User Manuals
MC4 PRO User Manual
Contents Introduction Power Requirements Connections Navigation Profiles Banks, Pages & Presets Editor Connection Controller Settings Edit Bank Edit Switch Preset Message Types Action Types Toggle Positions [Toggling One SwiPopularMC6 PRO User Manual
Contents Introduction Power Requirements Connections Navigation Profiles Banks, Pages & Presets Editor Connection Controller Settings Edit Bank Edit Switch Preset Message Types Action Types Toggle Positions [Toggling One SwiPopularMC8 PRO User Manual
Contents Introduction Power Requirements Connections Navigation Profiles Banks, Pages & Presets Editor Connection Controller Settings Edit Bank Edit Switch Preset Message Types Action Types Toggle Positions [Toggling One SwiPopularMC3 User Manual
Contents Introduction Power Requirements Connections Navigation Profiles Banks, Pages & Presets Editor Connection Controller Settings Edit Bank Edit Switch Preset Message Types Action Types Toggle Positions [Toggling One SwiPopularMC6 User Manual
Contents Introduction Power Requirements Connections Navigation Profiles Banks, Pages & Presets Editor Connection Controller Settings Edit Bank Edit Switch Preset Message Types Action Types Toggle Positions [Toggling One SwiPopularMC8 User Manual
Contents Introduction Power Requirements Connections Navigation Profiles Banks, Pages & Presets Editor Connection Controller Settings Edit Bank Edit Switch Preset Message Types Action Types Toggle Positions [Toggling One SwiPopularMorningstar Editor User Manual
Contents Getting Started Navigation Edit Switch Preset Message Types Action Types Toggle Positions Toggling One Switch with Another Toggle Groups & Toggle Reset Groups Icons Save, Copy, Paste & Swap Presets Preset Blink [MessaPopular
Message & Action Types
Message Types
Contents Introduction MIDI Channels Standard Program Change (PC) Program Change (Multi Channel) Control Change Note On/Off Real Time Song Position Song Select SysEx (System Exclusive) MMC Misc MIDI Clock [MIDI ClockPopularAction Types
Contents Introduction Action Execute Sequence Press Release Long Press Double Tap Double Tap Release Long Double Tap Long Double Tap Release Release All Long Press Scroll On First Engage [On First Engage (send only this)](#1-on-first-engage-send-oSome readersExpression Message Types
Contents Introduction Expression CC (Linear Response) Expression CC (Custom Response) CC Toe Down CC Heel Down PC Toe Down PC Heel Down Toe Down Toggle Channel Toe Down Toggle CC Pitch Bend Waveform Engine Speed [Sequencer Engine SpFew readers
How-To
Using the MC as an interface for the Meris LVX/Mercury and prEditor
Using the MC as an interface for the Meris LVX and Mercury with the prEDITOR The Meris prEDITOR allows you to quickly create presets, move them around, select your favorites, duplicate, swap, delete, assign your left and right favorites, import/export, access globals quickly and organize libraries. https://www.meris.us/product/preditor-editor-librarian/ You’ll need to update the Meris devices to the latest firmware. Hardware Connections Connect the 5 PIN MIDI OUTPUT on the MC to thePopularCreating Virtual MIDI Ports in Windows OS
Overview In Windows OS, when an application connects to a MIDI Device, the MIDI Port will no longer be available to other applications. That means, you will not be able to use one MIDI controller to communicate with multiple MIDI applications in Windows OS. Because the Morningstar Editor also connects to the MC3/6/8 via a MIDI port, that means that you will not be able to use a MIDI Application like Ableton and the Morningstar Editor at the same time. 
