CMC MIDI Thru5 WC - User Manual

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MIDI Thru5 WC
USER MANUAL V06
Hello, thank you for purchasing CME’s professional product!
Please read this manual completely before using this product. The
pictures in the manual are for illustration purposes only, the actual
product may vary. For more technical support content and videos,
please visit this page: www.cme-pro.com/support/
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
⚫ WARNING
Improper connection may cause damage to the device.
⚫ COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2022 CME Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. CME is a
registered trademark of CME Pte. Ltd. in Singapore and/or other
countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
⚫ LIMITED WARRANTY
CME provides a one-year standard Limited Warranty for this
product only to the person or entity that originally purchased this
product from an authorized dealer or distributor of CME. The
warranty period starts on the date of purchase of this product. CME

Summary

Important Information

Safety Warning

Improper connection may cause damage to the device.

Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2022 CME Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Limited Warranty Information

CME provides a one-year standard Limited Warranty for this product.

General Safety Precautions

Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury...

Package Contents

Introduction

Connection Guide

Connecting External MIDI Devices

Describes how to connect external MIDI devices to the MIDI Thru5 WC unit.

Daisy-Chaining MIDI Thru5 WCs

Explains how to connect multiple MIDI Thru5 WCs together to expand MIDI ports.

Expanded Bluetooth MIDI

Installing the WIDI Core Module

Guide on installing the WIDI Core module into the MIDI Thru5 WC for Bluetooth capabilities.

Updating Bluetooth Firmware

Instructions for updating the WIDI Core module's Bluetooth firmware using the CME WIDI App.

Bluetooth MIDI Connections

Pairing Two MIDI Thru5 WCs

Details on pairing two MIDI Thru5 WC units wirelessly via Bluetooth MIDI.

Connecting to Built-in Bluetooth MIDI Devices

Instructions for connecting the MIDI Thru5 WC to a device with native Bluetooth MIDI support.

Connecting to macOS

Steps to establish a Bluetooth MIDI connection between a Mac computer and the MIDI Thru5 WC.

Connecting to iOS Devices

Guide for connecting the MIDI Thru5 WC to an iOS device using Bluetooth MIDI.

Connecting to Windows 10;11

Instructions for connecting the MIDI Thru5 WC to a Windows 10/11 computer via Bluetooth MIDI.

Connecting to Android Devices

Steps to connect the MIDI Thru5 WC to an Android device using Bluetooth MIDI.

Grouping WIDI Devices

Explains how to create groups for connecting multiple WIDI devices for synchronized MIDI transmission.

Group Auto-Learn Function

Details the automatic group learning function for WIDI devices to establish group connections.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

MIDI Powering Options

Confirms the MIDI Thru5 WC cannot be powered by 5-pin MIDI, only USB power.

USB Interface Functionality

Clarifies the USB-C port is for power only, not data interface.

LED Indicator Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting steps if the device's LED indicator is not functioning.

BLE MIDI Device Connection

Details on connecting the MIDI Thru5 WC to other BLE MIDI devices wirelessly.

MIDI Message Transmission Problems

Troubleshooting MIDI message transmission issues with the expanded WC module.

Wireless Performance Troubleshooting

Addresses issues with short wireless range, high latency, or intermittent signals.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. WIDI Core Module (Optional) Specifications
4. Usage Features
5. Maintenance Features
6. Safety Information
7. Warranty

The CME MIDI Thru5 WC is a versatile MIDI Thru/Splitter box designed to expand and manage MIDI connections, with optional wireless Bluetooth MIDI capabilities.

Function Description:

The core function of the MIDI Thru5 WC is to accurately forward MIDI messages received at its single MIDI IN port to five standard 5-pin MIDI THRU ports. This allows a single MIDI output from a device to be split and sent to multiple MIDI input devices. It can be powered via a standard USB Type-C connection (5V). Multiple MIDI Thru5 WCs can be daisy-chained to create larger MIDI systems, providing more THRU ports as needed.

A key feature of the MIDI Thru5 WC is its expansion slot, which can accommodate a 16-channel bi-directional Bluetooth MIDI module (CME's WIDI Core, also referred to as the WC module). When this module is installed, the device functions similarly to CME's WIDI Thru6 BT, adding wireless MIDI functionality. This allows the MIDI Thru5 WC to connect to various BLE MIDI-capable devices and computers, including Bluetooth MIDI controllers, iPhones, iPads, Macs, PCs, Android tablets, and mobile phones.

The device supports all standard MIDI messages, including notes, controllers, clock, sysex, and MPE, ensuring comprehensive MIDI data transmission.

Important Technical Specifications:

• MIDI Connectors: 1x 5-pin MIDI Input, 5x 5-pin MIDI Thru.
• LED Indicators:
  • Green LED (near USB power supply): Indicates power on.
  • LED (center, with WIDI Core installed):
    • Slow flashing blue: Bluetooth MIDI active, waiting for connection.
    • Steady blue: Bluetooth MIDI successfully connected.
    • Fast blinking blue: Bluetooth MIDI connected, receiving/sending MIDI messages.
    • Light blue (turquoise) steady: Device connected as a Bluetooth MIDI central to peripherals.
    • Green: Firmware upgrader mode.
• Compatible Devices: All MIDI products with standard MIDI interface (synthesizers, controllers, interfaces, keytars, electronic wind instruments, v-accordions, electronic drums, digital pianos, electronic portable keyboards, audio interfaces, digital mixers, etc.).
• Wired Transmission: Close to Zero Latency and zero Jitter.
• Power Supply: USB-C Socket, powered by Standard 5V USB bus.
• Power Consumption: 20 mW.
• Size: 82.5 mm (L) x 64 mm (W) x 33.5 mm (H) / 3.25 in (L) x 2.52 in (W) x 1.32 in (H).
• Weight: 96 g / 3.39 oz.

