CMC MIDI Thru5 WC User manual

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MIDI Thru5 WC
USER MANUAL V06
Hello, thank you for purchasing CME’s professional product!
Please read this manual completely before using this product. The
pictures in the manual are for illustration purposes only, the actual
product may vary. For more technical support content and videos,
please visit this page: www.cme-pro.com/support/
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
⚫WARNING
Improper connection may cause damage to the device.
⚫COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2022 CME Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. CME is a
registered trademark of CME Pte. Ltd. in Singapore and/or other
countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
⚫LIMITED WARRANTY
CME provides a one-year standard Limited Warranty for this
product only to the person or entity that originally purchased this
product from an authorized dealer or distributor of CME. The
warranty period starts on the date of purchase of this product. CME

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warrants the included hardware against defects in workmanship and
materials during the warranty period. CME does not warrant against
normal wear and tear, nor damage caused by accident or abuses of
the purchased product. CME is not responsible for any damage or
data loss caused by improper operation of the equipment. You are
required to provide a proof of purchase as a condition of receiving
warranty service. Your delivery or sales receipt, showing the date of
purchase of this product, is your proof of purchase. To obtain
service, call or visit the authorized dealer or distributor of CME where
you purchased this product. CME will fulfill the warranty obligations
according to local consumer laws.
⚫SAFETY INFORMATION
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the
possibility of serious injury or even death from electrical shock,
damages, fire, or other hazards. These precautions include, but are
not limited to, the following:
-Do not connect the instrument during a thunder.
-Do not set up the cord or outlet to a humid place unless the
outlet is specially designed for humid places.
-If the instrument needs to be powered by AC, do not touch the
bare part of the cord or the connector when the power cord is
connected to the AC outlet.
-Always follow the instructions carefully when setting up the
instrument.
-Do not expose the instrument to rain or moisture, to avoid fire
and/or electrical shock.

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-Keep the instrument away from electrical interface sources,
such as fluorescent light and electrical motors.
-Keep the instrument away from dust, heat, and vibration.
-Do not expose the instrument to sunlight.
-Do not place heavy objects on the instrument; do not place
containers with liquid on the instrument.
-Do not touch the connectors with wet hands

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PACKAGE CONTENTS
1. MIDI Thru5 WC
2. USB Cable
3. Quick Start Guide
INTRODUCTION
MIDI Thru5 WC is a wired MIDI Thru/Splitter box with
expandable wireless Bluetooth MIDI capabilities, it can completely
and accurately forward the MIDI messages received by the MIDI IN
to multiple MIDI Thru. It has five standard 5-pin MIDI THRU ports and
one 5-pin MIDI IN port, as well as an expansion slot that can install a
16-channel bi-directional Bluetooth MIDI module. It can be powered
via standard USB. Multiple MIDI Thru5 WCs can be daisy-chain to
form a larger system.
Note: The Bluetooth MIDI expansion slot can be equipped with CME's
WIDI Core (with PCB antenna), called the WC module. With the Bluetooth
MIDI module installed, the MIDI Thru5 WC functions the same as CME's WIDI
Thru6 BT.
MIDI Thru5 WC can connect all MIDI products with standard
MIDI interface, such as: synthesizers, MIDI controllers, MIDI
interfaces, keytars, electronic wind instruments, v-accordions,
electronic drums, digital pianos, electronic portable keyboards, audio
interfaces, digital mixers, etc. With an optional Bluetooth MIDI
module, the MIDI Thru5 WC will connect to BLE MIDI capable

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devices and computers, such as: Bluetooth MIDI controllers,
iPhones, iPads, Macs, PCs, Android tablets and mobile phones, etc.
1. USB Power
USB TYPE-C socket. Use a universal USB Type-C cable to
connect a standard USB power supply with a voltage of 5V (e.g.:
charger, power bank, computer USB socket, etc.) to supply power to
the unit.
2. Button
This button has no effect when the optional Bluetooth MIDI
module is not installed.
Note: After installing the optional WIDI Core Bluetooth MIDI
module, certain shortcut operations are available. First, please
confirm that the WIDI Core firmware has been upgraded to the latest
version. The following operations are based on WIDI v0.1.4.7 BLE
firmware version or higher:

