source audio c4

[StormJH1]

That power check option is in the C4 Hardware Options on either desktop or mobile app. The C4 manual specifically mentions the Midi Baby as a device that may not work without selecting it.
I've been using a larger DMC controller and it is preconfigured for patch-changes for each specific device via the controller firmware so I'm actually not sure which method they used. Either should be fine, but I think PC makes sense when you are just scrolling from a single button device

You the man! That certainly was something I did not check, so when I get a chance, I will hook that up and enable that setting and give it a go. Lots of moving parts to this one!

The Disaster Area naming is confusing, but to be clear, the Midi Baby 3 is a three button device that also allows external footswitches to be hooked up:

So that's the one I'm working with. But most of the buttons are assigned to change presets and activate blocks on my HX Stomp, so I probably would end up assigning one or two buttons for the C4 to scroll presets. No, it's not ideal, particularly without a visual readout as to what preset I am on, but it's something.

 

[sunbeast]

You the man! That certainly was something I did not check, so when I get a chance, I will hook that up and enable that setting and give it a go. Lots of moving parts to this one!

The Disaster Area naming is confusing, but to be clear, the Midi Baby 3 is a three button device that also allows external footswitches to be hooked up:

View attachment 4219267
So that's the one I'm working with. But most of the buttons are assigned to change presets and activate blocks on my HX Stomp, so I probably would end up assigning one or two buttons for the C4 to scroll presets. No, it's not ideal, particularly without a visual readout as to what preset I am on, but it's something.

Ah cool- I've never seen that one! Definitely more potentially useful IMO. Good luck!

 

[Gibs210]

You the man! That certainly was something I did not check, so when I get a chance, I will hook that up and enable that setting and give it a go. Lots of moving parts to this one!

The Disaster Area naming is confusing, but to be clear, the Midi Baby 3 is a three button device that also allows external footswitches to be hooked up:

View attachment 4219267
So that's the one I'm working with. But most of the buttons are assigned to change presets and activate blocks on my HX Stomp, so I probably would end up assigning one or two buttons for the C4 to scroll presets. No, it's not ideal, particularly without a visual readout as to what preset I am on, but it's something.

You may also need to enable the usb midi host option in the google chrome editor for midi baby, if that’s not enabled it won’t work with the C4 over usb. Can’t remember how to do it, but you’ll need to disable hosting the next time you connect to the chrome editor. Something like holding a footswitch when connecting power, at least that’s how it is on the regular baby.

 

[StormJH1]

That power check option is in the C4 Hardware Options on either desktop or mobile app. The C4 manual specifically mentions the Midi Baby as a device that may not work without selecting it.
I've been using a larger DMC controller and it is preconfigured for patch-changes for each specific device via the controller firmware so I'm actually not sure which method they used. Either should be fine, but I think PC makes sense when you are just scrolling from a single button device

You were right that it was right there in the manual for the C4, but when I tried enabling the power check option on the C4 (and setting to MIDI Channel 2), it still didn't work.

You may also need to enable the usb midi host option in the google chrome editor for midi baby, if that’s not enabled it won’t work with the C4 over usb. Can’t remember how to do it, but you’ll need to disable hosting the next time you connect to the chrome editor. Something like holding a footswitch when connecting power, at least that’s how it is on the regular baby.

That is correct, and I had been doing that in my earlier efforts too. It does become kind of a pain because you can then only edit the MB3 in the special mode you reference (and you can't retrieve the settings). Here is what the settings for the MB3 look like:

And here are my settings for the up/down program changes I tried to program to two attached footswitches. Similar PC commands worked on my HX Stomp, but I have not been able to get C4 Synth to respond to this, CC #104 (preset recall), or CC #105 (Bypass).

Anybody worked with Disaster Area devices that could help sort this out? (I did just contact Disaster Area support, as I know they were all over the forums in the last couple of years with specific fixes for their other devices with the C4). Hoping its just something silly I am missing and then these posts can be a resource for someone struggling later on! Thank you!

 

[Gibs210]

You were right that it was right there in the manual for the C4, but when I tried enabling the power check option on the C4 (and setting to MIDI Channel 2), it still didn't work.



