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Receives MIDI messages from other MIDI devices via the MIDI in port.
Sends MIDI data from the MC6 to other devices using a standard 5-pin MIDI cable.
Send and receive MIDI via USB to control DAWs, plugins, and music software.
Receives 9V DC centre negative power for the MC6.
Multi-function ports configurable as TRS MIDI Out, Expression Pedal Input, or Aux Switch Input.
Details the 6 foot switches (A-F) and their correspondence to the LCD display.
Explains the MC6's 30 banks, 12 switch presets, and 2 expression pedal presets per bank.
Programs switches using a clear visual interface on your computer.
Allows programming of MIDI messages directly on the MC6 controller.
Enables and configures Toggle Mode via the Morningstar Device Editor.
Instructions for enabling and disabling Toggle Mode directly on the MC6.
Configures the switch name to blink when a preset is in toggle position 2.
Guides on connecting and verifying expression pedal compatibility with the MC6.
Step-by-step process to calibrate expression pedals for optimal performance.
Adjusting sensitivity to eliminate jitters from expression pedal readings.
Utilizes the Morningstar Device Editor to program MIDI messages for expression pedals.
Directly programs expression pedal messages on the MC6 controller.
Aux switches function as programmable switches, similar to built-in ones.
Aux switches configured for bank navigation and page toggling.
Adjusts TRS MIDI configuration for Omniports via menus or Device Editor.
Controls utility functions like bank navigation and editing via dual switch presses.
Triggers presets on page 2 of each bank using dual switch presses.
Sets the MIDI receive channel for the MC6 controller.
Resets all user presets and settings to factory defaults.
Configures Omniport functions as MIDI Output, Expression Pedal Input, or Aux Switch.
Adjusts the sensitivity of switches for optimal response time.
Sets the delay time for loading the next bank when changing banks.
Disables dual switch press functions like bank up/down and toggle page when enabled.
Controls whether MIDI Clock data continues to be sent after other events.
Sets the display duration for bank names and numbers.
Assigns names to MIDI channels for easier device identification.
Enables or disables passing MIDI messages from In to Out ports.
Auto-aligns switch short names on the LCD display based on position.
Allows re-arrangement of banks within the controller's menu.
Resets all Bank Presets to be empty.
Passes MIDI messages between 5-pin MIDI In/Out and USB ports.
Maintains preset toggle states when navigating between banks.
Determines the duration needed to trigger a Long Press action.
Blocks or allows incoming MIDI clock signals from USB or MIDI IN ports.
Step-by-step guide for updating the MC6 controller's firmware.
Procedures for recovering from unsuccessful firmware update attempts.
Map Program Change (PC) messages to control bank selection on the MC6.
Details CC messages for bank navigation, preset engagement, and toggle states.
Engage expression pedal 1 functionality with CC messages.
Engage expression pedal 2 functionality with CC messages.
The MC6 MkII is a versatile MIDI controller designed to manage various MIDI-compatible devices, regardless of their brand or model. It offers extensive programmability, allowing users to customize each footswitch to perform a wide range of functions. The controller is designed for ease of use, aiming to simplify complex MIDI setups for musicians.
The primary function of the MC6 MkII is to send MIDI messages to control other devices. It supports a comprehensive array of MIDI message types, including standard Program Change (PC) and Control Change (CC) messages, as well as more advanced Note, SysEx, Realtime, and Keystroke commands. This broad compatibility ensures that the MC6 can integrate seamlessly into diverse musical setups, from controlling DAWs and plugins to managing various music software and hardware.
The device features six footswitches (A to F) on its front panel, each linked to a corresponding text display on the LCD. Each switch can be programmed to send up to 16 different MIDI messages simultaneously, allowing for complex multi-device control with a single press. These messages can be assigned to different "actions" such as Press, Double Tap, Release, or Long Press, enabling a single switch to perform multiple functions based on how it's activated. For instance, a Press action might send a CC#1 message, while a Release action sends a CC#2 message.
