What is happening with MIDI these days?

The MIDI protocol was designed back in the 80's. Its sole purpose was and still is the uniform communication between digital musical instruments.

Ever since, music creation and its instruments evolved into an amazing world of music making machines. Today, you can use your mobile device as a motion controller and play pretty well-made virtual emulations of vintage synths on your desktop.

That said, at the same time, the number of different MIDI plugs and terminals grew at the same pace. In fact, it is getting harder to communicate between all those neat devices you have available.

Did you ever try to connect that nice second controlling screen from your mobile app to your synth? Or your guitar FX pedal to a controlling switch via MIDI?

It is not that easy. Try to connect your USB MIDI controller with your vintage synth for example. You will always need to look for break-out cables, a dedicated adapter or even start soldering a solution yourself. The big question is, how many different plugs and cables do you need before connecting all those MIDI devices?

How WIDI came alive?

After we released the Xkey Air, a slim-sized MIDI keyboard, people from our community started requesting more wireless MIDI solutions. Although the Xkey Air (2015) is a great solution to control macOS and iOS via its integrated Bluetooth MIDI capability, this wireless MIDI controller was still mainly focussed on those specific operating systems.

Therefore, we designed the WIDI Bud (2016), as a dongle to add Bluetooth MIDI to any operating system. Releasing that innovation opened up new doors. It is obvious the demand for wireless MIDI solutions has been rising ever since. Following, with the arrival of Bluetooth 5, a new breed of advanced wireless MIDI solutions came to existence.

It all started with the launch of WIDI Master. It is a Bluetooth MIDI adapter for devices with 5-PIN MIDI ports. This was simply a big hit. From its release in 2020 to this day, over 35,000 units were sold worldwide.

WIDI Master allowed any MIDI device with a traditional 5-PIN DIN plug to become a wireless MIDI device via Bluetooth. You can see it as Bluetooth MIDI dongle for standard MIDI devices. Although this offers a great solution for many MIDI devices, it still did not open up Bluetooth MIDI for all.

That is why WIDI Jack was developed. Purely upon request and based on the feedback from the Community of MIDI Enthusiasts. As a matter of fact, WIDI Jack can do everything WIDI Master can...

And it can do even more...

Watch this fine explanation by YouTube legend EytschPi42 who got a hold of a couple of WIDI Jacks...

Why should you buy WIDI Jack?

It is clear that the goal of WIDI as a technology is, to bring back uniformity within MIDI as a communication protocol. It is designed to be used in a simple mode that delivers a plug-pair & play experience. Besides this, there is also an advanced mode that allows personalised settings and group connectivity via the WIDI app.

As said, WIDI Jack can do what WIDI Master can. It is designed as a wireless MIDI interface, while WIDI Master can be seen as an adapter. This brings in two elements of added value. First, you can swap cables. Second, you can add external power through the USB-C port.

Cable Options

There are already 5 different MIDI accessory cables available for WIDI Jack. This allows you to add Bluetooth MIDI to devices with 5-PIN DIN, 6-PIN DIN (Yamaha Reface Series) and the three different MIDI TRS options, ranging from 1/10" to 1/8" and of course 1/4".

All these cables are designed upon request from our community. For instance, many guitar pedals and today's slim-sized MIDI controllers come with different TRS MIDI ports. With WIDI Jack, they can enjoy wireless MIDI too. And as you might know, even within TRS MIDI plugs there are difference. WIDI Jack has got you covered, with a switch for Type A and Type B TRS MIDI devices.

Also, creating an additional cable solution is relatively easy. As a matter of fact, we are working with Strymon's Iridium and Hugh & Kettner's Grandmeister Deluxe 40, to build a dedicated cable to allow wireless interconnectivity with other MIDI devices and an easy pairing solution for mobile apps and second screens expansions.

External Power

Another great feature is the availability of an external power option. This might need some explanation. The MIDI standard prescribes that the MIDI OUT port delivers 3.3v or 5v. This is great. That is why WIDI Master can be powered by the device it is plugged into.

Guess again, not all manufacturers follow those standards. And you might even got MIDI devices with only a MIDI IN. Well, that is why you need to buy WIDI Jack. It can either be powered by the device like WIDI Master, or you can add any USB adapter, power bank or similar to deliver the juice to power WIDI Jack.

This opens up wireless MIDI for a wide variety of modern, vintage, rare and even obscure MIDI devices. Take a look at this video Scott Uhl explaining WIDI Jack from A to Z.

What is your best wireless MIDI option?

As said before, WIDI devices are designed to be simple in use. It is plug, pair and play. When you want to go into advanced mode, get yourself the WIDI App and start creating those groups.

Here is a simple rule of thumb to make the right buying decision. If you are 100% sure that your MIDI device has a powered MIDI 5-PIN DIN port, you are good to go with WIDI Master. 

If you are not sure, or have TRS MIDI ports, or an DIN-6 MIDI port, or only a MIDI IN port, you should buy WIDI Jack. Also, if you want to play around with Bluetooth MIDI and use it on more devices, WIDI Jack is your solution. Adding an additional set of cables is simply the most affordable solution.

