Does anyone have experience or a recommendation for a footswitch to use with with Ribbons? I currently have Ribbons on my desktop but would like to use the cv/exp jack to have a footswitch on the floor to record loops. Is this possible? thanks for any help in advance!
A Moog expression pedal can be used to do this although it’s more of a rocking action than a switch. You can DIY a footswitch version of your own for ~$10. I can provide instructions for that if you’d like. All you need is a switch, a box, and a trs jack.
Keep in mind that using the CV/EXP jack to control the Touch footswitch has some limitations. It doesn’t detect gestures like momentary tap-to-latch or double-tap-to-clear. When using it, you’re limited to simply turning the Touch footswitch on or off.
For example, if you’re controlling the looper, you can hold the switch down to start recording and release it to stop. However, to clear a four-track loop, you’ll still need to press the push button and tap the Touch footswitch on the pedal itself. That said, this limitation might not be a big deal since the control is easily accessible at your fingertips. 
1 Like
That was extremely helpful thank you so much!!!
It’s good to know the limitations using the cv/exp jack, that definitely sheds some light.
Although I’m not sure if i’ll go the route of making the switch since I have no experience doing so, but maybe one day!
I’ll give the Moog exp pedal a shot and see how that goes.
Thanks again!
1 Like
Sure thing! Moog makes a great expression pedal but it’s a bit spendy. Just about any expression pedal will do. Feel free to check in if you find another option that’s more budget friendly.
2 Likes
You know what, I take that back. I think I’ll try and build it! Do you think it would be too difficult to tackle? My soldering experience is limited to making guitar cables.
1 Like
Thanks for posting this question, as I was just about to post a similar question.
Seeing there are some limitations with CV, I wonder if a MIDI foot controller would work out better for this?.
I stumbled across a MIDI foot controller called Ampero Control Midi CC foot controller. It has a physical MIDI in and Thru port. Midi Foot Controller link
Could I go out from my midi interface, into controller, then midi through from controller to midi in on Ribbons.
Also for op the same company has a simple cv switch at a cheap price.
2 Likes
Ok so I’ve got the 3 items in my cart. Is that all I need? At home i’ve got a soldering iron and some solder and a drill with various bits.
Thanks again in advance!!
I don’t think you would even need your MIDI interface. You might be able to just plug the MIDI out / thru of this device straight into Ribbons with one of our TRS adapters.
1 Like
If you proceed with DIYing - I haven’t tried this myself using the exact parts I suggested so please don’t consider it an official build kit from us or anything. In theory it should work though and I’ve made a little mock up at my desk that does what I expect.
You’ll also need some wire - 24 AWG stranded wire is good for this sort of thing.
The switch from Love My Switches is DPDT (aka 2 switches in one) but you can just use 1 of 2 for the SPDT switch in the diagram.
This is how you would wire it:
There are some other subtle nuances with wiring the switch (e.g. which contacts need to be wired to the ring and sleeve) and I can follow up with more detail soon.
3 Likes
Thanks Jaak for taking the time to reply. You’re correct. My initial thought was if I went out from my Midi interface, it would allow clock to sync when recording in ableton.
The idea of using a MIDI foot switch would really open the box of being able to play / loop without needing to use my hands for controls.
Thanks for always going above and beyond. Not only are your pedals amazing, but the community, and effort you put in to answer questions/ feedback is amazing!
2 Likes
Thank you so much Jaak. This is amazing. I’ll definitely be diving into this soon.
Just been dealing with all the madness happening in LA so this will have to be put on hold for a little while.
But once I’m all settled I’m gonna give this a proper shot!
2 Likes