ZVIX - PUC+ Wireless Bluetooth MIDI (USB and 5 pin)

Started by Ringleader, July 23, 2015, 06:04:12 PM

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Ringleader

They updated the original puc to accept USB midi controllers which was much needed, IMHO. Finally what appears to be a decent alternative for an IK Blueboard - now you could use a KMI Softstep 2 wirelessly.

I think the main benefit for this device is when using an audio interface that powers the iOS device and doesn't have any USB host ports. This way you don't have to give up the power and use a USB hub to get a midi device in the setup. Only about 25 left at the intro price at the time of posting this so act quickly if you want in.

http://igg.me/at/puc-plus-midi-controller/x/11551750

Ringleader

#1
Quote from:  Elantric
Too bad it's still only a one way communication. No 5pin MIDI Out

Keeping my QuiccoSound mi.1

The USB MIDI is bi-directional, per the tech specs. So with a KMI Softstep 2 you could use an expander to get the best of both worlds.

There is still hope that it might work with a USB hub too which would really open up the possibilities. But they are still testing that.

Elantric

#2


https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/puc-plus-universal-bluetooth-midi-interface#/story






==


For one application, I need IPAD to be MIDI controller  (running "MIDI Designer") for  MIDI Sysex control feeding the 5 pin DIN MIDI Input on the Antares ATG-1 Guitar Modeling Floorboard.

Not seeing how that can be done?

unless the PUC+ 5 pin DIN jack can also be used as MIDI OUT.   
( Where is a URL link to proper detailed published Hardware and MIDI Specifications for PUC+?




PUC+ must have a USB Host or USB-OTG  port I'm missing ?

Why are they so vague?

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/puc-plus-universal-bluetooth-midi-interface#/story

Ringleader

In the comments the creator said:

Steve – one more thing about the simultaneous use of the puc+'s USB and 5-pin connections; without getting too technical about it, the two connections work in some ways like the old MIDI Thru ports in some conditions. What's present on one port will most often also be present on the other, with some operational differences. We haven't tested simultaneous input of discreet midi activity on both ports because it hadn't really occurred to us that users might want to try that. Let me experiment.

If the USB port has midi in and out present, then does that mean the 5 pin port will to?

My thought was if you are using a KMI device that allows an expander in your setup, you could use the puc+ for bi-directional USB MIDI transfer and then use the expander to break out the 5 pin MIDI too. Since the expander port is on the KMI device it should include all of the bi-directional MIDI data that is transmitted over wireless USB.

Elantric

#4
Their Indigo page clearly states they only have a 5 Pin MIDI IN DIN hardware port, and no mention of a 5 pin DIN hardware MIDI Out, and no mention of the USB Port's capabilities - just says a "USB Y Cable" is included.

No mention of  support using a a third party USB to MIDI I/O cable. 

EDIT: They addressed my question and made a change - PUC+ 5 pin DIN MIDI Jack may be configured as MIDI OUT  - so it now works with MIDI Designer to control the  Antares ATG-1
--

My QuiccoSound mi.1 ($49 at Amazon) works 100% for my needs,

iPad Controller (MIDI Designer)  wireless MIDI to  hardware 5 pin DIN MIDI OUT -  to directly connect to 5 pin MIDI Input on my ATG-1.
and should work for anyone seeking wireless control using iPad + MIDI Designer IOS App for wirless control of their GR-55, VG-99, HD-500
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11231.msg112363#msg112363


Ringleader

#5
Per the comments on the campaign (I know Elantric is hating ;), but for anyone else who might be interested):

QuoteHi Steve – 5-pin port is switchable MIDI In or Out. Putting a MIDI I/O on the USB port is something we could test. I can think of some engineering related challenges that may restrict what MIDI I/O would work (and it would be difficult to test everything available) but we've got some announcements next week that will open up this conversation a little more broadly. Stay tuned.
[/i]

whippinpost91850


Elantric

#7
PUC+  Wireless Bluetooth MIDI

(not to be confused with the earlier  PUC wifi.
Old version "PUC" is here
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JN1LGTQ/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?

