M-VAVE Chocolate Plus MIDI Foot Controller User Manual

1. Introduction

The M-VAVE Chocolate Plus is a versatile wireless MIDI foot controller designed for musicians. It features four assignable footswitches and supports Bluetooth (BLE-MIDI) and USB connections, allowing control over various effects, loop pedals, tuners, and page-turning applications across multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Its compact and rechargeable design makes it suitable for both studio and live performance environments.

Image: M-VAVE Chocolate Plus MIDI Foot Controller with USB cable.

2. Package Contents

• M-VAVE Chocolate Plus MIDI Foot Controller
• USB Type-C Charging Cable
• User Manual (this document)

3. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the various components and controls of your M-VAVE Chocolate Plus.

Image: Labeled diagram of the M-VAVE Chocolate Plus, showing foot switches A, B, C, D, combination switches E (A+B) and F (C+D), display screen, charging instruction light, wireless instruction light, USB port, HOST port, pedal jack, Type-C charging and data jack, and power switch.

Front Panel Controls:

• Foot Switches A, B, C, D: Main control pedals for sending MIDI commands or keyboard inputs.
• Combination Switch E (A+B): Activates specific functions when A and B are pressed simultaneously.
• Combination Switch F (C+D): Activates specific functions when C and D are pressed simultaneously.
• Display Screen: Shows current bank, program change (PC) numbers, or control change (CC) values.
• Charging Instruction Light: Indicates charging status.
• Wireless Instruction Light: Indicates Bluetooth connection status.

Rear Panel Connections:

• USB Port: For connecting to computers or other MIDI devices.
• HOST Port: For connecting to external effectors for MIDI control and power.
• Pedal Jack: For connecting an external expression pedal (if supported).
• Type-C Charging and Data Jack: For charging the device and data transfer.
• Power Switch: To turn the device on or off.

4. Setup

4.1. Charging the Device

The Chocolate Plus has a built-in 300mAh rechargeable lithium battery. Connect the provided USB Type-C cable to the Type-C charging port on the rear panel and to a standard 5V USB power source. A full charge takes approximately 2.5 hours and provides up to 12 hours of battery life.

Image: M-VAVE Chocolate Plus connected to a power source via USB-C cable, indicating charging.

4.2. Power On/Off

Locate the power switch on the rear panel of the device. Toggle the switch to the "ON" position to power on the Chocolate Plus. The display screen will illuminate, and the wireless instruction light may blink or remain solid depending on its connection status.

4.3. Connecting to External Devices (Bluetooth)

The Chocolate Plus supports Bluetooth (BT) wireless connection for MIDI control. To connect to a mobile phone, tablet, or computer via BLE-MIDI:

1. Ensure the Chocolate Plus is powered on.
2. On your mobile device or computer, enable Bluetooth and search for available devices.
3. Select "Chocolate Plus" from the list of available devices to pair. The wireless instruction light on the pedal will indicate a successful connection.
4. For specific applications (e.g., sheet music page turning), ensure the application supports BLE-MIDI input.

4.4. Connecting to External Effectors (USB Host Mode)

The Chocolate Plus can control other effectors via its USB HOST port. This mode also allows for wired MIDI control and can supply power to some connected effectors.

1. Connect the Chocolate Plus to your effector using a compatible USB cable (e.g., USB-A to USB-B for some effectors, or a USB to 5-pin MIDI cable for traditional MIDI devices).
2. Ensure the Chocolate Plus is in HOST mode (indicated by the switch position or display).
3. Power on the controlled effector. The Chocolate Plus will now send MIDI commands to the effector.
4. To turn off the wireless function while in HOST mode, press and hold footswitches B and C simultaneously for 3 seconds.

The USB HOST port can also power certain MIDI cables or small effectors, enabling MIDI control and power delivery through a single connection.

4.5. Software Connection (CubeSuite App)

The M-VAVE CubeSuite app (available for mobile and computer) provides intelligent control and customization options for the Chocolate Plus. It allows for easy connection, programming of pedal functions, and mapping of MIDI parameters.

1. Download and install the CubeSuite app on your device.
2. Ensure the Chocolate Plus is powered on and connected via Bluetooth or USB.
3. Open the CubeSuite app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your Chocolate Plus. The app will display the device and allow access to its settings.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Basic Footswitch Operation

The four footswitches (A, B, C, D) can be programmed to send various MIDI commands or keyboard inputs. The display screen provides direct feedback on the commands issued.

Each footswitch can be configured for short press, long press, or combination presses (E and F) to trigger different actions. For example, you can assign footswitches to control effects, switch presets, or activate a tuner.

Image: M-VAVE Chocolate Plus being operated by foot, demonstrating its intended use as a floor pedal.

5.2. Advanced Customization with CubeSuite

The CubeSuite app unlocks the full potential of the Chocolate Plus, allowing you to customize its functionality extensively. You can define specific MIDI messages (PC, CC, Note On/Off, SysEx) for each footswitch and even create custom keyboard commands.

Image: M-VAVE Chocolate Plus connected to a smartphone running the CubeSuite app, illustrating the rich software expansion functions for customization.

• MIDI Command Assignment: Assign Program Change (PC) or Control Change (CC) messages to individual footswitches. The display can show specific PC (0-127) or CC values.
• Bank Switching: Use combination keys (E or F) or select banks directly within the CubeSuite app to access different sets of programmed commands.
• Custom Keyboard Mode: Configure footswitches to send keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+A) for use with recording software, video players, or page-turning applications. Note that combination key 1 and key combination 2 cannot be the same.
• Import/Export Settings: Save and load your customized settings as .fcp files within the CubeSuite app. This is useful for backing up configurations or quickly switching between setups for different effectors or performance scenarios.

6. Specifications

7. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your M-VAVE Chocolate Plus, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the device. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents, as they may damage the finish.
• Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
• Handling: While the device is built with a durable metal casing, avoid dropping it or subjecting it to excessive force.
• Battery Care: For optimal battery life, avoid fully discharging the battery frequently. Charge the device regularly, especially if it will be stored for extended periods.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your M-VAVE Chocolate Plus, refer to the following common solutions:

• Connection Issues (Bluetooth/USB):
  • Ensure the device is fully charged.
  • Verify that Bluetooth is enabled on your host device and the Chocolate Plus is discoverable.
  • For USB connections, ensure the cable is securely connected to both the Chocolate Plus and the host device/effector.
  • Try restarting both the Chocolate Plus and the connected device.
  • If using HOST mode, ensure the switch is correctly set to 'HOST'.
• Software (CubeSuite) Connection Problems:
  • If you experience connection issues with the CubeSuite software, scan the QR code on the back of the product to use the Sincoota software for a firmware upgrade. This often resolves software connection problems.
  • Ensure your CubeSuite app is the latest version.
• Unresponsive Footswitches:
  • Check if the device is powered on and properly connected (Bluetooth or USB).
  • Verify that the footswitches are correctly programmed for the desired function in the CubeSuite app.
  • Ensure the correct bank is selected on the pedal.
• Unexpected Behavior:
  • Some users have reported unexpected bank behavior upon power-up. If this occurs, try cycling through banks using the combination keys (E or F) until the desired bank is displayed and functions correctly.
  • Regularly check for and apply firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and resolve known issues.

9. Warranty and Support

The M-VAVE Chocolate Plus comes with a one-year warranty. For any product-related issues or support inquiries, please contact the seller directly. If purchased through Amazon, you can click on the seller store link and select "ask a question" for assistance.

For further information or to explore other M-VAVE products, visit the official M-VAVE Store.