Order WIDI Jack Today!
March 17, 2021
Welcome on the support page of WIDI by CME. This is the page where you can find useful information about Bluetooth MIDI and WIDI devices. You can scroll down and learn more about Wireless MIDI (WIDI). What can you do here?
Basically MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a digital system and protocol that allows electronic musical instruments to exchange musical information in real time.
In order to establish MIDI communication, every device must conform to the MIDI protocol. This means it got to implement the protocol to allow MIDI to be translated and the connectors to allow the device to be connected via MIDI.
In order to communicate between MIDI devices, you can connect the devices via the MIDI ports. For example, MIDI OUT makes it possible to route commands from a keyboard to another synthesizer or other MIDI device, which receives it at MIDI IN.
Bluetooth MIDI is in essence Wireless MIDI via Bluetooth. Today many manufacturers implement wireless MIDI. With today’s Bluetooth technology it is possible to transmit MIDI without wires.
With a simple adapter or interface attached to your MIDI port(s), you can connect mobile devices, computers and MIDI hardware to communicate wirelessly.
Bluetooth MIDI is not the same as audio over Bluetooth as you might know it from your headphones or Bluetooth speakers.
Since the MIDI protocol is not demanding itself, it can transfer via Bluetooth without audible latency.
WIDI is the Bluetooth MIDI technology by CME. As the name suggests it stands for Wireless MIDI.
Our mission is to allow all MIDI enthusiasts to benefit from Bluetooth MIDI as a universal solution for wireless MIDI.
Our goal is to deliver BLE MIDI products that are fully compatible with all operating systems, any Bluetooth MIDI device and all other MIDI devices.
CME stands for Creative Music Engineering fuelled by the Community of MIDI Enthusiasts.
Our motto is: Always. One Step. Ahead.
We develop products based on actual demand by implementing 100% community-driven solutions.
We want to inspire and empower artists and add value with technology to today’s community of creators.
As a small-scale incubator it is our mission to allow the entire Community of MIDI Enthusiasts to benefit from Bluetooth MIDI as a universal solution for wireless MIDI.
Interested to learn more about our 15 years of experience with Wireless MIDI solutions? Just go here and learn more.
There are thousands of products that use MIDI on the market. Both new and second-hand. Basically WIDI offers three types of solutions at this stage:
It is strongly recommended to read this full blog about the first three WIDI devices and learn more about the possibilities of Bluetooth MIDI for your specific MIDI setup.
You will need 1x WIDI device to pair with your Bluetooth MIDI equipped device like your MacOS, iOS, and standard Bluetooth MIDI controllers.
You will need 2x WIDI device to connect two MIDI devices. Without computers. Without cables.
You can add up to 5x WIDI devices in one Bluetooth MIDI group with the improved app v1.2.XX (or higher) and firmware (v0098 and higher) .Please note that WIDI devices pair automatically with other WIDI devices. This means that if you have multiple BLE MIDI devices in your environment, this automatic pairing can lead to some confusion.Please take this rule of thumb for a better understanding.If you have 1x WIDI device you pair it manually with your operating system like iOS or MacOS. It will pair automatically with standard BLE MIDI controllers and similar.If you have 2x WIDI devices, they will pair instantly to each other due to automatic pairing and role automation, they just plug and play.When you own 3 or more WIDI devices or BLE MIDI devices, you need to understand that automatic pairing can become a bit confusing. You are entering the world of advanced wireless connectivity.Please note that you can power up one-by-one to ensure the right setting. Please note this includes other BLE MIDI devices as well.If you have 2 WIDI devices and cannot pair with iOS, this in most cases caused by the fact the WIDI devices paired automatically to each other instantly. This will not allow you to pair it manually with your other BLE MIDI device.The solution is to set default pairs and dig into group connectivity, central, peripherals and educate yourself. A world of advanced virtual cable management will open up.
It is our mission 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 like your vintage synths and even without computers, WIDI is also for you.
As your WIDI device can connect with Bluetooth MIDI devices in the widest form, you have to distinguish wireless devices, Bluetooth devices and operating systems when talking about compatibility.
Let’s start with the compatible wireless devices. Your WIDI is compatible with any WIDI device such as WIDI Master, WIDI Jack, WIDI Uhost (Q1-2021), WIDI Hub4 (Q3-2021) , WIDI Ped3 (Q4-2021) and WIDI BUD (2016).