Universal Audio pedals can be MIDI controlled with the new UAFX 2.0 firmware update. You can recall presets using PC messages (for UAFX pedals that support presets) and control effect parameters using CC messages. How to Connect? Make sure your UAFX pedal is updated to the latest firmware and your [UAFX Control]Few readersMessage Filters
Filters allow you to filter out MIDI messages to get a clearer view of your preset. The filters highlighted in RED allow you to filter out MIDI messages based on their Preset Toggle Position. Both will show messages set to Pos 1, Pos 2 and Pos Both 1 & 2 will just show messages set to Pos 1 and Pos 2 The filters highlighted in YELLOW allow you to filter outFew readersMulti Engage/Bypass Message Type
Overview The Multi Engage/Bypass feature lets you map Engage and Bypass CC messages to each of your devices. This then allows you to use a single Multi Engage/Bypass message to set the bypass states of all your devices at once. 🎥 Video tutorial also available. MIDI Channel Settings To map your device's Engage/Bypass functions, go to the Edit MIDI Channel Settings under the Controller Settings tab. You'll see that for each MIDI ChaFew readers[Editor] Edit MIDI Channel Settings
Overview The Edit MIDI Channel Settings section under the Controller Settings tab in the Editor allows you to edit parameters related to a specific MIDI channel Name The **Name **textbox allows you to assign a name to that MIDI Channel, so that it appears in the Editor when editing presets. . This is useful if you need to control functions like Record/Play/Stop in your MIDI devices, or if you want to send a CC message to engagFew readersControlling the bypass state in a Neural DSP Plugin
There are 2 ways to control the Bypass/Engage function of each effect in the Neural DSP plugin. In our tutorial videos, we mostly show how to do this using the CC Toggle function, but if you want to reflect the bypass state of the effect on the Controller as well, you'll need to use a different method. Method 1 - Using CC Toggle The CC Toggle function in Neural DSP allows you to just send 1 CC message to toggle on and off the effect. Here's an example: . Preset messages can then be set to execute only when the Preset "Shifted". Once the Preset executes, the Preset will move back to the original (unshifted) state. Shift Types There are 2 types of Shifts Shift - When the Preset position is in Shift, it will only engage messages which position iFew readersPreset Toggle Mode (send different MIDI messages with each alternate press)
🎥 For a video demonstration and tutorial on how to use Toggle Mode, watch this: https://youtu.be/VEr0TB58EgA In our MIDI controllers, users can toggle between two sets of MIDI messages. Each preset has two toggle positions Position 1 and Position 2. Each preset also has a Toggle Mode setting as well as a Preset Blink setting. To toggle between two MIDI messages, the Toggle Mode setting needs to be turned On. When the Toggle Mode setting is turnedFew readersPreset Toggle Reset Groups
Similar to the Clear all preset toggles feature in the Bank settings which resets all the preset toggles in the bank except the last engaged preset, the Toggle Reset Groups allows you to reset the preset toggle state of all the presets in the group except the last engaged preset For example, if you have Preset A, B and C in Toggle Reset Group 1, and you have eacFew readersHow to indicate only the last engaged Preset
Overview In the MC3/6/8, there is a Blink feature to indicate that the Preset is “Toggled”. You can use this feature to determine whether a Preset is in a toggled state. If the Preset is in a toggled state, the Preset name will blink if the Blink feature is turned on. For more information about how the Toggle function works, please read [Toggle Switch Mode (send different MIDI messages with each alternate press)](/en/article/toggle-switch-mode-send-different-midi-messages-with-each-alternaFew readersUsing the LehLe Expression Pedal with USB Host
The Lehle Dual Expression and Mono S expression pedals both have a USB device port which can send MIDI over USB. The CC message that is sent is fixed, which is a CC#11 message on Channel 1. To use this with the MC PRO series USB Host port, you'll need to utilise the MIDI Message Converter function in the Controller Settings tab. You'll need to convert this incoming CC#11 message to a CC#51 -CC#54Few readersLooper Mode for Zero-latency Looper Control
Overview 🎥 For a video demonstration and tutorial on how to use Looper Mode, watch this: https://youtu.be/pZH2zf8Dk4E By default, even without Looper Mode, the messages are already sent out with a minimal delay. However, there may be some specific use cases where you need to reduce this delay even further. The Looper Mode feature is available on all Morningstar MIDI controllers. When in this mode, your controller will immediately send out its MIDI messages when a switch is pressed, with zFew readersUsing Strymon Nixie with Morningstar Controllers
Overview When Nixie to communicate with the devices, it sends SysEx messages to a MIDI Interface via USB, which then forwards it to the Strymon devices. The Strymon devices will then send some SysEx messages back to Nixie via the MIDI Interface. It is possible for Strymon Nixie to communicate with your Strymon Timeline, BigSky etc using the Morningstar MC6MKII, MC8 and MC6 PRO (these units have a MIDI IN and OUT port), instead of using a dedicated MIDI Interface. Settings on the MC6MKII /Few readersMIDI Message Converter
Overview New in Firmware v3.9.x The Event Processor feature allows you to map incoming MIDI messages and convert them to other types of MIDI messages. For example, you can tell the controller to send a CC#5 Value 127 message to MIDI Channel 3, when it receives a PC#8 message on Channel 1. You can also set the conversion to happen at the input or output. If the conversion happens at the input, the conversion will happen first, before the controller processes the message. What this meansFew readersRemoving the SD card in the MC PRO
The MC PRO has an on-board SD card to store all your data. You'll need to remove the 4 screws at the bottom to remove the backplate. After removing, you'll see the SD card on the board. Slide the metal cover down towards the direction of the red arrows to unclip it.  and Position 2 (Pos2). Turning on the Preset Toggle Mode settings in the preset will allow you to toggle between Pos1 and Pos2. This will happen as long as a messages is executed in the preset, regardless of the action used. For example, if Toggle Mode is turned on, using a Long Press to execute a message, the Preset will toggle to the alternate position. Same with using a Press action.Few readersHow to toggle Preset with a specific action
When the Preset Toggle feature is enabled, the Preset will toggle whenever a message is executed. For example, it will toggle when a Press, Long Press or Double Tap action is executed on the Preset and triggers at least one message. This may or may not be suited for what you want. The most common use case against this is that the user only wants to toggle the Preset when a Press action is executed, but not with another action like Double Tap. To do this, you need to disable the Preset TogglFew readersHow do I set the expression pedal to send different CC messages per preset?
