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Initializing Systems

Cuelist User Manual

Introduction

Cuelist is a MIDI setlist controller designed to simplify live performance.

Instead of tap dancing between multiple devices, Cuelist lets you step through songs and song sections while automatically sending MIDI commands to your pedals, loop switchers, modelers, plugins, and other MIDI-enabled gear.

With support for MIDI DIN, USB MIDI, and Bluetooth MIDI, Cuelist can become the command center of your entire rig.

Think less. Play more.

Getting Started

Powering the Pedal

Cuelist can be powered using either:

  • 9V DC center-negative power supply
  • USB-C connection

The pedal is compatible with standard pedalboard power supplies.

Power Requirements:

  • 9V DC
  • Center Negative
  • Less than 500mA

Hardware Overview

Footswitch

The footswitch is designed for quick live navigation through your setlist.

Single Tap

Advance to the next section.

Double Tap

Return to the previous section.

Useful if you accidentally advance too far during a performance.

Long Press

Skip to the next song.

Useful when the band decides to skip a song during a set.

Touchscreen

All navigation functions can also be performed using the touchscreen.

Swipe Up

Next section

Swipe Down

Previous section

Swipe Left

Previous song

Swipe Right

Next song

MIDI Outputs

Cuelist supports three MIDI output methods:

5-Pin MIDI DIN

Standard MIDI output for pedals, switchers, modelers, and MIDI-enabled devices.

USB MIDI

USB MIDI can be used with:

  • Computers
  • DAWs
  • Plugins
  • USB MIDI devices

Bluetooth MIDI

Bluetooth MIDI allows wireless communication with compatible devices.

Simultaneous MIDI Output

All MIDI outputs operate simultaneously.

When a section is triggered, Cuelist can send MIDI messages through:

  • MIDI DIN
  • USB MIDI
  • Bluetooth MIDI

at the same time.

This allows Cuelist to control multiple devices across different connection types from a single command.

Connecting to the Editor

Cuelist uses a companion web editor for creating and managing setlists.

The editor can be used directly in your browser or downloaded as a local app for offline use. You can access it on our Cuelist Editor page.

The editor works on:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iPhone and iPad (browser support may vary)

Connecting via USB

  1. Connect Cuelist to your computer using USB-C.
  2. Open the Cuelist Editor.
  3. Click the Connect button in the toolbar.
  4. Select your Cuelist device from the browser popup.
  5. The editor will connect using the Web Serial API.

Connecting via Bluetooth

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your device.
  2. Open the Cuelist Editor.
  3. Click the Connect button in the toolbar.
  4. Select your Cuelist device from the Bluetooth device picker.
  5. The editor will connect wirelessly using Web Bluetooth.

Bluetooth can be used for both editing and Bluetooth MIDI functionality.

Setlists, Songs, and Sections

Cuelist organizes performances using three levels:

Setlist → Songs → Sections

Example:

Setlist:

  • Sunday Service

Songs:

  • Song 1
  • Song 2
  • Song 3

Sections:

  • Intro
  • Verse
  • Chorus
  • Bridge
  • Outro

MIDI Programming

Each song can contain up to:

  • 30 sections

Each section can send up to:

  • 10 MIDI messages

Supported message types:

  • Program Change (PC)
  • Control Change (CC)

Each MIDI message includes:

  • MIDI Channel
  • Number
  • Value

Messages are transmitted automatically whenever a section becomes active.

Firmware Updates

Firmware updates are performed through the Cuelist website.

  1. Connect Cuelist to your computer using a USB-C cable.
  2. Open the Cuelist Flasher in Chrome or Edge.
  3. Click Connect Device and select your Cuelist device.
  4. Choose the desired firmware version from the dropdown.
  5. Click Flash Firmware and wait for the "UPDATE COMPLETE" message (takes approximately 30–60 seconds).

Firmware updates may include:

  • New features
  • Bug fixes
  • Performance improvements

Common Use Cases

MIDI Pedalboards

Control multiple MIDI pedals from a single setlist.

Loop Switchers

Compatible with devices such as the Morningstar ML5, Boss ES series, and similar MIDI-enabled switchers.

Multi-FX Units

Control presets and parameters on modelers and multi-effects processors.

DAWs and Plugins

Send MIDI directly to software instruments, plugins, and live performance setups through USB MIDI.