MC8 pro power requirement

Morningstar Gear MC Pro Series MIDI Controller
1

Hello folks,
I’m thinking of replacing my MC8 with the MC8-Pro and I have a few questions. According to the manual, the “power requirement” is minimum 500mA with 70% screen brightness and a surplus of minimum 100mA is required to use the relay ports. I have a Fender Engine Room LVL12 power supply that provides 9V at 500mA and 2 USB-A and USB-C ports (not all 9v 500mA outputs are at full capacity and some are unused). My intention is to use the relay ports and the 4 omniports with my “Ladder aux switches” and the USB Host (the pedals using the USB Host will be powered by 9v), so, close to all the options of the MC8-Pro.

Questions :

  1. Does the reaction time when you press the footswitches seem shorter for the MC8-Pro than for the MC8?
  2. How do you power your MC8-Pro to obtain adequate current? Do you use a dual power supply, 9v+USB for example?
  3. Does the MC8-Pro come with a power supply in the box?
  4. Are you having success with your 9v 500mA power supplies, even when using relay ports?
  5. Do you have problems with noise when using the USB Host with 9v-powered pedals?
2

Pretty sure that the device will only use one of 9v or USB to power it at a time.

The USB on the device is limited to 500mA IIRC.

The only way to provide full power is with 9v with a PSU that has enough capacity.

3

Thank you for your advice. I see that the USB-A port on my power supply provides 5v 1.5A. Probably the same for the USB-C too. This may be sufficient. I bought this power supply 4 months ago :grimacing:. It’s the best I’ve had. I’ve only found 2 power supplies with outputs above 500mA, and I’m not too keen on changing.

I’ll see, thanks.

4

You can always reduce the screen brightness.

USB power is a bit complicated with varying specs that can provide or use more power. IIRC The spec for the port on the MC8 is 500mA max power draw.

5

The questions I have are. The LCD screen at 100% + all the relay port and omni port outputs connected, how much current does the mc8 pro consume? There must be a maximum, right? How do I know, depending on the device connected, how much current this device needs? These splitter cables, can I buy them or do I have to make them myself?

7

I bought the current doubler from Voodoo Lab, now I have 9v at 1A to power the MC8-Pro. Two outputs at 9V/500mA used on my power supply. I’m pretty sure that’s enough. Be careful not to make a mistake when buying the “voltage” doubler cable, as it could break the MC8-Pro.

8

Wich one have you bought? You have a link to the product?

9

This one : "HX Current Doubler Cable – 18″

You can find it in your favorite music store, on Amazon or on the Voodoo Lab website.

10

OK thank you.
I got two free 500mA outputs, so if I choose this cable I can get 1000mA which Is enough for the mc8 pro at full capacity demand.

11

The Cioks DC7 has no problem powering the MC8 Pro at full brightness. It is rated at 660mA @ 9v per each port … and that’s conservatively low.