Keith McMillen SoftStep 2

Very capable, slim device.

To be short, I am very glad that I'd bought this one a year ago.

I am using it to control Mod Duo X processor, where i had to assign quite a lot of params to external midi pedals.

I found KMI Sofstep2 to be very configurable and capable of doing everything I wanted.

Some people say that it is hard to configure, but first of all midi stuff always has some learning curve, and I bet they had not tried to program something like Behringer fcb1010, where software is a complete abomination, and it still cannot do even some basic things.

For the downsides - pay attention that some functions are available only in a hosted mode (when you need to run KMI's editor software on your pc, and connect your DAW using virtual midi port)

Refer to "Differences between Hosted and Standalone mode" section of the softstep2 manual on that, to understand if it is something vital you can miss.

Also this giant button on the right is not an expression pedal replacement as you can expect.

Only small buttons can do that pressure-imitated expression control.

These pressure sensitive buttons are quite interesting, and usable, but feedback is not equal to the regular expression pedal, so you have to get used to it. I am personally quite happy with it, but I cannot say that everybody would be satisfied by controlling wah with these buttons for example. Seems like it would depend a personal perception.

Anyway you still can connect a regular expression pedal to Softstep.

To conclude, I am happy with this device and use it every day.

I have 3

that should say enough for you

Second Softstep stopped working within a year!

Bought my Second Softstep, since it seems the only midi foot controller with a robust case able to control Ableton live. My first one stopped working after a couple of years and Keith McMillen claimed that the second version of Softstep was seriously improved. So I just bought the product again. Sadly the device has stopped working in less than a year :(

Powerful but a bit stiff

This controller is great and the software is easy to use.

There are light and complex versions of the software available depending on your needs, so you can do simple patches easily or dive deep by investing some time.

The sensitivity/ tracking of the pads isn't amazing. X/Y tracking for example isn't as sensitive as you might hope.

I've had this product for years though and the build quality is top-class.

nice piece of gear

The features are amazing, however for that price I was expecting more in terms of quality. I've been using it for a few months now and it shows noticeable signs of wear, the plastic cracked on one of the edges and something is peeling off the rubber parts. Also, the carrying pouch is a few centimeters too small for it and you can't close it properly. Too bad since it's really nice and useful.

Highly programmable pedalboard

One of the most feature-rich midi foot controllers I've ever used. Very easy to program with downloadable software (which has both easy and expert modes!), and extremely diverse in the multitude of things it allows you to do.

Frankly, I'd expect this product to cost a whole lot more for what it provides. This feels like a 700? or more product.

It provides midi over usb, and can operate in two modes: hosted and standalone. Hosted mode is when you use it with your computer, and it provides a superset of features of the standalone mode (still more than enough for almost all use cases). It draws little power from the USB type B plug, so I'm successfully using it with a Puc+ over bluetooth.

Be warned though: the soft pads and their "smart fabric" gets a bit getting used to. I'm still not sure whether or not I prefer physical switches or these "soft step" switches. They're illuminated so you know what you're pressing if you're looking, but if you're the type of person who prefers feeling switches instead of seeing them, you'll have a difficult time at first finding the right thing to press with your foot.

great design

the controller does everything as advertised - but be aware it takes at least a week's time to program it properly even for the experienced electronic equipment user and programmer!!! it is not straightforward - but very rewarding once you get the hang of it. I was on the brink of returning it but eventually kept it and I am using it on stage.

lots of features in a portable package

I got the the softstep 2 to control my mostly digital guitar setup running on a mac.

So far it seems like a solid choice and fulfills all my current needs.

Biggest deciding factor in buying this was the portability-to-features ratio, as I did not want to lug a FCB1010 around in my backpack.

Pros:

+ VERY lightweight and compact, and the keys have enough clearance to avoid any missteps

+ build quality - though not "built like a tank", i don't worry that i might break it unless i really tried.

+ highly configurable via the advanced editor

Cons:

- editor software could still use some improvement. That said, for simple needs there should be no issues. One simple issue i had was setting the CC value for my expression pedal (moog ep-3) in the advanced editor, but in the basic editor it was very easy. (the pedal was functioning well with the softstep though)

- learning curve with the editor in getting the most out of it

- must buy a separate adaptor if you dont want to / cant use USB

incredible

it's simply amazing how deep you can programe the soft step and its presets. With two different editors for basic and Expert users. Really well made and portable (about 500 gr). It will change the way I do music with Ableton Live and my horns. Really excited with this new toy!

Furthermore, I asked for some support to it's developer team and they (thanks Evan) modified some of his work (Ableton Clip Launcher) for get the SoftStep working on the way I was wishing!

Really happy with this money I've spent on this!