MIDI controllers and USB host requirements

Choose a controller that can send the documented MIDI messages and has the correct USB connection role for your hardware.

Applies to: Stratus and Nimbus.

Stratus

Stratus’s USB-C port acts as a MIDI device. Connect it to a controller with a true USB MIDI host port, a suitable MIDI USB host adapter, or a computer configured to route MIDI. A passive connector adapter does not turn a USB device port into a host.

Supported Stratus controllers: no USB host adapter required

These controllers can connect directly to Stratus. Use the controller’s USB host connection and a USB data cable.

Controller	Connection requirements
MORTRIX	Connect its built-in USB host port to Stratus USB-C with a USB data cable.
Morningstar MC6 Pro	Connect its built-in USB host port to Stratus with a USB-C to USB-C data cable. The MC6 Pro differs from the MC6 listed below.
M-VAVE Chocolate Plus	Direct USB-C MIDI control works when the Chocolate Plus is powered over USB-C by a battery bank or wall power supply. Preserve this external-power connection when connecting Stratus; this guidance applies to the Plus model.

Supported Stratus controllers: USB host adapter required

These controllers need a USB MIDI host adapter between their MIDI output and Stratus USB-C. A passive cable or connector adapter cannot provide the USB host function.

Manufacturer	Supported controllers requiring a host adapter
Morningstar	MC3, MC6, MC8
Disaster Area Designs	MIDI Baby, MIDI Baby 3
Tech21	MIDI Mouse, MIDI Mongoose
M-VAVE	Chocolate (not Plus)
PaintAudio	MIDI Captain — see the user-contributed setup guide.

Which USB host adapter is officially supported?

The Chaos Audio edition Knot MIDI USB Host is the only officially supported USB host adapter. Connect your controller’s MIDI output to Knot, then connect Knot’s USB host port to Stratus USB-C. Power the controller and adapter according to their instructions.

Other adapter options previously listed in this guide are the CAMOLA USB MIDI Host with the appropriate reverse-polarity plug for a pedalboard supply, and the wireless CME WIDI Uhost plus WIDI Jack combination. These alternatives are not officially supported; confirm their connection and power requirements before use.

Other standard MIDI controllers may also work with a suitable host connection, but they are not part of the supported-controller list above. If a powered USB host connection is not receiving MIDI, contact support@chaosaudio.com with your controller model, adapter, and wiring details.

Nimbus

Production preview: Nimbus’s planned USB-A connection provides a different controller connection path from Stratus. Final controller compatibility should be checked against the production hardware documentation. Shared MIDI commands do not guarantee that every USB or proprietary wireless controller works.

Before buying or connecting

• Check the controller manual for USB host/device role, supported MIDI transport, and power requirements.
• Check that it can send Program Change and the CC/value combinations you need.
• Do not assume a product-specific wireless footswitch uses standard MIDI. Model variants can differ.

Troubleshoot

1. Match the MIDI channel on both devices.
2. Try a known data cable and confirm the USB host is powered.
3. Sync a preset list, then send Program Change 0.
4. Check whether the controller displays programs from 0 or 1.
5. Use the MIDI chart to test one message at a time.