The expression pedal inputs work on a per-bank basis, where every bank has a different expression preset. Each expression preset has 16 or 32 midi messages that you can program, depending on model. By changing banks on the MC6 PRO, you can send different CC messages. You can also send different CC messages in each expression preset in the same bank by using your standard presets A-L. By programming a Select Exp Message midi type in your preset, you can select which of the 16 or 32 midi messageFew readersCC Sequencer Generators
Overview The CC Sequence Generators allows you to step through a specified list of values at a given interval. Discussion thread on this feature here: https://forum.morningstar.io/t/beta-feature-cc-sequencer/654 Setting the list of values The list of values can be found in the Editor under the Controller Settings tab. There are 2 lists that you can edit. First, specify the length of your list (up to 16) and second, set the values for each element in the list. The sequencer will step tFew readersCustom Bank Sequence
In Firmware v3.8, we introduced the Custom Bank Sequence feature, which allows you to re-arrange your banks in a sequence such that when you Bank Up, the banks loaded will follow your custom sequence. This setting can be accessed in the Controller Settings tab. On the left side shows the Default Bank Sequence which is the default Bank 1 to 30 sequence. On the right side shows thFew readersRemapping MIDI channels
This feature allows you to remap a MIDI channel to a different channel. This means that, if you have a Strymon Timeline set to MIDI Channel 1 in all your messages, and don’t want to go through the hassle of updating all your messages in your controller, you can make use of the Remap MIDI Channel feature. This feature can be found in the Controller Settings tab For example, the setting below is the default, where no MIDI channels are remapped. The Timeline sends on MIDI Channel 1. , you can do that in the MIDI Channel Settings. Let's say, for example, your Timeline is connected to Omniport 1 and you want to it to receive only messages sent on it's MIDI channel, you can have the controller send only MIDI messages on Channel 1 to Omniport 1, and prevent Omniport 1 from sending MIDI messages on other MIFew readersWhat are MIDI Clock Slots?
MIDI Clock Slots allows you to store BPMs into memory locations (or slots) in the controller. This can be found in the Controller Settings tab in the Editor. The main purpose of these slots is to allow the user to scroll through or select BPMs when using MIDI Clock. To utilise these values, you can use a MIDI Clock message type in your preset, and then select the appropriate type.  If your Bluetooth Module is not functioning and the Bluetooth version displays 0.0.0, the module firmware may need to be reinstalled. Before You Begin You will need to remove the backplate to access the internal USB-C port used for updating the Bluetooth Module. A USB 2.0 connection may be requiredFew readersHow to filter / mask MIDI messages to specific ports (both standard MIDI and SysEx)
By default, Morningstar controllers are designed to send all programmed messages to all available physical and virtual MIDI outputs. However, as your rig grows, you may need to "mask" or filter these messages so that specific data only reaches specific devices—for example, sending messages for one device only via Omniports while sending messages for other devices to your DIN5 output. Most MIDI-controlled devices adhere to "MIDI Channel"-based messaging. Each device gets a channel (from 1 to 16)Few readersTransferring backup file from a different model
It is possible to use a backup file from a different model and uploading it to another. For example, you can use a backup file from a MC6MKII and upload it to a MC6 PRO. Only overlapped presets will be filled However, do note that only the overlapped presets will be filled. Following the example above, since the MC6MKII has 12 presets (A - L) and the MC6 PRO has 24, only Preset A-L will be filled when you load the backup file from the MC6MKII to the MC6 PRO. Model specific message typesFew readersQuick access to selected devices in the MIDI Dictionary
Instead of scrolling through the hundreds of devices available in the MIDI Dictionary each time you need to refer to a MIDI implementation in the Editor, you can add selected devices to Favourites which gives you quick access to these device’s MIDI implementations. In the MIDI Dictionary tab, there is a checkbox beside each device. Selecting the check box will add the device to yFew readersDisabling Bank Up / Bank Down / Toggle Page
Problem If you are accidentally hitting two switches and unintentionally banking up, banking down or toggling the page, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of this or disabling it altogether. Solution Increasing the Switch Sensitivity to 5 This will make it very hard to trigger a function using a 2 button press. Using Looper Mode You can also have the controller engage Looper Mode on boot up, which is similar to having the Switch Sensitivity set to 5. You can do this by progrFew readersHow to limit MIDI Clock to specific ports
By default, when the MC is generating MIDI clock, it is sent out to all ports (DIN MIDI OUT, Omniports, USB etc). If you need to limit MIDI clock to specific outputs (because you do not want certain connected devices to receive MIDI clock), there are 2 ways to do it. Using the MIDI Clock Port Settings in the Controller Settings >> General Configuration In Firmware v3.12, we added a MIDI Clock Port select feature to allow the controller to send MIDI Clock only to specific outputs. 
