Stratus® supports MIDI control via its USB-C port.
Although Stratus® does not have a dedicated 5-pin MIDI port, all of the same MIDI messages can be sent over a "USB host" connection! This makes for very convenient preset-switching, effects toggling, looper control, and more while playing live.
What is a USB host?
Not all USB ports are created equal! There are 2 types of USB interfaces: host and device. Stratus® itself acts as a "controllable device" and must be connected to a USB host port for MIDI functionality to work correctly. A lot of MIDI controllers come with USB ports, but often times these ports are set up as device ports rather than host ports. For controllers that do not come with a host port, you'll need a USB host adapter! This essentially creates a USB host port that you can use to control Stratus®.
Supported MIDI controllers (no USB host adapter required):
- Morningstar MC6 Pro - The MC6 Pro is an incredibly versatile MIDI controller that offers deep customization. It also comes with a built-in USB host port, which means an adapter is not required in order to interface Stratus® with the MC6 Pro! All you need is a USB-C to USB-C cable. 🙂
- M-VAVE Chocolate Plus - The Chocolate Plus is a super affordable and super compact MIDI controller from M-VAVE that offers customization through their mobile app. As long as the Chocolate Plus is powered over USB-C (via battery bank or wall brick), it can be hooked directly to Stratus® over USB-C for MIDI control without a USB Host adapter. 🙂
Supported MIDI controllers (USB host adapter required):
- Morningstar MC3, MC6, and MC8 devices
- Disaster Area Designs MIDI Baby and MIDI Baby 3
- Tech21 MIDI Mouse and MIDI Mongoose
- M-VAVE Chocolate (*not Plus*)
- PaintAudio MIDI Captain (see this helpful user-contributed guide)
- Any other MIDI controllers that follow the MIDI standard should also work!
What are some great options for USB host adapters to pair with my controller?
- The most convenient option would be the Chaos Audio edition Knot. Knot is super compact, capable of being powered by your guitar pedal power supply, and features consistent updates. This is the only officially supported USB host adapter.
- Another option is the CAMOLA USB MIDI Host with a Reverse Polarity Plug (which allows you to power the USB adapter from a pedalboard power supply).
- If you're looking for something wireless, a third option would be a WIDI Uhost combined with a WIDI Jack. It's more expensive, but wireless and low latency.
We hope this helps! Please reach out to support@chaosaudio.com if we can assist with anything else. 🙂