The Microdesignum MIDI Expressione 1F1A is a MIDI expression pedal with a switch under the toe of the pedal, built by the Czech maker Microdesignum1. It combines two functions in one unit: it converts the position of the pedal into MIDI Control Change messages, and it converts a press of the pedal's toe into a separate MIDI command2. The point of combining them is simple for anyone who has wrestled with a wah on a multi-effects unit: you sweep the pedal for the wah sound and press the toe to switch the effect on and off, all over one MIDI connection2.
The 1F1A is one variant in a small family of Expressione pedals and modules. It is based on Microdesignum's Sardonyx 20 Direttore MIDI module, while the switch-only 1F variant uses the smaller Sardonyx 8 Mikron module2.
Pedal position and toe switch as MIDI
The built-in MIDI module sends Control Change messages that track two things: the position of the pedal, from 0 to 127, and the state of the toe switch, reported as 0 or 1271. In use, you press the toe of the pedal at the start of a wah passage, which sends a command that turns the effect on in the multi-effects unit, sweep the pedal through the passage, and press the toe again to turn it off. An indicator LED shows the switch state2.
Microdesignum says the pedal "greatly simplifies the operation of wah-wah in multi-effects, including turning on and off by pressing the toe of the pedal"1.
The module also carries a calibration switch, which sets the pedal's mechanical range to the full MIDI range of 0 to 127, so a pedal that does not sweep its full travel can still send the complete range of values1. The MIDI channel and CC numbers can be reassigned through Microdesignum's MIDIConfig web application3.
Inputs and MIDI connections
The pedal has one analog input and two MIDI connections: one MIDI IN and one MIDI OUT for connecting to the effect12. On the 1F1A and 1A versions, MIDI IN accepts incoming MIDI, and the unit merges what arrives there with its own pedal messages (see below). On the 1F version, MIDI IN is used only for configuration messages2.
The built-in pedal version, as opposed to the standalone module, has two identical power connectors: one serves as the power input and the other passes the same supply voltage on to further effects in the chain2.
The 1A, 1F and 1A1F versions
The Expressione line covers three configurations, each also sold as a bare module for building into your own expression pedal234.
| Version | What it converts | Analog inputs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1A | Pedal position to Control Change | 152 | Also works as a MIDI merger2 |
| 1F | Toe switch only, on/off command | 06 | MIDI IN for configuration only2 |
| 1A1F | Both pedal position and toe switch | 11 | The version on this page |
The 1F exists because of a specific gap: multi-effects units such as the Line 6 M13 have no input for an external switch under the expression pedal, so a player cannot switch the wah on and off from the pedal itself. The 1F's toe switch sends that on/off command over MIDI instead2. The 1F pedal and its module are described by Microdesignum as an expression pedal with a built-in miniature MIDI controller and a microswitch under the toe6.
Does it work as a MIDI merger?
The 1A and 1F1A versions do. Microdesignum states that, unlike the earlier 1F variant, they function as a MIDI merger: they safely forward MIDI messages arriving at MIDI IN, merged with the messages generated by the pedal's own potentiometer converter2. This means other MIDI gear upstream can pass through the pedal on its way to the multi-effects unit without a separate merger box.
Availability and the module version
The complete 1F1A pedal, with the MIDI controller built in, is listed as available for order within about 10 days12. The standalone 1A1F module, a programmed MIDI module with connectors, tested and fully functional, is currently listed as temporarily unavailable3. The same module family is also offered as a build-in service: Microdesignum installs the module into a customer's own expression pedal, which is the configuration the 4 200,00 Kč price covers2.
The standalone 1A1F module is temporarily unavailable from Microdesignum's shop. The complete pedal, built with the controller installed, remains available for order within about 10 days13.
Questions
What is the difference between the 1A, 1F and 1A1F versions?
The 1A converts only the pedal's position to MIDI Control Change and also works as a MIDI merger, forwarding messages arriving at its MIDI IN. The 1F handles only the toe switch, sending an on/off MIDI command when you press the pedal tip. The 1A1F combines both functions in one pedal, converting pedal position and toe-switch state to MIDI.
Does the Expressione work as a MIDI merger?
The 1A version does. Microdesignum says it safely forwards MIDI messages from its MIDI IN merged with the messages generated by the pedal's potentiometer converter. On the 1F version, the MIDI IN is used only for configuration messages, not for merging.
Which pedal is the 1F module designed for?
The 1F module is aimed at guitar multi-effects such as the Line 6 M13, which has no input for an external switch under the expression pedal. Pressing the toe of the pedal sends a MIDI command that turns the effect, such as a wah, on and off.
Is the Expressione 1A1F module currently available?
No. Microdesignum lists the standalone 1A1F module as temporarily unavailable. The complete 1A1F pedal, built with the MIDI controller installed, is listed as available for order within about 10 days.
Sources (6)
- MIDI expression pedal with a toe switch, Microdesignum
- MIDI expression pedály, Microdesignum (www.microdesignum.cz)
- MIDI module for conversion of expression pedal to MIDI with toe button, Microdesignum
- MIDI expression pedál s nožním tlačítkem pod špičkou pedálu, Microdesignum (microdesignum.cz)
- MIDI modul pro převod expression pedálu, Microdesignum
- Expression pedal with a toe switch to MIDI, Microdesignum.cz