How to control the clock in your Morningstar Controller using external MIDI input There are some cases where you want to send the Morningstar controller the tempo from another device. There are three main ways to do it: Send in a MIDI clock. The Morningstar controller will automatically sync to it. Send a MIDI clock tap on CC#8 (any value). This simulates pressing a tap tempo switch. Send a BPM value defined across CC#5 (MSB) and CC#6 (LSB). Morningstar controllers accFew readersBank Presets (send MIDI messages upon entering or exiting a bank)
Bank Presets allow you to send MIDI messages upon entering or exiting a particular bank. You can program your Bank Presets under the Edit Bank tab on the Morningstar Device Editor or on your controller itself. Send up to 16 different MIDI messages with each Bank Preset. If you select the ‘On Enter’ event for a particular MIDI message, it will be sent when you enter that particular bank. If you select ‘On Exit’, the MIDI message will be sent when you exit that particular bank. Some useful applFew readersSending different MIDI messages with the same Expression Preset
Yes, it is possible to set up one expression preset on the MC to control different MIDI devices independently. You can do so by using the Select Exp Message message type. Here's an example: If you have an Expression Preset with 2 messages sending to 2 different MIDI channels, like below You can set up a preset to enable only either message to be sent, instead of both, using the Select Exp Message mesFew readersCan the MC6 work with my device?
It depends if your device has a MIDI implementation. If there is no MIDI, then no, it will not work. If there is a physical MIDI port on the device (like a 5-pin or TRS MIDI port), then yes, it will likely work. You'll need to check your device manual for more info on what you can control. Check the manual to see if you can send Program Change messages to it to recall presets. Look for the Control Change MIDI implementation chart to see what functions you can control with CC mesFew readersHow do I lock my banks so that Switch A+B or B+C will not bank down or bank up?
Set your Switch Sensitivity to the maximum. This reduces the delay when a switch is pressed, and hence makes engaging dual switch functions harder. Alternatively, you can enable Dual Switch Lock. These settings can be found in the Controller Settings >> General Configuration section.Few readersWhat is a MIDI Loop?
What Is a MIDI Loop? A Guitar Pedal & MIDI Controller Perspective In guitar rigs, MIDI is an incredibly powerful way to control pedals, amps, and rack gear. But with that power comes one common pitfall: the MIDI loop. A MIDI loop occurs when MIDI messages travel in a circle—returning to the device that originally sent them—and repeat endlessly. This creates an infinite feedback loop of MIDI data that can cause unpredictable and sometimes show-stopping behavior. Understanding MFew readersHow do I send a MIDI message on bank change?
Use the Bank Presets to execute upon entering or exiting a bank.Few readersCC Waveform Generators
Overview For a video demonstration and tutorial on how to use CC Waveform Generators, watch this: https://youtu.be/JnbBQmYIzw8 What is a MIDI CC Waveform? A MIDI waveform is essentially a continuous flowing stream of CC messages that oscillates between minimum and maximum CC values set by you. Think of it as an automated expression pedal. Or if you hired someone to to continuously rock your expression pedal back and forth with your desired sweep and speed. A MIDI waveform allows you toFew readersHow do I set an external aux controller to change banks?
Connect an aux controller to the Omniport with a stereo cable. Be sure to change the expression input type to Fixed Switch Custom in the Main Configuration Menu. Then just select the desired options on what you want each switch to do.Few readersHow to scroll through BPMs and using the same switch as a Tap Tempo switch
In the example below, you can scroll through a pre-set list of BPMs with the Message Scroll feature turned on. The scroll messages are set to execute in Toggle Position 1. Then if you do a Long Press, the preset will toggle to Pos 2. In Pos 2, you can tap the switch to tap in a MIDI Clock BPM. Long press again to switch back to Pos1 to scroll through the list of BPMs.Few readersRecalling more than 127 presets in the Strymon Timeline
Program change messages are used to recall presets, where it ranges from PC#0 to PC#127, which means that it allows you to recall up to 128 presets. However, some devices might have more than 128 presets that can be recalled. An example is the Strymon Timeline, where there are up to 200 presets. Referring to the Timeline manual: It states that the presets are arranged in 2 banks, A and B, where BFew readersHow do I lock my banks so that pressing on two switches will not change Banks?
