Foot Captain SWL Expression Pedal Tip/Ring Dual Outputs and Latched Switch Output

Yes, it is made of aluminum alloy and very sturdy.

Yes. Foot Captain is a highly standardized and universal expression control pedal that can be connected to various devices such as multi-effects processors, keyboards, and synthesizers. Compared to other expression pedals, Foot Captain comes with two expression interface outputs that can be compatible with most host devices. As stated in its manual, its tip-out port can be compatible with AXE FX FM series multi-effects processors and Boss GT series effects processors. Its ring-out port can be compatible with Zoom series effects processors, Strymon series effects processors, and others. Its compatibility is excellent, which solves a major compatibility issue.

It weighs 430g. In actual use, it feels very lightweight but can still be stably placed and used.

It uses a 6.35 TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) three-core cable. One cable is included in the product package. Please do not use regular guitar signal cables.

It is 25k, which is suitable for most devices.

The internal potentiometer is dual-ganged, so if both devices happen to have the two kinds compatible output standards, it may be possible to control them simultaneously.

The calibration function is actually provided by the host device. Here, when using MIDI Captain in conjunction, let's provide a brief explanation of whether calibration is supported.

MIDI Captain do not provide users with a calibration function, instead it has internal compensation for dead zones. This ensures that as long as you connect a properly formatted expression pedal, you will obtain a control range of 0 to 100%. By "properly formatted," we mean connecting an expression pedal with Ring output, including our own AB-Face series, Foot Captain series, and Zoom series expression pedals. It is worth mentioning that not having calibration is actually a good thing. If you were to use an expression pedal with Tip output, it may appear to achieve some control range, but it would be very narrow and completely non-linear. Even with calibration, it would still be unusable.

By avoiding the use of incorrectly connected expression pedals, users won't be left wondering why it's not functioning properly and miss out on the opportunity to use an expression pedal correctly. Many times, the expression pedal you have may not be compatible with your host device. In such cases, either it's not possible to calibrate successfully, or even if you calibrate it, it still won't function properly. At this point, you should understand that you may need an expression pedal with a different connection method. 

If a Type A expression pedal is connected to a Type B host device, or vice versa, the control range can be completely nonlinear and narrow, and calibration may not be possible.

In worse cases, even if calibration is performed and it seems to be working fine, it may actually be operating in a very limited control state, where a significant portion of the control travel is ineffective. There might be a sudden change from 0 to 100%, which is highly undesirable. In such situations, one might mistakenly attribute the issue to the expression pedal itself without considering the compatibility of the interface.

 The worst-case scenario is when the expression pedal is incompatible with the host device, and the bias power supply of the host device does not have sufficient internal series limiting resistors. This can result in a short circuit in the bias power rail of the host device at the 0% or 100% position, potentially damaging the host device.

Yes, provided that you have some DIY skills, as a DIYer myself, I highly encourage solving compatibility issues with our own hands. The solution to this problem is straightforward. All you need to do is modifying a TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) cable, cut it in the middle, and exchange the connections of the tip and ring. This will create a crossover cable where the T (tip) and R (ring) are interchanged. Regardless of which end you plug into the device and expression pedal, you will achieve the correct connection.

Certainly, I would also recommend you to purchase a Foot Captain :)