If you are not sure which WIDI device you need, you have this great tool available called the WIDI Buyer's Guide.

With a few simple questions, you will make the right decision. Simply try it.

Meet the WIDI family.

WIDI is in our DNA. Our entire team is focussed on the evolution of wireless MIDI. The purpose is to develop Bluetooth MIDI as a technology that fits any of your MIDI use cases. Besides delivering uniform MIDI communication over air, the secondary goal is to utilise Bluetooth technology as a premium source for the most advanced form of MIDI available.

Here are the facts, Bluetooth 5 delivers twice the range and four times the speed compared to Bluetooth 4. It allows one-to-many connectivity. Think of it this way. While latency is reduced to as low as 3ms and jitter is stable, you now can set up and control your "virtual cables" via the WIDI App.

To take this a step further, every WIDI devices pairs automatically. It offers bi-directional communication for any MIDI device. This might just come in handy when MIDI 2.0 arrives. Furthermore, due to WIDI being a firmware based solution, your WIDI device will grow as the technology improves. 

In retrospect, the goal is to make Bluetooth MIDI available to everyone. No matter if you work on computers, mobile devices, controllers or sound modules. Anyone can implement WIDI in its setup and even in its devices.

That is why, we are happy to introduce to you, the WIDI family. Take a peak and just try it...

Have you ever tried connecting your USB MIDI controller to your DIN/TRS MIDI device?
Pair USB MIDI controllers with all MIDI devices. Without cables. Even without computers.

Singapore • July 1, 2021 — CME Pro - the people behind WIDI Bluetooth MIDI technology - presents the missing link between USB MIDI and traditional DIN/TRS MIDI with the latest edition to the WIDI family: WIDI Uhost!

At present, many manufacturers make USB MIDI their main or even their only means of connection. Although bus-powered USB MIDI controllers offer a great solution, they also deliver new challenges for MIDI enthusiasts. The connectivity between USB MIDI and DIN/TRS MIDI hardware has been a challenge since day one.

With the new WIDI Uhost, CME brings back the universal role of the MIDI protocol allowing you to connect all MIDI devices wirelessly.

CME's WIDI products ensure that all MIDI instruments remain compatible with even the earliest MIDI hardware. Without the need for complex scripting or esoteric cabling and routing. It doesn't matter if it's USB MIDI, your mobile device, your guitar pedal, or your vintage synth.

WIDI has got you covered. Just plug, pair and play!

Finally you can control your collection of sound modules from that single USB master keyboard. Without cables. Even without computers or mobile devices. To take it a step further, with wireless MIDI groups you can even control up to 4 MIDI devices from one single USB MIDI controller. Even if it is bus-powered! 

Simply set up your wireless MIDI group via the user-friendly WIDI app (Android/iOS) and save that group to the default memory of your WIDI devices. Upon start up, that group will pair automatically following your personal preferences. And without any hassle you can run multiple groups simultaneously.

Imagine where this technology can take you...

WIDI Uhost is now available as pre-order for only US$ 34.50 instead of US$ 69!
Only directly available from the manufacturer for a limited time with 50% discount.
Expected shipping date August 2021!

Features

• Ultra low latency (as low as 3ms) wireless MIDI
• Secure connection with 2x speed and 4x range (20m/65ft)
• Smart frequency hopping technology for stable and multiple connections
• 3-in-1 BLE MIDI solutions for all class compliant USB MIDI devices
• Operates both as standalone USB host and USB device
• Wireless MIDI groups with up to 5 WIDI devices

Benefits

• Automatic pairing between WIDI devices and BLE MIDI devices
• Turbo BLE MIDI dongle for any operating system adding automatic pairing for computers and mobile devices
• Transmit any MIDI messages including long Sysex (up to 5kb) and MIDI Clock
• Personal settings for jitter or latency optimisation via WIDI app (Android/iOS)
• Works with and without computers and mobile devices

About CME Pro
CME is built by a passionate group of music industry veterans and creators with over a century of experience developing innovative products and services. We aim to develop products based on actual demand from the market by implementing the C2M model. By delivering smart solutions on the nexus of creativity and technology we combine our mottos "Music Has Value" and "Always One Step Ahead" in our daily work.

About WIDI
WIDI technology is developed together with the Community of MIDI Enthusiasts following the crowd creation process. The purpose of WIDI is to fulfil the main function of the MIDI protocol, which is the uniform communication between electronic musical instruments. WIDI technology is created to add Bluetooth MIDI to any instrument, operating system or device, bringing back the essence of MIDI that was lost over time.

CME announces updated firmware and user experience for all WIDI devices.
Reduced latency and jitter performance for the widely acclaimed wireless MIDI groups, enhanced Windows 10 compatibility, and smooth firmware updating experience via the WIDI app for both Android and iOS.

Singapore • June 24, 2021 — CME announces a new firmware version for its currently available WIDI devices. Both WIDI Master and WIDI Jack can now be updated to the firmware version 0.1.3.7.

Firmware version 0.1.3.7 is released with tens of improvement including reduced latency and jitter performance for the widely acclaimed wireless MIDI group, enhance Windows 10 compatibility, and smooth firmware updating experience via the WIDI app for both Android and iOS.

