control: values 64 to 127 act as press and values 0 to 63 as release. The momentary CC option suits a computer or any MIDI controller that can send CC commands.
Can the MIDI module be added to my own EHX Voice Box?
Yes. Microdesignum offers the module in three variants: the module itself for building into the effect, a build-in service where the installation is done for you, and a new Voice Box supplied with the module already installed. Soldering points are described on pictures, and the install process is similar to the one for the EHX Cathedral module.
Can MIDI control the Voice Box parameters or only the programs?
Only the programs. The module switches the Voice Box between its presets via MIDI; it does not give MIDI access to the pedal's individual parameters.
Can I control it from a computer or DAW?
Yes. Microdesignum says the module can be controlled by a foot MIDI controller or from a computer by DAW software, and the momentary CC#21 mode is described as suitable for full control by a computer or any MIDI controller that can send CC commands.
Sources (3)
- EHX Voice Box with MIDI control, Microdesignum
- MIDI Control for Electro Harmonix Voice Box, Microdesignum
- MIDI control module for EHX Voice Box, Microdesignum.cz
