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Network MIDI -- can we rely on it?
tl;dr: Is Network MIDI dependable? Or should I stick with cables? What's the latest in wire-free controllers?
My particular situation: I'm setting up my old iPad 6 as a MIDI controller (with MIDI Designer) to control AUM and apps on my iPad Air 3. Also, to control stompbox pedals with MIDI (via the iPad Air). An iConnectAudio4+ (and a powered USB hub) as the nerve center of all my routings. No laptop.
In an initial test, I got Network MIDI to send from MD to AUM. Can I trust it to work every time, even in performance?
I'm using my home wifi network now. What happens when I perform outside my studio? I see mention of stand-alone wifi, personal hotspot, etc. What can I depend to be reliable, rock-solid?
If reliable, do I need any special apps? Or is it all built-in to iOS? Is there something in the Bluetooth realm that is better? I'm a little confused as to the difference between Network MIDI and Bluetooth.
In general, what is your opinion re: the state-of-the-art of wireless controllers for music. Are we there yet?
Steve
ThinAirX
Comments
Network midi via ethernet cable , yes. WiFi is jittery ,with latency but still useful for simple CC messages.
It's better to use Bluetooth since both your ipads support it.
You need extra dongles for Ethernet cables, yes?
I don't intend to send any timing messages, and I won't be triggering loopers (I'm doing that with regular foot pedals). Does Network MIDI latency interfere with sending things like volume sliders, toggles, continuous controls?
I have no interest in introducing ethernet cables to my setup.
Steve
Yes it does but I don't think it would be noticeable . But I wouldn't rely much for live situation since when I was messing with network midi over wifi ,there where situations where some messages where never delivered .
Why not bluetooth ?
Yeap, as usual ! I have something like this for my laptop ,but it works with the Air2 (via cck) as well
But that doesn't work (too much power)
I would never in a million years rely on network midi over WiFi in a live situation. Even with a private network using your own router, there is just far too much that can go wrong. Get to the venue and find that the house WiFi is on the same or nearby channel and, unless you’re network savvy you can be hosed. Also, most routers are set auto-select channels, you could be working fine at one moment and have interference the next.
Latency and jitter is generally painful for playing notes, impossible for clock, and can be super annoying for faders and the like. If you move a fader and those packets get delayed, you tend to keep moving or even speed up the movement. Then they all get through in a batch and you get a jump.
Network session over Ethernet seems like a solid option, though I haven’t gone to the expense to try.
Bluetooth? Good enough, but could still be questionable in a packed room full of phones all with Bluetooth on and checking for connection requests. It’s most likely not great for midi clock. So use Link? Yeh. And have someone hijack the tempo on purpose or by accident.
I’d risk Bluetooth if it seemed worth it. But that’s as far as I’d go.
(Disclaimer - I’m not a performer. Just someone with a lot of networking experience, who has experimented and tinkered a lot with device connectivity.)
@ThinAirX Cables cables cables 100% . True Story,.I was at a club & some flashy dj was booked to play. Guess what , he had some weird internet connection to his tunes. The wifi messed up . I was asked if I could step in. Yes indeed I had my iphone with djay software and a headphone cable plugged it into the clubs dj mixer. The set was great & I actually got a residency while the other dj was fired. Cables cables cables infact I walk with a few when out and about.
You answered my question about depending on wireless in performance. Answer is 'Never!'. Got it. Thanks. Good to know.
Next level question: bluetooth vs network MIDI in my studio, which is better? I'm not really clear on the difference. In MIDI Designer Config it looks like I have a choice, but I can't get Bluetooth to work. (I did get the Network MIDI to work.)
Bluetooth. WiFi just isn't gonna cut it in my experience. WiFi might work out OK for buttons and controls, but there's no reason to use it if Bluetooth will work.