The MIDI Solutions F8 is an 8-input MIDI Footswitch Controller: a rack-mount unit that lets up to eight ordinary footswitches or contact closures send MIDI messages. Plug a plain 1/4-inch footswitch into any input, program what that switch should send, and the F8 turns your taps into notes, control changes, program changes or transport commands for the rest of your MIDI rig1.
It is programmed by sending it MIDI System Exclusive messages, its settings are retained even after power is removed, and it can be reprogrammed as often as needed1.
Power and connections
The F8 is MIDI-powered, and requires no batteries or power supply to operate with most MIDI products, according to MIDI Solutions1. Power arrives over the MIDI connection itself, so the unit sits in the rack without its own adapter. Its eight 1/4-inch phone jack inputs accept footswitches or contact closures1.
What each footswitch can send
Each of the eight inputs is programmed independently, and the F8 offers several event types1:
| Event type | What it sends |
|---|---|
| Note | Up to eight Note-On messages per depression with corresponding Note-Off messages on release; MIDI channel programmable to a single channel or all 16, with Note number and velocity programmable1 |
| Control Change | Up to eight Control Change messages when depressed, with a zero value sent when released1 |
| Program Change | A Program Change message of programmable number and MIDI channel when depressed; nothing is sent on release1 |
| Start/Stop | A MIDI Start message when depressed, with a MIDI Stop message sent when released1 |
For the Note and Control Change event types, duration times are programmable from 8 to 1016 ms in 8 ms increments, and from 1 to 127 s in 1 s increments1.
Programming and settings
Programming is done by sending the F8 MIDI System Exclusive messages. Settings are retained even after power is removed, and the unit can be reprogrammed as often as needed1. Two parameters shape how the inputs behave:
- Polarity: each footswitch input can be programmed to Automatic, Normally-open, or Normally-closed, so both common footswitch types work. The F8 can also be set to send out the state of its footswitches immediately on power-up rather than waiting for each to be depressed1.
- Toggle: programmable to ON or OFF per footswitch input. When Toggle is ON, the footswitch alternates between the release and depress operations with each tap of the footswitch1.
MIDI merging and echo
Triggered MIDI events are merged with incoming MIDI messages and sent to the MIDI output of the F81. A MIDI Echo parameter controls what passes through: when it is ON, all MIDI messages appearing at the MIDI In of the F8 are echoed to its MIDI Out, and when it is OFF they are filtered1. That makes the F8 usable in the middle of a MIDI chain rather than only at its end.
Questions
Does the MIDI Solutions F8 need a power supply?
No. The F8 is MIDI-powered, meaning it draws its operating power from the MIDI In connection, and MIDI Solutions states it requires no batteries or power supply to operate with most MIDI products. That makes it easy to place in a rack or pedalboard setup without adding another wall adapter, though it does depend on the connected MIDI gear supplying power over the MIDI line.
How many footswitches can connect to the F8?
Eight. The F8 provides eight 1/4-inch phone jack inputs, each of which accepts a footswitch or a contact closure. Each input is programmed independently, so one unit can cover a full set of switching duties, from sending notes and control changes to program changes and MIDI Start and Stop messages.
Can the F8 send program changes?
Yes. Any footswitch input can be programmed to send a Program Change message with a programmable Program Change number and MIDI channel when the footswitch is depressed. Nothing is sent on release, so a single tap changes programs on a connected MIDI device such as a rack processor or effects unit.
Does the F8 work with normally-closed footswitches?
Yes. The polarity of each footswitch input can be programmed to Automatic, Normally-open, or Normally-closed, so both common footswitch types work. The F8 can also be set to send out the state of its footswitches immediately on power-up rather than waiting for each switch to be depressed.
Can the F8 merge with other MIDI data?
Yes. Triggered MIDI events are merged with incoming MIDI messages and sent to the F8's MIDI output. A MIDI Echo parameter controls what passes through: when it is ON, all MIDI messages appearing at the MIDI In are echoed to the MIDI Out, and when it is OFF they are filtered.
Sources (1)
- MIDI Solutions F8; General Purpose Input to MIDI, MIDI Solutions Inc., 2026