CME Introduces the H4MIDI WC and U4MIDI WC
High-Performance MIDI Interfaces for Musicians and Producers
H4MIDI WC: Advanced USB Host MIDI Interface
U4MIDI WC: Compact Hybrid MIDI Interface
CME introduces hybrid MIDI Thru box with built-in Bluetooth MIDI
CME Pro, the small-scale innovator and contributing board member of the MIDI Association, is pleased to announce the world’s first hybrid MIDI-thru-box with premium Bluetooth MIDI.
Following the successful launch of its WIDI technology, CME is taking the next step with the introduction of WIDI Thru6 BT as the latest addition to the WIDI family.
WIDI Thru6 BT lets you combine wired and wireless MIDI through this 2-in-6-out MIDI thru/split solution for studio, stage and mobile music making.
Break the barriers between smart devices and MIDI hardware
Powered by the latest Bluetooth 5 technology, the full WIDI range offers wireless MIDI solutions via Bluetooth for all MIDI devices. Both hardware and software. Both controllers and apps.
With its Smart Connectivity Algorithms and Adaptive Frequency Hopping, interference is minimised, performance range maximised (65ft/20m without obstacles) and latency reduced to an absolutely inaudible 3ms measured between 2 WIDI devices.
Moreover, the implemented 32-bit processor is fast, accurate, and efficient, delivering virtually no latency and jitter over wired MIDI.
Connect up to 10 MIDI devices simultaneously
Simply merge and split 2 MIDI inputs to 6 MIDI outputs (through). Sync all your MIDI devices without data errors, without signal loss or drop-out for professional use on stage, in the studio and for mobile setups.
In addition, you can enjoy the convenience of advanced wireless MIDI as developed and designed by CME. This opens up a new world by adding motion controllers, wearables, smart devices and mobile devices to your MIDI setup.
Easily connect any MIDI devices with standard MIDI I/O via MIDI cables. Automatically connect to WIDI devices, standard Bluetooth MIDI controllers like the Xkey Air, and easily connect to iOS, macOS, Android and Windows (10/11).
And with advanced Bluetooth MIDI groups, you can connect up to 10 MIDI devices simultaneously through a single WIDI Thru6BT….
Zenbeats Free Offer for iOS & Android and 1.2 Update
In early April, Roland began offering the full unlocked version of Zenbeats for iOS and Android for free for the time being through the #rolandathome initiative. The giveaway garnered attention from Yahoo Finance, Discchord, KEXP, Trend Hunter, CDBaby Podcast, The Verge, and other outlets.
Whether making a first beat or tracking a full song, Zenbeats’ sounds and on-screen instruments make creation easy for first-timers and experienced musicians alike.
Users can develop an idea on a mobile device, then quickly export it for sharing and collaboration. Zenbeats also includes in-app lessons to sharpen musical skills.
The full mobile version of Zenbeats iOS & Android Unlock V1 includes:
- All bundled instruments, effects, and features
- Unlocked SampleVerse + 500MB content pack
- Unlocked track effects and mixing options
- Up to 2,000 Loops and Presets
- AUv3 support (iOS only)
- Stem Exporting
Bluetooth MIDI Support, MultiVerb, Roland Cloud Integration, New Sound Packs
With the 1.2 update, Zenbeats offers full Bluetooth MIDI integration. Users can utilize any Bluetooth-supported MIDI device, allowing for complete cable-free composing and track building. Zenbeats 1.2 also features Roland Cloud integration, allowing paid Roland Cloud members and Roland Account holders to use instruments—including ZENOLOGY—on macOS and Windows platforms. No purchase is required. Zenbeats MultiVerb, a brand-new effect features multiple halls, rooms, and plate reverb effects.
Zenbeats 1.2 also features MIDI effect routing to record output, MIDI Output support for Android, and Plug & Play functionality with A-88MIKII for Android. Other enhancements include a new fader style for Mixer, gesture scrolling, drum machine optimizations, and plugin browser.
Ultimate owners receive three new sound packs with the 1.2 update: Tone Ringer‘s electric pianos, the atmospheric sounds of Ambient Dreamscaper 2, and Indie Drums.
