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BC-01

Categories: Hardware Prototypes/Non-Commercial products

Submitted by:Umut Erhan

24 May 2023

Elevator Pitch

BC-01

BC01 is a compact 3-in-1 MIDI device that serves as a customizable breath controller, input for expression pedal / knobs, and programmable MIDI buttons.

Product Description

BC-01

BC01 is a powerful and smart hub for creating CC messages via various inputs. Two of the TRS 3.5mm jacks serve as inputs for the included breath controller sensor and generic expression pedals. But the inputs can be used with the included modular potentiometers as well. 3 of the menu buttons can be used as MIDI buttons.

Some of the key features:

- It is fully customizable, you can assign different CC numbers or channel numbers to each input on the go.
- You can modify the input signal by adding gain, limiter, or smoother easily.
- 5 different sensitivity curves can be applied (1 linear, 2x exponential, 2x logarithmic curves).
- Breath controller input can have different settings for inhaling and exhaling.
- Performance mode turns the menu buttons into CC buttons that can act as toggle/momentary.
- You can save different assignments as presets under 3 different Performance Modes.
- Midi is sent over USB and/or 3.5mm TRS midi out jack
- No software is needed. Easy to operate through 128x32 OLED display
- Screensaver mode extends the life of the display
- It is really small; 50mm x 66mm x 22mm.

BC01 has two operating modes. In the Main Mode, it is an advanced breath controller and you can quickly jump between different channels and these commonly used CC numbers:
MOD(cc#1), BRTH(cc#2), VOL(cc#7), EXP(cc#11), CUTF(cc#74), FOOT(cc#4), USR1, USR2 (user assignable)

In the Performance Modes, in addition to the breath controller, you can also use the second input with a pedal or a knob and the menu buttons operate as midi buttons.

How It's Innovative

When it comes to a realistic or live performance, using CC messages is crucial. But playing with both hands and using the knobs at the same time is quite limiting. Breath controllers and pedals are really helpful in those situations. However, not all keyboards have an input for an expression pedal, and breath controllers are mostly expensive and dumb with one function only. BC01 combines all plus more in a single package. It is smart, powerful, and customizable in a compact and modular form. You can add inputs using regular 3.5mm male-male cables which makes it very portable.

See MIDI Innovation In Action

Most Inspiring Use Cases

Controlling multiple parameters or effects at once while playing is pretty inspirational. It gives life to the music. For both composing at the studio and live performance gigs, BC01 levels up the game. And the best part is you can quickly jump between different settings throughout the song you are playing.

Expansion Plans

I wish to make it even more modular by adding various sensors as external modules.

Commercialization

Unfortunately, international services like Kickstarter or PayPal aren’t available in Turkey. So marketing strategies are quite limiting for today. But I’m very curious to see the public interest in my device, then I can decide which path to follow.