Besides major improvements in the user experience, the latest firmware allows setting WIDI groups via WIDI app for both Android and iOS users. Furthermore, both WIDI Master and WIDI Jack are now fully compatible with Korg's BLE MIDI driver for Windows, allowing even multiple wireless MIDI connections simultaneously between Windows 10 and WIDI devices. 

Simple vs Advanced

As automatic pairing between two Bluetooth MIDI devices is considered to be plug, pair and play and seen as ultra simple mode, the latest firmware now makes the more advanced WIDI group settings available via the WIDI app for both Android and iOS.

With wireless MIDI groups you can create wireless 1-to-4 MIDI split and 4-to-1 MIDI merge features. Via the WIDI app you can set personal preferences based on jitter and latency optimisation and set wireless MIDI groups in the default memory of each independent WIDI device

Once set, the group pairs as default when powering the WIDI devices and you can run multiple groups simultaneously. More details on advanced WIDI settings.

The WIDI App version 1.3.9 is available for Android via Google Play and for iOS (version 1.3.11) via the App Store.

WIDI Master and WIDI Jack are now fully compatible with Korg's BLE MIDI driver for Windows 10!

About CME Pro
CME is built by a passionate group of music industry veterans and creators with over a century of experience developing innovative products and services. We aim to develop products based on actual demand from the market by implementing the C2M model. By delivering smart solutions on the nexus of creativity and technology we combine our mottos "Music Has Value" and "Always One Step Ahead" in our daily work.

About WIDI
WIDI technology is developed together with the Community of MIDI Enthusiasts following the crowd creation process. The purpose of WIDI is to fulfil the main function of the MIDI protocol, which is the uniform communication between electronic musical instruments. WIDI technology is created to add Bluetooth MIDI to any instrument, operating system or device, bringing back the essence of MIDI that was lost over time.

Create Bluetooth MIDI groups for all operating systems
Add up to five (5) WIDI devices per wireless group. Run multiple groups simultaneously.
Expand connectivity with 1-to-4 MIDI Split or 4-to-1 MIDI Merge capabilities via USB.

Singapore • June 17, 2021 — CME Pro, the small scale innovator with over 15 years of experience in wireless MIDI technology, is pleased to announce the most effective solution to boost wireless MIDI performance of any operating system.

The successor of the legacy WIDI Bud (2016) integrates the latest developments of CME's WIDI technology in a tiny, high performance Bluetooth MIDI super dongle. Plug WIDI Bud Pro in the USB port of your operating system and ensure ultra low latency (as low as 3ms) Bluetooth MIDI without having to upgrade your PC, tablet or smartphone.

Powered by the latest BLE 5 technology, the complete WIDI range offers wireless MIDI solutions via Bluetooth for all MIDI devices. Both hardware and software. Both instruments and apps. Pair your operating system automatically with any Bluetooth MIDI device or any piece of MIDI hardware that has Bluetooth MIDI via other WIDI devices. Enjoy the freedom of wireless MIDI with a range of 20m (65ft) without obstacles.

With automatic pairing connecting standard Bluetooth MIDI controllers and WIDI devices is as simple as plug, pair & play.

On top of this, with the improved WIDI App for both Android and iOS, you can virtually manage more complex Bluetooth MIDI groups. Via the user-friendly app you can now add up to five (5) WIDI devices per wireless group. And yes, you can run multiple groups simultaneously.

With 100% MIDI compatibility, WIDI Bud Pro offers full bi-directional transmission and reception of any MIDI message. Enjoy MIDI 2.0 ready 2-way performance and transmit all MIDI notes, CC, MIDI clock, long SysEx and MPE over air.

Go pro with wireless MIDI groups with professional performance via Bluetooth 5 technology. Reduce interference with WIDI's unique Smart Connectivity Algorithms and Adaptive Frequency Hopping. Those forces combined, deliver reliable solutions for studio and stage with 2x speed and 4x range.

Limit the amount of cables on your desk and on stage and unify your entire MIDI setup with advanced WIDI technology without the need of a battery as it is powered by standard 5v USB.

Simply get rid of those cables and enjoy the fully standalone wireless solutions with world's smallest MIDI interface via Bluetooth.

WIDI Bud Pro is now available as pre-order for only US$ 34.50 instead of US$ 69!
Only directly available from the manufacturer for a limited time with 50% discount.
Expected shipping date August 2021!

About CME Pro
CME is built by a passionate group of music industry veterans and creators with over a century of experience developing innovative products and services. We aim to develop products based on actual demand from the market by implementing the C2M model. By delivering smart solutions on the nexus of creativity and technology we combine our mottos "Music Has Value" and "Always One Step Ahead" in our daily work.

About WIDI
WIDI technology is developed together with the Community of MIDI Enthusiasts following the crowd creation process. The purpose of WIDI is to fulfil the main function of the MIDI protocol, which is the uniform communication between electronic musical instruments. WIDI technology is created to add Bluetooth MIDI to any instrument, operating system or device, bringing back the essence of MIDI that was lost over time.

