CME WIDI - provides a BLE link for wireless MIDI communications

Started by Elantric, June 16, 2016, 06:43:08 AM

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Elantric



CME WIDI Bud  - provides a BLE link for wireless MIDI communications
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1245249-REG/cme_widi_bud_bluetooth.html
http://www.cme-pro.com/widi-bud/

The WIDI BUD from CME is a convenient and reliable way to connect the company's Xkey Air Bluetooth MIDI keyboard to a Mac-, Windows-, or Linux-based computer, or iOS-, Android- and Chrome-based devices. The low-energy Bluetooth adapter is USB 2.0 and 3.0 compliant, does not require additional drivers to function, and utilizes "minimized latency" Bluetooth technology to eliminate time lag.
Automatic pairing with Xkey Air keyboards
Reduces Bluetooth latency
Optimized for MIDI connectivity
Plug and play
Bluetooth 4.0 is written into the WIDI BUD firmware, especially useful for older computers that don't support the latest capability
Dongle connects with all other Bluetooth MIDI devices, including the Korg microKEY Air, nanoKEY studio, Jamstik+, Yamaha MD-BT01/UD-BT-01, Roland A-01, etc.
Connect multiple WIDI BUDs

Elantric

http://www.cme-pro.com/xkey-downloads/#1449499296486-0600a2d7-c408




Widi Plus is dedicated to the (optional) Bluetooth MIDI dongle Widi Bud from CME.

Widi Bud is a Bluetooth low energy MIDI USB adapter, it provides Bluetooth MIDI functionality to any Mac which is not equipped with Bluetooth Low Energy, or to any Mac with MacOS previous than Yosemite.

Check for new Widi Bud firmware
Choose any Bluetooth MIDI device to connect to
Rename any Bluetooth MIDI device
Choose which Bluetooth MIDI device Widi Bud will automatically connect to

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=1115259215&mt=8

admin


http://www.cme-pro.com/widi-bud/

https://techinmusiced.wordpress.com/2016/07/12/full-review-cme-xkey-air-and-cme-widi-bud/



When I opened the package from CME, my initial reaction to the WIDI BUD, packaged in a small blister card with minimal instructions, was, "HO HUM."

That initial reaction was really, really, really wrong. It is going to be a while until BLE MIDI is packaged with every device.  If you have a newer iPad or MacBook, you have it already–but old Apple devices, many Windows devices, most Android devices, and most (all?) Chromebooks do not have BLE MIDI capability.

This little dongle, which looks like a newer flash drive, gives BLE MIDI capability to nearly every device.

This means that you can use an XKey Air with an older iPad, MacBook, Windows computer...you get the idea. There are limitations (you have to be running Windows XP SP3, Ver 4 of Android, iOS 4.2, Chrome 43.0) but generally, if you have a modern device, the WIDI BUD can add BLE MIDI to your computing device if it does not have it.

Last summer, Web MIDI was announced, and over the last year, programs have been adding it: Noteflight, Flat.io, SoundTrap to name a few.

With this dongle, you can make a Chromebook into a BLE MIDI device, utilizing Web MIDI on these programs. Sure, you can also add a wired USB connection, which is what you would do for students (you would have a stack of physical keyboards that they would check out, use, and return). But for YOUR use...go wireless. Trust me on this one.

What is amazing is that the WIDI BUD makes a connection with a BLE MIDI device on its own. I haven't tried having two BLE MIDI sending devices turned on at the same time, so I do not know how the device would respond to two competing devices for its attention–but plug in the WIDI BUD, and turn on the XKey Air, and it works. That's it. The WIDI BUD will remember that connection until it loses power. So, if you want to connect another BLE MIDI device (such as the JamStik+ or the PUC+), turn off the XKey Air, turn on the JamStik+, and plug in the WIDI BUD.

So yes...the WIDI BUD works with ANY existing BLE MIDI device.  (See note)

Let me copy and paste that again...

The WIDI BUD works with ANY existing BLE MIDI device. (See note)

So...the JamStik+, the PUC+, the Korg MKey Air, and the few keyboards sold with BLE MIDI...should be able to  work with the WIDI BUD.

Note: This statement was not true.  It turns out that the Quicco Sound mi.1.  See more at my follow-up article.


The WIDI BUD in use, in a Chromebook. Check out the video...it works!

I have now said this for over a year...reliable MIDI interaction with a BLE MIDI device is a game changer in ease of use and functionality.