That is correct, and I had been doing that in my earlier efforts too. It does become kind of a pain because you can then only edit the MB3 in the special mode you reference (and you can't retrieve the settings). Here is what the settings for the MB3 look like:

View attachment 4220250

And here are my settings for the up/down program changes I tried to program to two attached footswitches. Similar PC commands worked on my HX Stomp, but I have not been able to get C4 Synth to respond to this, CC #104 (preset recall), or CC #105 (Bypass).

View attachment 4220252

Anybody worked with Disaster Area devices that could help sort this out? Hoping its just something silly I am missing and then these posts can be a resource for someone struggling later on! Thank you!

You need to be on channel one with usb midi. That’s at least what Disaster area has told me on this.

 

[StormJH1]

You need to be on channel one with usb midi. That’s at least what Disaster area has told me on this.

Oh, REALLY! That's what I get for being lazy and wanting to leave my HX Stomp assignments as is. I do recall maybe hearing that from someone else along the way, so I will correct my MB3 setup and see if that works.

Man, I never pretended to be good at MIDI, but I just cannot avoid stepping in it after every turn here trying to get this thing to work. I appreciate that Source Audio made an AMAZING synth pedal for what I view as a pretty reasonable price ($239 U.S.), and that they favored a minimalist/software-based approach with only having the four knobs. At the same time, how much more would we have paid for a simple up/down button and tiny LED indicator showing which of the 128 presets is currently playing? My 10-year-old Digitech looper had that type of display on a sub-$200 pedal. Not trying to be negative on Source Audio at all - I am obviously a fan of this pedal or I wouldn't have sunk the last week of my life into trying to set it up. But a lot of the hassles of iPhone lighting dongles, special cables, and $100 MIDI pedal footswitch add-ons could have been avoided if we had a simple button or two on the device instead of, say, an envelope sensitivity knob.

Thanks again, and I will let you know (triumphantly) if I get this to work, and shower all involved with the appropriate praise!

 

[Charlie Tuna]

For futures everybody: C4 + Neuro Hub + Morningstar MC3/6/8 = Programmable bliss. Easy-to-configure, tons of flexibility, works without issue. The upfront cost is worth it and the Morningstar controller will have you seeking out other MIDI-capable pedals. It’s great.

 

[Testing123]

For futures everybody: C4 + Neuro Hub + Morningstar MC3/6/8 = Programmable bliss. Easy-to-configure, tons of flexibility, works without issue. The upfront cost is worth it and the Morningstar controller will have you seeking out other MIDI-capable pedals. It’s great.

Can the Morningstar MC3 connect to and control the C4 without having to use a Neuro Hub?

 

[StormJH1]

Can the Morningstar MC3 connect to and control the C4 without having to use a Neuro Hub?

I thought I read that it could not, as the Neuro Hub basically acts as the USB MIDI Host. If MC3 can do that by itself, then I am wrong. But while the MC3 appears to be an excellent product with many applications, the Disaster Area stuff may be uniquely suited to work directly with the C4 Synth. I don't know much about Neuro Hub, but I think any number of MIDI controllers could be used with C4 Synth if you also had the Neuro Hub.

 

[Gibs210]

I thought I read that it could not, as the Neuro Hub basically acts as the USB MIDI Host. If MC3 can do that by itself, then I am wrong. But while the MC3 appears to be an excellent product with many applications, the Disaster Area stuff may be uniquely suited to work directly with the C4 Synth. I don't know much about Neuro Hub, but I think any number of MIDI controllers could be used with C4 Synth if you also had the Neuro Hub.

The only midi controllers that can go direct to the C4 via usb are the gen3 disaster area dmc and midi baby controllers and the dpc5 and perhaps the 8, don’t think the dpc micro has host capability since it’s more focused on midi bypass looper than anything else. I have a Xsonic airstep inbound that should also work. Beyond that, you either need the neuro hub or a usb midi host interface (Kenton, disaster area, midi plus etc). The TRRS ports on one series pedals are not midi compliant.

 

[sunbeast]

Can the Morningstar MC3 connect to and control the C4 without having to use a Neuro Hub?