How we work!

Before you go deep into the possibilities of WIDI technology, please ensure to understand the way we work at CME.

As a small innovator the CME team focusses entirely on the development of Bluetooth MIDI technology, our mission is to deliver Bluetooth MIDI to any MIDI enthusiast and make it available to any MIDI device.

Are we there yet? No! There are so many different forms of MIDI and MIDI devices, that this is our real challenge. Sure, we can deliver WIDI and develop an entire system that works perfectly with WIDI devices. That is our short term focus.

Our long term goal is to allow you to use Bluetooth MIDI anytime. It should not matter if you work with iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, MacOS or other Bluetooth MIDI devices from Korg, Roland, ROLI or any other manufacturer. Also, if you work with traditional MIDI hardware and without computers, WIDI is also for you. 

The goal for 2021 is that with WIDI you can connect any MIDI instrument and enjoy the benefits of wireless MIDI.

Community-driven development

Of course, WIDI technology and Bluetooth MIDI is developed and approved by many clever engineers. That said, it is not about them. It is about you. What do you really need? What does work for you? And what do we need to do to make it user-friendly and easy to operate.

That is why we need you! You are in the center of our development process. You are the Community of MIDI Enthusiasts. With the support from you and the entire Facebook Community we can:

• Fix bugs before going public
• Create a better explanation and improve the experience for the entire community

We are blessed with a community that is so actively bursting our developer's bubble. You provide us focus, honesty and allow the entire community to enjoy your contribution later down the line. 

Now we got our intentions sorted out, let's move to today's topic: the WIDI app for iOS and Android.

Feel welcome to share any feedback with us. We'd like to know everything.

We are pretty confident that we can solve bugs, or deliver a better explanation through our videos and this blog. Before you start creating wireless groups via BLE MIDI, it is important to explain a couple things about our technology. 

Read the remaining part of this blog with care!

iOS WIDI App version vs WIDI firmware version

First of all it is important to distinguish two different types of updates. You will need the latest iOS app version 1.2.XX or higher. You will need to update that first. Next, to fully access the latest features, you need to upgrade your WIDI devices' firmware to version v0137 or higher.

Android WIDI App version vs WIDI firmware version

Also for Android the same rules apply. Only it concerns different versions. You will need an updated Android app version 1.3.XX or higher. You need to update that first. Next, to fully access the best experience and group connectivity, you will need to upgrade your WIDI devices' firmware to version v0137 or higher.

Upgrade firmware one-by-one!

It is important to understand that WIDI devices upon themselves are designed to be as easy in use as possible. That is why WIDI devices pair automatically. They automatically switch between the central role and the peripheral role.

Generally speaking, it does not matter if your device is the central or peripheral. As both roles allow bi-directional (duplex) communication.

The central and peripheral role become important when updating firmware and setting up groups with multiple WIID devices. You can update your firmware with the WIDI app. In this case, you need to understand that the WIDI App (thus your mobile device) becomes the central device to push settings towards the peripheral (your WIDI device).

If you update one single WIDI device, simply boot it and pair it with your WIDI App. Next you can update to firmware v0137 or higher.

Please note, when working with multiple WIDI devices, you can only update one-by-one. A common mistake that is made, is to boot multiple WIDI devices at the same time. This will make the WIDI devices pair automatically to each other. And when paired, the WIDI App cannot locate the device anymore as they are already occupied.

So, when updating firmware, power your WIDI device up one-by-one and update the firmware one at the time!

If you run into complexities, try these options first:

1. Ensure you are using WIDI App 1.2.XX (or higher) or Android App 1.3.XX (or higher)
2. Ensure your iOS and Android versions are updated to the latest alpha versions (not public betas)
3. Ensure your mobile device and WIDI Master are the only BLE MIDI devices that are powered. This to avoid automatic pairing with other BLE MIDI devices. This is only for Bluetooth MIDI devices. Not all your Bluetooth devices.
4. Ensure you empty cache on your mobile device by toggling general Bluetooth settings off and on.
5. Enable Bluetooth in general settings, but do not pair it already there. Only pair it from the WIDI app.
6. Next, pair iOS or Android device and WIDI Master in the WIDI App. Is there a connection established? Do you see blue leds on WIDI Master? Do you see the WIDI Master showing in WIDI App?
7. Now you can update the firmware. If not, please reach out to us via the support form. 

How does this work?

So, if you want to upgrade the firmware for your specific WIDI device, you need to operate this step by step. First you turn on one WIDI device. Next you pair that with your WIDI app. Now you can control the settings of your WIDI device (peripheral) from the iOS WIDI app (central).

When you have upgraded the firmware for the first, switch it off. Only after this, you can power up the second. You repeat this process before you power up the 3rd WIDI device.

It may seem a bit complex at first, but the automatic pairing and role automation is designed so that any enthusiast, no matter the level of experience, can work with WIDI technology. When creating wireless MIDI groups, you enter a more advanced world of wireless MIDI that requests knowledge and dedication to make your MIDI setup future-proof.

So, there we have step 1! 