New version "PUC+" Bluetooth is here, and they finally updated the 5pin DIN MIDI jack for a direction switch in hardware
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016PHN7CO?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016PHN7CO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00


https://jamstik.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/215803567-What-is-the-difference-between-the-puc-and-the-puc-


http://mipuc.com/

Finally this PUC+ version does support :

* Wireless IOS 8 / IOS 9 Devices  >wireless MIDI  > hardware 5pin MIDI IN

or 

* hardware 5pin MIDI Out > wireless MIDI  > MIDI IN on  IOS 8 / IOS 9 Devices

(first time Ive seen it in print on the sales page for this new PUC+ version.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/puc+/id1026893744?ls=1&mt=8


Future Proof.
Replace the cords.
MIDI just went
WIRELESS
LEARN MORE
WIRELESSLY CONNECT USB-MIDI'S OR 5-PIN MIDI CONTROLLERS
Easily integrates to Audio Editing Apps & Editing Workstations without cords.
Believe it or not, computers had serial ports to which you connected MIDI interfaces. Then came USB, then Thunderbolt, then Lightning ... Coming soon: USB-C & Thunderbolt-2.
Your favorite Audio Software is running on smaller devices with few connections. With puc+, you future proof your MIDI Controllers and save money on obsolete cables.
MULTIPLE & SIMULTANEOUS WIRELESS MIDI CONNECTIVITY
Thanks to Apple's iOS8 & OS X Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, PUC+ is Ultra fast transmitting multiple connections at once.
It's not only what you want to transmit IN...but what you might want to transmit OUT.
The PUC+'s  5-pin MIDI port Switches from input to output in seconds, delivering IN/OUT via puc+ USB.

PUC+ Wireless MIDI In Detail
Puc+ easily integrates to Audio Editing & Editing Workstations without cords. Once you experience the liberation from specialty MIDI & USB cables and adapters you'll wonder why you tolerated the hassle of wires for so long.

Your favorite USB-MIDI or 5-pin MIDI controllers can wirelessly connect to apps and DAW's on your iPhone, Ipad, or Mac with this easy-to-use device. Puc+ then sees MIDI Activity on the 5-pin port or USB port and converts it to Bluetooth MIDI.

Your iOS 8.2+ enabled iPhone, iPad, or Mac running Yosemite recognizes the puc+ as an available MIDI device for your apps or DAW. It is literally that easy...
Buy Now

puc+ AT A GLANCE
It's feature loaded & ready for the future

   
MIDI Input & Output
Delivers MIDI IN & OUT via USB port. The 5-pin MIDI port can be switched from an input to an output in software
   
Range
PUC+ easily covers 30 to 40 feet in its transmission range
   
Future Proof
Saves you money on the newest, latest connection port cables
   
Wireless
Sends MIDI directly to your app or workstation...Making 5-pin cables & USBs obsolete
   
Easy Interface
Benefits from Apple's Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, prioritizing incoming & outgoing MIDI messages
   
Multiples
Give each MIDI controller a PUC+ & simultaneously connect all to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
   
Speed
Bluetooth MIDI connectivity so fast & stable you'll be happy to "cut the cord"
   
Power
Powered by two AA batteries that can also supply power (300 mA) to most portable USB MIDI controllers
   
Universal MIDI Support
PUC+ supports BOTH traditional 5-Pin DIN and USB, so it can connect to all of your MIDI gear
   
MIDI Input & Output
Delivers MIDI IN & OUT via USB port. The 5-pin MIDI port can be switched from an input to an output in software
   
Range
PUC+ easily covers 30 to 40 feet in its transmission range
   
Future Proof
Saves you money on the newest, latest connection port cables
   
Wireless
Sends MIDI directly to your app or workstation...Making 5-pin cables & USBs obsolete
   
Easy Interface
Benefits from Apple's Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, prioritizing incoming & outgoing MIDI messages
   
Multiples
Give each MIDI controller a PUC+ & simultaneously connect all to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
TECH SPECS
Dimensions: 3" x 3" x 1.2"

Weight: 4.3 oz

Power: 2 AA batteries included or via USB input

USB I/O: Simultaneous MIDI IN and OUT via USB dependent on application, 300 mA supplied from puc+ to USB device