No

I thought I read that it could not, as the Neuro Hub basically acts as the USB MIDI Host. If MC3 can do that by itself, then I am wrong. But while the MC3 appears to be an excellent product with many applications, the Disaster Area stuff may be uniquely suited to work directly with the C4 Synth. I don't know much about Neuro Hub, but I think any number of MIDI controllers could be used with C4 Synth if you also had the Neuro Hub.

This. Unfortunately the Neuro Hub or USB Host control are necessary for MIDI control of the C4. The ability to use the mini jack as a direct MIDI interface would be amazing for sure. The need for special devices for MIDI control is really the biggest issue I (and I assume many ) people have with the C4. I have a Morningstar controller now because they are light years ahead of the DMC stuff IMO for sheer controlling power, but still have a DMC just for the C4. I’ll have to immediately get either a Neuro Hub or other DMC interface in order to fully move to the Morningstar controller if I want to keep the C4 around. Certainly I would have preferred a slightly larger and more expensive C4 with a standard MIDI input and multiple footswitches (like an SA Nemesis) to a pedal that is tied to needing an entire extra box and cabling for control (I will also add that those USB cables are not sturdy connectors on a tight pedalboard compared to just about any other MIDI cable option).

 

[rsmith601]

Oh, REALLY! That's what I get for being lazy and wanting to leave my HX Stomp assignments as is. I do recall maybe hearing that from someone else along the way, so I will correct my MB3 setup and see if that works.

Man, I never pretended to be good at MIDI, but I just cannot avoid stepping in it after every turn here trying to get this thing to work. I appreciate that Source Audio made an AMAZING synth pedal for what I view as a pretty reasonable price ($239 U.S.), and that they favored a minimalist/software-based approach with only having the four knobs. At the same time, how much more would we have paid for a simple up/down button and tiny LED indicator showing which of the 128 presets is currently playing? My 10-year-old Digitech looper had that type of display on a sub-$200 pedal. Not trying to be negative on Source Audio at all - I am obviously a fan of this pedal or I wouldn't have sunk the last week of my life into trying to set it up. But a lot of the hassles of iPhone lighting dongles, special cables, and $100 MIDI pedal footswitch add-ons could have been avoided if we had a simple button or two on the device instead of, say, an envelope sensitivity knob.

Thanks again, and I will let you know (triumphantly) if I get this to work, and shower all involved with the appropriate praise!

On TGP someone noted the need for the right cable with using USB Host mode.

 

[Charlie Tuna]

Can the Morningstar MC3 connect to and control the C4 without having to use a Neuro Hub?

As everyone has said the Neuro is required to connect with the Morningstar controllers. What is great is the ability in the Neuro editor to map almost any function to a CC command and then program the Morningstar to do what you want. So for example, you could program a simple envelope patch and add it to the C4 and use the Morningstar controller to change between envelope types. Or use it to change voice type (saw, square, sine) on the fly. These are just simple examples to show the Morningstar stuff can go WAY beyond simple program changes. Highly recommended.

 

[StormJH1]

MIDI Baby 3 is now fully working with Up/Down footswitches! HUGE thank you to @sunbeast and @Gibs210, who diagnosed the things I was doing wrong one-by-one and identify the correct changes! It wouldn't be an ideal setup for switching presets, as you don't have any clear reference beyond the first 6 patches what presets number you are on. But given that you can only really footswitch between two presets using the pedal itself, it's great for at-home noodling, and I'm keeping a cheat sheet with my presets to help find my way. Most importantly, I was able to set it up with equipment I already had on my pedal board (plus a $5 USB Mini to USB-A cable adapter)

Also thanks to Source Audio and Disaster Area, which have been very responsive to me and other posters on forums and over support email.

Anyway, (finally) getting back to the merits of the C4 Synth itself, this thing is a BEAST on a pedalboard, especially paired with something like a Helix or Cab/IR loader. I can make convincing bass lines coming out of a Strat, since the C4 at the front of your signal chain basically becomes the "instrument". HX Stomp allows me to add different effects and then either run that direct or into a guitar/bass cabinet IR. It's a mindblowing array of sounds relative the cost.