First update all your WIDI devices with iOS WIDI app v1.2.XX (or higher) or Android WIDI app v1.3.XX (or higher) to firmware v0137 or higher. And do this by manually booting each device one-by-one and allow it to pair WIDI device to WIDI app to push the new firmware into your WIDI device.

What can you do with WIDI firmware v0137 (or higher) and the latest WIDI App?

• Group connectivity
  * Set up to 4 peripherals and 1 central with duplex transmission
  * Create 1 group of up to 5 WIDI devices in a Bluetooth MIDI network.
• Renaming of WIDI devices
• Advanced settings
  * TX power: Save power consumption by selecting lower dB level (note: the connection range will be reduced accordingly).
  * BLE role: Force to Auto or Peripheral mode.
  * Set personal preferences: optimise for low latency performance or low jitter performance
• Reset default connections
• Factory reset
• Timestamp support
• Long SysEx support
• Compatible with Korg BLE MIDI drivers for WIN10

So - Step 2 - let's try this explanation video first! Let us know if this makes it clear to you!

Read this transcript that describes the video content step by step!

• Step 0: Ensure you use iOS WIDI App (version 1.3.11 or higher) or Android WIDI App (version 1.3.9 or higher)
• Step 1: Please upgrade your WIDI devices to the latest firmware (first fw version for group connection is v0137). If you have multiple units, remember to not power up multiple WIDI devices at once. As they will pair 1-to-1 automatically, and that will make it impossible for the iOS app to pair with your WIDI devices. 
• Step 2: Set your WIDI to the peripheral role and give it a new name.
  * Select "Force peripheral" in BLE role section, the setting will be saved into your WIDI automatically.
  * Click the device name in Status section to rename your device. You will need to reboot your WIDI device to see the changes.
• Step 3: Repeat above steps to set all WIDIs that you want to add in a group.
• Step 4: After you set all WIDI devices in peripheral role, please switch them on.
• Step 5: Click "Groups" menu and click "Add a new group".
• Step 6: Enter your name for the group.
• Step 7: Drag & drop your WIDI devices to the central and peripheral places.
• Step 8: Click "Download group", the group setting will be saved in all WIDI devices. Next, all units will be rebooted automatically.
• Step 9: Wait for few seconds, all WIDI devices that you set as the group will connect to each other.
• Step 10: All settings will be remembered even when you switch your WIDI devices off. Next time when you switch them on again, they will connect to each other in the same group.|
  
  * Note: If you want to forget the group connection setting, please go to each WIDI Status page and click "Reset default connections".

How many WIDI devices can I add to this group?

Please note, when working with a Bluetooth MIDI group, there can only be one (1) central. Besides this, there can currently be up to four (4) peripherals. When you switch on multiple WIDI devices at the same time, they will automatically connect to each other. One WIDI device will take that central role (turquoise led indicator) following your manual settings through the WIDI App when creating the group.

Please note, when you are setting up this group, your mobile device has to be the central. Therefore, first you need to force all your WIDI device to become the peripheral mode and not connect with others. Otherwise, due to automatic pairing and role automation, they cannot be found by the WIDI app. As the WIDI app has to be the central to allow you to make the settings for group connectivity first.

• First set all your WIDI devices to "force peripheral",
• Next, create your group and select one central,
• Finalise this process by pushing the manual settings to load by default for all group members.

Can I only add WIDI devices to the group?

For this moment, yes! As mentioned before our mission is to deliver Bluetooth MIDI that can integrate and connect with any other Bluetooth MIDI device. This is of course great, and it is what WIDI technology distinguishes from any other Bluetooth MIDI adapter manufacturer. That said, this mission comes with challenges.

For instance, Apple's iOS and MacOS do not provide fixed original Bluetooth addresses to connect with your WIDI devices. For security reasons, Apple changes the Bluetooth address of its own devices and others every 15 minutes. That is why, at this moment, it is not possible to add other BLE MIDI devices in your group connectivity setup. 

We are aware of this and our clever developers will find a solution for this to allow any BLE MIDI device to be part of the wireless Bluetooth MIDI network. 

MIDI Thru vs MIDI Merge

When creating a group, you can add up to 5 devices. The group always will have 1 central WIDI device.

Besides this you can add up to 4 peripherals. As communication is duplex, like bi-directional, you actually create a MIDI Thru or MIDI Merge functionality. In short. this means that with this firmware (v0137 and up), you can bypass MIDI interfaces, MIDI merge boxes and MIDI Thru boxes. You now can create the following wirelessly:

1. 1-to-4 MIDI Thru  - Group of max. 5 WIDI devices
2. 4-to-1 MIDI Merge - Group of max. 5 WIDI devices

Can I create multiple groups and run them simultaneously?

Yes you can. You can create groups starting from 2 WIDI devices. You can  have multiple WIDI groups to build a complete wireless system with automatic setup. This means, you create the group step-by-step first via the WIDI App. And when it is saved, it connects instantly upon reboot.

This way, you can fully automate your advanced MIDI settings by setting your different connections by default via multiple groups.

One WIDI device has a light blue colour?

