The PaintAudio MIDI Captain ONE Controller with HID Multi-state Cycling is a MIDI controller built around a single programmable footswitch. Each press can send one MIDI command or several at once, and a MODE switch selects between four predefined configurations, giving the one switch four completely different sets of button functions1. PaintAudio describes the enclosure as a "sturdy metal body and Foot Switch design" for durability1.
What the single switch does
The ONE is the one-switch member of PaintAudio's MIDI Captain family, which also includes the two-switch MIDI Captain DUO and the MIDI Captain NANO 42. What the single footswitch offers:
- Each press can send single or multiple MIDI commands1
- The controller can mix multiple MIDI channels and different types of MIDI commands, including PC, CC and NOTE commands, so one stomp can trigger several kinds of message at the same time1
- A MODE switch selects between predefined configurations for four completely different button functions, so the same footswitch can serve different roles depending on which mode is active1
Power and connections
Power comes from either a USB cable or a standard pedal power adapter, so the ONE can sit on a pedalboard fed from a shared supply or run straight from a computer connection1. USB is also the MIDI path: the controller has USB-MIDI functionality, which PaintAudio says enables control of DAW software, synthesizers, and effects software on a computer1.
The expression pedal input is only compatible with expression pedals that have a Ring output. PaintAudio notes that Tip-output pedals such as the Fractal EV1, Boss EXP and Hotone EXP may have compatibility issues3.
That Ring-output requirement matters before connecting an expression pedal: a Tip-output pedal will not work as expected, so the pedal's wiring needs checking against the controller's requirement1.
Firmware updates and versions
The current firmware listed for the ONE is version 1.21 (V3.5)1. PaintAudio says this version adds support for the Kemper Player KPP and solved the issue of USB-MIDI latency1. An earlier update also matters for Line 6 users: after updating to FW3.04, Preset 1 is changed to "HXST," which PaintAudio says is used to adapt to Line 6's HX Stomp1. The MIDI Captain DUO carries the same 1.21 (V3.5) firmware version2.
Black STD versus blue and gold Pro versions
PaintAudio sells the MIDI Captain range in a black STD finish and in blue and gold. The blue and gold versions only differ in color and are considered the Pro versions, although PaintAudio says there are no specific markings to that effect3. The versions compare like this:
| Version | Wireless module | MIDI MATE wireless control | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black STD | Not built in | Cannot be combined | Spray-coated black3 |
| Blue (Pro) | Built in | Can be combined | Blue13 |
| Gold (Pro) | Built in | Can be combined | Gold13 |
The main and only functional difference, according to PaintAudio, is that the black STD version does not have the built-in wireless module and cannot be combined with the MIDI MATE for wireless control1. On the DUO, PaintAudio adds that the versions are otherwise the same in all other aspects and that the black STD version is slightly cheaper2. The MIDI Captain Foot Controller (BLUE) page carries the same version distinctions, including the black STD version's spray-coated surface3.
