Hi,

I am absolutely buffled that I have to ask this question.

I have the Moog EP 3 in (other) mode - also tried standard, did not change anything - correctly attached to my Komplete Kontrol MK3. It is running inside Bitwig. It feels like all my settings are correct. But maybe that is the first mistake already.

Inside Bitwig I assumed that with r"ight click assign to a Controller/ Key and pressing the expression pedal" a connection could be created. But I must be wrong.

Where is my mistake. Is there a setting I have bear in mind?


Thanks for your help.

 

Hi @Thomba, maybe the AI can help you a little further.

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

Hi,

No worries at all—expression pedal setups can be finicky because they're analog signals that need proper mapping to MIDI CC (usually CC#11 for expression), and both the hardware and software have to play nice. Based on common issues with the Moog EP-3 and Komplete Kontrol S61 Mk3 (especially in DAWs like Bitwig), your right-click assignment method in Bitwig is correct once the MIDI signal is flowing properly from the keyboard. The problem is likely upstream: the pedal isn't fully calibrated or polarity-matched on the MK3 side, so Bitwig isn't seeing the CC data when you move it.

I'll walk you through troubleshooting and setup step-by-step. This combines official NI guidance, Moog specs, and user fixes from NI forums (where folks have solved exact EP-3 + MK3 combos). Start with the basics and test after each major step.

1. Basic Hardware Check (Moog EP-3 Side)

• Connection: Plug the EP-3 into the EXPRESSION 1/4" jack on the back of your S61 Mk3 (not Sustain or Assign—those are for on/off pedals). Use a high-quality TRS cable (tip-ring-sleeve, stereo) at least 10-20 ft max to avoid signal loss.
• Polarity Switch: Set it to Standard first (this is the default for most synth/keyboard setups like NI). If no luck later, flip to Other (this reverses tip/ring for compatibility with some non-Moog gear). The switch doesn't change CC numbers—it's analog polarity to match the host's expected wiring.
• Output Knob: Turn the small knob on the side of the EP-3 fully clockwise (max output). This sets the full sweep range (0-127 MIDI values). Halfway or less can cause weak/jumpy signals.
• Power Cycle: Unplug the pedal, power off the MK3, wait 10 seconds, reconnect, and power on.

Test: Open a MIDI monitor app (like MIDI-OX on Windows or Snoize MIDI Monitor on Mac) or Bitwig's MIDI inspector (View > Inspector > MIDI tab). Move the pedal heel-to-toe slowly. You should see CC#11 values changing from ~0 (heel down) to ~127 (toe down). If nothing shows, it's a hardware/calibration issue—proceed.

2. Configure & Calibrate on Komplete Kontrol Side
The MK3 converts the analog pedal to MIDI CC#11, but it needs calibration for full range. Do this in the Komplete Kontrol (KK) standalone app (free download from NI if you don't have it—run it outside Bitwig for now).

• Launch Komplete Kontrol standalone with your MK3 connected.
• Click the MIDI plug icon (top-right corner) to open Hardware Setup.
• Go to the Pedals tab/section.
  • Select the Expression input.
  • Set Type to Continuous (not On/Off—this is key for expression sweeps).
  • Set CC Number to 11 (default for expression).
  • Polarity: Start with Normal. If the sweep is inverted (toe down = low value), toggle Invert. If range is limited/jumpy, try Swap T/R (this flips tip/ring internally—matches the EP-3's polarity switch).
• Calibrate:
  • Click the Calibrate button (or "Learn" if labeled that way).
  • Move the pedal slowly and fully from heel down (min) to toe down (max), holding each end for 2-3 seconds.
  • Confirm—it should now map 0-127 smoothly.
• Save and exit. The MK3 remembers these hardware settings even in DAW mode.

Pro Tip: If using Bitwig's official KK Mk3 extension (install via Bitwig's Package Manager > Extensions), it auto-handles some of this, but manual calibration in standalone is still recommended for pedals.

Test Again: In your MIDI monitor or Bitwig, move the pedal. You should now see steady CC#11 changes. If still nothing, try a different cable/pedal to rule out faults.

3. Assign in Bitwig
Once CC#11 is flowing from the MK3 (on MIDI channel 1 by default), Bitwig's method works great.

• In Bitwig, right-click the parameter you want to control (e.g., volume, filter cutoff in a device).
• Choose Assign to > Controller/Key.
• Immediately move the EP-3 heel-to-toe. Bitwig should detect the incoming CC#11 and map it.
• If it doesn't detect:
  • Ensure your MK3 is selected as the MIDI input device (Settings > Controllers > MIDI Ports—enable "Komplete Kontrol" or "NI Hardware").
  • Check the MIDI channel matches (default is 1; change in KK Hardware Setup if needed).
  • In Bitwig's Inspector (View > Inspector), watch the MIDI In tab for CC activity.

If using the KK extension, load a Komplete instrument first—it might auto-map expression to common params like mod wheel.

Common Gotchas & Next Steps

• No Signal? Firmware update your MK3 via NI's Native Access app. Also, try the pedal in another app (e.g., KK standalone with a Komplete instrument) to isolate if it's Bitwig-specific.
• Jumpy/Limited Range? Recalibrate after flipping EP-3 polarity or KK's Swap T/R. Some users report EP-3 needs the "Other" mode for NI keyboards.
• Bitwig-Specific: If you're in a device chain, ensure the modulator isn't filtered (e.g., no MIDI filter device blocking CC#11).
• Still stuck? Post your MIDI monitor screenshot on the NI Community forums (link in search results) or Bitwig's forum—they're super responsive for this setup. Or reply here with what happens after step 2.

This should get you rocking—let me know how it goes!

Cheers, Grok

 

The Moog EP 3 sucks totally and is junk, or at best can be used as a doorstop. I bought one and it died rather quickly. I highly recommend to anyone who asks to stay clear of them. This pedal gives the venerable Moog company a black eye.

 

Amazing - the dial was the issue. It is working now

 

That's quite the bummer, I've had mine about a decade and it's been rock-solid. I don't know if I got lucky, or you unlucky!

 

If it wasn't for bad luck
I'd have none at all.