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When the MIDI Thru5 WC is not powered on, press and
hold the button and then power on the MIDI Thru5 WC until
the LED light located in the center of the interface flashes
slowly 3 times, then release. The interface will be manually
reset to the factory default state.
When the MIDI Thru5 WC is powered on, press and hold
the button for 3 seconds and then release it, the Bluetooth
role of the interface will be manually set to the "Force
Peripheral" mode (this mode is used to connect to a
computer or mobile phone). If the interface has previously
been connected to other Bluetooth MIDI devices, this
action will disconnect all connections.
3. 5-pin DIN MIDI Socket
IN: One 5-pin MIDI IN socket is used to connect the MIDI
OUT or MIDI THRU port of standard MIDI device to receive
MIDI messages.
THRU: Five 5-pin MIDI THRU sockets are used to connect
to the MIDI IN port of standard MIDI devices, and forwards
all MIDI messages received by the MIDI Thru5 WC to all
connected MIDI devices.
4. Expansion Slot (on the circuit board inside the product housing)
The optional WIDI Core module of the CME can be used to
expand the 16-channel bi-directional wireless Bluetooth MIDI
function. Please visit www.cme-pro.com/widi-core/ for more details
on the module. Module needs to be purchased separately.

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⚫LED Indicator
The indicators are located inside the product housing and are
used to indicate various states of the unit.
The green LED light near the side of the USB power supply
-When the power supply is on, the green LED light will
be lit.
The LED light located in the center of the interface (it will
only light up after installing the WIDI Core)
-The blue LED light flashes slowly: Bluetooth MIDI
starts normally and waits for connection.
-Steady blue LED light: Bluetooth MIDI has been
successfully connected.
-Fast blinking blue LED light: Bluetooth MIDI is
connected and MIDI messages are being received or
sent.
-The light blue (turquoise) LED light is always on: the
device is connected as a Bluetooth MIDI central to
other Bluetooth MIDI peripherals.
-The green LED light indicates that the device is in
firmware upgrader mode, please use the iOS or
Android version of the WIDI App to upgrade the
firmware (please visit the BluetoothMIDI.com page for
the App download link).
⚫Signal Flow Chart
Note: The part of BLE MIDI part is only valid after installing the WC
module

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CONNECTION
⚫Connect external MIDI devices to MIDI Thru5 WC
1. Power the unit through the USB port of the MIDI Thru5 WC.

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2. Using a 5-pin MIDI cable, connect the MIDI OUT or MIDI
THRU of the MIDI device to the MIDI IN socket of the MIDI
Thru5 WC. Then connect the MIDI THRU (1-5) sockets of
the MIDI Thru5 WC to the MIDI IN of the MIDI device.
3. At this point, the MIDI messages received by the MIDI
Thru5 WC from the MIDI IN port will be fully forwarded to
the MIDI devices connected to the THRU 1-5 ports.
Note: MIDI Thru5 WC has no power switch, just power on to start
working.
⚫Daisy-chain multiple MIDI Thru5 WCs
In practice, if you need more MIDI Thru ports, you can easily
daisy chain multiple MIDI Thru5 WCs by connecting the MIDI Thru
port of one MIDI Thru5 WC to the MIDI IN port of the next using a
standard 5-pin MIDI cable.
Note: Each MIDI Thru5 WC must be powered separately (use of USB
Hub possible).
EXPANDED BLUETOOTH MIDI
MIDI Thru5 WC can be equipped with CME's WIDI Core module
to add bi-directional Bluetooth MIDI functionality over 16 MIDI
channels.
⚫Install WIDI Core to MIDI Thru5 WC
1. Remove all external connections from the MIDI Thru5 WC.

