You got that right. So simple, but a brilliant application. My Thinking-Outside-The-Box nominee for 2015.
Not sure how this sort of resolution compares to the Electro-Harmonix 8 Step. Brock, any ideas?
Probably more than you ever want to know, BarneyBrown. 
In the EHX, there is a limitation on how exacting you can be with the physical faders. In practice, it’s not that noticeable, unless I’m getting all OCD over precise numbers. There’s also a Glide adjustment between Steps to smooth out those in-between values. You can easily overcome all of that by ‘programming’ each slider over MIDI, at a resolution of 128 values (sent). Do it once, save as one of a hundred presets, and that’s that.
But resolution is a double-edged sword. Since it’s driving the expression input, you’re distributing those 128 values over a 0-100 curve for the expression range. If I want a 1:1 relationship between transmitter & receiver, I go direct with MIDI CC to a specific parameter (or set of parameters). If I need even finer resolution than that, I translate the message to Pitch Bend (MSB/LSB). That works very well with incrementing pitch parameters within a few cents or so (but it does have ‘return to center’ issues).
I should try out some CV experiments here, but it’ll still boil down to how finely the source device breaks down the 5 volt (or whatever) range. You’re getting 7-step increments, so that’s a little coarse. As you said, in most cases, that won’t hamper you too badly. Hey, you’re sequencing any (or multiple) parameter, and that becomes an a whole new instrument in itself. Work within the limits of the source device.
My workflow is usually like this:
- Set the minimum and maximum range for selected parameters in H9 Control.
- Fine-tune exact target values in H9 Control with CTRL + mouse wheel (Windows).
- Program in a pattern – or sequence of pattern presets – in the 8 Step Program to match.
- Save to a common Program Change in both devices.
- Min & Max values in one device are always going to correspond to Min & Max values in the other device.
- I can’t change the ‘curve’ of values in the H9/Pitchfactor, so I make some EHX Glide adjustments (not a perfect solution).
Before the 8 Step Program, I used to do all of this with MIDI. Now, it’s about half & half. MIDI or expression pedal – each method has its own advantages & disadvantages. So I use whatever works best for the situation. I run an expression pedal though the EHX – usually set to Depth – so a foot override is always available. I’m thinking of replacing the Roland EV-5 there with a Source Audio Reflex. Awesome expression pedal implementation. But I’m really not that certain it’s going to bring very much to the table that I can’t do already with the 8 Step Program + MIDI.
If you’re working a parameter that has – say, 16, or 29 possible values – resolution on either end usually isn’t an issue. But when you start talking Pitch in cents, or Delay in millseconds, there can be hundreds or thousands of possible values. Some of those values … you’re never going to hit them; no matter what you use as a source. Eventide maps these values over a formula ‘curve’. I’ve charted MIDI value-by-value through most of of the PitchFactor algorithms and parameters. It’s a different distribution for every (not duplicated) parameter, depending on the number of possible parameter positions.
As you can tell, I put an inordinate amount of thought into the resolution of my system components.
Well, you did ask if I had any ideas on the subject …
