ChordWalk running on a Windows PC, connected with a DAW running on an iPad.
ChordWalk can function as a Remote Creation Surface on a Windows PC, connected to an iPad running Garageband, Cubasis, or any other DAW. This setup allows you to make selections, adjustments, and controls in both ChordWalk and your DAW simultaneously, interactively, and in real-time, enhancing creativity and workflow efficiency.
Key Benefits
Interactive Control: Simultaneously adjust chords, arpeggiators, and virtual instruments in ChordWalk on your Windows PC and your DAW on the iPad.
Collaborative Flexibility: One user can control ChordWalk on the PC while another adjusts the DAW on the iPad, making it perfect for collaborative creation and performance.
Setting Up Bluetooth MIDI Connection
iPad Configuration
Install Midimittr: If you're not using Garageband, install Midimittr on your iPad to enable Bluetooth MIDI communication.
Windows PC Configuration
Prepare the Hardware:
Since Windows does not natively support Bluetooth MIDI LE, you need to use external hardware to enable MIDI communication.
Connect an M-Audio USB to MIDI Converter to your PC's USB port.
Attach a Yamaha MD-BT01 wireless MIDI transmitter/receiver to the M-Audio converter using female-to-female MIDI couplers.
Connections:
M-Audio USB to MIDI Converter: Connect this to your PC's USB port.
Yamaha MD-BT01: Use MIDI couplers to connect the MIDI in/out ports of the M-Audio converter to the MD-BT01.
Ensure the MIDI-In connector of the M-Audio unit is connected to the MD-BT01 MIDI connector with the LED indicator.
Configuration in ChordWalk:
ChordWalk will automatically recognize the BT01 connection and list it in the Play Device dropdown menu.
Select the BT01 device in Garageband or Midimittr on your iPad to enable MIDI data transfer from ChordWalk on the Windows PC to your iPad's DAW.
Following these steps will enable you to use ChordWalk as a powerful Remote Creation Surface, seamlessly integrating your Windows PC and iPad for an enhanced music production experience.
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. The Nektar Widiflex is also an option.
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.