The MC6 MkII organizes its control capabilities into 30 banks, with each bank containing 12 switch presets and 2 expression pedal presets. Users can navigate through these banks by pressing combinations of switches (A+B for bank down, B+C for bank up). Holding these combinations allows for continuous scrolling through banks. Each bank also has two pages of presets (A-F on page 1, G-L on page 2), which can be toggled using a dedicated function, often assigned to a Double Tap action to preserve the switch's primary function. External auxiliary switches can also be connected to access presets G-L directly.
Beyond individual switch programming, the MC6 MkII supports "Bank Presets," which are MIDI messages sent automatically upon entering or exiting a particular bank. This feature allows for dynamic changes in a setup, such as engaging a specific preset when a bank is entered or transitioning the controller into a "Looper Mode" for dedicated looper control.
The device also supports expression pedals, which can be connected to its Omniports. These pedals allow for continuous control over MIDI parameters, such as volume or wah effects. The MC6 MkII is designed to work with TRS expression pedals, ideally those with 10k ohm linear potentiometers for optimal response. Calibration is a key feature for expression pedals, ensuring accurate translation of pedal movement into MIDI values.
The MC6 MkII offers two primary methods for programming: the Morningstar Device Editor (a software application) and direct programming on the controller itself. The Device Editor provides a visual interface for managing presets, banks, and MIDI messages, along with features like preset/bank re-ordering, controller backup, MIDI CC Waveform Generators, and a MIDI Dictionary. For on-device programming, users navigate through menus using the footswitches to select switches, edit messages, choose actions, set toggle positions, define MIDI message types, adjust parameters, and select MIDI channels.
A significant feature is "Toggle Mode," which allows a single switch to send different MIDI messages on alternate presses. This enables control over two distinct states or functions with one switch, alternating between "Position 1" and "Position 2" messages. The device also supports "Toggle Names," which are displayed when a preset is in its toggle position 2, and a "Name Blink" feature to visually indicate when a preset is in position 2.
"Dual Switch Press Functions" provide additional utility, allowing combinations of two footswitches to trigger functions like banking up/down, entering the editing menu, or toggling MIDI Thru. These dual presses can also access "hidden presets" (G-L) on the second page of each bank without needing to toggle pages.
The MC6 MkII includes "Global Settings" for configuring overall device behavior. These settings cover MIDI receive channel, factory reset, Omniport functions (MIDI Output, Expression Pedal Input, or Aux Switch Input), switch sensitivity, bank change delay, dual switch press lock, persistent MIDI clock behavior, bank display time, MIDI channel naming, bank arrangement, bank preset reset, cross MIDI thru, remembering preset toggle states across banks, long press time, and ignoring incoming MIDI clock.
Firmware updates are a regular aspect of the MC6 MkII's maintenance, providing new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. Users can download the Morningstar Firmware Updater and the latest firmware from the Morningstar website. The update process involves connecting the controller to a computer via USB and using the Updater software. In cases of unsuccessful firmware updates, a recovery procedure is available, which involves accessing a reset button on the device's PCB to re-initiate the upload.
The device also offers a "Factory Reset" option within its Global Settings, which erases all user presets and resets all settings to their default values. This can be useful for troubleshooting or starting fresh with the controller.
For expression pedal maintenance, the MC6 MkII includes a calibration procedure to ensure accurate readings. Users are guided to set the pedal to heel-down and toe-down positions to define the full range of motion. Additionally, an "Expression Pedal Sensitivity" setting allows users to adjust the responsiveness of the pedal, which can help eliminate jitters caused by non-10k ohm potentiometers.
The MC6 MkII is designed to be powered in several ways: a 9V DC (centre negative) power supply, phantom power via a 7-pin MIDI cable connected to the MIDI Out port, or USB power from a computer, mobile device, USB adaptor, or power bank. This flexibility in power options contributes to its usability and ease of integration into various setups.
General| Number of Footswitches | 6 |
|---|---|
| Communication | MIDI, USB |
| Type | MIDI Controller |
| Power | 9V DC |
| Input Voltage | 9V DC |
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