ChordWalk as a Creative Control surface running on an iPad, or iPhone, connected with a DAW running on a Windows PC
Let's discuss running ChordWalk as a Remote Creation Surface on an iPad connected to any DAW running on a Windows PC. This setup allows you to simultaneously change selections, adjustments, and controls in both ChordWalk and your DAW interactively and in real-time, making it a game-changer for creators and performers.
Imagine the creative and workflow flexibility provided by using ChordWalk as a Remote Creation Surface with DAWs like Cubase, Ableton, Reason, ProSonus, FL Studio, Pro Tools, MOTU, Reaper, Mixcraft, Bitwig, Magix Samplitude, and others. You can control chords, arpeggiator, and virtual instrument selections, settings, and adjustments in ChordWalk while simultaneously making adjustments in the DAW components, all interactively and in real-time.
When collaborating, one user can control chords, arpeggiator, and virtual instrument settings in ChordWalk on the iPad, while another user adjusts settings in the DAW components on the Windows PC, both in real-time.
To establish a Bluetooth MIDI connection between a Windows PC and an iPad, follow these instructions:
Install Midimittr on your iPad: This app enables Bluetooth MIDI communication between your iPad and other Bluetooth MIDI capable devices.
Enable Bluetooth MIDI on Windows: Since Windows does not natively support Bluetooth MIDI LE and lacks standard MIDI ports, you need an external solution to communicate between your Windows PC and Bluetooth MIDI devices.
Use a Bluetooth MIDI transmitter/receiver: Several vendors provide Bluetooth MIDI transmitters/receivers. Before connecting to one, you must convert the output from a PC USB port to USB MIDI.
We recommend using an M-Audio USB to MIDI Converter connected to your PC's USB port.
Then, connect the M-Audio converter to a Yamaha MD-BT01 wireless MIDI transmitter/receiver using a female-to-female MIDI coupler.
Setting up the connection: Once you have set up the Bluetooth MIDI connection between the iPad and the Yamaha MD-BT01, ChordWalk will recognize the connection and display it as a destination in the Play Device dropdown menu.
Configuration details:
Connect the M-Audio unit to your PC's USB port or a USB hub.
Use two MIDI couplers to connect the M-Audio unit to the two MIDI connectors of the Yamaha MD-BT01.
Ensure the MIDI-In connector of the M-Audio unit connects to the Yamaha MD-BT01 MIDI connector with the LED indicator.
This configuration ensures smooth communication and interaction between ChordWalk on your iPad and any DAW running on your Windows PC, providing a seamless creative experience.
Important Note. The Midi-In connector of the M-Audio unit connects to the Yamaha MD BT01 Midi connector that contains the LED indicator.
M-Audio USB Uno
Note: The Roland UM-One is also a good alternative to above.
Yamaha MD-BT01 Wireless Midi Adapter
There are white arrows displayed on each of the BT 01 arms to distinguish the input and output arms.
Note: The Roland WM 1 is a good alternative to above
Ancable 5-Pin DIN to 5-Pin DIN MIDI Coupler, MIDI (FEMALE) - MIDI (FEMALE) Coupler Joiner Adapter
Photo showing the combination of an M-Audio USB to Midi converter with Couplers connected with a Yamaha MD BT01.
The LED indicator on the Yamaha MD unit will flash between Red and Green when connected to the M-Audio unit and will continue flash as data is being transmitted to an iPhone/iPad or Mac or with other Bluetooth MIDI connected devices.
Note: You can have multiple M-Audio/Yamaha MD BD01 combinations connected and running simultaneously with ChordWalk.
The Green USB LED will be permanent on when the M-Audio cable is connected to a USB connection. The MIDI out Green LED will flash as data is sent to the Yamaha MD BT01.
Acquiring M-Audio, Couplers and Yamaha MD BT01 Accessories
The three MIDI accessories referenced above are available online. In most countries, suppliers are represented on either Amazon or Rakuten by local brand representatives. It is also worth trying eBay for good deals.
Many creators, performers, and producers will already be using these accessories. If you have some or all of them, you are ready to go.
Besides Amazon, some major global brands, such as Thomann, Gear4Music, Guitar Centres, Sweetwater, SoundPro, and Chuck Levins, carry these items in stock.