Down the road as I get more familiar with vArranger, I'm thinking of adding a midi breath controller. I wonder if anyone already uses one.

Music at 1:45
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUJBW9w_MQo

Music at 1:23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pEAf9sMb8k

I use the USB MIDI Breath Controller by TEControl. I have the basic breath only device but there is now also a new model with bite and head tilt sensor

It works amazingly well with my Korg Kronos and William Busch's breath controller programs. I have no videos but this guy is a good example of what's possible (breath controller starts at 4:00)

One vArranger user is using a breath controller with a midisolutions box http://www.midisolutions.com/prodbth.htm

and one is using a vpipe
http://www.vpipes.com/

For them, I have done something.

In vArranger you can do some preset with a velocity ofset of 127, and the expression is controlled by the breath controller

Dan, can that midi solutions device also be used with the older Yamaha BC1 breath controller? A friend has a BC1 he doesn't use and will sell
Jim

I don't know
You can see this model too : http://kelfar.net/prod17.htm

It seems that this might be a better option. This sends midi through USB and the standard 5 pin midi out at the same time. http://www.tecontrol.se/products/uni-midi-breath-controller. Their USB only is 99 euros.

Nice website

This model include the mouth cable so you just have to blow, and get expression on USB / vArranger

http://www.tecontrol.se/products/usb-midi-breath-controller

I love breatcontrolleres, i own a midified Yamaha BC3a which is amazing, tough physically ending end of live...

Keep in mind tough, that breathcontroll is nothing but a midi parameter 0 to 127 that can be controlled by breath pressure...

Huge advantage, it works very natural, but the same effect can be archieved with any modwheel or expression pedal.. just make sure it triggers the same parameter as the breathcontroll

If I use an expression pedal or play my midi accordion with bellow dynamics (essentially CC#11) and use a breath controller, would it be like driving with two gas pedals? What would be the major difference between expression CC#11 and the breath CC messages?

Why use Breath controller if you already can control the expression with your accordion bellows?

You can set the Breath controller to control another sound feature like the pitch or the filter or the vibrato, but not really worth the efforts

Got it. I thought breath controller was something different from expression messages in midi protocol. However, the piano is my first intrument and it's good to know that there is yet another way to control midi. Thanks.

I’ve used a breath controller; it gives the instrument a live feel which you cannot get any other way.

The problem: It is another thing to think about; there is enough going on without adding. I feel when something is added that needs your attention it takes away from your performance.
John C.

PS, When I added bass pedals my hands forgot what to do.

I wholeheartedly agree with this. Check the videos, there's no way you can achieve the same with a pedal. Way too slow.





That is just lack of practice in my experience. I felt the same way when I started using one, then as I climbed the learning curve that feeling went away. And I must say, it was well worth the effort.