ABOUT ZENBEATS
Roland Zenbeats is a music creation app designed to keep users in an effortless artistic flow. Get started on any device or platform. With its collection of both modern and legendary sounds, Zenbeats brings Roland’s history of innovation into a dynamic, accessible environment.
LEARN THE PIANO WITH YAMAHA AND FLOWKEY
The best new way to learn piano. Learning with flowkey is easy and fun. Practice notes and chords interactively and receive instant feedback.
The idea behind flowkey is simple: “learn piano with songs you love.” And the flowkey app makes it easy to learn your favorite songs, whether your level is that of a Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Pro piano player!
Discover fascinating piano arrangements tailored to your level. Get started today and play your first song within minutes.
Click on the links below to see the Yamaha keyboards that qualify in your area.
flowkey Premium access – Yamaha – United States
Enter some description here…
Yamaha Cooperation | flowkey
As a new Yamaha customer you’ll get three months flowkey Premium for free. Play over 1000 premium-songs from classical to pop music.
CME Introduces WIDI: New milestone in Bluetooth MIDI
Introducing WIDI Master
CME has been the wireless MIDI expert since 2005. Our WIDI (Wireless MIDI) technology already serves thousands of professional musicians worldwide. After CME launched the Xkey Air (2015) and the WIDI BUD (2016) there has been ongoing conversations about advanced MIDI connectivity over Bluetooth. Following that CME present today the wireless MIDI over Bluetooth adapter: WIDI Master
CME has been the wireless MIDI expert since 2005. Our WIDI (Wireless MIDI) technology already serves thousands of professional musicians worldwide. After CME launched the Xkey Air (2015) and the WIDI BUD (2016) there has been ongoing conversations about advanced MIDI connectivity over Bluetooth. Following that CME present today the wireless MIDI over Bluetooth adapter: WIDI Master
With WIDI Master you can connect all your MIDI devices point-to-point wirelessly. No matter if they are master or slave. For instance, you can connect two standalone MIDI hardware devices. Also you can pair your Bluetooth MIDI controller with any standalone MIDI instrument.
What can you do with MIDI over Bluetooth?
MIDI to MIDI
Connect two standalone MIDI hardware devices with two (2) WIDI Masters.
Bluetooth (BLE) to MIDI
Pair your bluetooth MIDI controller with any standalone MIDI hardware device using one (1) WIDI Master.
MacOS/iOS BLE to MIDI
Play your standalone MIDI hardware (switch WIDI Master to slave mode) and pair it with your iOS device or Mac (For Windows and Android we suggest to use with our WIDI BUD)
What makes WIDI Master the most advanced wireless MIDI solution in the market?
Automatic pairing!
WIDI Master automatically pairs with any Bluetooth MIDI device. No more manual scanning and pairing of your Bluetooth devices.
Ultra low latency!
WIDI Master reduces latency by directly embedding the BLE MIDI protocol in its firmware. Bypass your computer and benefit from fast wireless MIDI connectivity.
Secure connection!
WIDI Master delivers the most reliable wireless MIDI connection with our customised antenna design and automatic panic mode.
No external power!
WIDI Master is a fully standalone wireless solution. There is no need for an external power source or battery.
Trusted technology!
WIDI Master is the successor of Xkey Air and WIDI BUD. Our wireless MIDI technology is already trusted by thousands of professional musicians worldwide.
With WIDI Master we reduce latency by directly embedding the BLE MIDI protocol in the firmware of the device. You can bypass your computer and use wireless MIDI with low latency.
CME Blog
What about the specs?
- Wireless technology: Bluetooth (ver. 5), MIDI over Bluetooth Low Energy-Compliant
- Connectors: 1x MIDI IN (5pin-DIN), 1x MIDI OUT (5pin-DIN)
- Compatible devices: WIDI Master, WIDI BUD, Bluetooth MIDI controllers, iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, Mac with Bluetooth 4.0 installed
- Compatible OS: iOS 8 or later, OSX Yosemite or later
- Firmware update: On the air by using WIDI PLUS software (iOS/ MacOSX)
- Important: specification, designs and pricing are subject to change!
