The Rocktron MIDI Raider is an 18-switch MIDI foot controller, a stand-alone unit that sends program changes and continuous control messages to MIDI-equipped rack gear and pedals. Rocktron describes it as having "long [been] the professional standard in MIDI Controllers," and says the line it belongs to has "been used on more pro tours than any other controllers"1. It is aimed at players whose sound lives in racks and MIDI-switchable effects rather than in a row of stompboxes.
Bank Mode: 120 presets, three layouts
Bank Mode holds 120 presets, and Rocktron gives you three ways to arrange them across the 18 switches1:
| Configuration | Banks | Presets per bank | Instant switches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | 24 | 5 | 10 (effect on/off) |
| Option 2 | 12 | 10 | 5 (effect on/off) |
| Option 3 | 8 | 15 | none set up |
The instant switches are the ones that turn individual effects on and off without changing the preset, and each one can be set up globally or per preset1. If you would rather have the whole board as instant access, all 15 access switches can be set to "instant," which Rocktron describes as "operating as a huge instant access 'pedal board'"1.
Song Mode and Remote Mode
Song Mode allows up to 150 songs to be stored with 15 presets per song, so a setlist can be laid out song by song instead of bank by bank1.
Remote Mode is for Rocktron's own remote-compatible rack units: it "automatically programs the footswitch to match Rocktron remote-compatible units," with titles and individual switch functions programming automatically and continuously updating on both the rack unit and the foot controller1. In other words, plug it into a compatible Rocktron rack unit and the labeling and switch assignments set themselves up.
Connections and power
The MIDI Raider has two expression pedal ports for real time MIDI control2. Its MIDI Out is a seven-pin jack that allows phantom powering from your rack, so with a seven-pin cable the controller can take its power from the rack side of the link1. Where phantom power is not in play, the stated power requirement is 9VAC/1500mA1. Note that this is AC, not the 9V DC center-negative supply most pedalboards use, so a standard daisy-chain pedal supply will not run it.
The power requirement is 9VAC/1500mA1. That is alternating current at a fairly high current draw, which rules out typical 9V DC pedal power supplies and battery power.
Display, build and on-stage visibility
The front panel carries a large 16-character fluorescent display for custom titles, programming and clear visibility on any stage12. All 18 switches are metal, described by Rocktron as giving "positive tactile feel and long life"1. Every switch has an LED indicator that lights at all times as an on/off status indicator, plus a dimly lit preset number on all 18 switches, so a stage blackout will not leave you unable to see the board1.
Where it came from
Rocktron states that the MIDI Raider "has evolved from the 'All Access' units and the earlier Rocktron/Bradshaw systems"1, placing it in the lineage of the Rocktron All Access. Rocktron's MIDI line also includes smaller controllers such as the Rocktron MIDI Mate and the Rocktron MIDI Xchange, and loop switchers such as the PatchMate Loop 8 Floor2.
For deeper setup detail, Rocktron directs players to the instruction manual in the SUPPORT section of its website1.
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Questions
How many presets does the Rocktron MIDI Raider hold?
The Bank Mode has 120 presets. Rocktron lets you divide them three ways: 24 banks of 5 presets with 10 instant switches for effect on/off, 12 banks of 10 presets with 5 instant switches, or 8 banks of 15 presets with no instant switches set up. You can also set all 15 access switches to instant, turning the unit into a large instant access pedalboard.
What are the instant switches on the MIDI Raider?
Instant switches send effect on/off commands independently of the preset you are on. Depending on the bank configuration you choose, you get 10, 5 or none per bank, and each instant switch can be set up globally or per preset. All 15 access switches can also be set to instant, operating as a huge instant access pedalboard.
What does the seven-pin MIDI Out do?
The seven-pin MIDI Out jack allows phantom powering from your rack. With a seven-pin MIDI cable and a compatible rack unit, the controller draws its power down the MIDI cable, so you do not need to run a separate power supply to the foot controller on stage.
How many songs can the MIDI Raider store?
Song Mode allows up to 150 songs to be stored, with 15 presets per song. That is aimed at players who work from a setlist and want each song's preset changes laid out in performance order rather than jumping between banks.
Where can I find the MIDI Raider manual?
Rocktron points players to the instruction manual in the SUPPORT section of its website for more in-depth information on the MIDI Raider.
Sources (2)
- Rocktron, Rocktron, 2024-08-28
- MIDI Raider Foot Controller, Rocktron, 2024-08-28
