Wireless Control
Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) launched in 2010 upping the game for power efficient localised wireless remote control and hopefully seeing off at least some of those unsightly leads. It’s taken a while for compatible peripherals to appear but there are now some pretty tasty options to both retrofit and replace your existing MIDI controllers
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Korg’s MicroKey keyboards add Bluetooth LE support across all four variants (25, 37, 49 and 61 key). Korg’s free app, Bluetooth MIDI Connect for iOS and OS X, helps you keep track of connected devices. Windows 8.1 and 10 users can download Korg’s BLE-MIDI Driver. MicroKey Air needs two AA batteries but also retains USB support, and you’ll find an assignable 1/4-inch foot pedal jack. A doddle to set up and use. www.korg.com/uk VERDICT 10
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NanoKontrol Studio provides Bluetooth LE remote hardware control of DAW transport, fader level, pan, mute, solo and record ready. The channel section has eight strips with fader, pan and four backlit buttons. Meanwhile the transport, stop, play, record, return to zero, marker set and cycle buttons are joined by a shuttle wheel. It is the same size as the NanoKey, and is ready for Logic X/ GarageBand with Korg’s driver. www.korg.com/uk VERDICT 9
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Korg’s latest Nano series controllers have received not only Bluetooth LE support but also a makeover. NanoKey Studio features 25 velocity sensitive keys, eight velocity sensitive trigger pads, a Kaoss style touchpad, and eight assignable knobs. Two AAA batteries will deliver around ten hours connectivity, or you can opt for wired USB buss-powered connection. System requirements are the same as MicroKey Air and, although the keyboard is a bit fiddly, we love the compact, light design. www.korg.com/uk VERDICT 8
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Yamaha’s UD-BT01 is designed for instruments with USB to host MIDI connections. The small device plugs into a USB AC adaptor and connects via a standard USB A to USB B lead to your existing MIDI controller. Range is up to ten metres, with red and green LEDs indicating Bluetooth connection/MIDI activity. Our only gripe here is the need for AC power. www.uk.yamaha.com VERDICT 8
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Yamaha’s MIDI over Bluetooth devices are currently Apple only and supported for iOS 8 and later and OS X Yosemite or later. The MD-BT01 breathes life into devices with traditional 5-pin MIDI ports and connects between the MIDI In/MIDI Out sockets. It comprises a couple of large MIDI plugs joined by a short cable and delivers a range of up to ten metres. Red and green LEDs on the output plug indicate connectivity and MIDI activity respectively. Finally, if your MIDI controller only has MIDI output, you can also simply connect the MD-BT01’s output plug. www.uk.yamaha.com VERDICT 10
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Puc+ is the second generation of this Mac and iOS device and it supports Bluetooth LE. Powered by two AA batteries it can connect to your controller via 5-pin MIDI or micro USB, with two-way connectivity for the latter. Further settings, including the 5-pin MIDI direction, can be configured via their iOS app. Bluetooth connectivity and MIDI activity are indicated on the top via blue and green LEDs respectively. www.mipuc.com VERDICT 9