Wireless MIDI: Play Piano or Keyboard Without Cables

Wireless MIDI – just a few years ago, this wireless connection between musical instruments was as rare as it was expensive. Thanks to the growing popularity of Bluetooth as a means of communication, reasonably priced Bluetooth MIDI adapters have become widely available. But which adapters actually work well?

There’s more to Wireless MIDI, or WIDI for short, than playing synthesizer solos on stage with a remote keyboard:

Wirelessly connecting a mobile device to a digital piano also makes playing and recording at home more convenient. However, you should always ensure that the technical requirements for a wireless MIDI connection are met, as the visible Bluetooth icon on the control panel does not indicate any functionality itself.

Wireless MIDI vs. USB MIDI

A “physical” USB MIDI connection is generally recommended when using music applications such as Korg Module or e-Instruments Pure Piano with your digital piano. The data transfer speed here is faster than Bluetooth MIDI. In addition, the system latency (delay) of Bluetooth may affect the playing experience but is generally low enough that you can still enjoy playing. If you are less sensitive to timing, you may not even notice a delay.

Prerequisites for Wireless MIDI

A wireless MIDI system is always worth buying if an instrument does not support Bluetooth. The clear advantage of WIDI is that you don’t need any additional cables, as you simply plug these small systems into the MIDI jacks of the instrument.

This already covers one technical prerequisite:

1. MIDI Jacks: Wireless MIDI adapters plug into the MIDI In and MIDI Out jacks of the digital piano or keyboard. The MIDI interface powers the adapter, which in turn allows for transmission to the Bluetooth device.

2. USB to Host: Although not as common, USB MIDI can also go wireless. Yamaha makes this possible with the UD-BT01 adapter, for example.

3. USB to Device: Also a rare type of adapter, offered by Casio with the WU BT-10 for keyboards and pianos.

The Best Wireless MIDI Adapters

Since there are many wireless MIDI adapters available, here are our recommendations. Below you will find information on how wireless MIDI works and which adapter is right for you.

Yamaha MD-BT01

Designed as a pair of plugs for MIDI In and Out, the MD-B01 follows the most common principle. The adapter plugs into the instrument’s MIDI In and Out jacks and also gets its power from there. The Yamaha MD-BT01 does its job flawlessly, the slightly noticeable latency is within the usual range.

Yamaha UD-BT01

The only adapter in our review that works with USB. You simply plug a USB cable into the UD-BT01, which connects the adapter to the USB to Host port. The adapter works perfectly, the latency is as expected quite low, but remains noticeable for timing-sensitive players.

Roland WM-1

At first glance, the WM-1 looks like a typical MIDI In/Out connector, but it is not a reliable standard Bluetooth connector. Once we briefly switched it to FAST mode (see WM-1D), pairing it with a mobile device became quite complicated. It is rather designed to work as a virtual MIDI cable in combination with the WM-1D.

Roland WM-1D

The WM-1D establishes a wireless connection to the Roland WM-1. In this constellation, you can switch to faster data transmission mode (FAST mode), which offers advantages over classic Bluetooth MIDI adapters.

Casio WU BT-10

This adapter also converts USB to Bluetooth, but unlike the Yamaha UD-BT01, it plugs into the USB to Device port instead of the USB to Host port. The WU BT-10, compatible with most current Casio keyboards and portable pianos, is primarily used to connect to Casio’s free “Casio Music Space” app.

CME WIDI Master

This adapter also uses the MIDI interface but is much more flexible compared to the systems mentioned above. For example, you can use the output alone to connect to other devices. In addition to the classic Bluetooth connection to mobile devices or computers, MIDI Master also works as a virtual MIDI cable to connect to hardware instruments. A complimentary app lets you configure up to 5 Bluetooth groups.

CME WIDI Jack

The WIDI Jack is the right choice if the MIDI port on your instrument does not provide enough or any power. The WIDI Jack can be powered via USB-C and also works in combination with other CME WIDI devices.

Pros and Cons of Wireless MIDI

Unlike earlier, more expensive systems, today’s wireless solutions are fully digital thanks to Bluetooth. This technology, which has been continuously improved over the years, is now well-established in many respects.

