Aeros Wireless MIDI Controller - Premium Layout for MIDI Designer Pro X (iPad, iPhone, Apple Silicon)

[Ed_Saxman]

Aeros Wireless MIDI Controller 1.0

• This is a Premium MIDI Layout made for the Singular Sound Aeros loop studio, and MIDI Designer PRO X (iPad, Sold separately).

• Provides full tactile control over your Aeros loop studio using MIDI over Bluetooth LE or MIDI to USB connections and bidirectional communication between your Aeros and your iPad.

• The “Aeros loop studio” is looper device produced by Singular Sound. This app is not affiliated nor endorsed by Singular Sound.

This MIDI layout is only available for purchase for a small fee. [ NOW AVAILABLE ]
I have put my best effort in doing this, so thank you for support my work. Costumers will receive future updates for free.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Requires a PREMIUM MDP X subscription (monthly, yearly or lifetime. Or a Premium Legacy version if you’re an long-standing user. Everyone who purchased MIDI Designer Pro 2 prior to the switch to subscription on January 25, 2024 will have lifetime access to all existing features)

Changes Log:
Released: November 11 2024

Features:

• Includes all the AEROS MIDI implementation based on the current firmware (5.2.1)

• Global MIDI Channel Selector: Capable to operate in any MIDI channel and remain operative (something great if you have some others MIDI Devices in your setup)

• Saves your spine! Almost any usual operation can be done from the controller side, and provides many advanced features almost impossible to replicate with a physical controller

• Wireless option: connect a CME WIDI Jack to your AEROS loop studio and begin to enjoy a tangle-free life

• This layout also receives MIDI (turn On “transmitter” mode in your AEROS MIDI settings), so it shows the time signature or the current part being played.

• User Setlist: store up to 128 user presets (Select any slot, Select Folder (MSB) and Song (PC), then press the “SET” button to enter a name and store the preset in the desired location)

• CC:103 receive: The Aeros can be set to receive Time Signature commands using CC:103 instead of a sysex command receive: shows the Time signature of any song.

• MIDI transition receive: shows the current part after a transition.

Hardware and Software Requeriments:

• Singular Sound Aeros loop studio or gold edition

• Apple iPad (64 bits). But MDP Pro X is also compatible with iPhones or Apple Silicon macs

• MIDI Designer Pro X (iPad app, sold separately) IMPORTANT NOTE: Requires a PREMIUM MDP X subscription (monthly, yearly or lifetime. Or Premium Legacy version if you’re an long-standing user. Everyone who purchased MIDI Designer Pro 2 prior to the switch to subscription on January 25, 2024 will have lifetime access to all existing features)

• This MIDI Layout.

Recommended MIDI Interfaces:

• Wireless: CME WIDI Jack

• Wired (MIDI to USB): Roland UM-ONE MKII or CME U2MIDI Pro + Apple USB-C to USB adapter or any compatible USB-C hub

Screenshots:

Description:

• This MIDI layout is composed of 12 panels (6 on the left, 6 on the right), disposed horizontally.
• Made using a 4:3 screen ratio iPad (2024 Air 13"). May look somewhat different on iPads with different/weird aspect ratios.

Credits and Tempo panels:

Songs + Tempo panels:

2x2 + Master panels:

Mix 6 + Master panels:

Mix 6 + 6 Parts panels:

Mix 6 + Mutes panels:

Mix 6 + Behavior panels:

In Out + Master panels:

2x2 + MIDI panels:

Mix 6 + MIDI panels:

Routing + behavior panels:

[SeanBrazil]

@Ed_Saxman it looks very impressive! I’m considering getting a cheap iPad just to try it out. Two questions: Can the BPM info be sent from the Wireless MIDI controller/Aeros to the Beatbuddy as well? Or would I have to adjust BB separately?

Also, without having the app installed the subscription prices I can find for MDPx are a little confusing…

In-App Purchases

1. Extra Features Pack£4.99
2. MDPx Premium iPad, iPhone£2.99
3. Automatic Backups£4.99
4. MDPx Premium iPhone Only£0.99
5. MDPx Premium iPad Only£1.99
6. Audeonic Stream Byter Plugin£4.99
7. MDPx Premium Lifetime£119.99
8. MDPx Premium Mac Only£3.99
9. MDPx Premium iPad Only£24.99
10. MDPx Premium Mac Only£44.99 ‘’

Would the [9. MDPx Premium iPad Only (£24.99)] be a monthly, yearly or lifetime subscription?

[Ed_Saxman]

Hi, Sean! Thanks for your appreciation!

