So, I have one of those Boss FS-1-WL Bluetooth / MIDI foot switches that I typically use to control playback of transcription apps / YouTube that kind of stuff.
I know it has MIDI capability, but I don’t know enough about MIDI to know if this would work with my CQ? It would really only be useful if I could connect it via Bluetooth and use it standalone with the CQ … possible?!
According to all my test up to now, you’ll need to use a PC/Mac with a midi solution in between.
I use midi OX.
Foot switch to midi OUT into PC, Midi OX receiving data from you pedal and sending them back to the CQ.
See my other reply here CQ-12T MIDI - CQ Troubleshooting - Allen & Heath Digital Community Forums
I’m in a similar situation. I want to use foot switches on my Line 6 HX Stomp to control the CQ20B via MIDI. Is it currently not possible for a third-party device to talk to the CQ mixers without a PC running the MIDI Control app? That seems highly impractical for live performance.
The CQ can send and respond to MIDI messages using MIDI over USB-B or MIDI over TCP/IP (network).
It does not work as a host for MIDI controllers, it’s an end point, so it’s not possible to connect a controller or device directly but there are a few options for getting MIDI to and from it.
- Via a computer. Desktop, Laptop or even something like a Raspberry Pi. With translation software (e.g. Bome MIDI Translator Pro – Bome Software) or some DAW’s, you can route and translate messages between a controller and the CQ. The connection to the CQ can be direct via USB-B, or you can use the A&H MIDI Control app to manage the network or USB-B connection.
- Using a tablet or phone. There are some apps available for mobile devices which allow routing of MIDI. Because the CQ is a class compliant device, it will show up as a MIDI device when connected to most any modern device via USB-B without the need for drivers.
- Using a BomeBox (BomeBox – Bome Software). The BomeBox includes support for A&H mixers (CQ auto discovery coming soon, with manual/IP connection currently possible), meaning it can sit anywhere on the same network as the CQ and route/translate messages without a computer. The BomeBox includes connections for network, 5pin DIN and USB-A MIDI devices, so you can connect a controller directly.
More information on the A&H MIDI Control app and links to downloads can be found here - https://www.allen-heath.com/hardware/controllers/midi-control/
The CQ MIDI protocol can be found here - https://www.allen-heath.com/content/uploads/2024/06/CQ_MIDI_Protocol_V1_2_0_iss1.pdf
If you need any help with setup, you can contact us directly through support.allen-heath.com
Cheers,
Keith.
Thank you KeithJ.
Very precious info as I am digging into the midi of my CQ12T.
Raspberry and BOMEBox are very appealing to me.
For control with PC solution, I can add also the Stream Deck controllers series, with the excellent and free MIDI Plugin from Trevliga Spel.
I have also successful results with MIDI OX and some VST software (Kushview element) that can link the midi OUT of any controller to the midi IN of the CQ.
Thanks for the detailed response Keith. The BomeBox would be a workable solution for me. MIDI capabilities were not advertised as a feature when I purchased the CQ20B, so any upgrade path is a bonus. Thanks again for all the great work!
You got also some alternatives:
- Mixing Station (as weel for Mac, Pc, Mobile device) and is cheaper. https://mixingstation.app/
- MidiOX is free, but in my opinion the UI si so oldstyle and not intuitive.