The Source Audio Soleman MIDI Foot Controller is a pedal-format MIDI foot controller: a floor unit that sends MIDI commands to effects pedals, rack units and computer software, so a player can change presets and control parameters without reaching down or touching a mouse. Source Audio released it at a street price of $2491.
It connects to the rest of a rig through two 5-pin MIDI DIN outputs, which allow it to interface with any effects pedal or rack unit that adheres to the MIDI standard, and through a USB-MIDI interface for direct control of MIDI-compatible software such as DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), virtual instruments, synths, or VST plugins1. It is part of a wider family of MIDI control gear covered on the site's MIDI Pedals page.
Controls and connections
The Soleman's four footswitches scroll through scenes, launch individual MIDI messages, step through set lists, or trigger other commands, depending on how the player sets it up1. Around them, the panel carries:
- Four programmable footswitches
- A tap tempo switch
- An expression input for a passive expression pedal
- Two 5-pin MIDI DIN outputs
- A USB-MIDI interface
- A high-contrast LCD display with preset naming capabilities
The expression input accepts a passive expression pedal and generates MIDI continuous controller (CC) messages, so a standard expression pedal can sweep any MIDI-mapped parameter on connected gear1.
The display
The Soleman's high-contrast LCD is visible in light conditions ranging from a dark stage to direct sunlight, and it supports preset naming, so a player can label presets with their own names rather than numbers1.
Scene, Set List and Panel modes
The Soleman's three control modes are Scene Mode, Set List Mode, and Panel Mode1. They change what the four footswitches do:
- Scene Mode: the footswitches scroll through scenes
- Set List Mode: the footswitches step through set lists
- Panel Mode: the footswitches launch individual MIDI messages
For a player, the modes are the difference between a controller that sends one command per switch and one that organizes a whole rig's presets by song. The same four switches can page through a night's set list in one mode and fire individual program changes or CC messages in another1.
Where it sits in Source Audio's range
Source Audio makes MIDI-capable effects pedals that a controller like the Soleman can drive, including the Ventris reverb, the Nemesis-family Vertigo and the EQ2 Programmable Equalizer, along with the Neuro Hub and MIDI Adapter for connecting pedals into a MIDI setup1.
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Questions
Does the Source Audio Soleman connect to a computer over USB?
Yes. The Soleman has a USB-MIDI interface for direct control of MIDI-compatible software such as DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), virtual instruments, synths, or VST plugins. That means it can sit at your feet as a controller for computer-based rigs as well as for hardware pedals and rack units.
Can the Soleman use an expression pedal?
Yes. The Soleman's expression input accepts a passive expression pedal and generates MIDI continuous controller (CC) messages. In practice that lets you sweep any MIDI-mapped parameter, such as a delay's mix or a synth's filter, with your foot.
How many MIDI outputs does the Soleman have?
The Soleman has two 5-pin MIDI DIN outputs, which allow it to interface with any effects pedal or rack unit that adheres to the MIDI standard. It also has a USB-MIDI interface alongside those two physical MIDI outputs.
Does the Soleman have tap tempo?
Yes. The Soleman includes a dedicated tap tempo switch, alongside its expression input and its high-contrast LCD display with preset naming capabilities.
Sources (1)
- Source Audio Releases the Soleman MIDI Foot Controller, Premier Guitar, 2016-09-07
