App MIDI is a MESS

loopstationzebra

Any app developer who doesnt offer the following when they make their apps MIDI capable should be shot:

1. MIDI via cam connection kit

2. MIDI via the Line6 MIDI Mobilizer

3. MIDI via wifi through onboard Apple MIDI networking or PC MIDI networking.

4. Full MIDI implementation including clock sync.

At this point most devs seem to be offering only one of those options. That kind of short sighted behavior is not befitting of the wonderment that is the iPad.

bridge

I think there are a lot of updates still to come to make current apps take full advantage of the new OS features. I'm pretty disappointed with multi-tasking as most apps don't really support it right now. This would be so useful for performing live if it just worked for all apps.

skepsis

I agree, updates must be made but there is also OS features to take into account. Theres got to be some flexibility in the device settings in order to make an iDevice live-use-ready. Flexibility that’s yet to be seen, such as, overclocking, UI options to cut down on CPU use, etc.. If only there was some type of package for developers that could include all the APIs that iDevice musicians demand. At this point, I feel that it’s easy for the developers to leave things out because all these functions are so fragmented.

peter

Shot? Ouch.

A few observations:
- Some developers *have* done this - and face weeks of delays shipping updates to users because of App Store policies.
- The Line6 MIDI Mobilizer is a proprietary device with a proprietary SDK, independent from Apple's SDK. It's a neat little gadget, but I think it's a bit extreme to expect everyone to support that and sign onto their developer agreement.
- You don't need clock sync to be MIDI-compliant. Clock sync is cool, but not appropriate for every application.

So, that said, do you have specific examples in mind? Apps that are doing this well, that you're enjoying using? Apps that aren't? What would you want to see, specifically? (Clock sync is a perfect example - what is it you want to do?)

skepsis

Sync out to a midi-enabled hardware recorder would be my first guess (MMC). Clock sync to keep an iDevice synced with an external midi sequencer. For instance, I have synth lines in NanoStudio that I’d like to sync with samples sequenced on an MPC or other sampler of the like. This is just one of the scenarios that could arise when using an iDevice in a capable and functional studio setup. Full MIDI implementation is an incredible amount to ask for when dealing with app development but it seems like the “missing piece” to existing studio gear integration. As far as I know, these functions don’t exist at the moment, or am I missing something?

substrain

Molten drum machine app has MIDI Sync in the latest update.

loopstationzebra

Yes, they should all be shot. Or, for the more sensitive amongst us, at least taken out behind the woodshed and beaten to within an inch of their lives.

At this point there’s absolutely no reason why every single MIDI ready app couldn’t support MIDI via all connection types I’ve mentioned. So far, not one app update offers that kind of comprehensive MIDI support; yet I can find no reason that it wouldn’t be possible. Some offer better options than others, but it’s all a crapshoot. Some examples:

NLogSynthPro
You can use the Cam Conn Kit or Line6 MM. But no wireless. WTF?

Molten
Cam Conn Kit or Apple MIDI over WIFI. No Line6. Bah.

StepPolyArp
Line6 and the free DSMI wireless MIDI (an option I didn’t mention, actually). But no Cam Conn Kit. W.T.F. ?

Korg iMS-20
The most pathetic offering of the bunch – which is funny considering that it’s probably the most amazing music app to date.
Cam Conn Kit only, but the MIDI implementation is WRETCHED. No MIDI out. omfg.
The iElectribe doesn’t even offer MIDI yet. *speechless*

Clock sync? OMFG.
The only app I’ve seen that offers clock sync is Molten. There may be others, but the documentation on the part of devs is so pathetic that it boggles the mind.
Clock sync is VITAL for any app that plans on using MIDI and has any sort of TEMPO function – be it an arp or delay/FX or sequencer or whatever. Which, eh, is pretty much all of them. I mean, honestly. HONESTLY.

