Integrating Microcontrollers into Guitar Effects Pedals

E

Eric001

New member
I'm currently working on a project to integrate microcontrollers into guitar effects pedals to add more versatility and control options. I came across an interesting article discussing the role of microcontrollers in modern electronics, which you can check out here.

Has anyone here experimented with using microcontrollers in their pedal builds? What are some of the challenges and benefits you've encountered? Any specific microcontroller models or programming tips you'd recommend?

Looking forward to your insights!
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Welcome to the forum!

I am not understanding what they can do in pedals. I understand using midi or expression pedals to modify a pedal's parameters in real time, but what would these do?
 
Depends on what you are looking to do with it. All digital effects have microcontrolling and some analog pedals (certain Boss footswitches for example) utilize a degree of primitive microcontrollers. What are you attempting?
 
Mincer said:
Welcome to the forum!

I am not understanding what they can do in pedals. I understand using midi or expression pedals to modify a pedal's parameters in real time, but what would these do?
Click to expand...

Yes, I'm using a Teensy at the heart of the midi foot controller I'm building, mainly because it's affordable, small and code compatible with Arduino.
I bought two Arduino Micro 4-5 years ago for $3 each that I will use in my next build, something like a Disaster Area Midi Baby 3.
 
I seem to remember a switch manufacturer using a microcontroller to eliminate popping when engaging the pedal, but I don't remember any details or have an online reference.
 
There's more than one way to skin a cat. Boss uses relays or microcontrollers; more traditional foot switches can achieve this with a simple pull down resistor.


​​​​​​I haven't done it myself yet, but back when this same idea interested me I looked into into the Electrosmith Daisy Seed mounted on top of a Terrarium. I got the idea from an article I read about a guy making a neural network similar do a QuadCortex for less than a bill on this hardware
 
I've played around with the Picaxe. Not specifically for guitar pedals, but the same idea. The nice thing about the Picaxe is, all the programming tools are free once you buy the chip(s), and the programming is fairly easy. It's just a derivation of the old BASIC, so fairly easy to learn. Easier still, if you've already done some BASIC programming.

Google "Sparkfun" for more info.

I was going to use mine for complex guitar switching. Even drew up the schematics.
 
I've played around with the Picaxe. Not specifically for guitar pedals, but the same idea. The nice thing about the Picaxe is, all the programming tools are free once you buy the chip(s), and the programming is fairly easy. It's just a derivation of the old BASIC, so fairly easy to learn. Easier still, if you've already done some BASIC programming.

Google "Sparkfun" for more info.

I was going to use mine for complex guitar switching. Even drew up the schematics.

Edit: Above, I said, "once you buy the chip." Actually, the software is free to download without any purchase. The programming software includes the emulator. So you can start playing with the software, and see how it works, on your computer, before you ever pay for anything.
 
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