Set your Switch Sensitivity to the maximum. This reduces the delay when a switch is pressed, and hence makes engaging dual switch functions harder. Alternatively, you can enable Dual Switch Lock in the Controller Settings.Few readersHow to scroll through MIDI Clock BPMs
In the v3.13 firmware update, we added the MIDI Clock Slots feature to allow users to scroll through BPMs. Under the Controller Settings tab, there is a MIDI Clock Slots section: You can input the BPMs you want to scroll through here. If the BPM is 0, then that value will be ignored when scrolling through. Then, you can program your preset to load BPMs from this feature: 
This feature is superseded by the Custom Bank Feature introduced in Firmware v3.8 This feature allows you to re-arrange the banks in your device. Besides using this feature, you can also consider using the Swap Bank feature to swap banks around Use Case Say you have programmed your device as such: Bank 1: Looper Controls Bank 2: Acoustic Bank 3: Bass Bank 4: Rock Guitar Now, for whatever reason, maybe your gig set-list changed and now you need to re-arrange the banks so that the RocFew readersContributing to the MIDI Dictionary
We have opened the MIDI Dictionary for community contribution. The data contributed is available for public use at OpenMIDI. We use Github to manage all the work being done. The main source of data for the MIDI Dictionary can be found in this repository. Before doing any work, users will need to: Open a Github account Download and install Github Desktop. If you are not comfortable with command line, pleaFew readersSending incremental/decremental PC numbers or CC Values
It is possible to send incremental or decremental (by 1) PC messages with the MIDI controllers. This feature is further enhanced in Firmware v3.8. Firmware v3.8.x onwards In Firmware v3.8.x onwards, we added the Scroll Counter settings in the Controller Setting. Here, you can edit the start, minimum and maximum values for each of your 16 counters. The start value is the value that the counter will be at when the device powers up. Do note that the Counters are labelled using tFew readersSysEx Documentation for External Applications
Work in progress It is possible to interact with our MIDI controllers via SysEx messages, which allows you to update preset and bank parameters, or retrieve data from the controller like Preset Names etc. Saving or Temporary Override In most functions, there will be an option to save by sending 7F for a specific Opcode. If override is chosen instead (by using any other value), the values will just be written temporarily, and will revert back to the original values when the bank is changFew readersQuad Cortex Looper Control
Quad Cortex Controlling the Looper When controlling REC/STOP, PLAY/STOP etc via MIDI on the QC, the Looper UI needs to be accessed via MIDI i.e assigning the Looper UI to a Preset and then accessing it via MIDI. If you access the Looper UI via the QC directly, the MIDI commands will not work. Midi ImplementationFew readersCalibrating your Expression Pedal on the MC6 MK2
The Omniports need to be calibrated in order to work properly with your expression pedal. A wrongly calibrated expression port will result in behaviours such as Expression value jumping between 0% ane 100% only Short travel where the expression values are concentrated on a small part of the sweep. Setting up the Omniport For the MC6 MK2, you will need to set the desired Omniport to Expression. Save the settings and then restart the controller.  or 8 presets (for QC). This cFew readersUsing USB Hubs with the USB Host port
Using USB Hubs with the USB Host Port Morningstar controllers with a USB Host port can connect directly to USB MIDI devices. You can also connect a USB hub to the USB Host port to connect and control multiple USB MIDI devices at the same time. What USB Hubs Should I Use? We recommend using a simple USB hub that only provides additional USB ports. For example: Morningstar Controller → USB Hub → USB MIDI Devices Both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 hubs can work. However, given the large number of UFew readers
Troubleshoot
Troubleshooting MIDI issues
Overview As MIDI devices and controllers are technical features, it is not possible to have a plug and play functionality. We do, however, try to make it as easy for the user as possible. If you are new to MIDI, you might find yourself getting frustrated over not being able to control your MIDI devices in your pedal-board, after spending time wiring everything up. If you find yourself in such a situation, I really recommend just setting things up one at a time for a start. Likely causes fSome readersMIDI Clock is not working
MC is connected to the Editor If you have updated to the v3.12 firmware, the MIDI clock being generated from the controller will time-out for 3 seconds if it is connected and communicating with the editor. Please try disconnecting from the editor when using MIDI clock. ** MIDI Clock Port Settings There is also a new feature under the Controller Settings >> General Configuration section called MIDI Clock Port Settings, where it allows you to select specific ports to send MIDI ClockSome readersWhat to do if your controller is stuck in a reboot loop
What is a reboot loop When the controller powers on, and then hangs and then reboots itself in an ongoing cycle Possible causes It is usually related to the Bank Presets that are executing when the controller boots up. It might be related to a firmware bug or how the preset is programmed - usually using Engage Preset messages may cause this, depending on the exact settings. Solution Safe Mode It is possible to boot the controller in Safe Mode, so that none of the presets will execFew readersMIDI device troubleshooting check-list
Overview Finding out why your MIDI device isn't responding to your MIDI controller can be frustrating. Hopefully this checklist helps you identify the issue. On the MIDI device Check MIDI Channel Ensure that the MIDI device that you are controlling is the same as the MIDI message you are sending from your MIDI controller. MIDI devices will only respond to MIDI messages sent on the same channel as it. Check MIDI settings Certain devices, such as the Strymon Timeline or HX Stomp, hasFew readersThere is MIDI Noise in my Audio signal