When will WIDI Master be available?
During our preorder phase we sold over 2,500 WIDI Masters in about 21 days. Besides this, we are currently testing Prototype III (April. 2020). We expect to deliver the first batch by the end of May 2020.
Next steps will be introducing other members of the WIDI family, such as the HUB4 and UHOST and develop. those items further with our community. Also, we will start putting our distribution and retail network in place.
Furthermore, we are connecting with industry partners to embed our technology in future product lines. Are you interested? Do not hesitate to contact CME through info(at)cme-pro.com
Reclouder-Hardware, Mobile App and Cloud Service
Reclouder- personal hybrid recorder
MMA member CME based in Singapore was at Music China in October, 2019 and their new concept called Reclouder received an award as “Most Innovative Newcomer”.
Reclouder is a unique idea and actually more than just another hardware product. It’s actually a totally unique approach to solving recording for all creators including musicians, bands, DJs, and videographers.
What reclouder is
Reclouder has three main components.
Features
Reclouder hardware
Mobile App
Cloud Service
What reclouder isn’t
With anything really unique and new, it is often necessary to explain what it is not.
CME listed these things on their Blog. But we have added some commentary of our own after looking at a lot of different information.
- Reclouder is not a scam
CME has released many innovative products in the past and has a reputation for being innovative. Their company moto is Always One Step Ahead. They were one of the first companies to release a Bluetooth MIDI keyboard the Xkey Air.
- Reclouder is not a toy
The hardware product well designed with professional quality combo connectors and mic pre-amp .
- Reclouder is not an audio over Bluetooth recorder
Audio is recorded internally to a Smart Card or if WIFI available via WIFI
- Reclouder is not a content grabber that steals your copyrights
You control who has access to your Cloud files
- Reclouder is not a replacement for a (live) mixing console
- Reclouder is not comparable with recording on your mobile phone
- Reclouder is not an audio interface
- Reclouder is not replacing the sound engineer
Actually all of the above questions can have one simple answer.
You have one dedicated combo input that can record mono (mic) and stereo (line). We’ve added a combo mic/line lossless audio thru option, especially useful for recording live music with a PA mixer. As you might have noticed there is no instrument input. We designed Reclouder as a microphone thru box. For guitar and bass players this means you either connect your pedalboard or your amp output on stage. This will keep your live recordings close to the original live sound your audience is experiencing.Enter your quote here…
by Reclouder
So what does this have to do with MIDI?
One of the new technologies in the Reclouder is an innovative Bluetooth Mesh network to send synchronous recording MIDI commands from its mobile app to multiple Reclouders. This is the first time in the world MIDI is implemented in a Bluetooth Mesh Network, allowing you to control an unlimited amount of Reclouders via MIDI control messages simultaneously. This provides an easy to operate solution for decentralised multitrack recording.
For more information, go to the Reclouder Indiegogo page.
Reclouder: Smart audio recording | Indiegogo
The fastest and easiest way to capture, store and sync high-quality audio recordings with one | Check out ‘Reclouder: Smart audio recording’ on Indiegogo.
PlantWave uses wireless Bluetooth MIDI to let plants sing
Data Garden, the people behind MIDISprout release new kickstarter campaign
Data Garden was started by Joe Patitucci and Alex Tyson in 2011 to explore the connection between plants, music and technology. In 2012, Data Garden was invited to produce a piece at The Philadelphia Museum of Art. They launched a Kickstarter in 2014 and by 2016 they had released their first product, MIDISprout, a MIDI instrument that translates plant biorhythms into MIDI to control audio and video synthesizers in real time.
Data Garden worked with engineer and developer, Sam Cusumano, who created a system that translated micro fluctuations in conductivity on the surface of a leaf into MIDI that could control hardware and software synthesizers. This MIDI data was then translated into harmonious music through Joe Patitucci’s algorithmic composition and sound design. The result was Data Garden Quartet, a plant music performance with four tropical plants playing music in harmony.
by Data Garden
We covered this topic in an article from 2017 – Music, Plants, MIDI and the founder of the CIA Polygraph Unit!