Play time on full batteries: Over 7 hours of continuous use

Indicators: Transmission, Connection, Power LED

Connectors: Micro USB, 5-pin DIN MIDI

Device Compatibility: Macs with OS X Yosemite & Bluetooth 4.0 compliant, iPad 3+ on iOS 8.1, iPhone 4S+ on iOS 8.1

MIDI: Bluetooth MIDI, USBMIDI, connect to COREMIDI iOS apps, and popular DAWS

Finish: ABS black plastic

Certifications: FCC, CE

Manufacturing: Made in USA



PUC+ FAQ
https://jamstik.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/203437538-FAQ

Elantric

#8


There is setting in the PUC+ IOS app for assigning the one  MIDI jack as either Input  or Output

Also the PUC+ fresh out of the box requires a firmware update. Before i updated the firmware - I had a hard time turning the PUC= " off" .
install a pair of AA Batteries, and turn the PUC+ "ON" (using the momentary power switch on top), the "radio" icon will blink until connected. Power down by pressing the momentary power switch on top for 5 seconds.

Problem is that after you turn the PUC+ off,  within a minute the PUC+ will always self power back "ON" -  without any user intervention, and then drains the batteries.

Updated to PUC+ Firmware 4.08, and now it connects to:

* 2014 iPhone 6 Plus IOS 8.4.1

* 2015 iPad AIR 2 IOS 8.1.1

* 2015 iPad AIR 2 IOS 9.2

and it finally powers down and stays "Off" when you want it "Off"

I estimate wireless MIDI latency is under 10ms

Elantric

#9
I have gear that relies on IPad based Editors ( Antares ATG) and just confirmed PUC+ is working very well in this application - very happy!

Since there is only one 5pin MIDI connector, unfortunately It's not Bi-Directional data flow for 5pin MIDI Gear.

More reviews

http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B016PHN7CO/ref=acr_offerlistingpage_text?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

5.0 out of 5 starsI've been waiting for this for a long time!
ByChristian Ewingon December 2, 2015
Wireless. MIDI. Is. Real!

I ordered a puc+ and after a week of trying it out I ordered two more. Here's why:

1) I have three primary MIDI controllers that get used a lot both in my project studio and in live shows, and I'm constantly moving my gear around. Each primary controller gets a puc+ and I no longer play the "where's my cable" game.
2) I carry a couple of small USB-MIDI controllers (Keith McMillen QuNexus, Korg NanoKontrol) that inevitably get pulled out when I need an "extra set of buttons" for Ableton. The puc+ supplies power to those controllers and keeps the MIDI wireless. So easy.
3) All three of my puc+'s can connect to my iPad, iPhone, or Mac at the same time. My Arturia BeatStep, M-Audio Axiom, & M-Audio Trigger Finger all get connected and are available in my sessions.

My only wish is that some of the USB MIDI gear I have didn't require software drivers, because some my 64-pad grid controllers require that physical wired connection for user feedback - and that's a drag. So far that seems to be the one hangup - controllers with drivers aren't supported.

That being said, at this price the puc+ is a ridiculous value.
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5.0 out of 5 starsThis thing is great!
ByAmy Watsonon December 22, 2015
Verified Purchase
Wow, this thing is phenomenal! MIDI, USB, and more all function flawlessly. The first unit I received was defective, but was promptly replaced with a unit that is good. There's no lag between devices with the puc+. And it will power your devices via USB. Has allowed my pedal controller rig to go completely wireless. Why are you still reading this? Go buy it!
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5.0 out of 5 starsI just would like to say that the PUC+ is revolutionary
ByAmazon Customeron December 8, 2015
I just would like to say that the PUC+ is revolutionary ! As a touring keyboardist for major pop acts the Puc+ has quickly become the best part of my rig on stage and I can never do a show without em ever again ! Thanks guys for creating this amazing tool.

Elantric


Elantric


Vaultnaemsae

#12
I posted this on the FAMC forums recently. No replies over there so thought I'd try my luck here: http://www.famcmusic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=808

LF+ JR+ with PUC+ - Bluetooth Midi
Postby vaultnaemsae » Thu May 05, 2016 12:11 am


Conducted some further tests with and without the PUC+ today. I tried four setups.

