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Just bumped into this thread while searching for a replacement for my broken BC3. I used it with a MIDI solution box, connected to MIDI IN on my Korg Kronos. Now I am wondering how well the TEControl device, which only has a USB interface, will work on the Kronos.
The manufacturer's website says that it is not supported but some of their customers reported that it works. Does anyone here have any experience?
Re: Yamaha BC3A breath controller
Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2013 9:18 am
by stubbsonic
The TEControl device is designed to be used with a computer (i.e., a host). I would expect you could not plug it directly into your Kronos for this reason. [EDIT: but I would be WRONG!]
[See correction below. What I originally incorrectly wrote about the Kronos is true of most keyboards equipped with USB-- that their functionality is limited. The USB port might allow connection to a host and allow the keyboard to send MIDI to a host computer. Or the port may be limited to use with a USB flash drive.]
But this brings up another interesting possibility. I wonder if a Raspberry Pi or Arduino could act as the go-between [for MIDI equipped synths]. For example, attach the TEControl to the Raspberry Pi, and attach a generic, class-compliant USB MIDI interface to the RPi's other USB port. And have a simple app that just reroutes the TEC input straight to the MIDI OUT.
Re: Yamaha BC3A breath controller
Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 6:49 am
by urseog
stubbsonic wrote:The TEControl device is designed to be used with a computer (i.e., a host). I expect you could not plug it directly into your Kronos for this reason.
Unlike the majority of synthesizers, the Kronos is a USB host, which is why I asked my original question. As it turns out, some more googling provided the answer I was looking for:
It is plug & play direct into the Kronos! It comes preset to MIDI CC02 and if you download Busch's breathcontroller programs, the TEC BC works perfectly right out of the box.
Re: Yamaha BC3A breath controller
Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 8:02 am
by minimidi
A very nice new video was published last week, showing the Yamaha and TEControl breath controllers in action
Perry does a really nice job of demoing those controllers. Since it wasn't really an A/B comparison (different sounds on each), we just got a nice overview of two very effective BC's and an impressive use of the Sample Modeling sounds. I take him at his word that they are similar since he clearly knows what he's doing. At the end when he reveals (spoiler alert!) that he's a trumpet player, I wasn't surprised. I think wind players (I'm a trombone player) are probably more at home with BC's than others.
TEControl adds MIDI out
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:48 am
by stubbsonic
Just saw that TEControl has just added a new product that offers both USB and MIDI output (simultaneous) so you can control both legacy MIDI gear and computer based VI's.
Wow, I have the breath only USB model but this is a fantastic development. Thanks for sharing it! It's on my wish list now...
Re: Yamaha BC3A breath controller
Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 3:35 pm
by stubbsonic
The breath/bite combo has been on my fantasy controller list for years now. I've even gathered components to make one (but been too busy to even start yet).
What makes this especially cool is how TEC let's you set up the range & curves and write them to the device (so you don't need to keep the config open, during use).
Not cheap, but considering what you are doing with it-- it is an investment in creating a more intimate connection to your sounds. That's nothing to skimp on-- especially if you know you will use it as part of your main control setup.
Re: Yamaha BC3A breath controller
Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 11:04 pm
by supersonic
I already own the breath controller and this is also looking good though it reminds of the mouth piece you hold while taking panoramic teeth x-ray scan
Re: Yamaha BC3A breath controller
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 12:26 pm
by minimidi
From another forum, an impressive new video from Mike Verta. Great playing from a pro.
Re: Yamaha BC3A breath controller
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 5:12 pm
by mikehalloran
From another forum, an impressive new video from Mike Verta. Great playing from a pro.
I was talking to Sweetwater today and told them that I will be buying the 'breath and bite' version and recommended that they carry it.
Re: Yamaha BC3A breath controller
Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2015 6:24 am
by minimidi
mikehalloran wrote:I was talking to Sweetwater today and told them that I will be buying the 'breath and bite' version and recommended that they carry it.
For folks with Kurzweil K2661, PC3-series, or other keyboards that accept the Yamaha BC, there is a company that finally released a Yamaha BC3a-type device. At $200, it's pretty pricey, though.
I am astounded at how many companies have stepped into the breach so quickly. A wealth of choices out there! I'm still holding out, as I haven't even had a chance to use my monophonic wind controllers for a few years now. It's good to see more robust polyphonic breath controllers.