Music, Plants, MIDI and the founder of the CIA Polygraph Unit!
MIDI gets used for so many different things and one interesting MIDI application is plant music. The story of MIDI and plants starts quite naturally with the CIA.
Plant Wave Features
PlantWave will allow you to wirelessly connect from your plant to your phone, making it easier than ever to listen to nature’s song. With WIFI, Bluetooth and USB connectivity all a part of this device, we’re clearing new paths to your plant music listening experience. With a built-in LI battery, your PlantWave will help you recharge with hours of listening enjoyment!
by Data Garden
Hardware
- Bluetooth streaming via Bluetooth Low Energy / BLE MIDI
- WIFI connectivity for firmware updates
- USB for power and for MIDI transmission to computers and/or pro audio equipment
- Built-in rechargeable LI Battery
- Low Power Mode
- Durable enclosure made of renewable / recycled materials
- Sustainable manufacturing practices
Software Standard
- Apps for iOS and Android
- Library of Sound Sets (groups of instruments to be played by the plant)
- Record Audio
- Record + Share video
- Standard data visualization (graphs, etc)
- Change MIDI channel on firmware for customized use with pro audio equipment
Software Advanced
- Customizable sounds
- Instruments
- Effects
- Key/Scale
- 440hz / 432hz / 528hz, etc
- Record MIDI
- MIDI Thru
Software Pro
- Build sound sets with multiple instruments
- Multi Mode (route up to 4 PlantWaves!)
- Auto key detection
- PlantWave Plant Music Device
- Electrode leads
- 3 pairs of sticky pads for leaves
- Duck beak clips for smaller plants
- Micro USB cable for charging / data transmission
- Free iOS / Android App
GenkI Instruments Wave Ring is Now Shipping
Genki Instruments announced that they were shipping Wave, the ring that lets you control sound with motion. With three easy-to-use buttons, Wave allows musicians to easily change sounds, parameters and effects using gestures. Since being funded on Indiegogo, many well known musicians have used the Genki Wave on stage and in the studio.
Bergur Þórisson used the Wave on the Björk’s Utopia Tour in 2018.
“Wave adds a new dimension to musical creativity. It took me a while to realize that the best thing about Wave is not only that it can replace some of the tools you already have to control stuff when you are making music, but that it can make you control stuff in a completely different way, therefore making decisions that you would have never made without it. It’s a cool tool for all creatives and I can definitely recommend adding it to your workflow, whether you use it to replace your old techniques or invent new ones.”
by Bergur Þórisson
Richard Devine, electronic musician, producer and sound designer also uses Wave along with Wavefront, the Eurorack receiver also developed by Genki Instruments.
Wave has 6 functions you can use individually or mixed together to control your sounds.
Four different motions allow you to control any parameter in a new way. By tapping any surface you can trigger notes or samples. Easily accessible buttons on the ring allow you to cycle between presets, send commands and simply pause Wave so you can move your hands freely without changing anything.
You can easily customize each function to suit your setup. You can for example customize
- Movement range
- Sensitivity of taps (how hard you need to hit the surface)
- CC values of output
- Which note values are sent out by taps and button clicks
- And more…
It’s compatible with:
Hardware
A computer with built in bluetooth 4.0+
Mac OSX 10.10+
Windows 10 v.1809
iOS 8+
Android 6+
Software
All DAWs that can map MIDI
All iOS Applications that can map MIDI
All Android applications that can map MIDI
You can find more information on the Genki website.
ROLI BLOCKS-Modular Wireless MIDI Touch System
BLOCKS is a modular music making system made up of 5 components
Seaboard Block Super Powered Keyboard
- Multi-award-winning Seaboard interface
- 5D Touch technology
- 24 keywave, two-octave playing surface
- Hundreds of free sounds
- Suite of music making software for desktop and mobile
- Wireless and portable for making music on the go
- Connects to other Blocks
Lightpad Block Expressive Musical Touchpad
- Touch responsive soft silicon playing surface
- LED illumination reconfigures Lightpad M for different notes and scales
- Adaptable surface can become a drum pad, fader bank, effects launcher and more
- Hundreds of free sounds
- Suite of music making software for desktop and mobile
- Wireless and portable for making music on the go
- Connects to other Blocks
Perform with the Live Block
The Live Block is for performance. The buttons let you switch scales and octaves, trigger chords and arpeggios, and sustain notes in real time.