That is correct. The WIDI devices are designed to indicate their role and activity through different LED colours. The light blue (turquoise) indicates that, that device is operating as a central. The dark blue indicates it are peripherals. Check out this video for a complete understanding.

My WIDI devices light up blue but my MIDI devices do not respond?

In a few cases this is caused by a phenomenon called MIDI loop. Please try to switch off MIDI thru functions in your MIDI devices or DAW. Or deselect WIDI as MIDI Input device in your DAW. When working with MIDI hardware, try to locate the MIDI Thru switch in your MIDI instrument and switch it off.

My WIDI devices disappear (or are only shortly visible) from the Bluetooth general settings?

Once a WIDI has been connected to another, you will not be able to see it from other BLE MIDI device (such as your WIDI App). That is why when you want to connect WIDI device to WIDI app, you must set them one by one. Also you need to force them to the peripheral role prior to setting the group in the WIDI App.

If you do not do this the WIDI device is set to auto role by default. It will try to connect to another WIDI automatically. If this is the case, you have no way to see it from your iOS app because it was occupied by other connection.

When you set a group, that means the central is in "Auto role" with predefined peripheral address. It will only connect to predefined WIDI peripherals. Or switch itself into peripheral mode to connect to another central.

Can you explain one more time central and peripheral in relation to group connections?

When setting a group you set one single WIDI device as a central device. The remaining (max four) WIDI devices you will set as peripherals. This way, the peripherals will not try to - automatically - find other BLE MIDI devices. They simply wait for the central to match the default group setting you saved.

Therewith, after you set the first group, they will only connect to each other automatically.

Once they connect, you are not able to see them from the WIDI App, because all of them are already occupied and connected with your groups central device.

Can I reset a group?

If you want to reset the group, you need to switch on the central first. And only the central. Not the peripherals, as they will pair automatically with the central. And not allow you to pair that central with the WIDI App.

The WIDI App has to become your temporary central to push settings into the WIDI devices. Therefore, you need to start with the central first. As it is set as "auto role", you can pair this device with the WIDI app.

Next you force it into peripheral mode by using the app (or there is a shortcut, you can hold the button of the central for 3 seconds while the power is on). This way, it will not connect to any other BLE MIDI device but wait for new connection. Now you can switch on other peripherals together, then use the iOS app to set new central to build a new group.

How do I reset my Bluetooth connection on iOS?

Please note that Bluetooth cache causes many issues when working with advanced WIDI technology. Just like WIDI is designed with automatic pairing and auto role switching, iOS is developed with Bluetooth cache to improve the consumer experience. 

When using Bluetooth MIDI, you actually become a prosumer. You are digging much deeper into Bluetooth technology compared to a regular Apple AirPod music experience. If you experience issues with your WIDI device on iOS, always try to reset your Bluetooth cache by toggling the Bluetooth off switch in the iOS preference settings. Just follow the instruction below.

Just follow these easy steps to simply reset Bluetooth on iOS and forget your Bluetooth accessory.
1. Launch Settings and head over to Bluetooth.
2. On the right side of the Bluetooth device name, tap on the "i" icon.
3. Now tap on "Forget This Device" button and confirm.

Turn off Bluetooth and Restart
4. Restart the Bluetooth on iOS by toggling the Bluetooth off/on switch in settings

Pair Again
5. Now pair again with WIDI

How do I properly setup iOS and WIDI?

Check out this video and use midimittr as a bridge app on iOS. It works in the background and does not interfere with other music apps you like to use.

I can already connect multiple devices via iOS and MacOS?

Yes you can connect multiple WIDIs with MacOS or iOS as a central as well. It can take up to 7 peripherals. Please note this is based on MacOS/iOS Bluetooth MIDI and can have a negative effect on latency performance. To do this you need to force all WIDI devices to the peripheral role or switch them on one by one. This way they can connect to the central and not automatically pair to each other.

Please note that this is not the same as the WIDI Group connectivity we are discussing and testing here. 

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What is the Yamaha MD-BT01?

Around the same time CME released its WIDI BUD, Yamaha released the MD-BT01 and UD-BT01. Of course the exact release dates are different. That said, it was around 2016 all these devices where introduced to the market.

As WIDI technology took wireless MIDI a step further, today the Yamaha MD-BT01 can be best compared with both WIDI Master as well as WIDI Jack. At the other side, looking at USB MIDI, it is best to compare CME WIDI Uhost versus the Yamaha UD-BT01.  

Before we compare both wireless MIDI solution to each other, let's look into the Yamaha solution itself first. Next, you can read more about the similarities and the way Bluetooth MIDI in general can seriously improve your workflow. After this, you will get a complete overview on why today you call CME WIDI the premium Bluetooth MIDI solution that delivers advanced wireless MIDI technology for all MIDI devices.

Yamaha MD-BT01 and Quicco Mi.1

The Yamaha BT-01 is an ODM model of the Japanese Quicco M1. This means it is exactly the same product, only it is manufactured under the Yamaha brand. This actually means, that Yamaha did not develop this product itself, it only purchased the technology from the clever people of Quicco.

