Comments about Keith McMillen Instruments 12 Step Chromatic Keyboard Foot Controller:

I use Samplitude Pro DAW, which has endless MIDI options (12-Step wouldn't work). Also, I recently bought a used M-Audio controller, which worked 'plug and play' - After a few minutes I was controlling my DAW and playing synths. I really wanted to buy American too, but this Foot Controller, is extremely difficult to get working and other issues like changing presets, it's so inpractible, Also, the Software 'Editor' is poorly designed and can't even change presets thru that. It's not my computer, since all my other MIDI devices work flawlessly. I've been doing complex MIDI stuff for over 15 years, and build guitar amps, so I'm a 'tech' sort, for building and fixing things. This product should be in 'pre-beta' stage of development and removed from the market in my opinion untill they get the 'bugs' out of it. If I sound upset, Yes I am, after wasting over 40 hours to no avail. Very sorry Keith (McMillen) for the harsh words, but this item is not ready to be sold yet, you need to work out lots of incompatibility issues as well as improving 'patch' changes. I could go on about other problems. I'm debating doing a Pete Townshend smash-up, or return it to Mucisian's Friend. I've only given a poor rating on one other review (The Slash Cry Baby).

Sorry again Keith, it's a great idea, it's well built - just not ready for the stores.

Comments about Keith McMillen Instruments 12 Step Chromatic Keyboard Foot Controller:

Summing it all up

Love it, use it, highly recommend it.
This pedal Is incredibly easy to setup (just plug and play), come with dozens of very nice/useful presets, and, in a compact design, covers and expands upon pretty much everything one could possibly imagine for it's intended use.

The Software Is fine and fairly easy to use, with several helpful tutorial videos on the company's website.

In short. a VERY powerful pedal.

I'd have to say that despite the efficiency and portability of it's compact size, I'd love to see a version with a two - three octave range!
Being that this product was designed to be repeatedly stepped on, one would hope that it would be sufficiently rugged, and it is!

This thing can take a hit!

The buttons are spaced at a nice proportion that keeps things compact, yet still allows for ease of play and efficiency.

This thing has been through quite a few shows with me already, and there is very little to NO sign of wear and tear.

Buttons feel great when stepped on and pitchbend/aftertouch is perfectly responsive (And adjustible to your liking in the software).

A Solidly build thing!
Now this pedal may cost a bit more then other some similar things out there, but to be honest it has a pretty unique place in the world of gear.

There really Isn't another alternative for a COMPACT, MIDI, foot controller pedal, setup like a proper keyboard out there (Unless you get into the considerably more expensive realm of midi bass pedals)

The closest competitor seems to be the FCP1010 by Behringer (Whose dubious reputation preceends them)

Basically I'm saying you get what you pay for, which is A huge amount in a tiny package.

Comments about Keith McMillen Instruments 12 Step Chromatic Keyboard Foot Controller:

The 12 step is a very advanced MIDI controller and should not be taken lightly. I see that it can be confusing and intimidating for novice users of MIDI. Like anything deep and advanced, it will take some time to get used to and some functions may be over your head, but anything worth waiting for takes time. Its a one of a kind small,
The ability to completely control what messages the device sends out is where it really shines. The 12 step is also surprisingly responsive and sensitive to your input. Each key can send accurate pitch bend and aftertouch data, which can be very expressive.

Also the ability to store presets and work without a computer is a huge "step" in the right direction.
This thing is built like a tank! If someone broke into my house, I would feel comfortable knowing my 12 step is right there and strong enough to bash someone over the head with! I have become very confident stepping all over this thing and it takes it like a champ.

The body is made of carbon fiber, which I'm pretty sure is one of the strongest elements in the known universe, so that helps. I bet that if you ran it over with a car, it would still work!
Considering all the functionality of the 12 step, if feel its definitely worth the price. There are few MIDI foot controllers on the market anyway, let alone something this advanced and portable.

Its small, lightweight, durable, expressive, and extremely customisable, 'nuff said.

Comments about Keith McMillen Instruments 12 Step Chromatic Keyboard Foot Controller:

Overall, I'd highly recommend the 12 Step to anyone looking to get more physicality and expression into their music When I first started using the product I thought to myself, "why haven't I been using my feet more all along?" This product also helps me compose. I simply set up all the chords I want to use for the entire key I'm playing in and can explore different progressions quickly. That to me makes it worth the money!
The 12 Step's main strengths lie in the ability to program up to 5 notes to each button, and the fact that each button, or pad, is has tilt as well (great for pitch bends). You can switch easily between all the different chord presets and octaves as well.
The build quality is fantastic. This thing has been all over the country with me and shows no signs of wear. Carbon fiber makes this thing damn near indestructible!
At less than 3 hundred bucks this is a great value. Especially for someone who wants to expand what is possible during a performance. A keyboard player will really get a lot out of being able to play chords with his feet while laying down melodies with his hands. Also super helpful for people looking to trigger clips in Ableton live.

Comments about Keith McMillen Instruments 12 Step Chromatic Keyboard Foot Controller:

I'm writing this review after looking for something more portable than the Moog Taurus that I used to play way back when. The 12 step delivers a ton of expressive capabilities and comes loaded with presets that make it fun out of the box. I love getting lazy and switching it to pentatonic and jamming away. The best is getting is throwing it in my backpack with my Ipad and use it to control the AniMoog app. Good stuff!
~ Mike.
The 12 Step comes loaded with presets and a ton of scales and chords. I really enjoy having the octave switching and pitchbending be so accessible.
Great build, been using it for a couple months and not a problem... and I'm a stomper
I like the size, I like the price!