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2. Use a screwdriver to remove the 4 fixing screws at the
bottom of the MIDI Thru5 WC and open the case.
3. Wash your hands under running water and dry with a paper
towel to release static electricity, then remove the WIDI
Core from the package.
4. Insert the WIDI Core into the socket of the MIDI Thru5 WC
horizontally and slowly (at a 90-degree vertical angle from
the top of the MIDI Thru5 WC motherboard) according to
the direction shown in the figure below:
MIDI THRU5 WC WIDI Core
5. Put the mainboard of the MIDI THRU5 WC back into the
case and fasten it with screws.
Please refer to <<MIDI Thru5 WC Optional Bluetooth MIDI
Module Installation Guide>> for more details.
Note: Wrong insertion direction or position, improper plugging and
unplugging, live operation, electrostatic breakdown may cause the WIDI

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Core and MIDI Thru5 WC to stop working properly, or even damage the
hardware!
⚫Burn the Bluetooth firmware for the WIDI Core module.
1. Go to the Apple App store, Google Play store or the CME
official website support page to search for the CME WIDI
APP and install it. Your iOS or Android device needs to
support Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 feature (or higher).
2. Press and hold the button next to the USB socket of the
MIDI Thru5 WC and power up the device. The LED light in
the center of the interface will now be green and start to
blink slowly. After 7 flashes, the LED light will change from
flashing red briefly to green, after which the button can be
released.
3. Open the WIDI App, the WIDI Upgrader name will be
displayed in the device list. Click the device name to enter
the device status page. Click [Upgrade Bluetooth
Firmware] at the bottom of the page, select the MIDI Thru5
WC product name on the next page, click [Start], and the
App will perform the firmware upgrade (please keep your
screen on during the upgrade process until the entire
update is complete).
4. After the upgrade process is completed, exit the WIDI App
and restart the MIDI Thru5 WC.

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BLUETOOTH MIDI CONNECTIONS
(WITH OPTIONAL WIDI CORE EXPANSION INSTALLED)
Note: All WIDI products use the same way for Bluetooth connection.
Therefore, the following video descriptions use WIDI Master as an example.
⚫Establish a Bluetooth MIDI connection between two MIDI Thru5
WC interfaces
Video instruction: https://youtu.be/BhIx2vabt7c
1. Power on the two MIDI Thru5 WCs with WIDI Core modules
installed.
2. The two MIDI Thru5 WCs will pair automatically, and the
blue LED light will change from slow flashing to solid light
(the LED light of one of the MIDI Thru5 WCs will be
turquoise, showing it acts as the central Bluetooth MIDI
device). When MIDI data is being sent, the LEDs of both
devices flash dynamically with the data.
Note: Automatic pairing will connect two Bluetooth MIDI devices. If you
have multiple Bluetooth MIDI devices, please ensure you power them
on in the right sequence or use WIDI groups to create fixed links.

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Note: Please use the WIDI App to set the WIDI BLE role as "Force
Peripheral" to avoid automatic connection with each other when
multiple WIDIs are used at the same time.
⚫Establish a Bluetooth MIDI connection between a MIDI device
with built-in Bluetooth MIDI and the MIDI Thru5 WC
Video instruction: https://youtu.be/7x5iMbzfd0o
1. Power on the MIDI device with built-in Bluetooth MIDI and
the MIDI Thru5 WC with the WIDI Core module installed.
2. The MIDI Thru5 WC will automatically pair with the built-in
Bluetooth MIDI of another MIDI device, and the LED light
will change from slow flashing to solid turquoise. If there is
MIDI data sent, the LED light will flash dynamically with the
data.
Note: If the MIDI Thru5 WC cannot be automatically paired with another
MIDI device, there may be a compatibility issue, please go to
BluetoothMIDI.com to contact CME for technical support.

