Bluetooth MIDI
Connect wireless MIDI devices to Neurode MIDI.
What is Bluetooth MIDI?
Bluetooth MIDI (also called BLE MIDI) lets you connect wireless MIDI controllers, keyboards, and other devices without cables.
Supported devices:
- Bluetooth MIDI keyboards
- Wireless foot controllers
- iOS devices acting as MIDI sources
- Any Bluetooth LE MIDI-compliant device
Pairing a Device
macOS
- Settings → Bluetooth
- Tap Scan for Devices
- Put your device in pairing mode (see device manual)
- Select device from scan results
- Tap Connect
Device appears in Sources/Destinations list automatically.
iPad/iPhone
- Settings → Bluetooth
- Tap Scan
- Device in pairing mode
- Select and connect
Connection Status
Green indicator = connected
Gray = disconnected
Yellow = pairing in progress
Using Bluetooth Devices
Once paired, Bluetooth devices work like any other MIDI source/destination:
- Create route: Bluetooth Device → Your Synth
- Play → MIDI flows wirelessly
- Monitor latency in Route Editor
Latency Considerations
Bluetooth MIDI typically adds 10-20ms latency:
- Good enough for most playing styles
- May be noticeable for fast runs or percussion
- Test it — Latency varies by device and environment
Reduce latency:
- Stay within 10 feet of receiver
- Minimize wireless interference (WiFi, other Bluetooth devices)
- Use newest Bluetooth standard (5.0+) if available
Battery Management
Wireless devices run on battery. Tips:
- Auto-disconnect — Settings → Bluetooth → Auto-disconnect after inactivity
- Battery indicator — Shows in device details
- Wired mode — Most devices work over USB too (zero latency)
Troubleshooting
Can't find device
- Device in pairing mode?
- Bluetooth enabled on iPad/Mac?
- Try restart both devices
- Check device manual for pairing instructions
Dropouts or glitches
- Move closer to iPad/Mac
- Reduce wireless interference
- Check device battery level
- Try different Bluetooth channel (advanced)
High latency
- Normal range: 10-20ms
- Above 50ms: interference or low battery
- Solution: Move closer, reduce interference, or use wired
Bluetooth vs Wired
| Feature | Bluetooth | Wired (USB/MIDI) |
|---|---|---|
| Latency | 10-20ms | <2ms |
| Range | ~30 feet | Cable length |
| Setup | Pairing required | Plug and play |
| Battery | Yes | No |
| Interference | Possible | None |
Recommendation: Use wired for latency-critical situations (live performance, recording). Use Bluetooth for convenience and mobility.
Next Steps
- Virtual Ports — Software MIDI routing
- Sources & Destinations — Device management
- Monitoring — Track latency stats