If you’re getting an used iPad, I would recommend at least a model compatible with iPadOS 16 (look for Supported devices)

Regarding your questions:
The BPM will be sent to the BeatBuddy as long the Aeros is set as transmitter.
I guess the MDPx Premium iPad Only (£24.99) is a yearly basis subscription. In addition to the link in the initial post, here you can find more information on why MDP had to move to a subscription model.

[guitargyro]

Will this be available through the Apple App Store?

[AndyD]

@ DavidPackouz + @ BrennanSingularSound, you did it with BBMO and it’s time to look at this offering as well.

Make an offer to Ed to get his product as part of your core offering, if not for anything else then for his Zoot av and the fact he is catering for ERGONOMICS!

I have neglected my Aeros and if I could get these enhancements up somewhere at a reachable level to save my back, it would get a whole lot more use. Windows compatible would be great!

Great to see @Ed_Saxman

[riddled]

If SS offered an Aeros phone app I’d want it to be able display and scroll through albums and songs, not just control MIDI parameters.

[AndyD]

Hi @edSaxman

First off, awesome work in putting together yet another controller option. Have been monitoring your work since the original Beat Buddy offering and only my lack of inclination to jump into the Apple world has held me back.

However, as alluded to in my post above I have some increasingly significant back/neck issues and therefore my main use case for your iPad Midi solution would be to integrate my Beat Buddy, Aeros Gold and Helix LT with an ergonomic alternative.

The Apple/iPad world is totally unfamiliar to me, but I have just come across a 5th generation iPad that is maybe 7 years old and I have managed to upgrade to v16.7.10 with only 22gb available. Can you help me out with the following queries please?

1. Does that iPad/Version number meet your minimum requirements? It appears to be, so just to confirming.

2. The MDP X selection from the app store initially appears to be free when I select it from the site and go to the app store. Yet you refer to possible subscription under your ‘Important note’. I am uncertain as to how to actually select the version you mention and hope the company name isn’t a sign of things to come! ? See attached
   

   

3. I use the Maestro as the Transmitter to the Beatbuddy and then via the BB splitter cable from SS, out to the Aeros. Whilst it is woefully underused, I would like to retain the capability to use the foot options IN ADDITION to the functionality on your iPad app.

• With the Bluetooth/Midi CME WIDI Jack adaptors you recommend, will that be possible?
• If they CAN co-exist, how will your suggested Bluetooth/Midi adaptor be connected ie which midi port would the CME WIDI use and would some additional splitter be required at the pedal level?
• Or will your application take over as the TOTAL controller and therefore I won’t be able to retain my existing connections between BB, Aeros and Maestro?

4. As indicated above, I also have Helix LT in the equation.

• Is your app for Helix still being supported and do I need to know anything about running all three on the iPad ie will they all co-exist?
• If so, do I assume another Bluetooth/Midi CME WIDI Jack adaptor would be required on the Midi In port of the Helix?

5. How much storage is required for all three applications on the iPad?

6. Do you have any vids/doco that could be useful for:

• receiving and deploying your software as I have no idea of the iPad architecture/deployment other than Apple store and I am not sure you offer that?
• showing an overview of your connectivity with adaptors as per point 3 and 4 as there appear to be VERY few people across SS and Helix forums who have all these components running together.

7. Would you consider a holiday to Australia to deploy your complete set up and provide training? …OK, just kidding (sort of) on that one

My apologies for the volume but have spent a lot of screwing around with techo options in the last few years that are complex and with not much progress. I want to be sure of my options this time.

[Ed_Saxman]

Thank you so much Andy for your appreciation and comments! I’m going to spend at least the first hour of this sunny Saturday morning answering your questions, but here we go, my pleasure!

@AndyD

Does that iPad/Version number meet your minimum requirements? It appears to be, so just to confirming.

Absolutely. In fact, it could work even with slighty older iPads, but being iPadOS 16 compatible seems the most reasonable choice nowadays. I also have a non-public 32-Bits version made for my ancient iPad Air 1 (2013), so… if some of you still have such old device with MDP2 already installed just PM me.

@AndyD

The MDP X selection from the app store initially appears to be free when I select it from the site and go to the app store. Yet you refer to possible subscription under your ‘Important note’. I am uncertain as to how to actually select the version you mention and hope the company name isn’t a sign of things to come! ?

True, looks like the Most Significant Bit of confusion You absolutely can use the MDP PRO X free version, but it’s limited to 2X2 panels. This means only the first 4 (of 12) panels will be operative, but I guess it may work for someone, as you have the Songs, Tempo, 2x2 and Master panels there.

