Xpression Fx Black Magic Motion, is a wireless motion controlled audio effects controller and MIDI controller. It changes effect parameters such as volume, pitch and filter by moving a small sensor attached to an instrument or body part.
There are two models-
- Xpression fX Black Magic Motion – TRS
- Xpression fX Black Magic Motion – MIDI
The TRS model is designed to connect to a third party effect unit, MIDI controller, keyboard or other device with a foot controller socket. (TRS, RTS ,TS or CV are suitable).
The MIDI model is designed to connect to third party MIDI devices with a 5-pin DIN MIDI receive socket such as keyboards and effect units.
Both models perform the same function and look physically identical accept for the main connection socket.
The system consists of two units, a wireless sensor-transmitter and a modulator-receiver. The transmitter module senses and sends motion data to the receiver. The receiver then modulates an effect or changes MIDI data relative to that information. In short, moving the sensor will change an effect parameter and/or change MIDI codes. Its like an expression pedal, but with more control over parameter modulation via software functions, and more control over expression via increased dexterity and motion dynamics.
The motion data is translated in software to provide a user with multiple options for creating modulation including tilt, rotation, speed, force and a special mode made specifically for guitar, called ‘Guitar-hand’. Modulation can also be automated via built in Low Frequency Oscillator controls (LFO). The Low Frequency Oscillation pattern is an ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) type that can be manually set via control knobs, or pre-recorded via the sensors motion giving an endless range of intricate ADSR envelopes.
The TRS model works somewhat like a traditional expression pedal in that its internal electrical resistance is changed and used to modulate a chosen effect such as volume, pitch, wah, tremolo and vibrato. The difference between a traditional expression pedal and ‘Black Magic Motion’, is the method used to create modulation. The method with a traditional expression pedal is the user’s foot rocking a pedal back and forth. The method with ‘Black Magic Motion’ is the movement of the sensor module. The module can be placed for example on a hand, leg, electric guitar, microphone or any other location. It is the small size of the sensor module and its placement that provides motion dynamics and dexterity advantages over that of a traditional foot pedal.
The MIDI model looks physically identical to the TRS model, but has a TRS to MIDI convertor cable and the software is slightly varied to include Continuous Contoller (CC) messages, and so it is a MIDI controller minus the keyboard, but with the addition of a wireless sensor and various software features.
