Thanks again Regarding AudioToCC I wish I could say I was getting good results but it is awkward, and right this minute my host just crashed when trying to load it for the second time. So maybe it isn't the solution.

I suggest looking into the EWI USB from akai check out my breath controller freeware pack to see how to modify it to be used as just a breath controller in conjunction with a keyboard.

Here is the link http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4995622#499562 2

This will provide you with a quality breath controller that is usb for around 250$. Modifications for a long breath tube are necessary for hands free operation.

This is about the only solution because the BC3a is discontinued and has a tendency of breaking or wearing out.

If you have any questions let me know hope this helps.

Eh, I'd still rather Yamaha just started selling a new BC.

I will bet 20$ this time next year that Yamaha will have no BC replacement. One of the strongest reasons I think this is none of there new keyboards have a BC input.

They just aren't making any money on it. For right now Akai is a better company to do this and do it cheaper. I wouldn't be surprised if they came out with one.

I remember that there were people here on KVR, which pulled of breath controlling VSTi with PIZ plugins and a dynamic mic.

Some folks also pulled it off with Max/MSP (see: http://www.youtu.be/aQDSkFs7WZ8 ). But the project was ultimately abandonned. If someone codes a plugin just for this purpose, and it's freeware, I'm all game.



Or, go the Arduino route:
http://noojo.com/arduino/piezo.html

But this needs soldering skills, and an Arduino module with writing capabilities.

BTW, the new Studiologic Acuna88 has BC input:
http://www.studiologic-music.com/acuna88.html?product=1

I signed it as well.

I don't think it's working...

Has anyone tried this yet?

A standard Arduino is like 30-40 bucks (depending on the shop you're getting it from), a piezo with a box is like 2 bucks absolute max, add to that a plastic tube where you cut a hole into it (to vent air), clue it on to the piezo...

DIY rough breath controller with no worries regarding spareparts? Heck even the program for Arduino is included, and each Arduino comes with suitable software to flash it.


Wouldn't this be an affordable solution?
All in all, 50-60 bucks including box, cables and glue compared to hundreds of bucks for a headset that doesn't work with every keyboard.

I'm honestly disinterested in the DIY aspect. While I think arduino is cool, and I've repeatedly considered trying my hand at educational electronics kits, I'm interested in a professional and responsive product for music.

If it's carefully built for reproduction, wouldn't this be a headstone for a new product?

I mean... if you can't revive a certain Breath Controller, why not build an own one and sell it for a fraction of what the old headset, an adapter module and a suitable keyboard would cost?

I'd support that route. Or build such a thing myself after all (which I'm really thinking about).

The intent of this thread is to get signatures. If you wish to chat about breath controllers, that's fine with me.

Are you getting more signatures beyond the ones you got starting the thread?

The problem with bumping is that as a person clicks the link to the thread, KVR takes them to the most recent page, not to your first post with the petition.

I signed the petition at #97 then posted the link here. We're up to #370.
I would think that quite a few of the signatures came from KVR, and I thank them all.

I found another Arduino project for a breath controller in the meantime:
http://www.youtu.be/mGHIJaN5q6c

A bit overkill, but it seems to work.


The original project I'm posted can be found here:
http://noojo.com/arduino/piezo.html

I thought about it and calculated what might be needed in order to build that thing.

Finance:
Arduino UNO (which is more than enough): 24EUR (the Leonard is 22EUR)
Cables, resistors, PCB: around 10 EUR
A suitable piezo (3-15V): 2,50 EUR
A MIDI jack: 1 EUR max
plastic tubing, heatshrink tube, hot glue: 5-10 bucks.
A box to store all that stuff in there: 2 bucks.

Material cost: roughly 50 bucks, and about 2-3 hours building max

Not pretty, but usable.


To those that want to build it with the noojo project, and are confused in tems of what to do: the Piezo is connected to the "analog" inputs of the Arduino, the MIDI jack is connected to the digital side of the Arduino. 5V is common. Since i don't have an Arduino yet, I can't tell you if power is through USB or a PSU is needed or not.

Still cheaper than this one here:
http://www.midisolutions.com/prodbth.htm (199USD plus shipping, sans the headset)

And simpler to build than this project here:
http://www.youtu.be/QWmoTFhokEU



And a question to the Breath Controller crowd:
The Yamaha BC3 (for example) is routed to MIDI CC11 (Volume, or in this particular case, Expression) . What do you usually set it up to to control your synths/samples. Speak: what MIDI CC is in your opinion the best result?