There is no doubt that the ability to easily manipulate digital audio and videos has revolutionized the way we learn to play an instrument or expand our repertoire. The ability to easily loop a phrase or slow music down without changing pitch was difficult until it became common to play digital music files on computers in the early 2000s. Today, tools like The Amazing Slowdowner and Transcribe! make it incredibly easy to perform these tasks, and many video players, including Peghead Nation’s, include controls for looping sections, controlling playback speed, etc. However, while perfectly functional, all these software-based solutions still require a mouse or trackpad (or a finger, if you’re working on a mobile device), and can be cumbersome to use while holding an instrument (and impossible to control while playing). 

This is where the Vidami pedal comes in. Housed in a sturdy stompbox-style pedal, the Vidami pedal makes it easier than ever to perform all of the functions mentioned, and it has features that extend its use beyond the video looping capability it was originally designed for. The best part is that with a recent update to Vidami’s browser extension, Peghead Nation students can now use both the original USB version of the pedal as well as the wireless Vidami Blue, which I recently had a chance to check out.

In its standard configuration, the Vidami Blue’s five buttons control Play/Pause, Back, Forward, Speed, and Loop. The pedal requires the installation of Vidami’s browser extension, which is currently compatible with Chrome (Mac and Windows) and Safari (Mac and iOS) browsers. Once the extension has been installed and configured (Vidami has several videos that explain the process on its website), use of the pedal is simple and intuitive. The Play, Back, and Forward buttons are self-explanatory and work just like the software buttons on a typical video player. Where it gets exciting is with the use of the Loop and Speed controls. A simple push of the Loop button sets up the beginning of a looped phrase, pushing it again creates the end point, and the video automatically repeats the section until the button is pressed again or the video is stopped. Being able to do this in real time is perhaps the Vidami’s most appealing feature. The Speed control is also intuitive.  In the unit’s default mode, each push decreases the speed to 75, 50, 35, and 20 percent, and the browser extension also allows for custom settings. Naturally, the speed control and loop function can work simultaneously. 

Besides its primary function as a video player controller, the Vidami Blue can also be used to control basic functions (such as stop, start, record, forward, rewind) of many popular DAWs (including Logic and ProTools), and it can be configured as a remote page-turner when used with an iPad, making it a useful tool in home studio and performance settings. 

Overall, the Vidami Blue is a very useful and straightforward tool. Whether used with videos here on Peghead Nation, on YouTube, or with other compatible video platforms, it will allow you to focus on learning by keeping your hands on the instrument. 

Peghead Nation students can take advantage of an offer to receive a ten percent discount on the purchase of a Vidami pedal by using promo code PegHeadNation10 at https://vidami.com/?ref=PegheadNation 

SPECS: Bluetooth software controller. Play/Pause, Back, Forward, Speed, and Loop controls for compatible video players. Additional features for DAWs and iPad page-turning control. Built-in rechargeable battery (charges via included USB cable). Compatible with Chrome (Mac and Windows) and Safari (Mac and iOS) browsers. $229.99 list ($149.00 for USB version). vidami.com

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