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.

[AndyD]

Hi @ Ed_Saxman

Thanks for responding with a terrific amount of detail. I am very grateful for your efforts. However, just further clarification on my use case: I am backroom bum not a live performer. I am after sound options, learning tools and ergonomics. Whereas I have little to no idea about the Apple world, I have absolutely NO idea about midi.

So the connectivity and config is really overwhelming and am afraid that your suggestions have raised more questions so would appreciate some more assistance please.

1. Do you mean cabling would be required from the CME H4MIDI WC USB Host MIDI Interface (‘Hub’) or I could still use Bluetooth adaptors?

2. I would have thought that if I had the hub up within cable distance of the Ipad I could use a Bluetooth jack at the ‘Hub Out’ for the SS chain and at the ‘Maestro in’ and then same again for Helix, which would mean 4 bluetooth adaptors. Is that correct?

I have attached the SS manual diagram and changed it to show the direction of my cabling in green. I think I got that suggestion from Jared Smyth after seeing him at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81fLCU1A0oA.

3. Perhaps you could add the Hub to the diagram to confirm your schema suggestion please to save a long response for us rookies, with wireless bluetooth adaptors highlighted, as they would be preferred over adding to my ‘cable tsunami’?

4. If the ‘hub’ is in between the ipad and the SS chain (the latter hopefully unchanged from my config above), is there config required somewhere in your app to enable Maestro AND your app (semantics: is it an app or a layout in an app?) to both initiate midi commands?

5. You have listed a few features that show on the interface but what level of midi is preconfigured in the application to enable these? Will I need to map any midi commands myself or has that already been done?

“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 in differents banks”

6. So have you done this personally or do you have three separate layouts? I couldn’t tell from your gumroad offerings

7. Not sure I understand the terminology in the UI. Are what I call the tabs at the top of each page, ‘panels’? I haven’t worked out the difference between banks and panels.

8. It appears that there are 12 ‘tabs’ in 2 lots of 6. And that I would have to try the free version to see which ones I could use?

9. So if you have already used 12 for Aeros, what appears to be 2x2 on the Beat Buddy and 2x4 for the Helix, would the combined layout offer a ‘toggle/jump’ to switch between the three? I can’t see all 24 fitting in a ‘nice easy to use’ combined layout.

10. How much knowledge is required to do this combining? i.e. are we talking getting into the MDP in some of form of developer/scripting mode, because I have no intention of doing this and just want to plug and play.

11. If I did NOT combine and had all three layouts existing separately, how easy it then to toggle/jump between the three?

“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”

So I;
-download the MD files onto my windows,
-uploaded to dropbox.
-Access Dropbox on ipad.
And then it gets hazy which I think is what @guitargyro is also referring to.

On an Ipad when you say ‘export to mdp’, I am guessing this is the equivalent to Windows ‘save an executable to a folder and run it’?? ‘Easy peasy, MIDI squeezy’ is a little bit Operating system relative in this case (and in the case of midi squeezy, actually closer to describing the state of my brain trying to process this additional tech)

12. Understand you are not an Apple support tech, but any chance you could expand on the 'how to get it from Dropbox into the right place on the ipad’?

Thanks again for your time

[Ed_Saxman]

@guitargyro

Anyone purchased this for use on a iPhone yet? Does it work exactly the same?

MDP X can load iPad layouts on iPhone, but it requires zooming. Isn’t ideal. But neither the small screen of an iPhone nor its landscape aspect ratio are. Better look for an iPad Air 3. It’s the good-old-pro 4:3 and can be found very cheap.

@guitargyro

I’ve never bought any apps other than through the Apple App Store.

MDP X can be found on the App Store. This Layout is made with and for MDP X. Once purchased, it arrives in your email along with the invoice.

@riddled

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. This list could be very handy, but I would expect an official app to sync with Aeros.

