How to Fix Source Audio C4 MIDI Patch Change Not Working
The Source Audio C4 Synth is a powerful tool. It transforms your guitar into a synthesizer with wild possibilities. But what if the MIDI patch change function just… won’t work? Don’t panic! We’ve all been there, scratching our heads, staring at tiny cables and wondering what went wrong.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
If your C4 Synth isn’t responding to MIDI patch changes, first check your MIDI connections and channel settings. Make sure the C4 is listening on the same channel your controller is sending commands on. Also, ensure the MIDI input is enabled in the Neuro app. Update your firmware—trust us on that one. Still stuck? Keep reading for an easy breakdown.
Let’s Start With the Basics
First things first: make sure your gear is all connected properly. Sometimes the issue isn’t complicated—it’s just a loose or wrong connection.
- Check your MIDI cables. Try swapping them out, just in case one is faulty.
- Double-check MIDI ports. Some people accidentally plug into MIDI OUT instead of MIDI IN.
- Power cycle your gear. Turn everything off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
Sounds simple, right? You’d be surprised how often these small things fix the problem.
Is Your C4 Synth Getting the Signal?
You need to figure out whether the C4 Synth is actually receiving your MIDI messages. Here’s how:
- Open the Neuro Desktop Editor (or the mobile app, though the desktop version is easier for this).
- Connect your C4 via USB or the Neuro Hub.
- Look for any activity indicators. Some MIDI interfaces have blinking lights to show incoming data.
If there’s no sign that MIDI is being received, then the problem is happening before it even reaches the C4. Time to dive into MIDI channel settings.
MIDI Channels Are Super Important
Your C4 Synth listens on one MIDI channel. Your MIDI controller sends on one. If these don’t match, they’re just talking past each other—like shouting across a room in a different language.
To fix this:
- Find out which MIDI channel your C4 is set to. In Neuro Desktop Editor, go to the Options tab.
- Set your controller to send on the same channel.
- Try sending a patch change message again!
Tip: Most users leave their devices on Channel 1. If you’re unsure, start there.
Enable MIDI Input on the C4
Believe it or not, your C4 might have MIDI input disabled! This can happen with older firmware, factory settings, or just by accident. Here’s how to turn it on:
- Connect to the Neuro Desktop Editor.
- Navigate to the global settings menu.
- Look for a setting called Enable MIDI Input or something similar.
- Make sure it’s turned ON, then save settings back to the device.
Your C4 won’t obey what it can’t hear.
Don’t Forget Firmware Updates!
Firmware is like the brain of your pedal. If it’s old, missing features, or a little buggy, things won’t work right.
Update it like this:
- Download the latest version of the Neuro Desktop Editor from the Source Audio site.
- Connect your C4 via USB.
- Click Firmware in the top menu.
- Choose Update Firmware and let it do its thing.
This update can add bug fixes and support for expanded MIDI functions. Highly recommended!
Make Sure You’re Sending the Right MIDI Messages
Sending a MIDI Patch Change (also called Program Change) isn’t the same as sending Notes or CC messages.
Confirm your MIDI controller is sending the correct type of command:
- Program Change (PC) messages are what switch patches.
- Control Change (CC) messages don’t do it, unless mapped manually in the Neuro Editor.
Check your controller’s manual to verify how to send Program Changes. Not all buttons are created equal!
How MIDI Patch Numbers Work on the C4
Inside the C4, there are up to 128 patches stored in slots. MIDI Program Change messages access those slots using numbers from 0 to 127.
But here’s a gotcha: some devices start counting at 1, others at 0.
- If you’re trying to switch to Patch 1, you might need to send PC 0.
- Double check if your device starts counting at 0 or 1—this matters!
Still not switching to the right patch? Now might be the time to check your Neuro Hub setup—if you use one.
Extra Tricks for Neuro Hub Users
If you’re using the Neuro Hub to manage multiple Source Audio pedals, the setup gets trickier. But also more powerful!
What you need to know:
- The C4’s patches are stored in the Neuro Hub as Scenes.
- You must save the state of your C4 into a Scene using the Neuro Hub software or mobile app.
- Then, assign MIDI Program Change messages to those Scenes.
Don’t forget to SAVE after assigning—if you unplug too early, the Scene won’t stick.
Double Check Everything—Yes, Everything
If it’s still not working, let’s go through a final checklist:
- Correct MIDI input plug? ✅
- Cables working and connected? ✅
- C4 on the right MIDI channel? ✅
- Sending Program Change commands? ✅
- MIDI input enabled in settings? ✅
- Using the right patch numbers (0 vs 1)? ✅
- Firmware up to date? ✅
Got all that? Then we’re in business!
Still Stuck? Let’s Get Weird
If you’ve done everything and it’s still not working, it might be time to go nuclear (metaphorically):
- Factory reset the C4 Synth using the Neuro Desktop Editor.
- Factory reset your MIDI controller.
- Use a MIDI monitor tool (like MIDI-OX) to see exactly what messages are being sent.
Sometimes just watching the raw MIDI data can reveal surprises—wrong channel, missing values, etc.
Conclusion: The Patch Is Back!
Getting MIDI patch changes working on your Source Audio C4 isn’t magic—just a few careful steps. MIDI is powerful, but it needs the right setup to shine. Start simple, work through each layer, and double-check every detail.
And hey—once it’s working, you’ll feel awesome hitting one footswitch and warping your guitar into a synth beast!
Enjoy the ride. The C4 is worth the effort.
