The seemingly simple task of controlling two separate MIDI channels with two sustain pedals in Reaper can quickly become surprisingly complex. While a single sustain pedal controlling a single MIDI channel is straightforward, managing multiple pedals and channels introduces challenges related to MIDI routing, processing, and potentially even the limitations of your MIDI interface. This article explores various solutions, drawing upon community discussions and best practices to address the multifaceted problem of independent sustain pedal control in Reaper. We'll cover everything from basic MIDI editor techniques to advanced JSFX scripting, examining the nuances of each approach.
Understanding the Problem:
The core issue lies in the fact that a standard sustain pedal typically sends MIDI control change (CC) messages on a single MIDI channel. Reaper, like most DAWs, defaults to assigning this CC (usually CC64) to the sustain function for all MIDI channels unless explicitly re-routed. Therefore, using a single sustain pedal directly to control multiple channels independently requires a workaround. Using two pedals complicates things further, necessitating a method to distinguish their respective input and route each to its designated channel.
Solutions Explored:
Let's delve into the various solutions discussed in online forums (like r/Reaper) and elsewhere, along with their strengths and weaknesses.
1. Using the MIDI Editor for Simple Scenarios:
The most straightforward approach, applicable only under limited circumstances, involves manipulating MIDI data within Reaper's MIDI editor. This method is suitable if you're dealing with a relatively static arrangement where you only need to control sustain for specific notes or short phrases.
* How do you make a sustain with the MIDI editor? (r/Reaper) This question highlights the fundamental approach: Manually inserting MIDI note-off messages. In the MIDI editor, you can visually inspect the MIDI data and add note-off messages to extend the sustain duration of individual notes. However, this becomes impractical for complex performances requiring real-time sustain control. It's a manual, non-real-time solution.
* Limitations: This approach lacks real-time responsiveness. You're essentially pre-programming sustain, not controlling it dynamically during playback. It's not suitable for live performance or situations requiring flexible sustain control.
2. MIDI Routing and Multiple Interfaces:
If you have two separate MIDI interfaces or a single interface with enough MIDI ports, you can route each sustain pedal to a distinct MIDI channel. This is arguably the cleanest solution, avoiding the need for complex workarounds.
* Using one hold (sustain) pedal for two MIDI controllers: This scenario is similar to our problem but simplifies it by presuming two separate MIDI interfaces. The solution is straightforward: connect each pedal to a separate interface, then assign each interface's MIDI input to a different channel in Reaper.
* Advantages: This method provides clean and direct control, with no signal processing or complex routing within the DAW. Each pedal maintains its independence.
* Disadvantages: Requires additional hardware (separate MIDI interfaces or a multi-port interface). It might be costly and less convenient for users with limited hardware.
3. The JSFX Approach: Real-Time Control and Flexibility:
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