But for the Grace of God and Steve Jobs, the magic device known as the iPad now has MIDI capability and stands ready – right now – to be an integral live and studio tool. It’s going to replace a lot of VSTs/AUs out there; thus freeing up valuable CPU power. Yet, almost every dev has squandered this wonderous gift and given us hamfisted MIDI solutions.

It’s clear that the Cam Conn Kit is going to be the most supported connection type; yet the Line6MM is hugely popular, was first out of the gate, and isn’t going anywhere. The SDK is free, ffs. But the biggest crime of all is lack of wireless MIDI with most apps. It’s nothing short of criminal that on a mobile device, wireless MIDI is all but forgotten. Kill me now.

Lastly, a request for createdigitalmusic.com:
It’s been a nightmare trying to peacemeal MIDI info together for the iPad. Since iOS4.2 was released, not one website has offered any sort of rundown of where iPad MIDI stands, and given us a comprehensive rundown of MIDI ready apps – what they can do, what connection types are offered, who offers clock support, etc. What is the real status of MIDI for the iPad?

We’d know this, if only createdigitalmusic.com would stop posting WORTHLESS SH1T STORIES about some douche who’s created his own digital pocket sweep filter out of paper clips,duct tape, and a 9v battery, and start focusing on the future of digital music: the iPad. lol.

loopstationzebra

Erm, I've got the connection kit and M-Audio MIDI Uno USB-to-MIDI cable. So far there's plenty of apps that can receive MIDI, but absolutely none that's sending anything out. MIDI monitor on my MacBook confirms plenty going out, nothing coming in.

Kill me now.

richardl

After you beat them will you still want your dollar back?

skepsis

The iPad is a niche in the App Store user market. Asking developers to add all these features to an iPad-native app is like asking for a GPS system on a unicycle. Lots of people with unicycles may want GPS but the manufacturer will probably work on adding GPS to bikes because they know they will sell more bikes in the long run.

@Substrain That's good to know. Thanks for the update...

loopstationzebra

skepsis, that makes no sense whatsoever.

Kill yourself now.

loopstationzebra

Okay, update: There's not a single app I've found that is capable of transmitting MIDI via the Cam Connection Kit and a USB-to-5pin MIDI adaptor. Not a single one.

Except a nice little iPad app called MIDI Monitor. lol.

skepsis

I'll get right on that. I think your blinded by your frustration. Your asking for too much from devs. Period. Lets not argue though, I doubt Bridge opened a forum for us to gripe over MIDI.

loopstationzebra

I'm fueled by my frustration.

Asking too much? When I've just spent $20 for the app and the description clearly states NOW WITH MIDI SUPPORT but no mention that the only MIDI support is the ability to plug in a LPK-25? lol.

Honestly.

cinemaverite

It is understandable that some apps don't have full midi implementation because not all app developers really understand the needs of digital musicians. Korg and a few others should know better though.

peter

Actually, I've talked to a lot of the developers, and I think most of what's being said here is not correct.

Most of the people developing these apps are themselves musicians. So you can bet they understand this, want MIDI support - the lot.

App support is filtering in; it's just hard to keep track of changelogs for a few dozen apps, so I could actually use your help. I'll start a separate thread to which we can add this information as it comes in. For instance, Korg iMS-20 I know added MIDI.

Developers are often pressed for time, just like you. So there are potential obstacles to certain implementations happening right away:
1. There's no *one* way to add MIDI compatibility. For instance, supporting the Line6 solution means signing a separate agreement with them - one that I know scared some developers away. And then it means adding support separate from the Core MIDI method.
2. Core MIDI was only just added to iOS 4.2. Prior to late November, it was officially under NDA, so technically no one was supposed to even talk about it. Documentation was somewhat thin, so developers not already familiar with the Mac framework might not have immediately known how to use it. Others may have taken a wait-and-see approach just to make sure it was something they could use effectively and that people wanted.
3. Some of this stuff is in the pipeline, awaiting Apple approval. Remember, a lot of devs wait until an OS ships before updating their software for the OS. That means you have the starting flag basically when the OS comes out, plus the time for developers to add and test the functionality, *plus* the time for Apple to approve the update. Android doesn't have the approval lag, but over there it's arguably worse as you have to wait for carriers to push OS updates.

