MIDI over BLE on iOS

MIDI is a musical instrument digital interface technology protocol that is being used to connect products from numerous different companies incorporating smartphones, digital musical instruments, computers and tablets. MIDI technology is being used by all the musicians to share the musical and artistic works. MIDI is one of the new technology that is easy to work as compared to bluetooth low energy link.

MIDI Architecture

MIDI protocol is basically designed for event based communication where MIDI messages are represented by bundles of information or messages. MIDI messages are first encoded, transported via transport layer which sends the MIDI data to the recipient who is responsible for decoding the data to messages. Each message includes information which determines the total length of the message. The MIDI message is multiplexed within 16 channels.

MIDI peripheral is responsible for providing input and output capability for a particular device. MIDI peripheral states the physical entity and MIDI device describes the module that is used for implementing MIDI. In MIDI transport an OUT port connects to at most one IN port. The MIDI data output from a MIDI controller is transmitted via the devices MIDI OUT connector. The recipient of this MIDI data stream receive MIDI messages at MIDI In connector and the response can be seen in the form of sound.

Modes of BLE

There are two modes for bluetooth low energy which are as follows:

• Broadcasting: A broadcaster device advertises its presence and an observer device discovers the broadcasters by scanning the surroundings. This permits the broadcasting device to be visible to any observer and advertise only valuable information.
• Connection: The connection mode is used to connect the two devices permits the transfer of data and to establish private communications channel between the devices.

Use of MIDI over BLE

With an ever increasing number of gadgets, for example, the phenomenal of Bluetooth MIDI connectors accessible to us, it's a great opportunity to use the energy of iOS gadgets and PCs as sound modules, and to do as such without the restraints of MIDI and USB links. MIDI over Bluetooth is a rising and developing technology which will continue to grow at an astonishing rate. Bluetooth MIDI is getting more advanced and distinguished by the day. To support MIDI over BLE there are few requirements namely connection interval, MTU negotiation, multiple packet transmission and custom MIDI service.

The sending and receiving of the MIDI data is reinforced by bluetooth low energy connections on any iOS or Mac which is having built-in bluetooth energy support. The pairing connections are reinforced thereby making connections secure. Once a connection is established then the device can communicate with any MIDI app. There are two fundamental roles in setting up a bluetooth connection namely Central and Peripheral. To establish a bluetooth connection you need to have a central and at least one peripheral device.  For a bluetooth MIDI, the peripheral is essential to advertise the MIDI capabilities. The central is responsible for scanning a peripheral device that is showing MIDI capability and then set up a connection.

Once a bluetooth connection is set up then a MIDI data is transferred bi-directionally between central and peripheral. The iOS and Mac can play any role enabling Mac to Mac, iOS to iOS, Mac to iOS or iOS to Mac connections.

Steps to configure MIDI Bluetooth in iOS:

• Power on the device.
• Enable the bluetooth.
• Open audio MIDI settings.
• Open the application.
• Configure bluetooth MIDI.

Methodology Used

We developed a music application which has been designed to assist people with disabilities improve their quality of life. The application facilitates people with a wide-ranging disabilities can easily express themselves musically through movement. Through the movement of an iOS device, users can alter movement into the sound of any particular musical instrument which they can chose. Wi-Fi was used previously in the app where the user had to be ensured that the internet connection is always available. To remove this limitation and make the application more flexible, we developed the idea of MIDI over Bluetooth and integrated the concept with the application. By using MIDI over BLE tool, the application was scalable and can be easily integrated with other output devices.

MIDI BLE Supported Devices

Many operating systems now support MIDI BLE devices to varying degree as follows:

• Bluetooth-MIDI is supported by iOS 8.0 to iOS 10.
• Bluetooth-MIDI is supported by Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

Why MIDI?

MIDI has several benefits when compared with bluetooth i.e. in terms of user privacy, range, bandwidth and various other elements that may affect the device.

• MIDI files are much more compact as compared to other files.
• MIDI data is completely editable.
• MIDI files sound is much better when high quality sound source is used.
• MIDI files embed in web page load and play more quickly than digital equivalent.

HyTechPro, as a Partner

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