Recommended Pedals and Footswitches for Use with Stage Traxx

Your Guide to Choosing the Right Controller for Seamless Performances

When using Stage Traxx for live performances or rehearsals, having a reliable pedal or footswitch can greatly enhance your performance by allowing hands-free operation. With so many options on the market, it’s important to select devices that are compatible and dependable.

Technically, any MIDI footswitch will work with Stage Traxx. You can configure a variety of MIDI commands to trigger a large range of actions in Stage Traxx (https://stagetraxx.com/docs/v4/remote-control/).

Below, we examine some of the most popular pedals and footswitches, their pros and cons, and highlight which products to avoid.

Popular Pedals and Footswitches

AirTurn Pedals
AirTurn (https://www.airturn.com) is a well-established brand in the world of Bluetooth pedals, widely used by musicians for controlling apps like Stage Traxx. Popular models include the AirTurn BT200S-2 and AirTurn DUO. Stage Traxx also supports AirTurn devices that use the AirDirect protocol for a direct connection without going through system Bluetooth settings.

Pros: Reliable Bluetooth connectivity, solid build quality, rechargeable battery, and multiple pedal options (2 or 4 pedals). AirTurn pedals are highly configurable, allowing users to assign different commands for each switch.
Cons: Higher price point compared to some alternatives. Some users note that the pedal travel feels a bit ‘soft’, which may not suit everyone’s preference. Many older models are not supported on iOS26+.

AirTurn Models Not Supported on iOS26+
With the release of iOS26, certain older AirTurn models are no longer supported due to compatibility issues with Bluetooth protocols and hardware limitations (see AirTurn’s comment here - https://www.airturn.com/pages/ios-26-status). It is important to ensure older AirTurn devices are updated to the latest firmware available. Notably, users have reported issues with the following models with iOS26+:

AirTurn BT-105
AirTurn DIGIT
AirTurn PED (first generation)
AirTurn BT200S-2

These devices may fail to connect reliably to newer Apple devices running iOS26+ or may not be recognized at all. It is recommended to only use a supported model such as the AirTurn PED 500, DUO 500, or QUAD 500 for continued functionality and compatibility.

M-Vave Chocolate/Chocolate Plus
The M-Vave Chocolate/Chocolate Plus (https://www.m-vave.com/cpjs) is a compact and affordable Bluetooth MIDI footswitch that has gained popularity among Stage Traxx users.

Pros: Budget-friendly, small footprint, robust construction, 4 footswitches, easy to pair with devices, and supports both Bluetooth and USB MIDI. The device is rechargeable and provides good battery life for its size.
Cons: Steep learning curve due to poor documentation and unintuitive app.

Morningstar MIDI Controllers
Morningstar controllers (https://www.morningstar.io/midi-foot-controllers) are professional-grade MIDI footswitches known for their versatility and deep customisation.

Pros: Extremely flexible with advanced MIDI programming, robust metal construction, multiple switches, and compatibility with both USB and DIN MIDI. Perfect for users wanting complex control setups with Stage Traxx. Various models available depending on number of footswitches required.
Cons: Higher cost and possibly steeper learning curve, as the advanced features require a bit of setup (offset by good app and large user community). These units may be overkill for users needing only basic controls.

What to Avoid

Not all Bluetooth pedals or remotes are created equal. Devices marketed as Bluetooth camera remotes, page turners for e-books/PDFs, or generic presentation clickers typically do not work with Stage Traxx. These devices often send incompatible or very limited signals, lacking the necessary MIDI or key command support required by music apps. Users have reported unreliable operation, connection issues, or no response at all.

It is also worth noting that, like older AirTurn pedals, the IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard has been reported to have issues connecting to iOS26+.

Conclusion

For seamless integration with Stage Traxx, choose pedals that offer MIDI or configurable key commands, such as AirTurn (new models only), M-Vave Chocolate, or Morningstar controllers. Carefully consider your performance needs and budget, and steer clear of devices not specifically designed for musical applications, such as Bluetooth camera remotes or basic presentation clickers. Investing in a compatible, reliable pedal will ensure smooth performance and hassle-free operation.