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⚫Establish a Bluetooth MIDI connection between macOS X and
MIDI Thru5 WC
Video instruction: https://youtu.be/bKcTfR-d46A
1. Power on the MIDI Thru5 WC with the WIDI Core module
installed and confirm that the blue LED is blinking slowly.
2. Click the [Apple icon] in the upper left corner of the Apple
computer screen, click the [System Preferences] menu,
click the [Bluetooth icon], and click [Turn on Bluetooth],
then exit the Bluetooth settings window.
3. Click the [Go] menu at the top of the Apple computer
screen, click [Utilities], and click [Audio MIDI Setup].
Note: If you do not see the MIDI Studio window, click the [Window]
menu at the top of the Apple computer screen, and click [Show MIDI
Studio].
4. Click the [Bluetooth icon] on the upper right of the MIDI
Studio window, find the MIDI Thru5 WC that appears under
the device name list, click [Connect], the Bluetooth icon of
the MIDI Thru5 WC will appear in the MIDI Studio window,

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indicating that the connection is successful. All setup
windows can now be exited.
⚫Establish Bluetooth MIDI connection between iOS device and
MIDI Thru5 WC
Video instruction: https://youtu.be/5SWkeu2IyBg
1. Go to the Appstore to search for and download the free
app [midimittr].
Note: If the app you are using already has a Bluetooth MIDI connection
function integrated, please connect the MIDI Thru5 WC directly on the
MIDI setting page in the app.
2. Power on the MIDI Thru5 WC with the WIDI Core module
installed and confirm that the blue LED is blinking slowly.
3. Click the [Settings] icon to open the setting page, click
[Bluetooth] to enter the Bluetooth setting page, and slide
the Bluetooth switch to enable the Bluetooth function.
4. Open the midimittr App, click the [Device] menu at the
bottom right of the screen, find the MIDI Thru5 WC that
appears in the list, click [Not Connected], and click [Pair]
on the Bluetooth pairing request pop-up window, the status
of MIDI Thru5 WC in the list will be updated to
[Connected], indicating that the connection is successful.
At this point midimittr can be minimized and kept running in
the background by pressing the iOS device's home button.
5. Open the music app that can accept external MIDI input
and select MIDI Thru5 WC as the MIDI input device on the
settings page to start using it.

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Note: iOS 16 (and higher) offers automatic pairing with WIDI devices.
After confirming the connection for the first time between your iOS
device and WIDI device, it will automatically reconnect every time you
start your WIDI device or Bluetooth on your iOS device. This is a great
feature, as from now on, you will no longer have to manually pair each
time. That said, it can bring confusion for those who use WIDI App to
only update their WIDI device and not use an iOS device for Bluetooth
MIDI. The new auto-pairing can lead to unwanted pairing with your iOS
device. To avoid this, you can create fixed pairs between your WIDI
devices via WIDI Groups. Another option is to terminate Bluetooth on
your iOS device when working with WIDI devices.
⚫Establish a Bluetooth MIDI connection between Windows 10/11
computer and MIDI Thru5 WC
Video instruction: https://youtu.be/JyJTulS-g4o
First, the music software must integrate Microsoft's latest UWP
API interface program to use the Bluetooth MIDI universal driver that
comes with Windows 10/11. Most music software has not integrated
this API for various reasons. As far as we know, only Cakewalk by
Bandlab integrates this API, so it can connect directly to MIDI Thru5
WC or other standard Bluetooth MIDI devices.
There are alternative solutions for MIDI data transfer between
Windows 10/11 Generic Bluetooth MIDI Drivers and music software
via a software virtual MIDI interface driver.
WIDI products are fully compatible with the Korg BLE MIDI
Windows 10 driver, which can support multiple WIDIs to connect to

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Windows 10/11 computers at the same time and perform bi-
directional MIDI data transmission.
Please follow the exact instruction to connect WIDI with Korg’s
BLE MIDI driver:
1. Please visit the Korg official website to download the BLE
MIDI Windows driver.
www.korg.com/us/support/download/driver/0/530/2886/
2. After decompressing the driver file with the decompression
software, click the exe file to install the driver (you can
check whether the installation is successful in the list of
sound, video and game controllers in the device manager
after installation).
3. Please use the WIDI App to set the WIDI BLE role as "Force
Peripheral" to avoid automatic connection with each other
when multiple WIDIs are used at the same time. If
necessary, each WIDI can be renamed (rename to take
effect after restarting), which is convenient for
distinguishing different WIDI devices when using them at
the same time.
4. Please make sure your Windows 10/11 and the computer's
Bluetooth driver have been upgraded to the latest version
(the computer needs to be equipped with Bluetooth Low
Energy 4.0 or 5.0).
5. Power on the WIDI device. Click Windows [Start] –
[Settings] –[Devices], open the [Bluetooth and other
devices] window, turn on the Bluetooth switch, and click
[Add Bluetooth or other devices].