WIDI Core Module (Optional) Specifications:

• Technology: Bluetooth 5 (Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI), bi-directional 16 MIDI channels.
• Compatible Devices: WIDI Master, WIDI Jack, WIDI Uhost, WIDI Bud Pro, WIDI Core, WIDI BUD, standard Bluetooth MIDI controllers. Mac/iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, Windows 10/11 computers, Android mobile devices (all with Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 or higher).
• Compatible OS (BLE MIDI): macOS Yosemite or higher, iOS 8 or higher, Windows 10/11 or higher, Android 8 or higher.
• Wireless Transmission Latency: As low as 3 ms (test results with two MIDI Thru5 WCs with WC module based on Bluetooth 5 connection).
• Range: 20 meters / 65.6 feet (without obstruction).
• Firmware Upgrade: Wireless upgrade via Bluetooth using the WIDI App for iOS or Android.
• Weight: 4.4 g / 0.16 oz.

Usage Features:

• Plug-and-Play Operation: The MIDI Thru5 WC has no power switch; it powers on automatically when connected to a USB power source.
• Daisy-Chaining: Multiple MIDI Thru5 WCs can be connected in series to expand the number of available THRU ports. Each unit requires separate power.
• Optional Bluetooth MIDI Expansion: The device is designed for easy installation of the WIDI Core module, transforming it into a wireless MIDI hub. Installation involves removing the case, inserting the module, and reassembling.
• Firmware Upgrade (with WIDI Core): The WIDI Core module's firmware can be updated wirelessly using the CME WIDI App on iOS or Android devices. This requires putting the device into firmware upgrader mode by holding the button while powering on.
• Bluetooth MIDI Connections:
  • Device-to-Device: Two MIDI Thru5 WCs with WIDI Core modules can automatically pair for bi-directional MIDI communication.
  • MIDI Device with Built-in Bluetooth MIDI: The MIDI Thru5 WC can automatically pair with other MIDI devices that have built-in Bluetooth MIDI.
  • macOS X: Connects via the Audio MIDI Setup utility, where the MIDI Thru5 WC appears as a Bluetooth MIDI device.
  • iOS Device: Connects via the device's Bluetooth settings and can be used with MIDI apps that support external MIDI input or dedicated apps like "midimittr." iOS 16 and higher offer automatic pairing.
  • Windows 10/11: Requires the Korg BLE MIDI Windows driver for direct connection with compatible music software (e.g., Cakewalk by Bandlab). For other software, a virtual MIDI interface driver may be needed. The WIDI App can be used to set the WIDI BLE role to "Force Peripheral" and rename devices for better management.
  • Android Device: Requires a dedicated app like "MIDI BLE Connect" to act as a bridge for Bluetooth MIDI connections, as most music apps do not directly integrate the Android Bluetooth MIDI driver.
• Group Connection (with WIDI Core): The WIDI App allows users to create groups of WIDI devices for complex MIDI routing, supporting up to 1-to-4 MIDI Thru and 4-to-1 MIDI merge configurations.
• Group Auto-Learn (with WIDI Core): This function enables a central WIDI device to automatically scan and connect to up to four BLE MIDI peripherals (including other WIDI devices and other brands of Bluetooth MIDI products) to form a group.

Maintenance Features:

• Factory Reset (with WIDI Core): When not powered on, pressing and holding the button while powering on until the central LED flashes slowly 3 times will reset the interface to factory default.
• Force Peripheral Mode (with WIDI Core): When powered on, pressing and holding the button for 3 seconds will set the Bluetooth role to "Force Peripheral," useful for connecting to computers or mobile phones and disconnecting existing Bluetooth MIDI device connections.
• Troubleshooting: The manual provides a FAQ section addressing common issues such as power, LED indicators, and wireless connection problems.
• Support: Users can contact CME via email (info@cme-pro.com) or visit their support website (www.cme-pro.com/support/) for technical assistance.

Safety Information:

• Avoid connecting during thunder.
• Do not set up in humid places unless the outlet is designed for it.
• Do not touch bare parts of the power cord or connector when connected to an AC outlet.
• Follow setup instructions carefully.
• Do not expose to rain or moisture.
• Keep away from electrical interference sources (fluorescent lights, motors).
• Keep away from dust, heat, and vibration.
• Do not expose to sunlight.
• Do not place heavy objects or liquid containers on the instrument.
• Do not touch connectors with wet hands.

Warranty:

CME provides a one-year standard Limited Warranty covering defects in workmanship and materials for the original purchaser from an authorized dealer. Proof of purchase is required for warranty service. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, accidental damage, abuse, or data loss due to improper operation.

CMC MIDI Thru5 WC Specifications