Also it will pair with standard Bluetooth MIDI controllers like the Xkey Air (2015), Mac, iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch with at least Bluetooth 4.0 or later.
When looking at compatible operating systems that implement Bluetooth by default, just make sure you are using iOS 8 or later, OSX Yosemite or later, Android 8 or later or Windows 10 v1909 or later. And that Bluetooth 4.0 or higher is active.
Yes, WIDI does work with Windows and Android. That said with those operating systems it depends on the music application or software you are running if the Bluetooth MIDI functionality is implemented.
MIDIBerry released a dedicated bi-directional bridge for WIDI usage in Windows. It works with all WIDI devices as they all carry similar firmware. And it is named MIDIBerry-IO for WIDI Master.
This is different to iOS and MacOS where Bluetooth MIDI is part of the operating system as a standard. When looking at Apple’s operating systems, you need to manually pair your WIDI device. It is strongly recommended to use a MIDI bridge app for such as MIDIMTTR.
You can simply locate the instructions videos on this page that will allow you to make the connection step-by-step.
With our latest firmware (v0098 or higher) and improved app (v1.2.XX or higher) you can optimise the performance of your WIDI devices adjusted to your specific use case.
You can set personal preferences: optimise for low latency performance or low jitter performance.
During our tests we measured a latency performance as low as 3ms between two WIDI devices using BLE5 technology.
Generally speaking, 3ms is inaudible and is a better performance compared to the internal latency of many MIDI setups.
Then again, latency is a personal perception. It is entirely up to you to decide if this is suitable for you and your MIDI use case.
Read this dedicated blog to learn more about latency and Bluetooth MIDI
When you ordered through our webshop you shipment will be sent to any place in the world. During the order process you can select which courier and delivery time suit your needs. In most cases you would have three options.Your order will be shipped out from Hong Kong and can be transferred to another courier to deliver locally. Please note a few things that are of high importance to fully understand the shipping process.
Read this blog to learn more!
When you encounter challenges when starting to work with WIDI and Bluetooth MIDI, please note we are here to help.
Our aim is to find a solution for you within 24 hours. To do this, please note some simple tips & tricks for the fastest solution.
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. It is fairly easy to pair 2x WIDI devices. Just power up and go. Everything is automated for your convenience.
That said, pairing with operating systems like iOS, MacOS, Win10 and Android, requests more dedication and understanding.This is specific to your operating system. To bypass this you go-to solution is WIDI Uhost!
If you have multiple WIDI devices and want to pair with your mobile device or computer, please note that due to automatic pairing, your WIDI devices will pair instantly to each other.
That is why you are unable to locate them on your BLE MIDI device. The solution is to power up your WIDI device one-by-one to allow them to pair manually with your device.
Next, you can use the WIDI App to create groups and manage connections virtually and save those settings in the memory of your WIDI devices.
Next time you boot them, those settings will be your default settings.
Also, when talking about Bluetooth MIDI, we talk about central and peripherals.
All WIDI devices automatically switch between the central role and the peripheral role. Plus they allow bi-directional (duplex) communication between them.
So, again, when pairing two devices, you will not really notice this. They just pair and go both ways.
When working with for instance iOS or MacOS, you need to understand that this device will automatically become your central.
You need to always ensure that your WIDI device is setup properly when working with other BLE MIDI equipped devices.
What can you do more?
What if this did not help?
WIDI Master/Jack firmware v0104: fixed compatibility with Roland AX-edge, HP-704, FP-30, AirTurn BT200. Support device with or without MIDI Running Status.
WIDI Master/Jack firmware v0101: Group connectivity, renaming, timestamp, long SysEx, Tx power, jitter optimisation, latency optimisation, BLE role setting. Learn more here!
WIDI Master firmware v0046: optimised latency, fixed 18 Bytes SysEx and Win10 connection issue (tested on Win10 1909 18363.1049 & 1903 18362.1016)
WIDI Master firmware v0044: fixed compatibility with Yamaha MD-BT01
How to select your video from the playlist (playlist is below):
Click on the playlist icon
Scroll and select Use case
“How-To” Playlists for WIDI Master & WIDI Jack (Contains Multiple Videos):
How To Set Up Your WIDI device(s):
1. Plug the 2.5mm mini jack connector of WIDI Master’s sub adapter into the mini jack socket of the main adapter.
2. Plug WIDI Master’s main adapter into the MIDI OUT DIN connector of the MIDI device, and plug the sub adapter into the MIDI IN DIN connector.
