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Description

The Lake Butler RFC-1 is a versatile MIDI Foot Controller designed to elevate your live performance setup with seamless integration and robust control. Ideal for musicians who need hands-free operation, this foot controller allows you to effortlessly manage multiple MIDI devices with precision. Whether you're a touring musician or performing in a studio, the RFC-1 offers a comprehensive solution for controlling synths, effects processors, and other MIDI-compatible gear without ever missing a beat.

The RFC-1 features easy-to-use footswitches that can be programmed to send various MIDI commands, allowing for real-time changes in your sound. Its rugged construction ensures durability on the road, while its compact design makes it easy to incorporate into any setup. With the ability to control multiple MIDI channels, the RFC-1 is perfect for musicians who rely on complex setups and need a reliable interface to streamline their performance.

Key Features:

  • MIDI Foot Controller for seamless integration with multiple devices
  • Programmable footswitches for real-time MIDI command control
  • Rugged and durable design suitable for live performances
  • Compact form factor for easy setup and transport
  • Supports control of multiple MIDI channels for complex setups

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Lake Butler RFC-1.

Features and functionality

  • Jerry Garcia's use of the Lake Butler RFC-1 Midigator allowed him to access a library of around 500 sounds via MIDI, enhancing his performance flexibility.

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  • The vertical mounting of pedals in Garcia's setup contributed to a cleaner stage presence and facilitated easier access during performances.

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  • The RFC-1 Midigator served primarily as a MIDI switcher for controlling rack-mounted effects and amps during live performances, reflecting its utility in complex setups.

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  • Garcia's setup included vertically mounted pedals, a design choice aimed at a cleaner stage appearance and easier access, enhancing the overall user experience.

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  • The setup often included a foot switching unit placed by his mic stand, allowing for seamless control over rack-mounted effects without manual adjustments.

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Use cases and applications

  • The RFC-1 was instrumental in Garcia's transition to using MIDI effects during regular sets, not just during "space" segments, showcasing its versatility in live settings.

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  • During the 1993 Metro Chicago show, the RFC-1 was used to manage effects like delays and harmonizers, integral to the sound of songs like "Soma" and "Starla."

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  • Jerry Garcia used a foot controller with larger on/off switches to accommodate his "stand & deliver" presence, minimizing the need to turn to his rack gear during performances.

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  • Garcia's foot controller allowed him to adjust settings while standing, underscoring the practical design that catered to his performance style.

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Software and compatibility

  • The RFC-1 was connected via MIDI to a Korg M1R and GR-50 controller, integrating seamlessly into Garcia's complex setup for MIDI-driven sound manipulation.

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User experience

  • The convenience of having a foot controller by the mic stand allowed Garcia to tweak settings without interrupting his performance, highlighting the user-centric design of his rig.

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  • It's noted that during the Mellon Collie era, the RFC-1 was part of a larger shift towards rack effects, moving away from traditional pedal setups.

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Comparisons

  • The RFC-1 Midigator was part of a sophisticated MIDI integration in Garcia's rig, contrasting with simpler setups that rely solely on traditional effects pedals.

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  • Older MIDI technology like the RFC-1 is considered less advanced compared to modern alternatives, which offer improved performance and features.

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  • The OC-2 octave pedal was favored for its sound quality, being described as one of the better-sounding options and most affordable, compared to similar octave effects.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The need to replace internal memory backup batteries in older MIDI equipment like synths is a notable maintenance issue, as these can drain over time.

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Critic Reviews

Multicoloured Sound (MT Aug 89)

muzines.co.uk

Keyboard - Reviews

youngmonkey.ca

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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substation7

Well designed MIDI footswitch - way ahead of it's time.

RFC-1 MIDI MIDIgator The Midi Mitigator is a midi foot controller that allows the user to organize your midi system by song titles (or other messages) that are displayed on a large 16 character Alpha/Numeric display.

There are 8 rubber covered footswitches to operate the RFC-1 during performance and a 32 key membrane keyboard for use in editing command strings and function selecting. There are 128 memory locations available allowing 640 command strings. Each string having up to 255 bytes in length consisting of any commands allowed by the midi specification. Also has a set mode to allow 3 different set lists that can programmed in any order desired out of the main memory. The continuous controller input requires pedal with a 75Kohm potentiometer.

Other features include

List price: $395.00 Controller inputs: 1 Number of banks:99 Number of MIDI channels it can send on:16 sysex transmission external continuous controller input bulk load/save via midi of all internal programs midi cable test I have used this unit to do some pretty crazy stuff. For example, I set up a patch that sent sysex commands to every unit in my rack to configure them to the proper MIDI channel and recieve mode in case something happened to hose my setup.

I have also used the unit to start and stop a sequencer. And since the RFC-1 can also send note on/off information I have used it to like bass pedals on several occasions and even had it play chords with the individual notes being sent to different synth modules on separate MIDI channels. Try to do that with any other footswitch!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gustavo Cerati uses Lake Butler RFC-1

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via Photo

Desde 1990 hasta 2004, el cerebro de los sets de Gustavo fue la Midi Mitigator RFC-1, con este controlador midi disparaba sus efectos provenientes de su rack. Esta foto es de su set para la gira Bocanada (1999 - 2001). Orden de pedales (izq. a der.):

  • King Vox Wah
  • Lake Butler Midi Mitigator RFC-1
  • Tech 21 SansAmp Classic
  • Fulltone Ultimate Octave
  • ProCo The Rat
  • Digitech MC-2

Album Usage

The Lake Butler RFC-1 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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