Mackie C4 Commander User Guide - Page 8

C4 Commander Connecting the Hardware We refer to the C4 Commander software as "middleware" because it sits between the C4 and the MIDI instruments that it is controlling. Connecting the equipment is fairly straightforward. It is best done with a USB MIDI interface to make it easy to connect multiple MIDI devices. The hookup diagram below shows a typical method of connecting the C4 to the computer and the MIDI instruments. C4 Commander Features The C4 Commander is made up of three main sections: • Settings Window • Edit Window • C4 Graphic Interface The C4 graphic interface is a virtual representation of the controls, buttons, and displays on the actual C4. Any changes made on the C4 are reflected in the C4 graphic interface, and any changes made in the graphic interface are reflected on the C4. The Settings window allows you to assign the MIDI ports used to connect to the C4, adjust the shift increment value, and select the individual instruments you want to have the C4 control. The Edit window allows you to create new layouts, assign the instrument contols to the C4 (as well as MIDI common and MIDI controller commands), view the MIDI parameters for each control, and view and modify the names that appear in the display for each page, bank, group, and control. These sections are described in the next few pages. But first, we should define some terms that will help you understand the operation of the C4 Commander. Controls: Each V-Pot is a control that can be assigned to an individual parameter on the MIDI instrument. The C4 Commander comes with an extensive library of Instrument Definition Files, which can be accessed in the Settings window. The easiest way to assign parameters to the VPots is to simply drag-and-drop the Instrument from the Assignment list in the Edit window to the first V-pot on the C4. All of the parameters for the instrument are automatically assigned to the V-pots sequentially. However, you can remove and rearrange the parameters to your liking. Mackie Control C4 DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA • MANUFACTURED IN CHINA • FABRIQUE EN CHINE • COPYRIGHT ©2005 "MACKIE" AND THE RUNNING MAN FIGURE ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES, INC. • PATENT PENDING SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURING DATE LISTED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT 59BJ CONTROL C4 IN MIDI OUT EXTERNAL POWER -+ POWER MIDI IN MIDI OUT MIDI Keyboard/Synth MIDI IN MIDI Effects Processor MIDI IN Multiport USB MIDI Interface Connecting the C4 Laptop Computer with C4 Commander Software Computer USB Connection Note: The MIDI hardware devices only require a MIDI IN connection (no MIDI OUT) because the C4 Commander software is only bidirectional with the Mackie Control C4, not with the MIDI hardware devices.  User's Guide