Breath Controller

The MIDI Solutions Breath Controller accepts the BC3A as input and generates continuous MIDI data corresponding to the amount of breath pressure applied to it. The Breath Controller will also accept input from older Yamaha BC1 and BC2 units. It converts the voltage from the Yamaha BC3A Breath Controller to continuous MIDI data and can be inserted inline anywhere in the MIDI data stream. You can also use it between a MIDI keyboard and a sound module to add control of various parameters such as volume, modulation, aftertouch, etc. (the message type is programmable to most types of MIDI messages).

Just like a pedal controller, you can set up the Breath Controller to control a specific System Exclusive parameter. This enables you to control synth parameters that cannot be controlled by MIDI controller messages. The Breath Controller allows you to send a System Exclusive message with a single variable byte, determined by the amount of breath pressure applied to the unit. These messages can be sent to synths that allow certain parameters to be controlled via sysex only, enabling you to experiment with sounds in ways that were not previously possible.

It has a MIDI Echo parameter you can select as on/off. When MIDI Echo is on, all MIDI messages appearing at the MIDI In of the Breath Controller are echoed to its MIDI Out. When MIDI Echo is off, messages appearing at the MIDI In of the Breath Controller are filtered, and not echoed to its MIDI Out.

Another unique feature of the Breath Controller is the ability to add a variable amount of curvature to the response of the applied pressure of the BC3A. This allows you to correct for a nonlinear response, or to add greater response at one end of the breath range compared to the other.

The Breath Controller is programmed by sending it MIDI System Exclusive messages. Once programmed, its settings are retained even after power is removed. The Breath Controller can be reprogrammed with new settings as often as needed.

The Breath Controller is MIDI-powered, and requires no batteries or power supply to operate with most products. A MIDI indicator LED lights up when the product is powered and flashes when MIDI data passes through it.