Misa Quadwave - Support
See below for common support enquiries.
Import information for Mac users
The Misa Quadwave needs a firmware update in order for it to be compatible with Mac OS. Please follow these steps in order:
- Download and install the Misa Quadwave Configuration Tool from here.
- Open the Misa Quadwave Configuration Tool.
- Open GarageBand or another DAW. [This step is only necessary for the first update.]
- Connect the Misa Quadwave to your Mac with the provided USB cable.
- Press and hold the four corners of the Quadwave touchpad at the same time (not right on the corner - slightly inward). LED 1 and LED 2 will change to RED.
- After a few seconds, the Configuration Tool should detect the device.
- Press "Update firmware" button. This process should take less than 1 minute. Do not disconnect the Quadwave or close the program until the process is complete - doing so can permanently damage the instrument.
- On completion, the Misa Quadwave LED should glow blue. Close the Configuration Tool.
Your Misa Quadwave is now compatible with Mac OS.
A video showing this process is at this link (apart from step 3).
Support FAQ
Below are some common support questions, answered.
The Configuration Tool is not detecting the Quadwave. What can I do?
Step 1: Switch the Quadwave into Update Mode
The Configuration Tool only works when the Quadwave is in Update mode. To enter Update Mode:
- Press and hold all four corners of the touchpad at the same time.
- The Quadwave’s LEDs should turn red. This means it’s now ready to communicate with the Configuration Tool.
💡 Tip: If the LEDs don’t turn red, try pressing slightly inward away from the edges.
Step 2: [Windows only] Check if Windows detects the device in Serial mode
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand the section labeled "Ports (COM & LPT)".
- Look for a device called “USB Serial Device (COMx)”.
If you see it:
- The Quadwave is in the correct mode and Windows recognizes it.
- If the Configuration Tool still doesn’t detect it, try restarting the tool or your computer.
If you don’t see it:
- Disconnect the Quadwave and reconnect it.
- Try a different USB port or cable.
- Make sure you’re running a supported version of Windows (Windows 10 or later is recommended).
Step 3: E-mail support
Email us at support AT misadigital.com for more assistance.
When tapping fast on the touchpad, does the instrument ever "miss" taps?
No - as long as you remember this easy trick to ensure perfect results.
When playing rapid alternating finger patterns, just make sure your taps are spaced more than 1cm apart. If two touches on separate fingers happen too close together (1cm or less), the system might see them as a single dragged touch instead of two distinct taps. Keeping a bit of space between your fingers helps the touchpad register each note clearly and consistently, even at high speed. Here are some videos demonstrating fast playing:
One of the fret sensors isn’t responding - what should I do?
If a specific fret (for example, the 9th fret on the 2nd string) isn't triggering notes while the rest of the instrument works fine, it’s likely due to how the Quadwave initializes its sensors.
When the Quadwave is powered on, it calibrates the neck’s capacitive sensors. If your hand or fingers are touching the fingerboard during this time, it can interfere with the calibration for that specific fret, making it less sensitive or unresponsive.
Solution: Power off the Quadwave, then turn it back on without touching the neck sensors. This allows all sensors to calibrate properly. Once it's fully powered on, try playing the previously unresponsive fret again.
I can't assign the touchpad to move controls using Ableton Live's "MIDI Learn". What am I missing?
If the X/Y touchpad isn’t affecting parameters in Ableton Live (like filter cutoff, resonance, etc.), it’s likely due to the "Remote" setting being disabled for your Quadwave’s MIDI input.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Open Ableton Live Preferences (⌘, on Mac / Ctrl + , on Windows).
- Go to Link/Tempo/MIDI tab.
- In the MIDI Ports section, find the row labeled with your Quadwave’s input.
- Make sure the "Remote" switch is turned on for that input.
When "Remote" is enabled, Ableton can respond to incoming MIDI Control Change (CC) messages from the touchpad. Without it, the X and Y axis won’t control any parameters - even though notes might still trigger normally.
Once enabled, you can use MIDI mapping (press MIDI in the top right of Live) to assign the touchpad to control any knob, fader, or button in your set.