You should always use the latest systems, as the transmission speed has increased with each new Bluetooth codec – older systems suffer from noticeable system latency. As an unpleasant side-effect, this results in timing fluctuations, which also underscores the disadvantage compared to the wired USB-MIDI connection: Latency.

What Is Latency and How Does It Occur?

The principle of wireless MIDI systems is simple: The instrument sends MIDI information to a Bluetooth transmitter. The transmitter then sends the data to the receiver, which relays the MIDI information to the connected device.

Although MIDI and Bluetooth data do not leave the digital domain, the data must still be translated because MIDI and Bluetooth are two different data protocols.

This conversion and transmission of data always requires a small amount of computing time, which results in a slight delay in the data stream (latency).

Bluetooth MIDI vs. Bluetooth Audio

It is important to distinguish between these two technologies. It’s a good idea to find out which of the two formats a digital piano or music equipment supports, as special accessories may not be necessary.

Why are Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio so different? This is evident not only in the way they are used but also in the respective technology:

The data volume for MIDI is rather small, while an audio stream is much more demanding and due to its latency also makes playing with Bluetooth headphones impossible. For digital pianos, Bluetooth Audio only makes sense as a “one-way application”, i.e. when transferring from a playback device (e.g. smartphone) to the audio system of a digital piano.

Examples of this include listening to an online lesson or songs from a tablet, smartphone, or computer through the speakers of the digital piano.

Bluetooth MIDI, on the other hand, is similar to remote control, transmitting only the playing information exchanged between the instrument and other MIDI devices: Which key is pressed for how long and how hard, which pedals or knobs (controllers) are moved? MIDI wireless is generally suitable for any MIDI device that you want to use as a wireless MIDI controller.

Differences Between Bluetooth MIDI Adapters

Buying a wireless MIDI adapter is a good idea if your equipment itself does not support Bluetooth. However, as there are big differences, you should take a close look at the technical prerequisites of your devices.

A common situation: An older digital piano, stage piano, or master keyboard does not have a modern interface such as Bluetooth or USB. Bluetooth MIDI adapters such as the Yamaha MD-BT01 enable a Bluetooth MIDI extension that establishes a wireless connection to a tablet or smartphone. However, this requires a MIDI port consisting of MIDI In and MIDI Out, since the adapters must be connected to these MIDI ports, which also supply them with power.

USB MIDI to Bluetooth MIDI

Many wireless MIDI adapters plug into MIDI ports. However, these have become a rarity on digital pianos in recent years, as USB MIDI connectivity is more up-to-date. Whether it is a music computer or a tablet, “old-school” MIDI-compatible instruments must be supplemented with a USB MIDI interface.

There is a solution for wireless MIDI connections in this case as well: with the UD-BT01, Yamaha offers a corresponding wireless MIDI adapter. Simply connect the USB cable that you would normally use to connect to your computer (USB type A connector). A standard USB cable is used to connect the digital piano to the adapter – a printer cable if you will.

Bluetooth MIDI and Apps

Lower-priced digital pianos tend to outsource the handling of functions to piano control apps. The control panel only provides access to the most important functions of the digital piano.

Digital piano manufacturers provide these apps free of charge – though they only work with the models declared compatible. Most manufacturers offer compatibility lists. The optional app connection has only become widespread in the last few years, hence the question of compatibility.

There is now a trend among all manufacturers to provide a central app to control the functions of virtually all digital piano models. Manufacturers such as Yamaha or Kawai also offer apps that provide additional options such as notation.

The Bottom Line: Wireless with Limitations

Bluetooth MIDI is most definitely a practical thing. It is the easiest way to play a piano app on the iPad, such as Korg Module or e-Instruments Pure Piano. An affordable sound makeover, especially for older digital pianos.

You should be aware, however, that Bluetooth MIDI is always subject to latency. Although the delay is very small, it remains noticeable. Therefore, a direct USB/MIDI cable is always the safest and fastest connection.

Simple Bluetooth MIDI adapters are sufficient for home use – simply because they do not require any additional configuration. Just plug them into the MIDI In and Out jacks and pair them with your computer or mobile device.

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