Note: If the MIDI device only has a MIDI OUT DIN connector, there is no need to connect the mini jack connector and sub adapter.
Note: If the MIDI OUT DIN connector of the MIDI device is not able to provide 3.3v~5v power, please check out WIDI Jack and utilise the external power option via USB-C.
Or check out the (DIY) solutions as stated below in this section.
WIDI Master
1. Turn the power on of both MIDI devices equipped with your WIDI devices.
2. The two WIDI devices will pair automatically, and the blue LED will change from slow flashing to constant light (when there is MIDI data sending, the LED light will flash dynamically).
WIDI Jack
1. Turn the power on both MIDI devices equipped with WIDI Jack.
2. The two WIDI Jacks will be connected automatically, and the blue LED will change from slow flashing to constant light (when MIDI data is transmitting, the LED will flash accordingly).
1. Turn on both the MIDI devices plugged with WIDI Master or WIDI Jack as well as the Bluetooth MIDI devices.
2. Your WIDI device will automatically pair with the Bluetooth MIDI device, and the blue LED will change from slow flashing to constant light (when there is MIDI data sending, the LED light will flash dynamically).
Note: If WIDI Master or WIDI Jack cannot automatically pair with another Bluetooth MIDI device, it may be caused by a compatibility issue. In that case please contact CME for technical support via the form at the end of this page.
1. Turn on the power of the MIDI device with the WIDI Master or WIDI Jack plugged in, and confirm that the blue LED flashes slowly.
2. Click the [Apple icon] on the upper left corner of the screen, click the [System Preferences] menu, click the [Bluetooth icon], and click [Turn Bluetooth On], then exit the Bluetooth settings window.
3. Click the [Go] menu at the top of the screen, click [Utilities], and click the [Audio MIDI Setup]
Note: If you don’t see the MIDI Studio window, click the [Window] menu at the top of the screen and click [Show MIDI Studio].
4. Click the [Bluetooth icon] at the upper right of the MIDI studio window, find the WIDI Master that appears under the device name list, and click [Connect].
The WIDI Master or WIDI Master its Bluetooth icon will appear in the MIDI studio window, indicating successful connection. You can exit all setting windows then.
1. Turn on the power of the MIDI device with the WIDI Master or WIDI Jack plugged in, and confirm that the blue LED flashes slowly.
2. Click the [Settings] icon to open the settings page, click [Bluetooth] to enter the Bluetooth setting page, and slide the Bluetooth switch to turn on the Bluetooth functionality.
3. Go to the Apple AppStore to search and download the free application [midimittr].
4. Open the midimittr App, click the [Device] menu at the bottom right of the screen, find the WIDI device that appears under the list, click [Not Connected], and click [Pair] on the Bluetooth pairing request pop-up window, the status of WIDI Master or WIDI Jack in the list will be updated to [Connected], indicating that the connection is successful. Then you can press the Home button of the iOS device to minimize midimittr and keep it running in the background.
5. Open the music app that can accept external MIDI input, and select WIDI Master or WIDI Jack as the MIDI input device on the settings page, you can start using it.
Note: Bluetooth MIDI on iOS can cause issues when working on iOS14.2. Please ensure you upgrade to iOS14.3. Also, Bluetooth MIDI can cause cache issues on iOS.
Follow these simple steps to reset the Bluetooth cache on iOS.
Forget Bluetooth Accessory
1. Launch Settings and head over to Bluetooth.
2. On the right side of the Bluetooth device, 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
First, the music software must integrate Microsoft’s latest UWP API to use the Bluetooth class compliant MIDI driver that comes with Windows 10.
Most music software has not yet integrated this API for various reasons. LoopMIDI plus MIDIberry are one of the alternative solutions for MIDI transmission between the Windows 10 Bluetooth MIDI driver and music software.
This approach adds a small amount of latency and some limitations, but it can be used to meet basic connection requirements.
1. Open the web browser, search for LoopMIDI and MIDIberry software, download and install these two software.
LoopMIDI
MIDIberry
2. Open the LoopMIDI software, and enter the name of the virtual MIDI input port you want to create in the New port name cell, such as WM1. Click the plus sign to create the virtual port.
