External master clock device

[Darren]

I have a number of patches that make use of arpeggios which I sync to the master clock so I have a standard way of tapping a tempo during a count in. However I have run in to trouble with this on gigs where the drummer is not so consistent or where I use more than one patch during a song.

So I am looking for a small device that will generate a midi clock for me with a simple foot switch to tap (I can tap this continuously during the song to keep 'in' with the stick man).

I saw a device called the Molten Midi 2. It's for guitarists who own a digitech whammy however it just appears to be a midi clock generator.

Looks to me like it will fit the bill but wondered if anyone here has any experience or maybe a different/better solution?

It's a shame I can't just plug a foot switch straight into the Stage and assign it to tap the master clock really. But even if I could, I think the master clock gets reset on a patch change anyway?

[mjbrands]

This one is supposedly rather good (Jean Michel Jarre called the original version 'pretty amazing'): http://www.ploytec.com/34oneII/

It also has a MIDI IN port, so you don't loose the use of the MIDI IN port on your Stage (should you need that for other things).

It seems there's also a Molten MIDI 5. Can't really see what the different is between the two, but one seems for the Whammy 4 and the other for the Whammy 5.

There's also the Eventide TimeFactor, which is a stompbox with some delays in it - it can also be used as a tap tempo pedal that generates a MIDI clock signal. This thing probably does a lot of stuff you don't need (or that the Stage 2 can already do) and it seems 4-5x more expensive than the other options.

Anyway, I'm sure they can all generate a pretty stable MIDI clock. The different is probably in the form factor, features, the way you tap the tempo and of course the price.

I don't have any experience with the devices I mentioned btw, just listing some options.

[Mr_-G-]

It would be useful if the tap tempo switch in the NS2 were wired to a connector in the back panel, so there is the possibility to add a momentary switch pedal and tap the tempo with the feet. Maybe this is a modification that could be done easily. Here I am guessing that the tap switch is just a switch (no, I am not going to try this ).

[Darren]

Thanks Mr_-G-, I reckon that mod would be simple and something I would have no hesitation on doing to a device I had owned for a number of years, but I'm still in warranty on my board so surgery is not an option.

I have ordered the Ploytec as it looks perfect for the job and a great form factor as it is essentially a clone of a boss footswitch so it should attach to my rotor switch. Thanks for the suggestions, Mjbrands.

[MoltenVoltage]

Hi Nord users!

Molten MIDI 5 (and 2) can be set to "Clock Only" mode and used as a master MIDI Clock.

An even better solution might be our PedalSync Master Control which stores and recalls the tempo associated with 128 programs, and can also change tempo via tap, pot, or the Up/Down buttons.

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Please let me know if you have questions.

- William

Happy new year!

[Darren]

The Ploytec arrived today. I have just quickly plugged it in and tried it on one of my arpeggio patches and it worked straight out of the box.

[mjbrands]

How's the build quality? You think it'll last a good number of years of abuse?

It looks fairly sturdy in the picture.

[Darren]

Yup it feels exactly like a BOSS footswitch. Nice and rugged with a decent midi cable too. Haven't popped it open yet but certainly looks like it was designed and built by people who appreciate the riggours working gear can go through.