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6. After entering the Add Device window, click [Bluetooth],
click the WIDI device name listed in the device list, and
then click [Connect].
7. If it says "Your device is ready", click [Finished] to close the
window (you will be able to see WIDI in the Bluetooth list in
Device Manager after connecting).
8. Follow steps 5 to 7 to connect other WIDI devices to
Windows 10/11.
9. Open the music software, in the MIDI settings window, you
should see the WIDI device name appearing in the list (the
Korg BLE MIDI driver will automatically discover the WIDI
Bluetooth connection and associate it with the music
software). Just select the desired WIDI as the MIDI input
and output device.
In addition, we have developed WIDI Bud Pro and WIDI Uhost
professional hardware solutions for Windows users, which meet the
requirements of professional users for ultra-low latency and long-
distance wireless control. Please visit the relevant product webpage
for details (www.cme-pro.com/widi-premium-bluetooth-midi/).
⚫Establish Bluetooth MIDI connection between Android device
and MIDI Thru5 WC
Video instruction: https://youtu.be/0P1obVXHXYc
Similar to the Windows situation, the music app must integrate
the general Bluetooth MIDI driver of the Android operating system to
connect with the Bluetooth MIDI device. Most music apps have not
implemented this feature for various reasons. Therefore, you need to

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use an app specially designed to connect Bluetooth MIDI devices as
a bridge.
1. Download and install the free app [MIDI BLE Connect]:
https://www.cme-pro.com/wp-
content/uploads/2021/02/MIDI-BLE-Connect_v1.1.apk
2. Power on the MIDI Thru5 WC with the WIDI Core module
installed and confirm that the blue LED is blinking slowly.
3. Turn on the Bluetooth function of the Android device.
4. Open the MIDI BLE Connect App, click [Bluetooth Scan],
find the MIDI Thru5 WC that appears in the list, click [MIDI
Thru5 WC], it will show that the connection is successful.
At the same time, the Android system will issue a Bluetooth
pairing request notification, please click on the notification
and accept the pairing request. At this point, you can press
the home button of the Android device to minimize the MIDI
BLE Connect App and keep it running in the background.
5. Open the music app that can accept external MIDI input
and select MIDI Thru5 WC as the MIDI input device on the
settings page to start using it.
⚫Group connection with multiple WIDI devices
Video instruction: https://youtu.be/ButmNRj8Xls
Groups can be connected between WIDI devices to achieve bi-
directional data transmission up to [1-to-4 MIDI Thru] and [4-to-1

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MIDI merge], and multiple groups are supported to use at the same
time.
Note: If you want to connect other brands of Bluetooth MIDI devices in
the group at the same time, please refer to the description of the "Group
Auto-Learn" function below.
1. Open the WIDI App.
2. Power on a MIDI Thru5 WC with the WIDI Core module
installed.
Note: Please remember to avoid having multiple WIDI devices powered
on at the same time, otherwise they will be automatically paired one-to-
one, which will cause the WIDI App to fail to discover the MIDI Thru5
WC you want to connect to.
3. Set your MIDI Thru5 WC to the "Force Peripheral" role and
rename it.
Note 1: After selecting the BLE role as "Force Peripheral", the setting
will be automatically saved to the MIDI Thru5 WC.
Note 2: Click the device name to rename the MIDI Thru5 WC. The new
name requires a restart of the device to take effect.
4. Repeat the above steps to set up all MIDI Thru5 WCs to be
added to the group.
5. After all MIDI Thru5 WCs have been set to "Force
Peripheral" roles, they can be powered on at the same
time.