12 Step Chromatic Keyboard Foot Controller

I really like this foot controller. My Roland PK-5 should be considered a relic since it was discontinued. I bought the 12 step for its portability, roughness and price. I was not disappointed and will buy another one soon. Programming is a breeze. For those in Rush cover bands like me, this is an inexpensive option to bigger midi controllers. I carry mine inside my bass case and a second can fit easily. I love the lights, by the way. If you ever attended Rush or Marillion concerts, you will notice they had to add strips over the usual foot controllers because, once the lights get dim, you cannot see the individual keys. With the 12 step this is definitely not an issue. A word of warning for these with big, wide feet: do not use footwear that make those two things worse... By the way, I ordered on Tuesday night and got it by Friday noon. This might not impress anyone, but I live in Mexico City, so it took less than two days for international delivery on the second week of December.

Let's call a spade a spade...this is the only device of its kind. I've used Taurus and Studio Logic devices in the past, but this blows them away. The ability to trigger chords, adjust octaves, customize patches...all in a light-weight USB-powered device? Impressive. I gig 4-6 times a month and I've come to rely on this device to elevate my band with synths. It's the 5th member - no doubt.Now, let's talk brass tacks...They say it's rugged. There's a video of a truck driving over it. But that's not reality. I'm on my fourth unit, finding I need to replace one every two years or so.This first one broke because a band member stepped on the part where the USB cable connects to the unit. The solder snapped inside, and the piece needed to be replaced/re-soldered. I'm not that skilled in that area, and was unsuccessful in finding an authorized repair center to do the work. Had to buy a new one.The second once got sand inside from a gig at the beach. After that show, pads didn't trigger reliably when pressed. Customer support said that's not possible, but there I was with a bum unit. Had to buy a new one.I bought two more the next time. The third one is my backup in my home studio, and the fourth one is my live unit. One is being sent back for repair/replacement after 8 months of use because two pads randomly stay one after releasing my foot. I actually kept this one in the plastic bag, only cutting a small hole in the back for the USB plug to unsure no foreign objects got into the unit. However, customer service is stellar this time around. They sent me an RMA, and I'm looking forward to a repair/replacement shortly.So, that said, I'm a loyal customer. My rig relies on this guy. For $299, I'll keep going back because I make that much in a weekend. And, like I said, there's nothing else like it. I just hope they continue either pumping these guys out, or there's a new version on their product roadmap!

I am a musician who frequently has to fly to gigs, and one of the biggest challenges I have is how to transport gear. I use several Roland PK-5s in our show, and at 25 pounds each, they take up a lot of checked baggage space, not to mention the abuse they get from airline baggage handlers. I ordered a 12Step to test and after downloading the app and updating the firmware, had my entire show programmed and running in under thirty minutes. Had it in rehearsal the following day and it worked wonderfully. I am very impressed! I will be ordering at least one more unit for distance gigs very soon! These will not replace my PK-5s for local gigs, as they don't do everything the PK-5s do, but to trigger notes and chords with your feet and change patches onstage, they work wonderfully.Pros====- It weighs 1 pound and fits in a backpack.- Bright backlight buttons, LEDs and readout- Touch sensitivity is very responsive and programmable- Does not slide around when playing- Appears durable (haven't owned it long enough to tell)- Comes with a 20' USB cable and carrying sleeve (not protective)- Forums and help on the web site are very good- Programmability of each button. Up to 4 notes per button per patchCons====- software isn't the easiest to use, but gets the job done- Changing banks is a two step process, compared to the single button change on the PK-5- Select button is a little too high to quickly change between patches, for me