Touch Block-Add Expression Faster
Touch Block helps you adjust the expressive behavior of your Seaboard Block and Lightpad Block. Turn up or turn down the responsiveness of the surface to the Strike, Glide, Slide, Press, and Lift dimensions of touch. Maximize the depth of expression available through pressure, or minimize the pitch-bend effect of sideways movements. Customize your control of any sound in real time and on the fly.
Loop Block-Produce Faster
Loop Block helps you produce a track faster. Record loops and play them back. Set your tempo, and quantize your loops so they’re always in time.
ROLI Dashboard
Customize BLOCKS and the Seaboard RISE for your workflow
Blocks become open-ended MIDI control surfaces through ROLI Dashboard. Customize the LED-illuminated Lightpad Block by loading different apps, including a note grid, a bank of faders and more. Use Control Blocks as CC controllers for your favorite DAW.
IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O
MIDI Controller/Audio Interface for mobile musician
The iRIg Keys I/O comes in two version a a 25-key MIDI controller version and a 49-key MIDI controller version. Both feature built-in audio interfaces with 24-bit/96kHz sound quality, a Neutrik combo input, and phantom power and eight touch-sensitive RGB LED backlit drum pads.
iRIG I/O 25
iRIG I/O 49
Complete suite of music production software included
The iRig Keys I/O 25 comes with all the software you need to start creating music. Ableton Live Lite is the perfect DAW to get started with and IK Multimedia adds RackS Deluxe with 10 i mixing and mastering tools and SampleTank 3 with 4,000 rinstruments, 2,500 rhythm loops, and 2,000 MIDI files. If you are mobile musician, SampleTank iOS for iPad and iPhone is a full-featured mobile sound and groove production studio.
Ableton Live lite
Sample Tank 3
T-RackS Deluxe
IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49 Features:
- MIDI controller with 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys
- 8 touch-sensitive RGB LED backlit drum pads for beat creation
- Touch-sensitive sliders and buttons plus touch-sensitive rotary controllers for controlling soft synths and other apps
- Built-in USB audio interface features excellent 24-bit/96kHz sound quality
- Neutrik combo input with phantom power handles nearly any microphone or instrument
- Stereo line output and headphone jack provides ample monitoring options
- Mac/PC/iOS compatible (MFi certified, lightning cable included)
- Powered via USB (Mac/PC), batteries (iOS), or optional power supply (sold separately)
- Includes full versions of T-RackS Deluxe, SampleTank 3, Miroslav Philharmonik 2 CE, Ableton Live Lite, and SampleTank iOS for iPad and iPhone
- iOS stand is included
IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard
Bluetooth LE MIDI Pedalboard for controlling iOS and Mac apps
The IK Multimedia Blue Board uses the new BTLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) MIDI specification so you can control your music apps wirelessly with your feet!
If you’re using iOS apps such as IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube, you can now send control messages to them for up to 32.8 feet via Bluetooth MIDI connection.
There are two expansion TRS jacks for expression pedals to give you more control over your sound.
IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard Features:
- Wireless Bluetooth technology that functions up to 10 meters (32.8 feet)
- 4 backlit control pads with additional LEDs that light when the pad is active
- 2 expansion 1/4″ TRS jacks for additional expression pedals
- Compatible with Mac and iOS devices
- Powered by 4 standard AAA batteries
- Small enough to fit in a laptop bag
Roland Brings Wireless MIDI to Digital Wind Instruments!
As one of the inventors the Musical Instrument Digital Interface, Roland has continued to push the boundaries of the now 36-year old protocol(!) by continuously developing MIDI-based applications which bring totally new creative opportunities to musicians. One such application is the Roland AE-05 Aerophone GO, a unique digital wind instrument which uses MIDI (and Audio) over Bluetooth to dramatically expand the playing experience.
