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May 2011
SOFTSTEP CONTROLLER NOW FOOTLOOSE IN THE UK & EIRE WITH DAC
DACS makes new KMI SoftStep MIDI controller available in the UK
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| KMI’s SoftStep MIDI foot controller and optional MIDI Expander, now exclusively distributed by DACS in the UK and Ireland. High-resolution versions of these images are available by loading these links: http://tinyurl.com/6k4t5j7 | http://tinyurl.com/5wj8udf |
Gateshead, UK, April 2011: Renowned audio equipment manufacturer, acoustic consultant and hi-tech distributor DACS are now handling sales of the Keith McMillen Instruments (KMI) SoftStep MIDI Foot Controller in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. All retail sales and support enquiries regarding the product in the British Isles should be directed to DACS from May 2011 onwards.
Launched at Winter NAMM 2011, the SoftStep aims to bring hands-free MIDI control into the 21st century, targeting not only guitarists, but also keyboard players, DJs, and producers. It has won KMI a 'Company To Watch' award from MI retailer magazine Music Inc in their coverage of the show, as well as plaudits from reviewers at M and Electronic Musician magazines, KVRaudio.com and Gearwire.com in recent coverage.
A compact, lightweight but very durable carbon-fibre foot controller which fits neatly into a guitar or keyboard case, the USB-powerable SoftStep is just one inch thick at its tallest point and weighs just over a pound (half a kilo). Each of its ten illuminated assignable controller pads is capable of outputting up to six different types of MIDI information, depending on whether you move your foot (or finger) sideways or up/down across each pad, rotate it clockwise or anti-clockwise, apply pad pressure, or simply tap each one as a simple switch. Each pad can transmit MIDI note data, continuous controller (CC) information, pitch bend data, program and bank changes or even MIDI Machine Control or OSC (Open Sound Control) messages. Visual feedback comes from the coloured LEDs next to each pad, and a built-in four-character LED display.
Setup is simple via the included, easy-to-use graphical editor for PC or Mac, and bundled operating templates are included for use with Ableton Live, Amplitube, Guitar Rig, Logic, MainStage and Pro Tools, or hardware such as Avid's Eleven Rack and Line6's POD. An optional continuous footpedal can also be added to the pedalboard, providing another source of controller data if required.
The SoftStep connects to its host computer over USB, and also sends its MIDI information via this link, but it can be connected to an optional half-rack KMI MIDI Expander box to allow external MIDI hardware to be driven via five-pin cables, such as effects units, guitar processors or keyboards.
Guitarists, keyboard players and DJs alike can use the SoftStep to drive effects units, accompanying beats or loops, or the transport controls of their DAW, without having to remove their hands from their instruments or decks, and without generating the pedalboard clicks that can ruin live guitar recordings — the silicone pads are virtually silent. The SoftStep will even talk to virtual instruments running on Apple's iPad, triggering notes, modulation or effects.
Available from DACS in the UK from May, the SoftStep retails for £249 in the UK, with the optional MIDI expander unit costing £49 (prices include VAT). For more information, contact DACS on 0191 438 2500, via email at sales@dacs-audio.com, or see www.dacs-audio.com.
December 2009
DACS' Christmas Newsletter
Keep up to date with DACS' news, reviews, installs, features and product launches in our monthly newsletter. Read more.
November 2009
DACS' Headmaster reviewed by Sound on Sound
DACS CLARITY HEADMASTER
"As a D-A converter and headphone amp, the HeadMaster is simply in a class of its own at this price level — which, for me, makes it something of a bargain. I trust its deliverances on location, and I now intend to rely on it exclusively for headphone duties in my mastering room. Whereas other headphone amps have come and gone and not really been missed, the HeadMaster is here to stay." (Eric James, Sound on Sound review, November 2009)
