Can I use a BOSS FS-1-WL to control my CQ-18T via MIDI?

[SteveC]

So, I have one of those Boss FS-1-WL Bluetooth / MIDI foot switches that I typically use to control playback of transcription apps / YouTube that kind of stuff.
I know it has MIDI capability, but I don’t know enough about MIDI to know if this would work with my CQ? It would really only be useful if I could connect it via Bluetooth and use it standalone with the CQ .. possible?!

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[Anonymous]

According to all my test up to now, you’ll need to use a PC/Mac with a midi solution in between.
I use midi OX.
Foot switch to midi OUT into PC, Midi OX receiving data from you pedal and sending them back to the CQ.
See my other reply here https://community.allen-heath.com/forums/topic/cq-12t-midi

[plastic_soul]

I’m in a similar situation. I want to use foot switches on my Line 6 HX Stomp to control the CQ20B via MIDI. Is it currently not possible for a third-party device to talk to the CQ mixers without a PC running the MIDI Control app? That seems highly impractical for live performance.

[KeithJ A&H]

The CQ can send and respond to MIDI messages using MIDI over USB-B or MIDI over TCP/IP (network).
It does not work as a host for MIDI controllers, it’s an end point, so it’s not possible to connect a controller or device directly but there are a few options for getting MIDI to and from it.

– Via a computer. Desktop, Laptop or even something like a Raspberry Pi. With translation software (e.g. https://www.bome.com/products/miditranslator) or some DAW’s, you can route and translate messages between a controller and the CQ. The connection to the CQ can be direct via USB-B, or you can use the A&H MIDI Control app to manage the network or USB-B connection.
– Using a tablet or phone. There are some apps available for mobile devices which allow routing of MIDI. Because the CQ is a class compliant device, it will show up as a MIDI device when connected to most any modern device via USB-B without the need for drivers.
– Using a BomeBox (https://www.bome.com/products/bomebox). The BomeBox includes support for A&H mixers (CQ auto discovery coming soon, with manual/IP connection currently possible), meaning it can sit anywhere on the same network as the CQ and route/translate messages without a computer. The BomeBox includes connections for network, 5pin DIN and USB-A MIDI devices, so you can connect a controller directly.

More information on the A&H MIDI Control app and links to downloads can be found here – https://www.allen-heath.com/hardware/controllers/midi-control/
The CQ MIDI protocol can be found here – https://www.allen-heath.com/content/uploads/2024/06/CQ_MIDI_Protocol_V1_2_0_iss1.pdf

If you need any help with setup, you can contact us directly through support.allen-heath.com

Cheers,
Keith.

[Anonymous]

Thank you KeithJ.
Very precious info as I am digging into the midi of my CQ12T.
Raspberry and BOMEBox are very appealing to me.
For control with PC solution, I can add also the Stream Deck controllers series, with the excellent and free MIDI Plugin from Trevliga Spel.
I have also successful results with MIDI OX and some VST software (Kushview element) that can link the midi OUT of any controller to the midi IN of the CQ.

[plastic_soul]

Thanks for the detailed response Keith. The BomeBox would be a workable solution for me. MIDI capabilities were not advertised as a feature when I purchased the CQ20B, so any upgrade path is a bonus. Thanks again for all the great work!

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