FAQ

What is the Ekano?

The Ekano is a DIY Midi Controller with a 4-line LCD-Display and six stomps primarily but not exclusively designed to control the “Line 6 HX-Stomp”. 

What makes it special?

It’s based on an Arduino Pro Micro but does not require any programming skills (unless you want to customize it) other than uploading a ready-made program to an Arduino Nano (all of which can be done with free software via USB and is very well documented).

With Arduino, you can further customize the Ekano for your specific needs, e.g.:

• Sending out more than one Midi-Event with one stomp? - No problem!

• Customizing the display texts? - Easy!

• Reset your complete rig to your favorite "safe harbour" setting with one stomp press via Midi? - Sure!

Why an Arduino Pro Micro?

Other than e.g. the Arduino Nano, the Pro Micro comes with a USB-C-Port, which is nice. Far more important is the fact, that the Processor (ATmega32U4) on the Pro Micro has built-in USB communication, eliminating the need for a secondary processor. This allows the Micro to appear to a connected computer as a mouse and keyboard, in addition to a virtual (CDC) serial / COM port. 

If that sounds to complicated: Using the Pro Micro makes it possible to use the Ekano on your computer to Midi-control a DAW or Plugins (think amp sims) simply by connecting it with a USB-C (data) cable. No additional midi interface or power supply required.

How much does it cost?

There are cheaper commercial midi controllers available with less functionality, but compared to configurable solutions with display, the Ekano is cheap: Depending on the enclosure it will be between 50 and 70 USD. 

If you like to build stuff and are looking for an easy and usable project to learn the fascinating world of microcontrollers, this is for you!

What can it do?

The Ekano has been originally designed as a contoller for the Line 6 HX Stomp to provide six additional buttons for preset and snapshot selections, FX block bypass or parameter control, to name a few. It comes with preconfigured banks, so you can us it with your HX Stomp right after the build. 

This being said, the Ekano is based on an Arduino and thus can be programmed to work as a generic Midi Controller for any device such as other amp modellers, synthesizers or digital audio workstations (DAW).

• HX Stomp

  • Preset Control (jump to a specific preset, scroll through presets)

  •  Snapshot Control (Activate snapshots on the HX Stomp)

  • FX Block Control (bypass or activate individual FX Blocks)

  • FX parameter Control (Modify individual effects parameters, e.g. drive level)

  • Change Footswitch Modes on HX Stomp (Stompbox Mode, Snapshot Mode, Scroll Preset Mode)

  • Looper Control (Record, Stop, Play, Play Once, Undo/Redo, Reverse, Forward, Full Speed, Half Speed)

  • Footswitch emulation (Emulation of Footswitches 1-5)

  • Tuner activation

  • Bypass/Engage HX Stomp completely

• General

  • Any MIDI Message (PC or CC) can be sent via Standard-MIDI-Port and/or USB-C Port. (no MIDI interface required when connected to a Computer, e.g. for DAW control). 

  • USB-C-powered (no power supply required when connected to a computer, e.g. for DAW control)

  • 20 Banks, bank changes can trigger MIDI as well (e.g. to set controlled devices in a specific state, call specific matching presets on connected devices etc.)

Where does it fall short?

Customizing the Ekano requires to connect it to your computer and change, add or delete some lines of code. There is no web interface or Smartphone-App to do the programming.