Luminite Graviton M1 and F10W Footswitch

Stickguy

Member
I got this to replace a PaintAudio Midi Captain which stopped booting reliably on day #2 :mad:. The M1 is pretty awesome once you play with it for a bit. It's solidly build and the footswitch is like a tank! The manual leaves a lot to be desired and what I figured out was over a few hours and a couple of factory resets. I am not using the wireless X/Y switch, just the F10W Footswitch. Here's a quick setup for anybody that's interested.
This is roughly replicating the setup I had on my AX8 where I had access to several scenes and was able to toggle on and off certain effects as needed.
I have a gig this weekend and I needed to get a familiar setup, as I get more familiar with the FM3 this will probably be modified to more of an OMG type setup (Scene Page, Effect Page, Looper Page).

Note: On the M1 think of the Preset as the value you want to send. You can have multiple banks of 10 presets.
In theory you could use the M1 in Setlist Mode and setup a 'Song' with Scene Presets and a 'Song' with Effect Toggles
and switch between the two modes with one of the switches on the footpedal. You could also do something similar in preset mode by creating banks of presets Bank1 'Scenes', Bank 2 'Effects'.
(This is a 'dumb' way to fake an OMG setup as the FM3 will only respond to MIDI messages sent to it,
although you might be able to have the FM3 change the song or preset bank on the M1 untested)
I am using this in Preset Mode.

You could assign the CC messages directly to an effect (Drive Toggle) but I find that using the External Controller
gives me a little more flexibility in assigning what the bottom row of switches do.

Initial Setup on the M1
Press: Preset Mode > Preset Library

Rename Stock Presets:
Original Name Rename CC Val Toggle
Preset 1 -> Scene 1 34 0 Off
Preset 2 -> Scene 2 34 1 Off
Preset 3 -> Scene 3 34 2 Off
Preset 4 -> Scene 4 34 3 Off
Preset 5 -> Scene 5 34 4 Off
Preset 6 -> EC1 80 127 On
Preset 7 -> EC2 81 127 On
Preset 8 -> EC3 82 127 On
Preset 9 -> EC4 83 127 On
Preset 10 -> EC5 84 127 On

Steps:
1) Preset Mode
2) Preset Library
3) Double Tap Name of Preset you want to edit
4) Rename the Preset (e.g. Scene 1) Don't forget to hit the check to save the name
5) Tap + to add Midi Message
6) Tap the highlighted block
7) Assign CC# and Value
8) Assign Toggle On for Preset6-10 (EC1-5)

This should result in Bank 1 of Presets like this

Scene 1 | Scene 2 | Scene 3 | Scene 4 | Scene 5
EC1 EC2 EC3 EC4 EC5

From here you can assign these to a footswitch or X/Y Controller
F10W Footswitch
1) In Preset Mode Select Footswitch Pedals (you will see a visual representation of the footswitch)
2) Tap the + button to add a preset
3) For the Bank buttons, long press and select Bank Preset from the Menu

Finally, Setup the MIDI on the FM3 (look online or in this forum)

At this point you should have access to Scene 1-5 on the top row of buttons
and have 5 toggle switches assigned to external controllers 1-5
 
I've been using the Gravitron and X/Y controllers for the better part of last year (I think mine is #15 or so). I personally like the idea of wireless effects control from my guitar. I even briefly had it setup with my Ax3 via bluetooth connection and USB power bank, so a completely wireless solution away from my rack (plus a wired midi footcontroller). As of late, I've settled on it connected directly to my Fm3 (in addition to footswitches cirect to the Fm3 pedal inputs) and think they compliment each other well.

Given the way the software seems to function (X/Y assignments and F10W assignments are the same), I'm probably sticking with the X/Y controllers rather than adding the footswitches. Actually, I found a really interesting addon is the El Garatge Expression Knob (it's a jack with a tiny potentiometer at the end). With the Gravitron attached to my mic stand, I was able to have a master volume control within quick reach.1704521191775.png

I've been in contact with them a few times and they (Van in particular) has been very responsive and helpful. The software capabilities have evolved quickly over the last year, and customer suggestions have been implemented in some cases.