Problem When sending MIDI messages from your controller to your MIDI devices, you can hear a “tick” sound in your audio signal. This problem is more obvious when sending a stream of MIDI messages like MIDI Clock messages or CC messages via your expression pedal. This issue is more common in devices with TRS MIDI implementations. From our experience, pedals that use DIN5 MIDI implements the MIDI standard. Cause There is a ground loop in your setup, likely caused by MIDI devices receiviFew readersKeystrokes are not working
If you find that the Keystrokes are not working, here are some steps to troubleshoot: Check if the keystrokes are reaching your computer You can use https://keyboardchecker.com If you hit a key, you should see the key light up in the app. If your computer is receiving the keystrokes then it means that the issue is related to a setting in the software you are trying to control MIDI Controller needs to be connected via USB Keystrokes is a USB protocol, so the MIDI controller needs to beFew readersSwitch Latency
Switch latency refers to the moment the switch is press to when the functions are actually executed. The MC controllers can be set up to have 0 latency, but by default, there is a minimal amount of latency added to help with dual switch presses (like Bank Up and Down). If there is no added latency, it will be very hard (if not possible) to execute dual switch presses. How to remove the latency There are 2 ways to adjust this latency. Switch Sensitivity The Switch Sensitivity setting inFew readersMIDI Note values does not match DAW
Under the MIDI Notes message type, we also add the note information i.e. C-1 for easier reference. However, you may notice that in some DAWs like Ableton, it will read as one octave lower i.e. Sending a MIDI Note 30 (F#1) from the MC triggers a F#0 in Ableton. This is because of different standards being used. We use the ISO system where MIDI Note 60 is the Middle C (C4), while some DAWs use a different stFew readersTesting your MIDI OUT port
Check your MIDI cable and connection If you think you are having issues with the MIDI OUT port on your controller, please first check that you have tried a different MIDI Cable to rule out the possibility of a faulty MIDI cable. Also, please check that you have the MIDI Cable inserted correctly to the MIDI OUT port. The MIDI OUT port on the MC6 and MC8 have 7 pins, while regular MIDI cable has 5 pins. Hence, it is possible that you might have angled the MIDI cable wrongly when connecting to tFew readersMy controller hangs at the main preset screen
If you have an aux switch connected to the Omniport, it is likely that it is a Normally Closed (NC) switch. The MCx requires a momentary Normally Open (NO) switch. If a NC switch is used, the MCx will read it as a switch being pressed down, which makes it seem like the controller has hanged. Also, your controller may hang due to an infinite MIDI loop, which happens when you have the MIDI signal connected back to the controller MIDI Input and have MIDI Thru turned on. Thus, when you send a MIDIFew readersCertain Functions Are Not Working
If functions like Bank Up/Down, Toggle Page etc are not working, it is likely that your device is still in Editor Mode. In Editor Mode, a number of functions are disabled to help with editing. Some of these functions include: MIDI Clock Waveform Generators Sequencers Banks Jump Keystrokes When using your device, make sure that you have exited Editor Mode. For example, when a user presses Preset C to load the settings in the Editor, and Preset CFew readersKeystrokes is not working
Check that your controller is not using the "No Keyboard" firmware. We publish 2 versions of the firmware, one with a USB MIDI and Keyboard interface, and the other with only a USB MIDI interface. The MIDI only firmware is denoted by a A suffix in the firmware e.g. v3.12.6A. The USB MIDI + Keyboard firmware has no such suffix e.g. v3.12.6.Few readersController works fine when connected to Editor but cannot change banks once disconnected
If you have no issues using the controller while the Controller is connected to the Editor, but you start facing issues with banking up or down once you disconnected from the Editor, it is likely because the Custom Bank Arrangement feature (under Controller Settings >> Bank Arrangement) is turned ON and the Custom Bank Sequence is empty. This behaviour occurs because when the Controller is connected to tFew readersController stops working after engaging a preset
Problem Controller boots up properly but stops working after a Preset is engaged. Diagnosis There might be a couple of reasons for this, but the most common reason would be a MIDI loop. What is a MIDI Loop? A MIDI loop occurs when the MIDI signal generated by the MIDI controller is sent back to its MIDI Input. If MIDI Thru is turned ON in the MIDI controller, the received MIDI message will be sent back out again, resulting in an infinite MIDI loop. This will cause unexpected behaviouFew readersMIDI Note Numbering Standards
MIDI Note Numbering Standards Explained Overview There are two commonly used standards for MIDI note numbering, and this can sometimes cause confusion when comparing MIDI devices, software, and MIDI monitors. The difference is simply how applications label Middle C: Some systems define Middle C as C3 Others define Middle C as C4 Both systems refer to the same MIDI note number internally. MIDI Note 60 According to the MIDI Standard ISO system: **MIDI Note 60 = MiddFew readersSwitch Press does not load Preset in Editor
By default, switch presses do not load Presets into the Editor when connected. This is an option in the Editor Settings and you need to enable it. Do note that drawbacks of using this feature as stated in the Editor.Few readersIssue using MIDI Controller in Windows OS
Overview When using a Morningstar MIDI controller on Windows, users may encounter issues where the controller cannot be connected to more than one application at the same time. This is a Windows operating system limitation, not a limitation of the Morningstar hardware. This article explains why this happens and how to work around it, especially when using the Morningstar Web Editor alongside DAWs like Ableton Live. The Core Issue: Windows MIDI Port Exclusivity On Windows,Few readersMy expression pedal sweeps from 0 - 100% very quickly
