Unit for converting foot controllers with the 1/4in connector to MIDI?

[Metaxy]

I'm trying to figure out how to use for example the BOSS momentary controller with my PC. Many MIDI pedals and such work by connecting to the synth by a 1/4in phone cable (I don't know how that information could be conveyed by a sound cable, but that's beside the point). If I want to use a momentary footpedal like that to control a custom parameter on my computer, how would I do that? Is there some kind of rack unit or something to convert pedal-type signals to custom MIDI messages?

[Metaxy]

In retrospect, this is proably the wrong subforum, but too late.

[fraserhutch]

you need to go through some type of midi controller.

[TimOBrien]

The BOSS footswitches using the 1/4" cable are just that.... switches. They only need 2 wires to switch something on/off and have no "smarts" in them.

They have to plug into something with a MIDI brain to communicate (I use one on my Roland SPD-S drumpad).

[fldrummer]

Alesis dm5 could work as a cheap converter.

[jake-owa]

I used to use my Roland SPD6 for this purpose. I would be willing to sell it if you want to PM me.

[Metaxy]

Why are the Roland drum pads seemingly so popular for this? I guess they probably just have a lot of MIDI customization features.

[Metaxy]

I think I'm going to get the Behringer BCF2000, because I wanted to get a fader/knob box anyway, much as I'm reluctant to buy Behringer. I was going to get the M-Audio UC33e but the faders are smaller and non-motorized, and it has no footswitch ports.