One thing to note: the jacks are directly attached to the circuit board; the USB C jack on my unit popped off the circuit board. I'm assuming it's covered by the warranty, so we'll see if I send it in to get repaired or just live without.
 
I've been using the Gravitron and X/Y controllers for the better part of last year (I think mine is #15 or so). I personally like the idea of wireless effects control from my guitar. I even briefly had it setup with my Ax3 via bluetooth connection and USB power bank, so a completely wireless solution away from my rack (plus a wired midi footcontroller). As of late, I've settled on it connected directly to my Fm3 (in addition to footswitches cirect to the Fm3 pedal inputs) and think they compliment each other well.

Given the way the software seems to function (X/Y assignments and F10W assignments are the same), I'm probably sticking with the X/Y controllers rather than adding the footswitches. Actually, I found a really interesting addon is the El Garatge Expression Knob (it's a jack with a tiny potentiometer at the end). With the Gravitron attached to my mic stand, I was able to have a master volume control within quick reach.View attachment 132674

I've been in contact with them a few times and they (Van in particular) has been very responsive and helpful. The software capabilities have evolved quickly over the last year, and customer suggestions have been implemented in some cases.

One thing to note: the jacks are directly attached to the circuit board; the USB C jack on my unit popped off the circuit board. I'm assuming it's covered by the warranty, so we'll see if I send it in to get repaired or just live without.

Hi ! Yes it's under warranty (only very few early units have this problem). Can you send me an email with your order number and I'll send a replacement :)
 
I've been using the Gravitron and X/Y controllers for the better part of last year (I think mine is #15 or so). I personally like the idea of wireless effects control from my guitar. I even briefly had it setup with my Ax3 via bluetooth connection and USB power bank, so a completely wireless solution away from my rack (plus a wired midi footcontroller). As of late, I've settled on it connected directly to my Fm3 (in addition to footswitches cirect to the Fm3 pedal inputs) and think they compliment each other well.

Given the way the software seems to function (X/Y assignments and F10W assignments are the same), I'm probably sticking with the X/Y controllers rather than adding the footswitches. Actually, I found a really interesting addon is the El Garatge Expression Knob (it's a jack with a tiny potentiometer at the end). With the Gravitron attached to my mic stand, I was able to have a master volume control within quick reach.View attachment 132674

I've been in contact with them a few times and they (Van in particular) has been very responsive and helpful. The software capabilities have evolved quickly over the last year, and customer suggestions have been implemented in some cases.

One thing to note: the jacks are directly attached to the circuit board; the USB C jack on my unit popped off the circuit board. I'm assuming it's covered by the warranty, so we'll see if I send it in to get repaired or just live without.

Since it's probably been a good year since you started using the Graviton and the X/Y controller, do you have any complaints? I'm strongly considering getting one for my FM3, just the thought of having essentially ten switches (each with multiple possible interactions like tap, double tap, hold tap etc) seems like it'd allow for so much flexibility in switching and toggling things.
 
Ya, lots of thoughts (not necessarily complaints but opinons):
I still have it on my board and have tried a few different configurations for it. Right now, I use it primarily to engage individual effects on the FM3, and use the layouts/footswitches on the FM3 and attached footcontrollers primarily for preset, scene, and looper controller. I still use the El Garatage knob for parameters (I have about 5 different expression presets that I'll rotate through depending on the gig, like looper volume, or input 2 level), and another treadle expression pedal for volume or wah.

At the moment I use two present banks with the #5 and #10 switches (the center buttons) to toggle between the two. When ever I've used more than 2 banks, and navigate up and down, it can be too much time trying to get to what I need. Plus given the rest of the buttons, it's relatively easy to remember what functions are in the two banks without having to check the Graviton to see what I'm doing (e.g. I know if I hit #5 and then #1 I've engaged my compressor, or if I hit #10 and then #1 I've engaged a pitch block). More than that and I need to look at the Graviton to see what bank I'm on and what I may have just engaged.