Your pedal is likely using a Log potentiometer, usually used in Volume pedals. You will need to use an expression pedal with a Linear potentiometer instead. The MC works best with 10k Linear potentiometers.Few readersMIDI Controller keeps restarting
There are a few possible causes if your MIDI Controller keeps restarting in a loop. MIDI Loop A MIDI Loop happens when MIDI signals travel in an infinite loop in your setup. You may have connected the MIDI Output back to the MIDI Input, and if MIDI Thru is turned on, the MIDI signals will travel in an infinite loop, causing performance issues and reboots. MIDI messages triggering certain functions If you have the MIDI Controller connected via USB, or have a MIDI Signal connected to theFew readersBluetooth Connectivity Issue During Power-Up with Certain Power Supplies
Description Symptoms In some setups, the Bluetooth module may fail to start correctly when the device is powered on. This can result in: Bluetooth not appearing or being discoverable after startup Failure to establish a Bluetooth connection Bluetooth functionality returning only after the device is power-cycled Cause This issue has been observed with certain power supplies that gradually ramp the output voltage when power is applied from the mains. When the power supply is switcheFew readers
Neural DSP Plugins
Controlling Plugins with MIDI https://neuraldsp.com/getting-started/controlling-plugins-with-midi MIDI Mapping If you are intending to send only one message to trigger a function in a Neural DSP plugin, be sure to set the MIDI Type to CC Toggle. The CC message needs to have a value of 127. In Logic ProSome readersWhat is a MIDI Channel
Overview The MIDI Channel parameters in each MIDI device allows the device to identify what MIDI messages are meant for them and then respond accordingly. If a MIDI message is sent on a different MIDI channel than what the MIDI device is set to, then it will simply ignore that message. Every MIDI device should have a way to alter it's MIDI channel. Please refer to the manual of your respective MIDI devices. Basics In MIDI, there are a total of 16 MIDI Channels you can use ( 1, 2, 3 ... 16Some readers[New Feature] Preset Renderer
The Preset Renderer feature allows you to visualise the Preset colors and text on the editor itself. You can enable this feature in the Editor Settings: Be sure to click on Save to save the editor settings after enabling this feature. Thereafter, when you navigate back to the Preset Settings page, you should see an updated interface: to MIDI controllers: USB. Any of our controllers with USB Host functionality, like MC6 Pro, can directly connect to Source Audio pedals. You can also use a USB MIDI host adapter (like the Disaster Area gHOST). Neuro Hub. All One Series pedals can pass MIDI through the Neuro port using the Neuro Hub. Make sure that you set the NeSome readersUpdating your Firmware
!!! IMPORTANT !!! Back up your entire controller's data to a .json file before performing a firmware update. Updates usually go smoothly, but it's better to be safe than sorry! Back up your controller from the 'Controller Backup' tab in the Editor. To deliver the best experience and value, we regularly release new updates for our controllers that contain new features, performance improvements and bug fixes. Here's how to update your controller firmware. Download the requirSome readersZoom
Zoom MS-50G There is no official MIDI implementation and support from Zoom with regards to MIDI capabilities in this product, but users have found it possible to control the device using MIDI from a USB MIDI Host. Once connected, PC messages allow you to select presets, and CC 74 brings up the tuner (0-63 = off; >63 = on) See: Unofficial ZOOM MS-50G/60B/70CDR MIDI Message documentation### Multistomp Plus Line (MS-Few readersUsing Phantom Power
If your MIDI Controller's MIDI OUT port is a 7-pin port, then it can be powered via Phantom Power on Pins 6 & 7. You can supply both AC or DC 9-12v power to these pins. Polarity does not matter for these pins. Some devices such as the Fractal Audio AxeFX2 can supply phantom power via it's MIDI IN port, which means that if you connect a 7-pin cable from the AxeFX2 MIDI IN port to the MC6 PRO MIDI OUT port, for example, the MC6 PRO can draw power from pins 6 & 7 and power itself. Alternatively,Few readersSwitch spacing for MIDI Controllers
The switch spacing on the MC6 MKII MIDI Controller is 58mm horizontally and 70mm vertically. he switch spacing on the MC8 MIDI Controller is 65mm horizontally and 90 mm vertically. TheFew readersLine 6
HX Stomp On using MIDI Clock with the HX Stomp Question: I have been trying to setup the specular tempus and am having difficulties with the midi clock. For some reason it is doubling my time. When I do it on the pedal it works fine. But when I do it from the controller it changes to double time. Any idea what it could be? Answer: Turn midi transmit off in global settings on the stomp. I was running my mc8 into the stomp and out to the tempus via midi out/thru. I believe it says TFew readersMIDI Monitor - Monitoring your MIDI messages
MIDI Monitor Knowledge Base Guide Overview MIDI Monitor is a web-based utility by Morningstar Engineering that allows users to view incoming and outgoing MIDI messages in real time. It is designed for troubleshooting MIDI devices, debugging MIDI workflows, and verifying MIDI communication between controllers, pedals, DAWs, and other MIDI-enabled hardware. Website: MIDI Monitor What is MIDI? MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a communication sFew readersLoopy Pro App
Delay when using MIDI to trigger app functions If using CC messages to trigger functions with the MIDI Learn feature, Loopy Pro expects a CC value 127 and value 0 message. If you are only sending a CC value 127 message, Loopy Pro will see it as a switch being held down and the MIDI Learn feature will adjust as such: This will cause some delays when triggering functions in the apFew readersAre the MIDI ports isolated?