Note: that LoopMIDI must be kept running at all times, and the window can be minimized, but do not close the software.
3. Turn on the power of the MIDI device plugged with WIDI Master or WIDI Jack, and confirm that the blue LED light flashes slowly.
4. Click the window icon in the lower left corner of Windows, select Settings to open the settings window.
Click the Device option to open the Bluetooth settings window.
Click Bluetooth Switch to set Bluetooth to “on” state.
Click the plus sign icon to open the Add Bluetooth Device window.
Click the Bluetooth icon, and the WIDI Master or WIDI Jack name will appear in the device list at the bottom of the Add Device window.
Click the WIDI Master (or WIDI Jack) name, and then click the Connect button that appears below, WIDI Master will be paired with Windows 10, and the “paired” status will be displayed after success.
At this time, you can click the Completed button to close the window.
5. Open the MIDIberry software, select WIDI Master (or WIDI Jack) in the Input list, and select the virtual MIDI port WM1 in the Output list.
6. Open the music software and select WM1 virtual port on the MIDI input device setting page. At this time, your MIDI control messages will be transmitted to MIDIberry from WIDI Master, and then transmitted to the music software through the virtual MIDI port of WM1.
Note: this free workaround can only provide one-way MIDI transmission. If you need to return MIDI messages from the music software to the MIDI hardware at the same time, you need to purchase the paid version of MIDIberry.
ike with Windows, the Android Music App must integrate the universal Bluetooth MIDI driver of Android’s OS to communicate with the Bluetooth MIDI device directly.
Most music apps haven’t integrated this functionality for various reasons. Therefore, you need to use specific apps dedicated to connecting Bluetooth MIDI devices as a bridge.
1. Turn on the power of the MIDI device with the WIDI Master or WIDI Jack plugged in, and confirm that the blue LED flashes slowly.
2. Turn on the Bluetooth function of the Android device.
3. Go to the PlayStore to search and download the free application [MIDI BLE Connect].
4. Open the MIDI BLE Connect App, click [Bluetooth Scan], find the WIDI Master that appears in the list, and click [WIDI Master], it will show that the connection is created successfully.
At the same time, the Android system will send a Bluetooth pairing request notification.
Please click on the notification and accept the pairing request.
After this you can press the Home button on the Android device to minimize the MIDI BLE Connect App and keep it running in the background.
5. Open the music app that accepts an external MIDI input, and select WIDI Master (or WIDI Jack) as the MIDI input device on the settings page, then you can start using it.
With the firmware (v0098 or higher) and WIDI app (v1.2.XX and higher, you can create groups consisting out of max. 5 WIDI devices.
In this group you keep one WIDI device in the auto role to become the central. Besides this you can add up to 4 peripherals by forcing them into “peripheral role”.
As communication is duplex, like two ways or bi-directional, you actually create a MIDI Thru or MIDI Merge functionality.
In short. this means that with this firmware (v0098 and up), you can bypass MIDI interfaces, MIDI merge boxes and MIDI Thru boxes. You now can create the following wirelessly:
1-to-4 MIDI Thru – Group of max. 5 WIDI devices
4-to-1 MIDI Merge – Group of max. 5 WIDI devices
Visit this blog to learn more about this group connectivity.
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.
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). 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.
Our first WIDI family member is WIDI Master. It is your 5-PIN MIDI DIN Bluetooth MIDI adapter. WIDI Master will need power from the MIDI device you connect it with to fully operate as a standalone Bluetooth MIDI adapter.
The standard MIDI OUT or THRU port delivers 3.3v or 5v through the 5-pin DIN MIDI socket. It is a standard as as suggested by the international MIDI Manufacturers Association.
When your WIDI Master does not power, and does not show the blue led indicator, there are a couple of things you can do.
Option 1: Check out the open source compatibility list as created by the WIDI community
Option 2: Create your own DIY power solution
Front Side View DIN Connectors – Click Image To Enlarge
Click image to enlarge
Option 3: Ground your WIDI Master
When WIDI Master is not getting power from the instrument, it is usually a problem of missing ground on the instrument side. The midi specification mentions ground should be connected to midi out din pin 2 but it is not mandatory.
What you can try is to add a wire between the WIDI Master DIN shield (in or out) and the instrument ground. If your instrument has a metal case it should be connected to its ground, so you can use a screw to connect the wire.