With recent update adding double tap and hold functions, I played around with 2 more banks (on double tap functions) but I'm not always getting consistent triggers on the double tap. Trying to use the functions, I accidentally triggered a delay hold in the middle of a solo, and had to think on my toes to make it work while also navigating back to the hold function to turn it off. The band and audience (guests at a wedding) thought it was fun, but it didn't feel like fun. ha!

Other thoughts: I now have mine attached the board holding my FM3 for the sake of pre-wiring and keeping it out of the way. I preferred having it on a small mic stand attachment so I didn't have to look down. Also, when it's up, you can use the Gravitron as a touch screen in case your XY loses connection. If the midi in jack on the FM3 didn't overpower the midi-to-bluetooth devices (I have the Widi), I might have it on the stand again and power it with a usb powerpack so no wires. Maybe.

Again, Van has been very helpful. I had the USB C port break off the motherboard; Van sent a replacement motherboard since I was still under warranty. I have some issues with XY controllers not connecting properly or not holding charge. He replaced them.

I place my XY controllers on the side of the guitar on the upper horn. It's not perfect placement as I've accidently triggered effects when moving around, but I would also accidently hit it when I placed the XY near the other guitar controls.

I bought one of the EC dual expression knobs. I don't use it as often though. It doesn't hold charge well (I could reach out to Van about it, but just not motivated enough), and I wasn't crazy about where to place it on the guitar since the knobs on the EC are noticably larger than the XY joysticks. I know have it attached to a micstand pick holder, so I can take it from place to place. But because of the battery issue and placing my Graviton on my pedalboard, it's just as easy to use the Garatage expression knob and wired foot expression pedal.

tldr: still using it though not as the master brain for my FM3 for a few different reasons
 
Since it's probably been a good year since you started using the Graviton and the X/Y controller, do you have any complaints? I'm strongly considering getting one for my FM3, just the thought of having essentially ten switches (each with multiple possible interactions like tap, double tap, hold tap etc) seems like it'd allow for so much flexibility in switching and toggling things.

Not the OP, but I have been using the M1 for a few months with my FM9 and it has been a great addition to the rig. I usually run the FM9 in Songs/Setlist mode and it is handy to be able to pick a Scene that wasn't programmed into a Song. I have another bank set up to switch effects on and off and this avoids having to come off the Setlists Layout in mid-song.
 
Ya, lots of thoughts (not necessarily complaints but opinons):
I still have it on my board and have tried a few different configurations for it. Right now, I use it primarily to engage individual effects on the FM3, and use the layouts/footswitches on the FM3 and attached footcontrollers primarily for preset, scene, and looper controller. I still use the El Garatage knob for parameters (I have about 5 different expression presets that I'll rotate through depending on the gig, like looper volume, or input 2 level), and another treadle expression pedal for volume or wah.

At the moment I use two present banks with the #5 and #10 switches (the center buttons) to toggle between the two. When ever I've used more than 2 banks, and navigate up and down, it can be too much time trying to get to what I need. Plus given the rest of the buttons, it's relatively easy to remember what functions are in the two banks without having to check the Graviton to see what I'm doing (e.g. I know if I hit #5 and then #1 I've engaged my compressor, or if I hit #10 and then #1 I've engaged a pitch block). More than that and I need to look at the Graviton to see what bank I'm on and what I may have just engaged.

With recent update adding double tap and hold functions, I played around with 2 more banks (on double tap functions) but I'm not always getting consistent triggers on the double tap. Trying to use the functions, I accidentally triggered a delay hold in the middle of a solo, and had to think on my toes to make it work while also navigating back to the hold function to turn it off. The band and audience (guests at a wedding) thought it was fun, but it didn't feel like fun. ha!

