M3 footswitch

Count Dissident · Post by **Count Dissident** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 9:26 pm

Hello,
I am looking at buying the PS1 footswitch but I don't have a store near me that carries it in stock. I will have to order it online but I was wondering if there is any other footswitch I should consider at about the same price instead of the PS1?

Also, if I order a footswitch online I will be left without a footswitch for the next week or so. I have a Peavey guitar footswitch that has two switches...one named "select" the other named "effects" and the 1/4" jack is TRS style (or balanced) with the two rings. Would this be OK to use with the M3 in a pinch for basic switching? I realize that only one of the switches may work but is it at all harmful to the M3 to use this switch?

Thanks
-Count

alland · Post by **alland** » Tue Apr 06, 2010 6:06 am

If you want to use switch only for sustain then M3 expect open/closed contact from the pedal and you can use some other type of footswitch as well. On Global page you can adjust polarity if your pedal gives reverse reaction. I do not know how this particular Peavey footswitch acts but most probably it has just two switches inside and TRS connetor brings them with common wire to Sleeve and switch oner to Tip and Ring. If you plug this into damper connector one of your switches should work as sustain switch.

orpheus2006 · Post by **orpheus2006** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:28 pm

The Yamaha FC-5 is a good alternative at 2/3 of the price.

J.Q · Post by **J.Q** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:52 pm

orpheus2006 wrote:The Yamaha FC-5 is a good alternative at 2/3 of the price.

+1

I've had that Yamaha FC-5 for... well, almost 20 years(?) now.

Rock solid quality. I've used it with Rolands, Korgs, etc, but never with Yamaha.

Since it's a very simple on/off switch - just like Korg PS-1 - I see no reason for Korg's higher price. Yamaha FC-5 also does the job; the only thing is that you have to reverse the polarity in M3's global settings, but that's it.

Pictures and price comparison:
Korg PS-1:
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/ ... sku=702153

Yamaha FC-5:
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/ ... sku=151551

jg:: · Post by **jg::** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:28 am

To answer one of the original questions - plugging in your TRS pedal will not damage the M3. Only one switch will work, as you've guessed, but unforunately, it will probably not be the correct type of switch. Won't hurt to try.

jg::

Inksta · Post by **Inksta** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 7:35 pm

I use a PS1 as a sustain pedal and didnt have to change any settings on the M3. It is heavy duty metal quality and works fine for what I need!

I also have a Yamaha FC-5 that I have had for over 20 years, and is of similar quality, so I think either would suit!

Rockitman · Post by **Rockitman** » Wed Apr 14, 2010 1:47 pm

If you want a sustain pedal, get an M-Audio SP-2. It only costs about $30 US ($10 more than the pedal you are looking at), and it is as good as the Korg DS1H Sustain Pedal that costs $59.

kanthos · Post by **kanthos** » Wed Apr 14, 2010 2:09 pm

I don't recommend the M-Audio SP-1 though. The rubberized cover came unglued after fairly minimal use from me (I only used it as a rotor speed switch for my Nord Stage, which was something I only used occasionally in the style I play in). The Yamaha PS1s seem much better constructed; I'm using two of them now.