Option 4: Get yourself WIDI Jack + 5-PIN DIN cable option
If your WIDI Master is not powered by the MIDI device you attach it to, please go to the WIDI Jack page and order WIDI Jack + 5-PIN DIN bundle. Add an external power supply via USB-C (this is NOT a MIDI USB port).
Option 5: Reach out to us
If you think you need our support. Simply go to the support form at the bottom of this page and reach out to us. We are happy to help and aim to answer your request within 24 hours.
The device is in test mode, please use WIDI iOS or Android App to re-activate device.
Blue LED flashes slowly: The device boots normally, waiting for the connection.
Blue LED constant: The device has connected successfully.
Blue LED flashes quickly: The device is connected and is receiving or sending MIDI messages.
Light Blue (turquoise) LED: The device is set to the central role by default.
Green LED: The device is in firmware upgrader mode, please use WIDI iOS or Android App to upgrade the firmware.
Red LED: The device is in test mode, please use WIDI iOS or Android App to re-activate device.
Blue LED flashes between dark and light alternately: The device is set to the central and peripheral auto role, waiting for the connection (firmware v0077 or higher)
Blue LED flashes slowly: The device boots normally, waiting for the connection.
Blue LED constant: The device has connected successfully.
Blue LED flashes quickly: The device is connected and is receiving or sending MIDI messages.
Light Blue (turquoise) LED: The device is set to the central role by default.
Green LED: The device is in firmware upgrader mode, please use WIDI iOS or Android App to upgrade the firmware.
Red LED: The device is in test mode, please use WIDI iOS or Android App to re-activate device.
Blue LED flashes between dark and light alternately: The device is set to the central and peripheral auto role, waiting for the connection (firmware v0077 or higher)
As WIDI devices pair automatically, it is likely that they’ve paired to each other instead of with your BLE MIDI device.
Please check if your WIDI indicator led lights up blue consistently. Normally in this situation, your WIDI device already – automatically – connected to another unit or other BLE MIDI device.
Please switch off all BLE MIDI devices and switch on 1 WIDI device first and try again to pair it with your BLE MIDI device.
To bypass this automatic pairing there are two options:
1. Boot up your WIDI device one at the time and allow them to pair manually to your BLE MIDI device. This ensures multiple WIDI devices do not pair automatically with each other, but are forced manually to prioritise your personal preferences.
2. Set up a group connection, or multiple preferred pairings with the latest app and firmware.
When you try to pair with for instance an iOS device, please note the following. When you switch on two WIDI devices, they will connect to each other automatically, then you will not be able to connect them to your iOS device.
You can use the WIDI App to set them “force peripheral”, when that is set your WIDI device will not automatically pair but wait for manual connection with your iOS device. Read this first!
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 central of peripheral. As both roles allow bi-directional (duplex) communication.
When you want to update your firmware, you can only do this by using the WIDI App. If you update a single WIDI device, simply boot it and pair it with the WIDI App. Next you can update to the latest firmware.
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 cause an issue when upgrading firmware as they will pair with each other instead of with the WIDI app.
First update all your WIDI devices with iOS app v 1.2.XX to firmware v0098 or higher. And do this by manually booting each device one-by-one and allow it to pair WIDI to iOS app to push the new firmware into your WIDI device.
What can you do with WIDI firmware v0098 (or higher) and WIDI iOS App 1.2.XX?
Before you watch the video instructions, be sure to read this blog carefully first!
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 which is optimised for Bluetooth MIDI performance.
Ensure you are using WIDI App 1.2.XX
Ensure your iOS device is running iOS 14.3
Ensure your iOS 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.
Ensure you empty cache on iOS by toggling general Bluetooth settings off and on.
Enable Bluetooth in general settings, but do not pair it already there. Only pair it in the WIDI app.
Next, pair iOS 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?
Now you can update the firmware!
The socket marked with USB-C on your WIDI Jack device, connects a standard 5 volts USB power source (for example: charger, power bank, computer USB socket, etc).
This is only necessary if the MIDI OUT socket of the MIDI device does not supply power or when the WIDI Jack is only connected to MIDI IN where MIDI power is not available.
Thank you for purchasing from our store.
Support is offered only to customers of our store.
If you bought the product from another store, please contact the support of the store or contact the manufacturer directly. Link below.
© CME
