Rocktron MIDI Mate

The Rocktron MIDI Mate is a footswitchable MIDI controller: a floor unit that sends MIDI commands from under your foot to any MIDI-equipped receiver, such as a rack preamp or effects unit. Rocktron's manual calls it "a MIDI transmitter, capable of changing parameters on MIDI receivers," and it is classified as a switcher with a digital circuit¹². For a player running MIDI-controlled rack gear, it replaces reaching over to a rack unit mid-song with ten numbered footswitches and a readout you can follow on stage.

What it does to your rig

The MIDI Mate sends three different kinds of MIDI commands on a specified MIDI channel to any MIDI device¹. In practice that means one floor unit can drive a whole rig: it operates on a total of 12 MIDI channels at the same time, made up of 6 patch change channels, 5 on/off controller channels, and 1 continuous controller channel¹. Patch changes recall presets on your receivers; the on/off channels turn effects or functions on and off; the continuous controller channel handles sweeping changes. Rocktron also describes the unit as "controlling one realtime parameter via a volume pedal," so a volume pedal can be put to work on a single realtime parameter of the receiving device⁴.

For display, a large seven character LED screen shows song titles while preset LEDs show which preset is recalled³. On a dark stage, that combination tells you both what is loaded and what you just stepped on.

The three modes

Rocktron's MIDI Mate has three modes of operation³, and the mode you pick changes what the ten numbered buttons do:

Bank Mode suits a set list organized in banks of ten, where one tap moves within the bank and a second action changes banks. Instant Mode is the fast route when you need a specific preset number in a hurry. Controller Mode splits the board: the bottom row still recalls presets while the top row becomes five programmable on/off switches, which is how most players combine preset changes with toggling individual effects¹⁴.

Power and memory

The unit accepts power from the 9VAC/1500mA adaptor supplied with it¹. Note that this is AC, not the 9V DC center-negative supply most pedalboards are wired for, so a standard daisy-chain brick will not run it. The alternative is phantom power over MIDI: the power cord may be plugged into a special MIDI "Y" cord (Rocktron Part# 006-1097) to power the MIDI Mate through pins 6 and 7 of the MIDI OUT jack, and the manual lists phantom power supply as a feature¹. That arrangement lets a single MIDI cable run from the rack to the floor, carrying both data and power.

Memory is handled by EEPROMs, which Rocktron says means presets will never be lost⁴. The MIDI implementation chart shows the basic default channel is 1 to 16, a changed channel setting may be saved, and changed settings are held in non-volatile memory¹. Unplugging the unit between gigs does not wipe your programming.

The manual specifies an operating range of 32F to 104F (0C to 40C)¹, and warns that attempting to service the equipment or tampering with internal components may void warranty service¹.

Where it sits in Rocktron's line

Rocktron has built several MIDI foot controllers, and the MIDI Mate is the compact end of that family. The company later presented the Rocktron MIDI Raider as the newest in its line of MIDI foot controllers⁵, and the larger Rocktron All Access sits above the Mate in the range. For loop switching rather than MIDI control, Rocktron's PatchMate Loop 8 Floor covers a different job. If you are new to the category, the MIDI pedals page lays out how controllers and switchers differ.

One documented player: Rocktron's own news notes reported in September 1996 that Brian Setzer "has recently done some touring and performing live on radio stations using the VooDu Valve and the Rocktron MIDI M[ate]"⁶.

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