Chromebooks being able to use MIDI keyboards over a wired USB connection is a major step forward, and it means that I could teach Music Theory (mostly with Noteflight or Flat.io) with Chromebooks, and I could teach a Music Technology class (SoundTrap, Soundation, Noteflight, Flat.io) using Chromebooks. But to be able to connect wirelessly means that using those programs for my own use (not just in teaching) becomes a possibility.

Being able to use any BLE MIDI device with just about any host computing device is a game changer, too. At that point,  you are only limited by the apps and programs that are available on your computing device. And remember...on Chrome OS, the best apps require a subscription to get all of the features that you want to use (Noteflight requires a subscription to even use MIDI recording). I don't think there is anything wrong with that, because companies deserve to earn money. But it is something that we need to teach IT departments as they typically don't plan for annual subscriptions.

My only complaints about the WIDI BUD are the size of the device (it has to be that small, but people will lose them), and they are a TIGHT fit in your USB port (which is probably intentional so that you leave it plugged in). I am leaving this WIDI BUD in its package after I use it, so that I can keep track of it.

My only other complaint is that I can't find the pricing for the WIDI BUD on CME's website, so I am hoping that it is released soon and will be affordable!

As you can tell, if you have a computing device that does not have BLE MIDI, I think the WIDI BUD is a must buy. I don't know anything else like it on the market.

Thanks again to CME and Virgin Musical Instruments for allowing me to review and show off these devices.  A video appears below.




vtgearhead

I've heard of inflated list prices, but $285 --> $49??  Wow.

Does anyone make a complementary unit that the WIDI can talk to?  Would be nice to plug the bud into a MIDX-20 on the pedal board and have a peer in the amplifier that acted like a USB master.

admin

Quote from: snhirsch on August 19, 2017, 12:17:28 PM
I've heard of inflated list prices, but $285 --> $49??  Wow.

Does anyone make a complementary unit that the WIDI can talk to?  Would be nice to plug the bud into a MIDX-20 on the pedal board and have a peer in the amplifier that acted like a USB master.

Review all the new wireless MIDI controllers that support Wireless MIDI BLE
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=20622.0
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=20592.0


Korg NanoKontrol Studio / NanoKey Studio Wireless MIDI Controllers
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=18403.msg122261#msg122261
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=19765.msg142028#msg142028



Roland A-01 Controller+Generator
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=19765.msg142031#msg142031



Livid Instruments Guitar Wing
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10406.0


Livid Instruments MINIM Wireless MIDI Controller
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=15750.msg112369#msg112369



Numark Orbit Wireless MIDI Controller
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=15927.msg113807#msg113807




Retronyms Looperverse wireless MIDI Bluetooth LOW Energy floor pedal
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=20564.msg148098#msg148098


PUC+ Wireless Bluetooth MIDI (USB and 5 pin)
https://jamstik.com/products/pucplus
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=15697.msg112015#msg112015


Bluetooth Jamstick+
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=12681.msg100496#msg100496
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=12681.msg100496#msg100496



QuiccoSound mi.1
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11231.msg126317#msg126317



CME WIDI Bud - provides a BLE link for wireless MIDI communications
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=18416.msg131079#msg131079


DIY MIDI COntrollers, Bluetooth LE projects

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=20592.msg148266#msg148266


https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=20116.msg145008#msg145008



Popboard - The Arduino based Bluetooth MIDI Foot Controller
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=17171.msg122670#msg122670



cags12

Quote from: snhirsch on August 19, 2017, 12:17:28 PM
I've heard of inflated list prices, but $285 --> $49??  Wow.

Does anyone make a complementary unit that the WIDI can talk to?  Would be nice to plug the bud into a MIDX-20 on the pedal board and have a peer in the amplifier that acted like a USB master.

Specifically I would/WILL pair the Widi-Bud to a Quiccosound mi.1 or Yamaha MD-BT01. In my case it will be from my guitar with ATG to the Widi-bud to a USB host to Midi box (Kenton or MIDIX-20) then run cables to my foot controller and amp.

In your case you could do the opposite but connect the mi1 or MD-BT01 directly on the MIDI connections of your amps back to the Widi-Bud and your chose of USB host and then your pedal board.


Vaultnaemsae

So I got my hands on a WIDI-Bud. It's cool
But with a few caveats.

I purchased it to use with my Windows 10 laptop because the BLE MIDI connections have been so tenuous.

It definitely solves the basic problem - sort of.

