footswitch to trigger recording in Pro Tools?

[dg27]

I've posted this question to a couple of sites more specific to what I'm trying to do and have gotten nowhere.

I record using Pro Tools 2020.3. I run Windows 10 Pro and have a PreSonus Studio 26C interface and a Novation Impulse 49 midi controller.

Is there any way of configuring a simple USB footswitch to start recording once a track is armed in Pro Tools?

Basically you're just replicating hitting the space bar on your keyboard, since once a track is armed (in record mode), you hit the space bar and recording starts.

Anyone have anything rigged up to do this?

 

[GuitarStv]

Can you put a wireless keyboard on the floor and just toe the space bar? : P

I want a foot operated way of triggering my recordings too.

 

[dg27]

Can you put a wireless keyboard on the floor and just toe the space bar? : P

I want a foot operated way of triggering my recordings too.

I thought of that possibility, but I'm not sure I can run two keyboards at once. I don't even have to have it on the floor.

According to this it can be done:

https://www.windowschimp.com/two-keyboards-mice-one-computer/

I do use a Logitech mouse and a Logitech keyboard. I may just get the cheapest Logitech wireless keyboard I can and try it out. (I want to be able to record some things in an adjoining room to take advantage of the acoustics. The idea is I'd arm the track at my desktop, then trigger recording from the other room.

I'm really surprised that there isn't a readily available commercial stomp box for this considering how many people record alone.

Thanks.

 

[Mincer]

Look up wireless midi to USB, and most likely there is a switch that can do it.

 

[dg27]

Thanks, Mincer.

 

[playas]

Sounds like a simple but really useful idea in any case

 

[dg27]

I looked at a few possible midi to USB solutions and decided that what's actually needed is very simple. All I need to be able to do is hit the space key on a keyboard, so connecting a second keyboard is probably easiest. Rather than get a wireless keyboard right away, I ordered a USB extension cord for $10. I'll try that first with a spare keyboard I already have.

 

[dg27]

Using a second keyboard for this works GREAT. Solves several problems not having to be in front of the desktop.

 

[GuitarStv]

Good to hear!

Sometimes simplest is good enough.

 

[dg27]

This will be really helpful because I'll be able to record in this little room (actually a hallway adjacent to where my desktop is), and not be right on top of the desktop. I didn't have that luxury before, which is why this never came up.