As per the MIDI specifications, only the MIDI Inputs in all our devices are isolated. The MIDI Outputs cannot be isolated.Few readersiConnectivity
mioXM / mioXL These MIDI interfaces will not interface with the MC3/6/8 when the Keyboard interface firmware used. This is not an issue with the MC3/6/8. https://iconnectivity.supportbee.io/53-iconnectivity-knowledgebase/534-midi/8517-what-does-the-host-port-on-my-iconnectivity-interface-do This port is not a normal USB port - it is designed solelFew readersQuantiloop
On getting Momentary switch functionality in the App It turns out Quantiloop is backwards. I can get full functionality as a momentary switch by programming in the editor a CC value of 127 on press and CC value of 0 on release all.Few readersKemper
Profiler MIDI OUT and MIDI Thru ports on the Kemper do not pass SysEx messages through.Few readersDunlop
DVP4 Expression Pedal The settings in the DVP4 should be as above for use as an expression pedal.Few readersApple
Logic Pro By default, Logic Pro mirrors in coming MIDI messages back to connected MIDI devices. So, if you are sending a MIDI channel on the same channel as your controller, your controller might respond to the MIDI message being sent (whether changing channels if its is a PC message etc). This option needs to be turned off, or your MIDI controller needs to be set to an independent MIDI channel.Few readersEditor Release Notes
Build v1.3.6 New features Save and load presets to the cloud. Preset data is saved only with the Save Preset button. Copying/Pasting/Swapping presets will not save it to the cloud. Enhancements Add relay port default setting in Controller Settings Add routine to set pedal to exit eFew readersLogic Pro
Controlling Plugins with MIDI Make sure you open your plugin in a Software Instrument track and not an Audio track. If you use an Audio Track, you will not be able to MIDI control the plugin. In the plugin window, select Side Chain > Input > Select the input your guitar is connected to. As shown below. You can then MIDI map your controls to your Morningstar MIDI controller.Few readersUseful Links
Morningstar Facebook Support Group We’ve got a great community of users here. We do regularly follow up on questions there as well. Morningstar User Forum https://forum.morningstar.io/ MIDI Monitor Monitor your MIDI messages via the Chrome Web Browser www.midimonitor.com openMIDI openMIDI is an open initiative by Morningstar Engineering to documFew readersSwitch spacing on the MIDI Controllers
Few readersFast Step Mode (Beta)
Fast Step Mode (Preset Utility) Overview Fast Step Mode is a new option available under the Preset Utility message type on the MC8 Pro. This mode improves the responsiveness of rapid footswitch stepping by temporarily delaying the LCD refresh after each switch press. Why Fast Step Mode Exists Under normal operation, the MC8 Pro refreshes the LCD immediately after every switch press. While this provides instant visual feedback, the LCD refresh process takes a small amount of processiFew readersMIDI Message Converter latency
We have measured the latency for the MIDI Message Converter feature on the Morningstar Controllers, and it averages between 6 - 10 milliseconds from when the controller receives the messages, converts it and send it out via the DIN MIDI port.Few readersConnectors for foot switches
If you are looking to replace the SPST Normally Open footswitches on our MIDI Controllers with your own switches, we use the XH 2.54mm 2 pin connectors to connect these switches to the circuit board. Here is an example of where you can find one: https://www.taydaelectronics.com/2-pins-jst-xh-2-54-female-connector-with-wire-cable-26awg-20-cm.htmlFew readers