But...Remaining Problems:
1. It seems to jam the laptop's WiFi. I had to use my phone's hotspot to be able to get the FW update.
2. It automatically connects to the last connected device even if I don't set a default
device in the WIDI-Plus app.
3. WIDI-Bud will not allow an iOS device to connect properly. It forces you to re-pair the iOS device every time you connect and then it drops the connection if you open a host. When I open Ableton the WiDiBud MIDI I/O ports (in 'Preferences') turn red - and that's not good! I used MIDIMITTR to advertise the iOS devices. The bud finds the device but cannot maintain connection. This really stinks.
4. No viable destination appears in MIDIMITTR (iOS) even when connected to WIDI-Bud through the WIDI-Plus app.
5. You can only connect one BLE MIDI device at a time!!! Ugggh....

I witnessed the same phenomena on MacOS also.

I've been using a SoftStep 2 for a while now over USB and recently realised I could plug it into and old iPhone 6 via CCK and transmit the MIDI thru via BT to various devices (iPad, 2nd iPhone, Laptops). Works great but I have to do a connection song and dance every time I want to play.

The good news is that it works perfectly with the Yamaha MDBT-01.

Vaultnaemsae's SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/vaultnaemsae

admin

There are reports the WIDI bud cannot process midi sysex communication well

apparently it has a very short internal buffer

cags12

Quote from: Vaultnaemsae on November 01, 2018, 06:55:49 AM
1. It seems to jam the laptop's WiFi. I had to use my phone's hotspot to be able to get the FW update.

My suggestion is to try to move all the equipment you have to start using Wireless 5Ghz. That will minimize interference with peripherals like the WIDI BUD that are fixed at 2.4Ghz.

My WIDI BUD has excellent reception with my laptop and even sitting less than 1 meter from my wireless router with my L6 G10 wireless also closer than 1 meter and my iPhone streaming Bluetooth.


Quote
5. You can only connect one BLE MIDI device at a time!!! Ugggh....

I witnessed the same phenomena on MacOS also.
This sucks, did not have chance to test multiple devices at once.

Quote
The good news is that it works perfectly with the Yamaha MDBT-01.
I also works fine with the QuiccoSound mi.1.

Quote from: admin on November 01, 2018, 07:48:41 AM
There are reports the WIDI bud cannot process midi sysex communication well

apparently it has a very short internal buffer

This is the most annoying point to me. I did report this. I spoke to the developer of the WIDI BUD and it seems he is limited to the libraries the BT chip vendor is providing him. I felt no desire of rewriting the implementation to do BT flow control on one side and USB flow control on the other in order to no fill up the buffer while transmitting sysex. The current implementation requires to buffer the whole sysex message before dispatching it instead of just sending the bytes as they are.

Vaultnaemsae

More WIDI Bud fun.

It breaks MIDI communication in BTS for GP-10 on MacOS High Sierra. Haven't tried WIN10 yet.

I thought I'd messed something up and stuffed around for ages trying to fix it.

In fact, it was the WIDI Bud - which wasn't actually connected to any BT device - it was just plugged into a USB port. Plugging it back in after removing it and reestablishng GP-10 connection was flaky. If you shut down BTS with the Bud plugged in it kills your connection again.

What a bloody mess.
Vaultnaemsae's SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/vaultnaemsae

cags12

Quote from: Vaultnaemsae on November 05, 2018, 05:34:31 AM
More WIDI Bud fun.

It breaks MIDI communication in BTS for GP-10 on MacOS High Sierra. Haven't tried WIN10 yet.

I thought I'd messed something up and stuffed around for ages trying to fix it.

In fact, it was the WIDI Bud - which wasn't actually connected to any BT device - it was just plugged into a USB port. Plugging it back in after removing it and reestablishng GP-10 connection was flaky. If you shut down BTS with the Bud plugged in it kills your connection again.

What a bloody mess.

I used mine with the Primova MIDX-20 to conenct my ATG guitar, on the other side the GP10 and a Kemper. It is stable enough for my needs. Obviously the major drawback for me is the SysEx limitation, but I can live without it.

admin






CME

Beyond Bluetooth MIDI controllers: The WIDI Family
WIDI FAMILY CME
CME and the future of wireless MIDI
Today there are many musicians and producers that use a bluetooth MIDI controller. Ever since the introduction of the UFv2, CME has been in the game of innovating wireless MIDI solution. After the introduction of the portable Xkey and its successor the wireless Xkey Air, we received many requests for improving the connectivity of MIDI over Bluetooth.

