I’m making this request in the knowledge that it is probably completetly unrealistic – but I thought I’d share it nonetheless.
I have a Ribbons and I absolutely love it and use it all the time.
However, I am normally a knob-per-function kind of person who prefers to use gear that doesn’t have ‘layers’ with different fucntions, etc.
One of the reasons for this preference is that I like to be able to tweak each and every function whenever I want during a live performance without having to switch menus. For example, when using Ribbons, I’d love to be able to adjust the high pass filter at the same time as adjusting the wow depth – but I can’t because they are on different layers. And of course, this is the case for all the various other functions on the various layers – I’d like to be able to tweak any of them simultanously during a performance.
And so I guess there are various solutions…
Kinotone design a larger sized, knob-per-function version of Ribbons on which all of the layers are presented together on the front panel.
Kinotone release each of the layers as seperate mini pedals.
I buy four Ribbons and use one for each layer.
As I say, this is obviously a slightly tongue-in-cheek post…but I love Ribbons (and now Ghosts, too!) so much that I couldn’t help sharing this morning’s daydream with you.
Just curious: are you using the Ingrid 16x16 potentiometer grid controller, and if so, is it the one with linear potentiometers or the version with center detent potentiometers?
I have the one with four buttons, four sliders, and four knobs. I have a page set for blooper and a page for ribbons looper controls. If you wanted one specifically to control the four pages of controls on Ribbons the the 16 knob model does seem like a good fit. I think mine are center detent
I kind of know what you mean, but are you sincerely asking for the Kinotone guys to create a new Ribbons pedal that is 4 times the size (and who knows how many times the cost) rather than add a single, relatively cheap, controller to your setup?
I’m still back and forth about the best controller to go for - I got it all running with my beatstep pro but it kind of clashed with my workflow. I hadn’t looked in to the Intech Grids yet - but as long as it can go directly to the Ribbons (not needing to go USB via a laptop) that might be the way.
No, I’m not asking them to do that - or to do anything at all.
I was just daydreaming about my set up and started envisaging a knob-per-function version of Ribbons.
But as I said in my original post, it is probably a completely unrealistic prospect (in terms of costs and demand, etc) - which is why I said my post was rather tongue-in-cheek.
Nonetheless, I thought I’d share it as an amusing idea or possibly the start of a conversation around this sort of thing.
In regards to the realistic solutions to this, as already mentioned, I think it is either multiple Ribbons or a midi control surface. Budget is obviously a factor for each individual - but multiple Ribbons is more appealing to me.
I’m 100% with you. Ribbons is great - I love everything it does - but the UI slows me down. If everything was on a knob it would be a joy. Imagine not only having all 16 knobs available at once but a rotary knob to choose touch mode, and switching to looper mode and having all 4 loopers’ knobs available at once.
I’m intriged by the Intech grids, though I’d probably go with encoders as long as they can take the knobs from their current position without a jump. I like the looks of the OXI E16, though it’s preorder and pretty pricey. Also the DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Twister.
Honestly, Ribbons is one of my favourite pedals of all time – it’s incredible. But for those of us that like to manually adjust multiple functions simultaneously, the layers can be tricky (even though the layers are designed very well!).
And the same is true of Ghosts, I’d like to adjust Grain Trigger Rate and Chord at the same time, for example.
And Sparks, too.
Whilst I’m not instinctively a midi controller user, I have to say that the Fighter Twister appeals to me more than most. I’m sensitive to aesthetics, tactile qualities, etc – and the customisable, coloured knobs look great.
And whilst I’m also not a fan of menus / screen, that little screen on the OXI E16 would be super helpful for keeping track of that the functions that have been assigned.
Maaaaybe I’ll come around to one of these things in the end.
Or maybe I’ll just have to buy two or three Ribbons and a couple of Ghosts…and maybe a couple of Sparks.
The extensive MIDI support and the ability to assing expression to several parameters at a time is to me what really makes Kinotone pedals so powerful despite the compact size.
Buying two or three Ribbons may not do the trick, as those will be separate pedals, and you still won’t be able to tweak a knob on pedal one and affect the sound you created on pedal two, as in many cases those tweaks will have to be applied before the sound leaves one pedal and ends up on the other one.
Indeed, running multiple Ribbons would come with its own limitations. But then, a midi controller would also come with particularities which each user may or may not find agreeable.
A midi controller is certainly the sensible and obvious option…IF the user feels inspired and productive when using it.
This is also true (about peculiarities of MIDI), and you’re right, individual preferences is what matters in the end.
For instance, when I am using Ribbons with the guitar, it’s sitting down on my pedalboard, and whatever I want to control in it - I need to do it with my feet, not my hands. So in my particular case, no matter how many knobs are there on the Ribbons - it won’t work, that’s why I am so happy Kinotone offered such an extensive MIDI suite of controls, that I can program onto one or two MIDI-assignable expression pedals and have full real-time control over any parameter inside Ribbons with my feet.
But don’t get me wrong - buying 2 or 3 Ribbons, a couple of Ghosts and a couple of Sparks is an equally great option, I am sure Jaak will totally support your approach ))
