Purchase a MIDI footswitch from an instrument and audio supply company. This generic activation tool allows you to output MIDI data to a secondary device after activating it with your foot. These MIDI foot triggers are available with multiple activation switches or a single pedal.
Connect the footswitch to the digital audio workstation or external audio effects processor with the required connection cord, which typically is a USB cable. An instrument cable might be required if you are using an external audio effects processor. Check the specifications of the controller to determine which cord you need.
Connect the bass to to the audio effects processor with an instrument cable. If you are creating effects with a digital audio workstation, you need an audio interface, such as M-Audio's FireWire Solo, to connect the instrument to the guitar. Connect the audio interface to the computer with a firewire cable. Create an audio track within the workstation, and configure it to receive signals from the audio channel your bass is assigned to. Your software workstation recognizes the connected interface and assigns an audio channel number for each input port on the device.
Create the desired effects for the bass using the external effects processor or digital audio workstation. Programs, such as Logic, incorporate virtual stomp boxes that include standard "pedals," such as fuzz, overdrive and reverb. Assign these effects to the created audio track using the channel assignment tools within the workstation.
Assign the created effects within the workstation to the MIDI footswitch using the MIDI assignment options within the workstation. MIDI triggers function by assigning adjustable parameters within the software specific numerical labels, which coincide with each trigger on the controller. After activating the trigger, information is sent to the effects parameter with the matching label.
Configure the digital audio workstation to receive MIDI data from the external footswitch. This typically is accomplished in the "I/O" section of the "Settings" menu within the workstation. If you are using an external effects processor instead of a digital audio workstation, connecting the MIDI footswitch to the processor prepares it for use.