MIDI 5-PIN DIN to iOS and Mac

Actually, the MD-BT01 is more or less a solution for iOS and Mac. As those operating system implement Bluetooth MIDI as a standard, with the MD-BT01 you can wirelessly connect your iOS device (iPhone, iPad) or Mac computer to MIDI instruments that offer the traditional 5-PIN DIN MIDI ports you all know for decades.

Therewith the Yamaha MD-BT01 is basically a replacement for the USB to MIDI cable. It solves the issue of complicated interfaces and cables that you need to connect your computer or mobile device to your MIDI instruments. 

It is actually nothing more than this. It is mainly a solution for iOS/MacOS to 5-PIN DIN.

Of course, this functionality is offered by CME's WIDI technology as well. Even in a more advanced manner.

More about that later, let's look more at the similarities first...

Bluetooth MIDI on iOS and MacOS

Apple is the original developer of Bluetooth MIDI. After it was introduced this technology was optimised together with the members of the MIDI association to create a standard that can be implemented by any manufacturer. Smart engineers from Apple, Microsoft, Roland, Yamaha, CME and Roli have worked on improving the Bluetooth MIDI ever since.

As you might understand Bluetooth MIDI is not a priority for companies like Apple. As they focus on consumer technology, like audio over Bluetooth, MIDI over Bluetooth has some limitations that are valid for any Bluetooth MIDI adapter in the market.

Latency

The latency performance between a Bluetooth MIDI adapter and iOS/MacOs is limited do to the Bluetooth connection interval that is subject to Apple's internal architecture of its operating systems. 

The "intervals" are not the same as "latency". You can better compare it to "buffer size". On iOS it is 11.25ms minimum. On macOS it is 7.5ms minimum.

These intervals can cause latency and jitter due to the limitation of that buffer. This has zero to do with your Bluetooth MIDI adapter. No matter if it is the Yamaha MD-BT-01 or your WIDI Master. That limitation is in the design of Apple's operating systems.

That said, there is an exception. With WIDI you can do much more then only pair with iOS/MacOS operating systems and replace your USB to MIDI solutions. You can pair two WIDI devices directly to each other. This pairing process is fully automated. Simply power the devices and you can instantly exchange any MIDI message between the two pieces of MIDI hardware.

With this direct instrument-to-instrument setup, you can achieve the shortest latency today when using Bluetooth MIDI. It can be as low as 3 milliseconds measured between two WIDI devices. Without cables. And even without computers.

Manual pairing

Another limitation of iOS and MacOS is that the operating system will not allow you to automatically pair your Bluetooth MIDI adapter. Assumably for security protection of consumers, Apple will force manual pairing of your Bluetooth MIDI device. 

This means that every time you start your wireless MIDI setup, you will need to process the manual procedure to connect your devices.

WIDI Uhost

The one and only way to bypass these limitations is to expand your operating system with the Bluetooth MIDI super dongle by CME. WIDI Uhost will allow automatic pairing and optimal latency/jitter performance according to the standards of a dedicated Bluetooth MIDI developer like CME. This is truly superior to that from a ODM developer like Yamaha or a consumer developer like Apple....

Bluetooth 4 (BLE4) vs Bluetooth 5 (BLE5)

When comparing WIDI Master with BT-01 the main difference is that the BT-01 implements Bluetooth 4 (BLE4) compared to WIDI Master implementing Bluetooth 5 (BLE 5).

Of course, with the pace consumer technology develops, the difference in performance between BLE 4 and BLE 5 is quite relevant. Leading to lower latency and wider range performance for WIDI Master. That said, looking at the limitations of iOS/MacOS Bluetooth connection interval, this will be your weakest link when looking at latency and jitter performance.

That said, when Apple upgrades its Bluetooth MIDI technology, you will surely benefit from the possibilities and performance of BLE 5 over BLE 4.

Powered vs Unpowered

Both WIDI Master and MD-BT01 can connect to 5-PIN DIN MIDI terminals that deliver 3.3v or 5v power on the MIDI OUT terminal. This means both adapters can function without an external power supply. At the same time they are only compatible with MIDI instruments that follow the MIDI DIN standard as set by the MIDI association.

WIDI Master Compatibility

Together with the Community of MIDI Enthusiasts, CME created an open source compatibility list for WIDI Master. This means all people that tested MIDI instruments with WIDI Master add the devices to this list for reference.

WIDI Jack with external power option

As CME is dedicated to the development of Bluetooth MIDI, you also can go for WIDI Jack. Basically, WIDI Jack is a WIDI Master. The internal firmware is exactly the same. The main difference is that WIDI Jack offers you an external power option via an additional usb-c port.

This way you can add a USB power bank and add Bluetooth MIDI to devices that are not compatible with Yamaha MD-BT01 or WIDI Master. This is not only useful for MIDI devices with unpowered MIDI ports, but also for instruments with only MIDI IN ports.

Besides this, WIDI Jack is available with different optional cables. This way you can also use it with TRS MIDI devices and the more rare 6-PIN DIN MINI as used on Yamaha's Reface series. With WIDI Jack you can add even the rarest MIDI instruments to your wireless MIDI setup. 