With PUC+
1. MIDI out from the LF+-->PUC+ DIN MIDI IN-----(BT)---->iPad-->iConnectAudio USB (port 2)-->DIN MIDI OUT-->AXE FX 2XL+ (Works but doesn't receive feedback from the AXE FX - I guess due to unidirectional midi).

2. MIDI out from the LF+-->PUC+(CONNECTS INTO PUC VIA Mio USB MIDI INTERFACE)-----(BT)----->iPad-->iConnectAudio USB in(port 2)-->DIN MIDI out-->AXE FX 2XL+ (Works but doesn't receive feedback from the AXE FX - Strange since PUC claims bidirectional midi if connected via USB).

Without PUC+
3. MIDI out from the LF+-->iConnectAudio DIN MIDI IN-->DIN MIDI out-->AXE FX 2XL+ (No Success - Yet I have configured the iConnect device correctly)

4. MIDI out from the LF+-->AXE FX 2XL+ MIDI IN (Works perfectly as expected)

Any ideas as to why some of these don't work?

Also, anybody tried the Mi.1? Not available in Korea as Amazon won't ship and the Japanese branch are yet to respond to my email. I'm looking for a Wireless/BT MIDI solution that actually works.... :roll:
Vaultnaemsae's SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/vaultnaemsae

admin

#13
Search on Quiccosound mi.1

Read Entire thread

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11231.msg112363#msg112363

But IMHO the iPad MIDI over Bluetooth connection required by either PUC+ or mi.1 may be clobbering your bi-di MIDI connection

If you need true bi-di MIDI wireless hardware to hardware - contact StarrLabs -I understand they are working on a new version which supports bi-directional WIRELESS MIDI
https://www.starrlabs.com/product-category/airpower-wireless/

http://www.starrlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/AirPower-2-Manual.pdf
http://www.midi-store.com/Starr-Labs-AirPower-2-Wireless-MIDI-Controller-p/sku21297.htm

Vaultnaemsae

Thanks for the detailed response, Admsustainiac,

I have read the thread you referred to about the Quiccosound mi.1 but the issue of bidirectionality is not addressed. I was hoping somebody with a similar setup may have hands-on experience to draw on.

Sorry, I didn't understand your point - How does/why would iPad MIDI over bluetooth clobber bi-di MIDI?

I don't know that I really need it - I just want it for convenience's sake. It seemed within reach with the tools at hand...
Vaultnaemsae's SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/vaultnaemsae

Elantric

#15
QuoteHow does/why would iPad MIDI over bluetooth clobber bi-di MIDI?

Bi-Directional MIDI on IOS  is rare, and not transparent nor automatic without intervention by  an IOS MIDI Router app -

like  MIDI FLOW
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=15251.msg108873#msg108873
http://www.midiflow.com/

Vaultnaemsae

Interesting, I had set up
The routing with an app called midimittr. It's set to send midi back to the puc+ from the iPad - the puc flashed to indicate it was receiving but the LF+ doesn't respond accordingly.

One other strange thing I noticed is that the tuner which is normally assigned to a latching switch functions only as momentary when connected as I described.

Guess I'll double check my routing.

Thanks again :)
Vaultnaemsae's SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/vaultnaemsae

Elantric

#17
I always rely on a third party MIDI Monitor tool for MIDI data stream debugging / verification.

details here:

MIDI controller Setup / Debug
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2975.0

QuoteInteresting, I had set up
The routing with an app called midimittr. It's set to send midi back to the puc+ from the iPad - the puc flashed to indicate it was receiving but the LF+ doesn't respond accordingly.

i suspect the PUC+'s USB Host port  - i dont have any luck with the USB Host port on my PUC+

My principal use for PUC+ and Quiccosound mi.1 is for remote control of Antares ATG-1 floor processor using an iPad running MIDI Designer - and that setup is just a one way MIDI path from iPad to PUC+ to ATG-1 MIDI input

Only gear I own that supports wireless bi-directional MIDI is Eventide H9 max and Line-6 Firehawk  - both utilize a proprietary built in Bluetooth interface 

admin

#18
Quote"And now that Android 6.0 supports Bluetooth MIDI connections your Android gear can also support your existing MIDI controllers wirelessly with the Jamstix PUC+ "

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Bluetooth-interface-musicians-iPhone/dp/B016PHN7CO?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0



Elantric