WIDI delivers more than a Bluetooth MIDI controller
That is why we have been working on an entire new range of MIDI over Bluetooth adapters. With over 15 years of experience it is now possible to innovate alongside the technological developments of Bluetooth. With the arrival of Bluetooth 4.0 BLE it is now possible to transmit MIDI over Bluetooth with ultra low latency. Therewith the time has come to make MIDI over Bluetooth as effective as your traditional MIDI cables. It is time to get rid of those wires.

Searching for demand in eco-friendly delivery model
Currently we are in the process of validating our product ideas. Therefore we've opened up to you by introducing WIDI Master in such an early stage. We try to locate an exact demand. This way we can unroll an environmental friendly directly from our factory to your studio.

We want to ensure you the best price per unit. And reduce the amount of waste during the production process. That is why we kindly request you to register your interest.

Future applications beyond the Bluetooth MIDI controller
Looking ahead there are multiple applications we consider interesting. Therewith we already show you the direction we are thinking towards. Feel more than welcome to share your ideas, suggestions and concerns with us. In the end you are the one that can make this happen. If there is no interest from you, we eventually will not proceed to the manufacturing stage. Therefore we request you to think with us to move forward with wireless MIDI over Bluetooth.

MIDI hardware to MIDI hardware (wireless)
Bluetooth MIDI controller to MIDI hardware (wireless)
MacOS/iOS device to MIDI hardware (wireless)
MIDI USB to MIDI hardware (wireless)
Pedals to MIDI (wireless)
MacOS/iOS to multiple MIDI devices/hardwares (wireless)
MIDI hardware to multiple MIDI hardwares (wireless)
Future applications of wireless MIDI over Bluetooth
Looking at all these applications we have developed the following concepts.



WIDI MASTER

First design of WIDI Master

Plug & pair with all new WIDI products and 3rd party standard Bluetooth MIDI devices automatically.
Switchable firmware is compatible with both Bluetooth MIDI Master and Slave mode.
Smart algorithm for error correction with automatic all notes-off PANIC protection.
Powered from MIDI ports.
Target retail price: US$ 59



WIDI UHOST

First design of WIDI UHost

USB Host transform MIDI message from any USB MIDI controller to Bluetooth MIDI.
Powered from USB and can be used as a standalone device.
Compatible with all new WIDI products and 3rd party standard Bluetooth MIDI devices.
Target retail price: US$ 59


WIDI PED3

First design of WIDI Ped3

Convert 3 control pedals to Bluetooth MIDI.
Universal pedal detection (switch and continuous). Compatible with most existing pedals on the market.
Powered from USB and can be used as a standalone device.
Target retail price: US$ 59


WIDI HUB 4

First design of WIDI Hub4

Up to 4 Bluetooth MIDI connections simultaneously with ultra low latency.
USB Type-C can be used as computer USB-WIDI interface and USB power supply.
USB Host can be used as standalone USB-WIDI interface for USB MIDI controllers.
Target retail price: US$ 159
Register now and support further development of WIDI
Our goal is to get 1,000 supporters to start production. You will also receive a $20 coupon (up to 34% discount). Instead of $59 you will pay only $39 (ex. shipping) for your WIDI Master.

Don't wait and join the WIDI tribe. It is time to #freemidi

Subscribe

https://www.cme-pro.com/beyond-bluetooth-midi-controllers-the-widi-family/

Vaultnaemsae

Quote from: Vaultnaemsae on November 05, 2018, 05:34:31 AM
More WIDI Bud fun.

It breaks MIDI communication in BTS for GP-10 on MacOS High Sierra. Haven't tried WIN10 yet.

I thought I'd messed something up and stuffed around for ages trying to fix it.

In fact, it was the WIDI Bud - which wasn't actually connected to any BT device - it was just plugged into a USB port. Plugging it back in after removing it and reestablishng GP-10 connection was flaky. If you shut down BTS with the Bud plugged in it kills your connection again.

What a bloody mess.

Turns out the SY-1000 Editor can handle simultaneous connection with the WIDIBud/SY-1000 without breaking things.

But GP-10 Editor is still a no go.
Vaultnaemsae's SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/vaultnaemsae


admin

How to use GT-1000Core with  CME WIDI Jack
https://frankmeffert.de/boss-gt-1000core-bluetooth/



gumtown

A recent firmware update of the CME Widi UHost has made it compatible with many Roland/Boss devices,
 and I can confirm so far having it work directly in the USB port of the Boss Katana and the Roland VG-99.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/