Other thoughts: I now have mine attached the board holding my FM3 for the sake of pre-wiring and keeping it out of the way. I preferred having it on a small mic stand attachment so I didn't have to look down. Also, when it's up, you can use the Gravitron as a touch screen in case your XY loses connection. If the midi in jack on the FM3 didn't overpower the midi-to-bluetooth devices (I have the Widi), I might have it on the stand again and power it with a usb powerpack so no wires. Maybe.

Again, Van has been very helpful. I had the USB C port break off the motherboard; Van sent a replacement motherboard since I was still under warranty. I have some issues with XY controllers not connecting properly or not holding charge. He replaced them.

I place my XY controllers on the side of the guitar on the upper horn. It's not perfect placement as I've accidently triggered effects when moving around, but I would also accidently hit it when I placed the XY near the other guitar controls.

I bought one of the EC dual expression knobs. I don't use it as often though. It doesn't hold charge well (I could reach out to Van about it, but just not motivated enough), and I wasn't crazy about where to place it on the guitar since the knobs on the EC are noticably larger than the XY joysticks. I know have it attached to a micstand pick holder, so I can take it from place to place. But because of the battery issue and placing my Graviton on my pedalboard, it's just as easy to use the Garatage expression knob and wired foot expression pedal.

tldr: still using it though not as the master brain for my FM3 for a few different reasons

Thanks for that very comprehensive response! I'm going to read through this again later, but right off the top of my head, a few follow-up questions.

Did you have any glitches with the XY controller in terms of connection stability and battery life? In terms of usability, you've mentioned not getting consistent triggers with double-taps. I wonder if @Luminite has any thoughts on this, whether it could be a potentially faulty controller, or whether it's a matter of getting used to double-tapping a specific way to get it to trigger reliably.

I'm very tempted by the idea of having just the M1 (because of its tiny footprint), and an XY controller, which would mean less tap-dancing on footswitches as well. But if battery life, reliability or consistency is a concern, that may start to feel like a less dependable way to do this on stage.

With respect to the wireless MIDI interface on the FM3, you mention the WIDI, did you mean the WIDI Master, or the WIDI Jack? By overpower, I assume you mean the missing resistor causing the WIDI Master to overheat?
 
I did have glitches with the first XYs I got, but that was also the very first batch manufactured (my M1 is #15). In particular I had issues connecting more than XY at a time and short battery life. That was resolved with the replacements Van sent me shortly after. I think these are the kind of chargable devices that can be overcharged if left plugged into long (I'm guessing). Plus I've learned not to pack up my guitars with the XY's attached, as the buttons get triggerd in my gigbag, and inevitably drain the battery by go time.

In terms of double taps, I think it's just a matter of timing; I think I was trying to trigger it too fast. I'll play with it around again later today and report back, but I disabled those double triggers since it wasn't a vital function for me (delay hold).

I really do like the small footprint of the M1 and XY, particularly since its part of my fly rig. I can get my pedalboard (Temple Duo 17) plus all of my cables, iem transmitter and an A frame style double guitar stand snuggly in a pelican case. I don't think I would ever use it as my only controller for the FM3 (I prefer to navigate presets on the unit directly, and there's no ability to directly midi control the FM3 setlist and song functions). There are other interesting footcontrollers out there, but none that can do as much as the M1 in such little space.

Re WIDI: I have the WIDI Master and the Thru6 box. I haven't tried using the WIDI in my FM3 rig because of the resistor issue.
I never got the Gravitron/WIDI working to my satisfaction, though that was with my Axfx3 and Liquidfoot footcontroller rig. I was having strange issues of messages getting echoed back to the M1 and could never get the bluetooth configured to stop the bidirectional communication, wanting to only send from the M1's bluetooth. But the whole bluetooth settings have been revised in the M1 software, so I might get a different result if I wanted to try that again. I also think that some of the sysex and tap tempo from the Liquidfoot was causing those problems.
 
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