1. Introduction
The M-vave Chocolate Plus is a portable and versatile MIDI controller footswitch designed for musicians and performers. It provides comprehensive control over various effect devices and software, supporting USB MIDI, page turning, and multimedia playback. This manual will guide you through the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Chocolate Plus MIDI Controller.
2. Product Overview
2.1 Key Features
- Portable and compact design.
- Long battery life: 12 hours of use after 2.5 hours of charging.
- Clear display screen for direct command feedback.
- Wide compatibility: Supports WINDOWS, MAC, IOS, and ANDROID platforms.
- Built-in Hardware HOST interface for direct control of external effect devices.
- Advanced customization mode with switchable banks (64 out of 16 groups for MIDI code).
- Customizable keyboard combination keys (Ctrl, Shift, Alt, Win/Command) with 6 groups of 24.
- Supports various MIDI messages: Program Change (PC), Control Change (CC), Note On/Off, and System Exclusive (SYSEX).
- Dedicated support for page turning and multimedia playback.
- BLE-MIDI for wireless control of other effectors.
2.2 Package Contents
- M-vave Chocolate Plus MIDI Controller
- USB Cable
- User Manual
2.3 Device Layout
- Footswitches (A, B, C, D): Programmable buttons for various functions.
- Display Screen: Shows current settings, bank numbers, and command feedback.
- USB Port (Type-C): For charging and USB MIDI connection to computers/mobile devices.
- HOST Port (Type-A): For direct connection to external effect devices.
- PEDAL Input: (Implied, often for expression pedal or external switch)
- M-VAVE Branding: Indicates the brand.
3. Setup
3.1 Charging the Device
Before first use, fully charge the Chocolate Plus. Connect the supplied USB cable to the USB Type-C port on the device and to a standard USB power adapter (not included) or a computer's USB port. A full charge takes approximately 2.5 hours and provides up to 12 hours of continuous use.
3.2 Initial Connection
- Power On: Locate the power switch (usually on the side or back) and turn on the device. The display screen will light up.
- USB MIDI Connection:
- For connecting to a computer (WINDOWS/MAC) or mobile device (IOS/ANDROID), use the USB Type-C port and connect it to your device. The Chocolate Plus will be recognized as a standard MIDI input/output device.
- No specific drivers are usually required for basic MIDI functionality, but check the M-vave website for any dedicated software or drivers.
- Hardware HOST Connection:
- To directly control an external effect device, use the USB Type-A HOST port. Connect your effect device's USB cable to this port. This allows the Chocolate Plus to act as a MIDI host, sending commands directly to the effector without needing an intermediate computer.
- BLE-MIDI Connection:
- To control other BLE-MIDI compatible effectors wirelessly, activate Bluetooth on both the Chocolate Plus and your target device. Follow the pairing instructions for your specific effector to establish a connection.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Basic Footswitch Operation
The four footswitches (A, B, C, D) are the primary controls. Their functions can be programmed to send various MIDI messages or keyboard commands. The display screen will show feedback on the currently active bank or the command being sent.
4.2 MIDI Control Modes
The Chocolate Plus supports a wide range of MIDI messages:
- Program Change (PC): Used to switch presets or patches on synthesizers, effects processors, etc.
- Control Change (CC): Used to control parameters like volume, modulation, wah, etc.
- Note On/Off: Can be used to trigger notes or samples.
- System Exclusive (SYSEX): For advanced control and communication with specific devices. The Chocolate Plus supports SYSEX messages up to 200 bytes.
Refer to the M-vave software (if available) or the device's internal menu (if applicable) for detailed programming of each footswitch to send specific MIDI messages.
4.3 Page Turning and Multimedia Playback
The Chocolate Plus is designed to facilitate page turning for digital sheet music or lyrics, and control multimedia playback (e.g., starting/stopping tracks, skipping). These functions are typically assigned to footswitches and interact with compatible software on your connected device (computer, tablet, smartphone).
4.4 Advanced Customization
- Switchable Banks: The device features an advanced customization mode with switchable banks, allowing for 64 different MIDI code configurations organized into 16 groups. This expands the number of accessible commands significantly.
- Keyboard Combination Keys: Program footswitches to send keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+S, Alt+Tab, Win+D, Command+C). There are 6 groups of 24 customizable keyboard combination keys, providing extensive control over software applications.
5. Specifications
| Feature | Specification (Chocolate Plus) |
|---|---|
| Model | Chocolate Plus |
| Brand | M-VAVE |
| Type | MIDI Controller / Effects Footswitch |
| Footswitches | 4 Programmable Buttons |
| Connectivity | USB MIDI (Type-C), Hardware HOST (Type-A), BLE-MIDI |
| MIDI Support | PC, CC, Note On/Off, SYSEX |
| SYSEX Length | 200 Bytes |
| Compatibility | WINDOWS, MAC, IOS, ANDROID |
| Charging Time | Approx. 2.5 hours |
| Battery Life | Approx. 12 hours |
| Package Dimensions (L x W x H) | 26 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm |
| Package Weight | 0.3 kg |
6. Troubleshooting
- Device not powering on: Ensure the device is fully charged. Connect it to a USB power source and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to power on again.
- No MIDI signal:
- Check all USB and MIDI cable connections.
- Ensure the Chocolate Plus is powered on.
- Verify that your connected software or device is correctly configured to receive MIDI input from the Chocolate Plus.
- For Hardware HOST connections, ensure the external effect device is compatible and properly connected.
- BLE-MIDI not connecting:
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both the Chocolate Plus and the target effector.
- Check that both devices are within range.
- Attempt to re-pair the devices.
- Footswitches not responding as expected:
- Verify the programming of the footswitches using the M-vave software or device interface.
- Ensure the correct bank is selected if using advanced customization.
7. User Tips
- Controlling Specific Effect Units: The Chocolate Plus, with its USB HOST functionality, can directly control various effect units via USB. For example, users have inquired about controlling units like the Tonex One via USB. Ensure your effect unit supports USB MIDI control for this feature.
- Software Integration: For optimal performance and customization, explore any dedicated M-vave software or companion apps that might be available for your operating system. These often provide a more intuitive interface for programming footswitches and managing banks.
- Experiment with Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize the customizable keyboard combination keys to streamline your workflow with DAWs, presentation software, or other applications where quick shortcuts are beneficial.
8. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the device. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Avoid Liquids: Keep the device away from liquids to prevent damage to internal components.
- Handle with Care: While designed for foot operation, avoid excessive force or dropping the device to prevent mechanical damage.
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your retailer or the M-vave customer support directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
