Positive Grid Launches BT-2/BT-4 Bluetooth MIDI Foot Controllers

Positive Grid, maker of the leading mobile guitar apps BIAS and JamUp, proudly announce the release of two amazingly robust, fully-programmable Bluetooth MIDI foot controllers with I/O features for iPhone, iPad and Mac: the BT-2 and BT-4 foot controllers. Guitarists, bassists, pianists, vocalists and music producers will now have hands-free control over their iOS and Mac apps using either a two- or four-button wireless foot controller designed to provide total freedom and reliable operation in any live performance, studio recording or rehearsal situation.

“Mobile devices have changed the landscape and brought new possibilities to many working musicians,” said Jaime Ruchman, Marketing Manager at Positive Grid, “and they’ve been asking for a foot controller that is extremely solid and easy to use and which provides a live-ready solution. The BT foot controllers are the answers for that.”

Hands-free solution

Users of JamUp, BIAS and virtually all other MIDI-supported apps will be able to switch any parameter in the way they need without connecting cables: Guitarists can change stomp box effects in real time, bassists can smoothly switch their volume, and vocalists can quickly turn sheet music on a screen. The BT foot controllers allow JamUp users to virtually stomp on JamUp’s live screen and switch between dozens of studio-grade amp and stompbox effects — all hands-free. They also allow them to control Jam Player's iTunes song-playback functions, trigger various sampler recording and dubbing options, and even control the built-in metronome and tap out the tempo — all without the need to touch the device screen. 

How it works

Positive Grid’s BT-2 and BT-4 foot controllers are MIDI foot controllers based on Bluetooth 4.0 technology. They allow users to assign MIDI messages to the controllers by using an iOS app that edits the assignments. Each and every MIDI-compatible iOS app supports a standard communication protocol that enables them to be controlled wirelessly. These apps can be from the Positive Grid family of products – JamUp XT and JamUp Pro XT — or any other MIDI-compatible app or desktop software such as GarageBand, OnSong, Auria and so forth. Both BT pedals can be expanded by adding an expression pedal or footswitch using a ¼-inch phone-type jack, allowing musicians to control rotary functions like whammy and wah effects, keyboard sustain, amp gain and volume, EQ and more. 

Superior and unique design

The option of having two differently sized Bluetooth controllers allows musicians to choose between a 4-button controller set for full wireless performance when recording and performing or a convenient, ultra-portable 2-button controller set for backstage use and day-to-day rehearsing. Both controllers are designed to fit in a backpack or even a laptop bag, and with its solid metal structure — this is unique in this product category — both controllers will withstand any live performance demands even in the most extreme situations. Independent LEDs are also included for each of the controllers’ footswitches, making visual monitoring easily visible under any lighting conditions, including dark stages. 

Technical specs

two-button set               B4 four-button set

Connection:                         Bluetooth 4.0                       Bluetooth 4.0

Buttons:                                 DPDT switch x 2                 DPDT switch x 4

Guitar input:                           None                                   ¼-inch phone type x 1

Output:                                   None                             L: mono ¼-inch phone type x 1

Headphone output:                 None                                   R: stereo 1/8” phone type x 1

Expression pedal support:     ¼-inch phone type x 1         ¼-inch phone type x 1

iOS audio connection:             None                                   1/8-inch phone type x 1

Battery:                                   AA battery x 2                     AA battery x 2

Size:                                       160 x 100 x 35                   280  x 100  x 37 

Positive Grid’s new Bluetooth foot controllers retail for $99.99 (BT-4 four-button set) and $79.99 (BT-2 two-button set) and will be available in Spring 2014.

For more details, visit www.positivegrid.com