I have completed the second phase of this project. The PU-1 can now send commands to GarageBand/Logic/Mainstage and receive commands and other information using Midi commands (but not from GarageBand). Part 2 did not require more electronics. All additional changes were made in software.
WARNING: I first picked up a guitar a few months ago, so I know it’s rough!
The process is accomplished in two steps: First, the software running on the computer (Mac, PC or Linux)(Mac in my case at this point) has to be told how and what to expect from the pedal board. It also has to be told what to send to the pedal board. Second, the pedal board has to be told what to do with the information received from the computer.
For example, the Apogee GIO received codes from the software telling it which effect is on (or off) and actually which pedal board is being used. Since I decided to only use Midi, I’m receiving midi info from Logic or Mainstage and the software handles it. At this point, receiving a valid code from the computer makes a LED blink corresponding to the last pedal pressed. Of course, the GIO uses colored lights that match the color of the stompboxe used in the software. The PU-1 V2 will have colored LEDs too.
The proof of concept, the PU-1 V1.0, is now complete. I will start to work on the Behringer FCB1010 now. The PU-1 will still serve as a test bed.