Detachable Design

One of the major differences between WIDI Master and MD-BT01 is its design. First of all, WIDI Master has been created by the community. It is a thing that is called crowd creation and it is based on product development and validation with the power of the community in its centre.

One of the outcomes of the development debate within the Community of MIDI enthusiasts, was to create a detachable design. By doing so, you can use WIDI Master only with the large adapter. As power is derived from the MIDI OUT port and all technology is placed in the main adapter of WIDI Master, this part can fully function as a standalone solution.

Keytar to EWI

Why is that useful? Well, consider this. When you play keytar or an electronic wind instrument, like the Yamaha WX5, you do not want to have the sub adapter - that is not connected to a MIDI IN port - bungling around. That is quite annoying.

That is why, upon request and together with the community, the detachable design of WIDI Master was developed and implemented.

Host vs Role Automation

As said before, the MD-BT01 implements BLE 4 and WIDI Master implements the superior BLE 5 technology. Also, the Yamaha MD-BT01 is actually only a solution for DIN-5 MIDI to iOS/MacOS.

To be more precise, the MD-BT01 can only function as a secondary device (peripheral). It will always need that iOS or MacOS device as the primary host (central) to operate. It totally relies on your operating system or computer to function.

Instrument to instrument

This is one of the unique selling point of WIDI Master. CME’s solution can function fully standalone. Therewith you can pair two vintage synths or your keytar with a keyboard. Without computers.

This is possible because the WIDI Master can fulfil a central role. In Bluetooth terms that means it can switch between the central role and the peripheral role. It can function as a host to any other device. At the same time the MD-BT01 is only a peripheral and cannot become a central.

So, the MD-BT01 can only connect with iOS and MacOS. It will always need that operating system and you will need to rely on that computer to operate. At the same time WIDI Master offers this as well, but you can also pair two pieces of MIDI hardware directly.

Automatic paring

Actually, here is where the fun part starts. When pairing two WIDI devices, you will enjoy automatic pairing. No need to manually set things up or make connections via Bluetooth settings in your operating system.

When connecting two MIDI instruments, you simply plug and play. Just power on both WIDI devices and they will pair automatically in seconds and you can play almost instantly.

Advanced Wireless Connectivity

Here is where the long term objective is unfold for WIDI technology. As a small innovator the CME team focusses entirely on the development of Bluetooth MIDI technology.

Together with people like you, with the community in as the epicentre of innovation, we want to deliver Bluetooth MIDI to any MIDI enthusiast and make it available to any MIDI device.

Wide compatibility and advanced connectivity are key elements for the further development of Bluetooth MIDI.

Bluetooth MIDI instruments

Today there are also many MIDI devices that already implement Bluetooth MIDI technology. Think of the Genki Instrument Wave or the Roland AX-Edge keytar. 

As said before, WIDI Master can be both the central as well as the peripheral. Therefore, without the need of any operating system as a host (like the MD-BT01 needs), you can pair to any Bluetooth MIDI equipped device.

Also, it pairs automatically. 

Group Connectivity

This is where WIDI technology leaves Yamaha way behind. With today's firmware it is possible to create wireless WIDI groups of up to five (5) WIDI devices. The next step is to develop this group connectivity further and allow other Bluetooth MIDI devices, like your Bluetooth MIDI controller or iOS device, to become part of this group.

With group connectivity you can create 1-to-4 MIDI Thru and 4-to-1 MIDI Merg groups. Actually, you can replace simple (USB) MIDI interface functionality with Bluetooth MIDI groups via WIDI technology.

The idea is simple, you set one WIDI device as the central and 4 others as the peripherals and you can enjoy 2-way communication between the 4 devices and its central device.

This is just a first step....

Interested how this works? Go here and learn more!

Conclusion

When you are looking to replace your USB to MIDI solution for a Bluetooth to MIDI solution, both the Yamaha MD-BT01 and WIDI Master can serve this need. The main difference is that WIDI Master is fuelled by Community of MIDI Enthusiasts and fully dedicated to developing the Bluetooth MIDI standard.

Therewith WIDI technology and Bluetooth 5 are superior over any Bluetooth 4 solution. It delivers better performance when looking at jitter and latency. Also, you can benefit from automatic pairing and the detachable design.

Besides this, WIDI technology is a much wider solution. It allows instrument to instrument pairing. Without computers. And that functionality is expanded to standard Bluetooth MIDI controllers and the ability to create merge and thru groups for the more advanced MIDI enthusiasts.

In short, WIDI master delivers what the MD-BT01 does, only with a better performing Bluetooth technology in its core. Besides this, it widens Bluetooth MIDI as a solution with simplified automatic pairing and other benefits for direct instrument to instrument connections.

And for the more advanced MIDI expert, wireless WIDI groups are opening up a total new world for MIDI applications. This beats any Bluetooth MIDI device (like the MD-BT01) or your regular MIDI cable in opportunities and creative solutions.

That is why WIDI Master is your premium Bluetooth MIDI solution. Powered by the community and future-ready. And the most exciting development in the world of MIDI together with the current MPE solutions and the arriving MIDI 2.0!

Comparison CME WIDI Master vs Yamaha MD-BT01