In other words - MIDI is coming. We just have to keep up with it as it's added. And don't expect everyone to support the Line6 thing, though Core MIDI is a safer bet.

richardl

These sites have been keeping lists:

http://iosaudio.wordpress.com/midi-support-list/
http://iosmidi.com/midi-app-roundup/

And then Palm Sounds tracks pretty much every music creation oriented app on iOS:
http://the-palm-sound.blogspot.com/

cinemaverite

Check this out, someone on the korg forums made this very useful chart:
https://files.me.com/wmpeters/ktpgy3

richardl

It seems like a good candidate for public Google Docs form. That way people could enter their results and the results would accumulate in a spreadsheet.

cinemaverite

Anyone know of any USB 1.0 compliant interfaces which have audio and MIDI? I found one, which looks like it might be a good buy under $150:

http://tascam.com/product/us-122l/specifications/

loopstationzebra

@Peter
meh.
I've actually been communicating with around 10 devs over the last few days and nearly every one seemed GENUINELY perplexed as to why I was asking for MIDI sync. Truly sad.

And if the dev for Molten - a very small outfit indeed - has the time to not only implement full MIDI but clock sync as well, what does that say about the other devs who are larger and/or had a product out a lot longer?

meh.

My next issue is the way each and every dev has touted 'MIDI SUPPORT!' on their product pages; with absolutely little or no mention of the fact that something as friggin basic as MIDI OUT isn't yet supported. Total fail.

I get that people have real lives, but honestly. Don't fucking update an app and say NOW WITH CORE MIDI SUPPORT unless you've really implemented MIDI - and not some half-assed MIDI that allows you to plug in a keyboard to your iPad.

cinemaverite

@Lord Gene

I like that you are so angry.

loopstationzebra

lol. Hey I don't WANT to be angry. I want this shit to work. My God. This very site has *rightfully* been touting the iPad as a total game changer for music creation and that's exactly right. I'm nothing short of stunned that devs - except for One Red Dog and their Molten app - have utterly and totally dropped the MIDI ball. Do they NOT check out this website? FFS.

Peter can apologize and make excuses for them all day long, but that doesn't change the fact that somewhere, RIGHT NOW, Steve Jobs is doing a 'facepalm'.

There's at least 3 app forums that I've posted on in which the devs are blaming the type of MIDI cable I'm using - even though I've told them it's worked for other apps. omfg.

cinemaverite

I am just waiting for a sequencer app that will let me control a drum machine and a synth at the same time over midi

loopstationzebra

Okay well. It's safe to say that the Apple pipeline has been cleared in the weeks since this thread was started, yet full MIDI support - esp clock sync - is still only provided by one developer. lol. Wonder if Peter is ready to dive into it and do a real story on what's going on and why the fuck something as BASIC as clock sync hasn't been implemented.

cinemaverite

The alesis iPad dock thing looks fucking brilliant. Stereo XLR inputs and midi in/out. Looks damn sexy too. I wish for a live looper app I can sync to my TR-707. That would make my shit myself. Maybe I can write this app myself. How hard can it be. Any programers out there?

loopstationzebra

Oh look. More articles about fucking hardware pedals (fail), and yet ANOTHER goddamn story about guitar controllers for Rock Band (fail). lol. Meanwhile 90% of devs are still clueless about MIDI and Peter won't stop being a shill long enough to care.

And let's face it, there IS now only 1 way to implement MIDI because that stupid Line6 device was obsolete the day they decided to make it proprietary, lol.

loopstationzebra

But by all means. Let's ignore this and keep posting stories about looper pedals that absolutely NOBODY gives a shit about, lol.

loopstationzebra

Future News Story: The Eddie Van Halen Rock Band guitar model to feature real pick marks that Eddie applied himself. lol

cinemaverite

I'd care if the looper pedals had midi sync

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