Pros and Cons
Bluetooth is a very popular digital piano feature because it is the easiest wireless connection to mobile devices. Want to upgrade an older digital piano with the modern sounds of a piano app? With the Yamaha MD-BT01, you can easily turn your older instrument into a Bluetooth MIDI keyboard.
In general, the MD-BT01 adapter is a convenient solution for wirelessly connecting MIDI devices to a computer or mobile device. This allows you to control your keyboard with sequencer software, for example.
However, there are certain limitations to its effectiveness in combination with digital pianos. Piano control applications already allow you to control modern digital pianos with wireless convenience and ease. There is no point in using the Yamaha MD-BT01 here! This is especially true since modern applications will only connect to newer digital pianos that already support Bluetooth or at least USB MIDI. So when does it make sense to purchase the MD-BT01?
First of all, using the MD-BT01 with a digital piano allows you to wirelessly connect an older model to a music computer, e.g. for MIDI recording, notation, etc. Connecting to a piano app is no less exciting – it lets you benefit from the technically superior sounds of apps such as Pianoteq 8 or Pure Piano.
However, this only makes sense for digital pianos or keyboards that have MIDI ports but do not support USB. Used stage or hybrid pianos with high-quality keyboards are available at very reasonable prices, but can’t even compete with current entry-level digital pianos in terms of sound.
Both adapters work the same way: They convert MIDI to wireless MIDI and use Bluetooth for transmission. This is very convenient because it means you can use both adapters with all makes and models.
The MD-BT01 is designed to connect to a MIDI interface. It requires an instrument with MIDI In and Out connectors that also supply power to the MD-BT01.
In contrast, the Yamaha UD-BT01 connects to the USB-to-Host port of the digital piano or keyboard. For power supply, a USB adapter is required.
The MD-BT01 consists of two MIDI connectors connected by a short cable. It is of high quality, with the sturdy cable firmly integrated into the connectors. Overall, the adapter makes a solid impression.
When connecting to the digital piano, it is important to make sure that you plug them into the MIDI In and MIDI Out ports according to their designations. However, printed arrows on the adapter make this very clear, so you can’t do much wrong.
You can establish the Bluetooth connection between the mobile device and the piano via the Bluetooth MIDI dialog of the respective music app (not via the Bluetooth menu under “Settings” on iOS or Android).
Bluetooth generally suffers from minimal latency. Therefore, when reviewing a wireless MIDI adapter, it is important to consider the general capabilities of a Bluetooth connection. With this in mind, the MD-BT01 is perfect for everyday use.
During our test, the MD-BT01 very rarely caused stuck notes, which were only noticeable in conjunction with a pressure-sensitive keyboard. From time to time, we noticed slight inaccuracies in the note lengths.
Comparing the Yamaha MD-BT01 with other products of similar design seems redundant, as all these adapters work more or less the same way. Instead, it is more interesting to consider alternatives to a MIDI-to-Bluetooth adapter. Let’s stick with connecting an older digital piano to a mobile device: This would require a MIDI interface and an OTG adapter or Camera Connection Kit to connect to a mobile device. Based on the price of original brand accessories, a Camera Connection Kit alone costs as much as the Yamaha MD-BT01.
In general, the MD-BT01 is a convenient solution for wirelessly integrating MIDI equipment into modern setups, such as MIDI-enabled effect devices. When it comes to digital pianos, the MD-BT01 is a good choice for upgrading older stage or hybrid pianos that support MIDI but not USB.
Release date: 02.2016
Concept: Wireless MIDI adapter / MIDI In/Out to Bluetooth MIDI
Manufacturer/Distributor: Yamaha
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Pros and Cons
Jörg Sunderkötter
In terms of digital pianos, the Yamaha MD-BT01 is useful for upgrading older stage pianos or hybrid pianos that support MIDI but not USB.
MD-BT01 Wireless Midi Adapter : 44,00 €
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