PIRATE MIDI BRIDGE4 User manual

THINK LESS. CREATE MORE.
BRIDGE4
MIDI CONTROLLER
USER MANUAL

© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com
2© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com 3
This device was created and
designed to empower your
creativi﬚.
It is the result of many long nights and early
mornings. It is born from the desire to
bridge the gap between musician and
instrument, and we want to say a huge
thank you for your support. Our brand is
built around a strong communi﬚ and we
hope you love your new MIDI controller as
much as we do.
The PI ATE MIDI team.
Table of contents .......................................................................... 3
BRIDGE4 Overview ....................................................................... 6
Technical information.................................................................. 7
Hardware Layout........................................................................... 8
Quick Start....................................................................................10
1.Device Interface.......................................................................13
2. Power & Navigation ...............................................................14
3. Overview of Connectors.......................................................17
4. Flexiports .................................................................................19
Flexiport Modes 19
MIDI Out 21
Expression Pedal In 21
Exp-Doubler In 22
Tap Tempo Output 23
Aux Switch In 23
Switch Out 24
MS Relay Out 25
Pulse Clock Out 25
Device Link 25
5. MIDI In/out/thru......................................................................27
MIDI Out 27
MIDI In 27
MIDI Thru 28
6. USB MIDI...................................................................................29
USB (type-C) 29
MIDI Messages 30
7. MESSAGES & MODES .............................................................30
Smart Messages 30
Primary Footswitch Modes 31
Secondary Footswitch Modes 35
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIDGE4 User Manual

© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com
4© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT.)
BRIDGE4 User Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT.)
BRIDGE4 User Manual
Expand & Improve Your MIDI Routing 36
LFOs 37
Expression Pedals 38
Device Link 39
8. MESSAGE STACKS....................................................................40
MIDI Messages Onboard 40
1. Footswitches 40
2. Expression Pedals 41
3. Bank Messages 44
4. Aux Switch Messages 45
5. Boot Messages 45
9. MIDI Clock ................................................................................46
Setting MIDI Clock Onboard 46
1. Assigning MIDI Clock to a Footswitch 46
2. Assigning MIDI Clock Outputs 47
3. Sending MIDI Clock as Analog Tap Impulses 47
4. Sending MIDI Clock as Beat Sync Pulse 47
10. LFO’s .......................................................................................48
Setting LFOs 48
1. LFO State 49
2. LFO Sync 49
3. LFO Frequency 49
4. LFO Trigger 50
5. LFO Limits 50
6. LFO Shape (waveform) 50
7. LFO Messages 52
8. LFO Modulation Source 52
9. LFO Modulation Target 52
10. LFO Reset 52
11. LFO Step 52
12. Save & Exit 53
11. Switch Out .............................................................................54
12. Aux Switch In ........................................................................55
13. Switch groups .......................................................................57
13. Interface - LEDs ....................................................................60
LED Color Selection 60
Custom LED Colors 60
LED Behaviour 61
14. Interface - Bank Names ......................................................63
15. Interface - UI Mode..............................................................64
16. Interface - Switch Labels....................................................66
17. Interface - Bank Navigation...............................................67
18. Copy/Paste & Templates....................................................68
19. Other Global Settings .........................................................70
MIDI Channel 70
Preserve Bank Switch States 70
Persistent Switch States 70
Transmit Switch States 70
Program Change (PC) Bank Output 71
Switch Hold Time 71
20. Resetting or Updating.........................................................72
Factory Reset 72
Global Settings Reset 72
Updating 72
Troubleshooting 72
Entering Update Mode 73
21. MIDI Implementation..........................................................74
Support & Warranty ...................................................................76

© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com
6© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com 7
BRIDGE4 OVERVIEW
introduction to your new device
The BRIDGE4 is a 4-switch MIDI foot controller with RGB LEDs, an OLED screen, and a
super tough aluminium enclosure. It’s made in New South Wales, Australia and was the
result of a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2020.
The BRIDGE4 can send stacks of MIDI messages through different footswitch press
types (Press, Hold, Double-Press etc.) with 100 different bank of switches to scroll
through. This means that the 400+ MIDI messages on each bank can be individually
assigned across the whole device for a total over more than 40,000 unique messages
and controls.
To help you connect to a wide variety of music gear, we’ve included two Flexiports of
our own design. These ¼” (6.35mm) TRS jacks can be set to whatever mode best suits
your setup. From expression pedals to beat sync pulse to switch emulation, you can
use this MIDI controller to control devices that don’t even have MIDI!
With all settings available to easily edit using the onboard display and menus as well
as with the app, we hope you’ll agree that this is perfect for performing live or
playing at home. LINKS TO DOWNLOADS:
https://learn.piratemidi.com/software/downloads
DIMENSIONS
Metric (112x94x63 mm)
Imperial (4.4”x 3.7”x 2.5”)
DISPLAY
OLED (3.2”)
WEIGHT
Metric (335g)
Imperial (11.8 oz.)
POWER REQUIREMENT
9v DC or USB (200mA)
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
all important specification
BOX CONTENTS
1x BRIDGE4 MIDI foot controller
1x 2 metre USB type A to type C cable (black)
4x Self-adhesive Rubber Feet
1x Flexiport Warning Card
1x Getting Started Card

© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com
8© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com 9
HARDWARE LAYOUT
quick overview of top interface
4 soft-touch footswitches. No clicking. Work with multiple
press types (double-press, hold, etc)
8 RGB LEDs which you can assign to any colour you like for any
function you like. Flashing, solid, dim etc.
Heavy-duty aluminium enclosure with black anodising.
Scratch-resistant and no flex.
Bright, crisp, and easy to read OLED graphical display.
Menus, icons, scribble strips are all a breeze on this
HARDWARE LAYOUT
quick overview of rear inputs and outputs
2.1mm 9v DC barrel jack - as standard on most effects pedals and
power supplies.
Dedicated 1/8” (3.5mm) TRS MIDI Out conforming to the MIDI.org
specification.
Dedicated 1/8” (3.5mm) TRS MIDI In conforming to the MIDI.org
specification
Flexiports 1 and 2. Multi-function ¼” (6.35mm) TRS jacks which can be
used in a number of different modes.
USB type C (2m type A-to-C cable included) for USB MIDI, editing the
device with the app, and powering the device.
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
4

© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com
10 © PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com 11
QUICK START
Getting started with the basics
1. Bank Up/Down
To go to the next bank, press switch 3 and
switch 4 together.
To go to the previous bank, press switch 1
and switch 2 together.
In the default UI, you will see two arrows
on the screen to remind you.
2. Entering the Menu
To enter the onboard menu, hold switch 1
and switch 3 simultaneously.
All settings and features can be set using
the onboard menus.
Hold switch 3&4 to exit the menu.
Check that your BRIDGE4 firmware is up to date. Updates are released
periodically adding new features and bug fixes. Go to: www.learn.piratemidi.
com/software/downloads
QUICK START (CONT.)
quick step-by-step guide to custom the print template
3. Don’t miss the rest!
Many menus and settings have a second or
third page of settings. Always make sure
you haven’t missed vital settings by
scrolling to the right using switch 4 until
you get back to the first position.
4. General Navigation
Icons under or above each switch will show you what function
they will serve.
Generally switch 3&4 is a “back” or “exit” button, and switch 1&2
is “enter” or “select”.
Switches 1 or 2 are up/down or value-changing controls.
Switches 3 or 4 are sideways navigation to go to the next
parameter.
Move Left - FS3 Exit/Back - FS3&4 Move Right - FS3
Down/Decrease - FS1 Save/Edit - FS1&2 Up/Increase - FS2

© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com
12 © PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com 13
1. DEVICE INTERFACE
what it all does
CHAPTER TITLE
short description
Footswitches
Four silent footswitches are the main interface on the BRIDGE4. Rated for over 100,000
presses each, they are able to send different MIDI message stacks for different press
types (Toggle On, Toggle Off, Press, Release, Double Press, Hold, Hold Release etc).
Each switch is able to send nearly 100 MIDI messages per bank:
• Toggle On: 16
• Toggle Off: 16
• Press: 8
• Release: 8
• Hold: 8
• Hold Release: 8
• Double Press: 8
• Secondary Toggle On: 8
• Secondary Toggle Off: 8
• Sequential Steps: 16
OLED Display
A large graphical display allows us to display symbols and icons to make the user
interface easier to use.
The beauty of an OLED is the crisp, high-contrast display. Easily readable from a
distance with no need for an annoying backlight.
By default, the OLED shows the bank name in the centre, and each switch label is set
to “FS ‘x”. Switch labels and bank names are editable through the onboard menus, the
web editor, and our API.
RGB LEDs
Each switch is paired with a curved light pipe that houses 2 independent RGB LEDs.
This means you can choose from millions of colours per switch and combine different
LED states/colours to create your own custom interface. Custom colours can be
created on the device, in the web editor, or sent to the device with the API.
© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com
12 © PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com 13
QUICK START (CONT.)
need to know simple tricks & tips
•CHECK THE MIDI OUTPUTS
When you create a message, make sure you scroll across to the second/third screen
to check that the message is being sent to the correct MIDI outputs (Flexiport 1,
Flexiport 2, TRS, or USB). All outputs are on by default, but if you’re having trouble
sending messages, you should check the outputs. Read more in chapter 8.
•SET FLEXIPORT MODE BEFORE USING FLEXIPORTS
Before you plug something into a Flexiport, make sure you set the Flexiport mode in
“Menu>Global>Flexiports>Flexiport ‘x’>Mode”
You won’t get the function you want unless you set the Flexiport mode. There is no
mode set to the Flexiports by default - you must always set the mode.
•SET BANKING PROGRAM CHANGE OUTPUTS
By default, the BRIDGE will send Program Change (PC) MIDI messages out all 4 MIDI
outputs when you change the bank (corresponding to the BRIDGE bank number). If
you want to turn some/all outputs off, or change the MIDI channel that the PC are
sent on, go to:
“Menu>Global>MIDI>Banking PC Outputs”
•SWITCH GROUPS AND BROADCAST/RESPONSE SETTINGS
When modifying switch group settings, the broadcast/response settings may seem
overwhelming. If you leave the defaults unedited, the switch will behave in a simple
“exclusive” mode where only one switch will be on at a time. If you want to learn
what these powerful settings are capable of, read more in chapter 13.
Check that your BRIDGE4 firmware is up to date. Updates are released
periodically adding new features and bug fixes. Go to: www.learn.piratemidi.
com/software/downloads

© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com
14 © PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com 15
let’s turn this thing on and get going
2. POWER & NAVIGATION 2. POWER & NAVIGATION (CONT.)
let’s turn this thing on and get going
There are 100 banks (0-99). Banking up from bank 99 will return you to bank 0.
Banking down from bank 0 will send you to bank 99.
Opening the Menu
To enter the menu, press and hold down switches 1 & 3 simultaneously (as pictured
below). You will know you’ve entered the menu when the screen layout changes.
You can power your BRIDGE4 with either a USB cable, or a centre-negative 9v DC jack
(2.1mm) commonly used for guitar pedals.
Centre-Negative DC Power USB Power
Switching Power Sources
The BRIDGE4 uses smart power switching so you can have both plugged in at once, and
if you need to remove one or the other, the unit will seamlessly switch power sources
without shutting down or restarting.
Power Requirement
If you’re using a 9v DC power supply, please make sure
it is able to supply the required 200mA.
Basic Navigation
Bank Up & Bank Down
As indicated by the arrows at the bottom of the OLED screen, pressing switches 3 & 4 at
the same time will advance to the next bank (Bank Up) and pressing switches 1 & 2 at
the same time will go to the previous bank (Bank Down). This is indicated by the two
arrows displayed on the screen (visible on below diagram)

© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com
16 © PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com 17
2. POWER & NAVIGATION (CONT.) 3. OVERVIEW OF CONNECTORS
All the possible connections
USB (type-C)
The BRIDGE4 can be powered by USB, and is also a class-compliant USB MIDI device.
This means it will be recognised as a MIDI device without any drivers. Use it with your
DAW, plugins, or music apps.
TRS MIDI In
A 1/8” (3.5mm) TRS Jack is designated as a dedicated MIDI input. It conform to the
MIDI Specification (Type A).
TRS MIDI Out
A 1/8” (3.5mm) TRS Jack is designated as a dedicated MIDI input. It conform to the
MIDI Specification (Type A). It can power a CME WIDI device.
9v DC (centre-negative)
A 2.1mm centre-negative barrel jack (common with standard guitar pedal power
supplies). Requires 200mA.
Press switch 1or switch 2to navigate the menu (note the arrows on screen).
Press switch 3or 4to change bank or navigate horizontally in the menu (note the
arrows on the screen.
Press switch 1&2 to select or set (like an ‘enter’ or ‘return’ key on a computer).
Press switch 3&4 to ‘go back’ to the previous menu screen or exit the menu.
Hold switch 3&4 on any menu screen to completely exit the menu.
Second-Screen Settings
When editing parameters like MIDI message details, LFO settings etc. there may be a
second (or third) screen of settings. To access these pages, use the left and right
arrows on switch 3&4to navigate horizontally across the screen.
These pages are “circular” and navigating across in one direction will always bring you
back to the place you started.
That’s the end of the basic navigation instructions. After this you should be able to
figure out how to navigate all the menus and settings. You can watch the tutorial
videos on our website or YouTube channel for a visual explanation.

© PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com
18 © PIRATE MIDI 2022 www.learn.piratemidi.com 19
All the possible connections
3. OVERVIEW OF CONNECTORS (CONT.) 4. FLEXIPORTS
Understanding Flexiport modes
The extreme flexibility of the BRIDGE4 is due partly to the two Flexiports we’ve
included. The Flexiport is a multi-function TRS port that we’ve designed (and named) to
give you a truly flexible experience with our devices.
Flexiports will be included in most PIRATE MIDI devices and will offer the same
functionality across all devices. So if you see the name Flexiport you know what it
does.
Flexiport Modes
Each Flexiport on the BRIDGE4 is a 6.35mm (¼”) TRS Jack. They have 11 modes (and
counting) that are assignable in the Menu under “Menu > Global > Flexiports >
Flexiport ‘x’ > Mode”
1. MIDI Out - Type A
(can power CME WIDI devices. Type A is the MIDI TRS standard.)
2. MIDI Out - Type B
(As used by Arturia, Novation and others)
3. MIDI Out - Tip Active
(Empress, Alexander Pedals, Meris, Bondi Effects and more)
4. MIDI Out - Ring Active
(Chase Bliss Audio)
5. Device Link
(connect multiple PIRATE MIDI devices together)
6. Exp-Doubler In
(Enables two expression pedal inputs per Flexiport with our Exp-Doubler device)
7. Exp In
(Single TRS expression pedal input)
8. Aux Switch In
(1, 2, or 3 switch TRS aux switches supported - add more footswitches to your
TRS Flexiports 1 & 2
A ¼” (6.35mm) TRS jack with 11 modes (and counting):
• MIDI Out
(can power CME WIDI devices)
• Type A
• Type B
• Tip Active
• Ring Active
• Exp In
(Single Expression Pedal Input)
• Exp-Doubler In
(Enables two expression pedal inputs per Flexiport with our Exp-Doubler device)
• Aux Switch In
(1, 2, or 3 switches supported)
• Switch Out
(Send TRS switch emulation to non-MIDI devices with an external control jack -
Helix, Boss, etc)
• Tap Tempo Out
(MIDI Clock as switch output)
• Sync Pulse Out
(Square wave output for syncing non-MIDI devices to MIDI Clock such as
Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator series)
• Device Link
(connect multiple PIRATE MIDI devices together)
• MS Relay
(Send TRS commands to your Morningstar Omniport Relay Interface)