 

[4Mal]

As everyone has said the Neuro is required to connect with the Morningstar controllers. What is great is the ability in the Neuro editor to map almost any function to a CC command and then program the Morningstar to do what you want. So for example, you could program a simple envelope patch and add it to the C4 and use the Morningstar controller to change between envelope types. Or use it to change voice type (saw, square, sine) on the fly. These are just simple examples to show the Morningstar stuff can go WAY beyond simple program changes. Highly recommended.

Ah, so they caught up to the Soleman ? I have several Soleman macros that combine PC and CC messages and across multiple midi channels to ensure that one device is engaged with the preset I want and that the other devices are disengaged or are engaged with something by design (modulation after a synth for instance).

It isn't the cool flavor of today but the Soleman, external 2 button switch and hub is still a really powerful setup. I do like the look of the MC 6/8 of course. Very pro appearance. and obviously very capable controllers.

 

[Gibs210]

MIDI Baby 3 is now fully working with Up/Down footswitches! HUGE thank you to @sunbeast and @Gibs210, who diagnosed the things I was doing wrong one-by-one and identify the correct changes! It wouldn't be an ideal setup for switching presets, as you don't have any clear reference beyond the first 6 patches what presets number you are on. But given that you can only really footswitch between two presets using the pedal itself, it's great for at-home noodling, and I'm keeping a cheat sheet with my presets to help find my way. Most importantly, I was able to set it up with equipment I already had on my pedal board (plus a $5 USB Mini to USB-A cable adapter)

Also thanks to Source Audio and Disaster Area, which have been very responsive to me and other posters on forums and over support email.

Anyway, (finally) getting back to the merits of the C4 Synth itself, this thing is a BEAST on a pedalboard, especially paired with something like a Helix or Cab/IR loader. I can make convincing bass lines coming out of a Strat, since the C4 at the front of your signal chain basically becomes the "instrument". HX Stomp allows me to add different effects and then either run that direct or into a guitar/bass cabinet IR. It's a mindblowing array of sounds relative the cost.

there should be a programming option for at least indicating up to 8 presets via one of the LEDs. DA showed how to do this on their Instagram awhile back with the baby.

 

[StormJH1]

there should be a programming option for at least indicating up to 8 presets via one of the LEDs. DA showed how to do this on their Instagram awhile back with the baby.

Interesting idea - so each color could correspond to a different C4 preset? The MIDI Baby 3 LED's are a little wonky at present. They actually function fine on my setup, but with some commands they seem to glitch out and not work at all. They are working on a v9 firmware that may address this.

But yeah, you could do crazy stuff with the customization of the MIDI Baby. Like have one switch that just cycles through different bass patches, one for synth leads, one for pads, etc. Not a bad suggestion. 8 LEDs times 3 footswitches would be up to 24 accessible footswitches, which would be more than enough. I could always just save my firmware and revert back if it doesn't work out.

 

[DDXdesign]

For the c4 (and any other 3-way switch SA pedal assuming they would also apply): Can the midi baby - or anything else - just do 1 button for 1 sound, meaning if you have 3 buttons you can have them just assigned to triangle/circle/square, instead of having to scroll up and down?

 

[Charlie Tuna]

For the c4 (and any other 3-way switch SA pedal assuming they would also apply): Can the midi baby - or anything else - just do 1 button for 1 sound, meaning if you have 3 buttons you can have them just assigned to triangle/circle/square, instead of having to scroll up and down?

You can have the Morningstar controllers do that and more. With my MC6 I can program six different patches on a page, hold a button down and switch to another page to access 6 more. There are 30 banks I believe so I can easily get recall every patch on the C4. Of course, the Neuro Hub is required as well with the MC6.

 

[DDXdesign]

You can have the Morningstar controllers do that and more. With my MC6 I can program six different patches on a page, hold a button down and switch to another page to access 6 more. There are 30 banks I believe so I can easily get recall every patch on the C4

interesting - i'll have to look, but offhand: are any of those tiny enough to just sit right under the SA pedal itself? I literally only want like the 3 face presets at once. EDIT oh I see; nevermind; I don't even *want* to program the pedal itself (personally I'm actually referring to the Spectrum) let alone even more hardware and having to get a third piece of gear and so on. Somewhat hate digital effects for the programming, but SA's stuff just sounds really good.