The PIRATE MIDI Exp Mate is a dual expression controller: two independent expression control knobs in a compact, sloped enclosure, made to set expression values by hand rather than by rocking a treadle. Each knob has its own 6.35mm (1/4") TRS expression output, so one Exp Mate can drive two expression destinations at once, such as two pedals on a board or a pair of parameters in a MIDI rig. It sits alongside PIRATE MIDI's other controllers like the Aero, BRIDGE4 and Polar.1
Controls and outputs
The Exp Mate carries two knobs, each with its own output, plus a third jack that only works within the PIRATE MIDI ecosystem1:
| Jack | Function |
|---|---|
| Expression output 1 | 6.35mm (1/4") TRS expression output for knob 1 |
| Expression output 2 | 6.35mm (1/4") TRS expression output for knob 2 |
| Flexi output | 6.35mm (1/4") TRS, for PIRATE MIDI Flexiports only |
The knobs are custom aluminum units, and PIRATE MIDI says they "give a unique flavour to your pedalboard or desktop MIDI rig".1
The Flexi output and Flexiport mode
The third jack is where the Exp Mate differs from a plain dual expression pedal. PIRATE MIDI explains that you "use the 'Flexi' jack and power the 9V DC jack to allow both knobs to be used with a single TRS cable and a PIRATE MIDI" device running the "Exp Dual In" Flexiport mode.1 In practice, that means one cable to a compatible PIRATE MIDI device carries both knobs' values, instead of two separate expression cables. Flexiports also appear on the maker's other units, such as the BRIDGE6, Nexus and uloop.
The Flexi output works only with PIRATE MIDI devices in Flexiport mode, and only when the Exp Mate is powered. It is not a general-purpose third expression output.1
Power
The Exp Mate runs on 9V DC at 50mA. That power is not always needed: PIRATE MIDI notes that "9V DC power is only needed for the PIRATE MIDI Flexiport mode. Otherwise, Exp Mate acts exactly like a regular pas[sive expression pedal]".1 Unpowered, it behaves as a passive expression pedal, so it can be used with any device that takes a standard TRS expression connection without a supply at all. There is no battery option; power comes from the 9V DC jack only.
Size and finish
The enclosure measures 103mm x 38mm x 60mm and weighs 315 grams, with a sloped profile and an anodised finish. PIRATE MIDI says "the stylish anodised enclosure fits with just about any aesthetic".1
Questions
Does the PIRATE MIDI Exp Mate work without power?
Yes. According to PIRATE MIDI, 9V DC power is only needed for the Flexiport mode. Without power, the Exp Mate acts exactly like a regular passive expression pedal, so you can plug it into any device that accepts a standard TRS expression connection and use the knobs as normal.
What is a Flexiport on a PIRATE MIDI device?
A Flexiport is a multi-function jack on PIRATE MIDI devices that can be configured for different jobs. On the Exp Mate, the Flexi output connects to a PIRATE MIDI device running the Exp Dual In Flexiport mode, which lets both of the Exp Mate's knobs work over a single TRS cable when the Exp Mate is powered.
Does the Exp Mate need a battery?
No. The Exp Mate has no battery. It runs from a 9V DC power supply at 50mA, and that power is only required when using the Flexi output with a PIRATE MIDI device. In all other uses it works as a passive expression pedal with no power connected.
How many expression outputs does the Exp Mate have?
It has three 6.35mm (1/4 inch) TRS jacks: two independent expression outputs, one for each knob, plus a third Flexi output that works only with PIRATE MIDI Flexiports. With the Flexi jack and 9V DC power, both knobs can run over a single TRS cable.
How big is the PIRATE MIDI Exp Mate?
PIRATE MIDI lists the Exp Mate at 103mm x 38mm x 60mm and 315 grams. The compact, sloped enclosure has an anodised finish, and the maker says it fits with just about any aesthetic on a pedalboard or desktop MIDI rig.
Sources (1)
- Exp Mate // Dual Expression Knobs, PIRATE MIDI