Connecting to a compatible iOS or Android mobile device using Bluetooth allows the Aerophone GO to interact with a range of apps including Roland’s own Aerophone GO Plus and Aerophone GO Ensemble.
With Aerophone GO Plus, a player gains 50 new sounds triggered by MIDI over Bluetooth and can jam along to their favorite songs from their smartphone. In addition to an integrated metronome, the app also allows for customizing the connected Aerophone to suit the player’s technique, with all changes being communicated by MIDI over Bluetooth.
A second app, Aerophone GO Ensemble, connects up to 7 players with a single mobile device for group performance using a common bank of sounds, all facilitated by MIDI over Bluetooth. Whether the application is a lesson with teacher, a duo performance, or a complete ensemble, MIDI over Bluetooth supports a unique wireless playing experience that would have been difficult to imagine 30+ years ago!
Not only the volume but also the sound itself is dynamically affected by the force with which you blow into the mouthpiece and the strength with which you bite it, providing a natural and richly expressive sound.
by Roland
The Aerophone has tons of internal sounds and built-in speakers, but it is also a great MIDI controller. Here are some of the parameters you can control on the Aerophone AE-10. The Bite Sensor can control pitch and vibrato. The strength of your breath effects not only volume, but other parts of the sounds
Roland – Aerophone GO | Digital Wind Instrument
Aerophone GO: Digital Wind Instrument – Explore the Inspirational World of Wind Instruments
MIDIWrist turns your Apple Watch (and soon Siri) into a MIDI Controller
Geert Bevins’ watch app lets you wear your MIDI controller on your wrist
Geert Bevin (who was one of the main people who developed MIDI Polyphonic Expression) recently released MIDIWrist. MIDIWrist truns your Apple Watch intoa MIDI controller.
Here is a pre-release demo using the Moog Model D iPhone app (Geert does a lot of work for Moog).
The Apple Watch has some real advantages as a MIDI controller because it provides haptic feedback (the use of touch to communicate with users).
MidiWrist turns your Apple Watch into a wireless MIDI controller.
The tactile feel of the digital crown combined with haptic feedback, gives you control over any MIDI synthesizer by touching your wrist, even when you’re not looking.
MidiWrist makes no sound on its own and requires an Apple Watch to function.
Any CoreMIDI application or device can be controlled by MidiWrist. This includes Virtual MIDI, Network MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI
and Physical MIDI Devices through a supported MIDI hardware interface.Features:
• Four knobs can be controlled with the digital crown
• Macro control over multiple synth parameters from the Digital Crown
• Remotely Play / Stop / Record / Rewind your DAW from your Watch
• Knobs can be controlled individually or simultaneously
• Knobs can be linked to
preserve their offsets• Four buttons can be toggled by tapping the Watch
• Buttons can either be stateful or momentary
• Program changes through the digital crown or by tapping the Watch
• Transport control over MIDI Machine Control (MMC) or Mackie Control Universal (MCU)
• Scrub transport with the digital crown
• Save / Undo / Toggle Cycle / Toggle Click through MCU
• XY pad with individual messages for each axis
• Optional haptic feedback for all Watch interactions
• Optional value display on the Watch
• Configurable colors for all knobs and buttons
• Configurable labels for knobs and buttons
• Configurable MIDI channels and CC numbers
• Hide the Watch pages that aren’t needed
• Save your configurations to preset for easy retrieval
• MIDI learn for easy controller configuration
• MIDI input to sync the state of the controllers with the controlled synths
• Advertise as a Bluetooth MIDI device
• Connect to other Bluetooth MIDI devices
• Monitor the last MIDI values on the iPhone
• Low latency and fast response
2
by Geert Bevin
SIRI voice control coming soon
Soon MIDIWrist will allow you to control SIRI bringing voice command control of MIDI to your DAW. We always find it amazing how MIDI adopts to the newest technologies to always stay relevent.
MIDIWrist Screenshots
MidiWrist on the App Store
Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about MidiWrist. Download MidiWrist and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.