@AndyD

I use the Maestro as the Transmitter to the Beatbuddy and then via the BB splitter cable from SS, out to the Aeros. Whilst it is woefully underused, I would like to retain the capability to use the foot options IN ADDITION to the functionality on your iPad app.

• With the Bluetooth/Midi CME WIDI Jack adaptors you recommend, will that be possible?
• If they CAN co-exist, how will your suggested Bluetooth/Midi adaptor be connected ie which midi port would the CME WIDI

The WIDI Jack is enough to handle all that chain, simply connecting the MIDI IN to the first device and the OUT to the last of them. Just get the appropiate CME MIDI cables lenght.

@AndyD

As indicated above, I also have Helix LT in the equation.

• Is your app for Helix still being supported and do I need to know anything about running all three on the iPad ie will they all co-exist?

All my previous MIDI layouts were made with MDP2 on my iPad Air 1, but anyway, they are fully compatible with MDP X and newer devices. I have plans to update all my entire line of MIDI controllers to 64-Bits versions ASAP, so they will look better and include some improvements.

You can append differents Layouts in MDP (not with the free version). So you could have the Aeros, BeatBuddy and Helix Layouts combined and disposed over differents banks. Save it as a new Layout, and you’re set.

@AndyD

If so, do I assume another Bluetooth/Midi CME WIDI Jack adaptor would be required on the Midi In port of the Helix?

When running relatively complex setups like yours, I would suggest a device like the CME H4MIDI WC USB Host MIDI Interface.

I’ve pre-ordered my H4MIDI just yesterday (Shipping from Dec 14, 2024) Something that proofs I’m not endorsed by CME, by the way (open to offers)

@AndyD

How much storage is required for all three applications on the iPad?

Insignificant, just a few Megabytes.

@AndyD

Do you have any vids/doco that could be useful for:

• receiving and deploying your software as I have no idea of the iPad architecture/deployment other than Apple store and I am not sure you offer that?

Dropbox is the “bridge” app used to transfer the .MidiDesigner files from your E-mail client to MDP. Save the file to Dropbox, then Export to MDP. Then Save the file inside MDP. Easy peasy, MIDI squeezy.

@AndyD

showing an overview of your connectivity with adaptors as per point 3 and 4 as there appear to be VERY few people across SS and Helix forums who have all these components running together.

Well, I have to wait for my H4MIDI to arrive, but I already can figure out the basic schema: IN/OUT 1 for the Singular Sound chain, and IN/OUT 2 for the Helix. Alternatively, you could connect the Maestro to the USB-A HOST (H4 version, up to 8 devices) to master control both chains. The iPad should be connected using a cable to the USB-C (4-in-4-out virtual MIDI ports ) If/When you’re performing live, as this eliminates eventual BLE issues, but you can get the WIDI Core expansion to connect the iPad or any other (up to 4) devices wirelessly in less demanding use cases.

@AndyD

Would you consider a holiday to Australia to deploy your complete set up and provide training? …OK, just kidding (sort of) on that one

I think Australia is more or less under my feets, just in the opposite end of the globe. Of course I would like to visit such an exotic place, but given my place in the socioeconomic structre is highly unlikely that I could even consider it.
However, despite my structural poverty I was able to buy one of the first MIDI Bridge 6 units from our aussie friends Sam and Simon from Pirate MIDI. Good devices and even better people!

@AndyD

My apologies for the volume but have spent a lot of screwing around with techo options in the last few years that are complex and with not much progress. I want to be sure of my options this time.

About your last paragraph, I think the iPad is a fantastic option: One device to rule them all, one finger to find them, One H4MIDI to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them; In the Land of Mordor where the shadows lie.

[guitargyro]

I haven’t purchased yet. But it does seem that this app can control Song and Album selections, right?

Anyone purchased this for use on a iPhone yet? I’ve never bought any apps other than through the Apple App Store. Does it work exactly the same?

[riddled]

OP can say more than I can. Judging by appearances it does about as much as can be done via MIDI. My guess is that it has its own list of songs which the user can name in the app and associate with bank and PC messages, and then select to open in Aeros via those messages. I presume the list needs to be maintained separately from the Aeros songs list and albums, so if you create a new song or change your albums in Aeros, the list on the app won’t change, and vice versa. (I could be wrong; maybe this app exploits sysex messages that aren’t in the manual.) This list could be very handy, but I would expect an official app to sync with Aeros.

The commands on the left side of the ‘songs and tempo’ panel presumably correspond to CC36 values and can be used to navigate the songs list and select songs on the Aeros itself. Unfortunately scrolling through songs with CC36 1 and 0 commands is sluggish and much less fun than using the wheel.