Control Your UAFX Pedals Over MIDI - UAFX 2.0 is Here!

Unlock USB-MIDI Control for Your UAFX Pedals 

At Gsus4, we’re all about enabling musicians with next-level tools and seamless workflows. Today, we’re excited to bring you the key insights from the folks at Universal Audio, who’ve rolled out a powerful update to their UAFX pedal line.

Here’s a breakdown of what this means — and how you can take full advantage of it.

What’s USB-MIDI all about?

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) debuted in 1983 to help keyboards, drum machines and computers talk to each other. It records not just the notes you play, but how you play them — dynamics, controller movements, timing. Today, it’s central to both studio production and live setups. 

For guitarists, MIDI has evolved from a studio tool to a live rig essential. Imagine standing on stage and changing your amp channel, kicking in a delay, switching pedals, all with one foot-press. That’s the promise. 

What’s new with UAFX 2.0?

UAFX 2.0 adds USB-MIDI to compatible dual-footswitch UAFX pedals. This does not apply to the compact single-footswitch range. Available preset, parameter and tempo functions depend on the model. 

In concrete terms:

• Connect the pedal to a controller with a USB Host port, or to a dedicated USB Host MIDI interface. A standard USB hub alone does not provide a MIDI host. 

• To connect multiple pedals, add a USB hub to the host. The number of supported pedals depends on that host's virtual MIDI ports. 

• For a traditional 5-pin DIN controller, use a USB Host MIDI interface between the controller and the UAFX pedal; a passive connector adapter is not sufficient. 

What can you do with it?

Check your model's MIDI implementation before choosing a controller. These functions are model-dependent, and UA currently describes MIDI CC parameter control as an open beta:

• Recall assigned presets or OX Stomp Rigs with Program Change on models that support presets. Del-Verb, Galaxy and MAX are not included in UA's Program Change-capable list. 

• Change multiple pedals with one command: e.g., lead preset on your amp pedal + dotted-eighth delay on your echo unit + shimmering plate reverb on your reverb unit. 

• Turn effects on/off mid-song with MIDI commands — no manual stomp needed. 

• Use expression control via MIDI CC to adjust parameters in real time (gain, feedback, mix levels). 

• Sync Astra, Del-Verb, Galaxy or Starlight to MIDI Beat Clock; this tempo feature is not available on every UAFX pedal. 

Why does this matter for you?

If you’re building a modern pedalboard or live rig, USB-MIDI means:

• Less cabling mess (USB over DIN simplifies things)

• Tighter integration across your gear (pedals, amp modeller, DAW, backing tracks)

• Faster transitions, more reliable preset switching, fewer hiccups on stage

• Expandability: start with one pedal and scale up to several, centrally controlled

What you’ll need to get started

To harness USB-MIDI control, here’s the gear you’ll want:

• A controller with a USB Host port, or a DIN MIDI controller plus a USB Host MIDI interface. -> Morningstar MC8 Pro

• A compatible USB hub for multiple pedals, plus USB data cables suitable for the host and the pedals' USB-C ports. Charging-only cables will not work. 

• A compatible dual-footswitch UAFX pedal with firmware 2.0 or newer, installed using UA Connect, and the UAFX Control mobile app version 3.0 or newer. 

Power and first setup: Dual-footswitch UAFX pedals require an isolated 9V DC, centre-negative supply providing at least 400 mA per pedal. Use a separate isolated output for each pedal. In UAFX Control, enable the required MIDI PC or CC channel and assign presets where supported; the default PC and CC channel settings are disabled.

Final thoughts

At Gsus4, we believe that gear should serve your creative flow — not hinder it. With USB-MIDI control on compatible UAFX pedals, you’re stepping into a streamlined, powerful control setup. Whether in the studio or on stage, you’re free to focus on playing, not stomping.

Need help wiring it all up? Swing by Gsus4 or give us a call — we’re happy to walk you through the setup or help pick compatible gear.

Sources checked 13 October 2026: UA USB-MIDI setup requirements, model-specific MIDI functions and setup, and cable and power guide.