First, the Aeros doesn’t works like the BeatBuddy, where you can access any song simply using CCs without any previous assignment. The Aeros requires you to RTFM just to find 5 pages (136-140) related to this single question, more specifically where it says:

MIDI Song Select
How to set up a song with MIDI Song Select on the Aeros
Step 1: Open the song, and edit the song settings (click the pencil icon in the Loop
Studio Dashboard or use the hands free slideout option).There are three relevant
settings: MIDI Song Select and the MSB and PC setup.
Step 2: Enable MIDI Song Select. Once enabled, the user can set which MSB (0-127) bank and which PC command (0-127) will be required to open the song. It is possible to only set the PC value to open a song (v5.1.1 or later).

So, the Aeros absolutely requires the user to do this per song basis. Rinse and repeat for each of them. There’s no automatic listing there.
Plaudite amici, finita est tragoedia. Nunc est ridendum.

@riddled

Unfortunately scrolling through songs with CC36 1 and 0 commands is sluggish and much less fun than using the wheel.

Those buttons are just intended to play songs in correlative order. Using the “Song Name” SLIDER, is just as fun as using the wheel, way faster, and you can use your finger without having to bend over or twist your neck. You won’t even fill the Aeros screen with the dust of your boots anymore.

[riddled]

So, the Aeros absolutely requires the user to do this per song basis. Rinse and repeat for each of them. There’s no automatic listing there.

I wasn’t criticizing your app. I know how MIDI song selection works on Aeros, and I assume that automatic sync is currently impossible. I was contrasting how your app behaves (or how any currently possible third party app could potentially behave) with how I would want an official app to behave. Singular Sound have the unique ability to expand Aeros’s MIDI vocabulary to allow better communication between Aeros and remote devices. This alone might allow automatic sync, or at least partial sync, between the songs on Aeros and the songs displayed in the app. Other stuff involving bluetooth might be possible too for all I know. I have other simpler hardware with accompanying software where the settings and presets in each are kept in sync via MIDI sysex messages, so it would be reasonable to expect some kind of song list synchronization from an official app.

[AndyD]

Hey @Ed_Saxman

This time last year you provided some great information in the thread above. However, you indicated you were waiting on your midi hub. I held off on going ahead and was hoping to hear from you on how that went (and also because I was /am new to iPad world)

So everything has been on hold for a year and the back/neck concerns are probably worse

Did you have any luck with the hub and are you still supporting this solution

I see you are posting more recently and getting involved more with the latest Beat Buddy (which I unfortunately I can’t justify moving to) so would be great to know if your iPad solution is still an on going thing for Beat Buddy 1 and Aeros?

[Ed_Saxman]

Hi AndyD!

I apologize for my absence all this time. I must admit that I was overwhelmed by the number of questions that went beyond my layout. I dedicated many hours to designing the controller for the Aeros, but then I discovered that MDP’s new subscription model can be a significant barrier for users who just want a MIDI controller for their machine. Proof of this is that since the model change, my sales have been disappointing, unlike those of my BeatBuddy controller years ago, when MDP only required a purchase.

That’s why I’ve concluded that this sales model (selling layouts based on an app that now requires a subscription) is probably no longer viable.

Writing a native iOS app doesn’t seem viable either, given the annual cost as an Apple developer, and above all, the draconian conditions Apple imposes, where in many cases you don’t reach the minimum monthly revenue, so they keep all the money.

Even so, it’s true that buying the BeatBuddy 2 has rekindled my interest somehow, to the point that I’m building a pedalboard consisting of the BB2, Aeros, HX Stomp XL, the SuperSwitch (and probably an Ampero control to maximize functionality in the remaining space). The H4MIDI WC is a fantastic device that, unfortunately, I haven’t even used in the last year, but it will certainly have its place on my new pedalboard. I already have almost all the the stuff and cables I need; maybe I can start assembling it this weekend. It will be based on a Rockboard TRES 3.3, by the way.

I’ve also thought about creating a layout that controls all three devices simultaneously, but this time it will probably be for personal use only, given how unlikely it is that users will have the exact same setup, and that, in addition to buying my layout, they’ll be willing to pay for an MDP subscription. Regarding my existing layouts, I’m currently debating whether to discontinue them or try to find some justification or sufficient motivation to continue updating them.

Have a good day, buddy!

[AndyD]

G’Day @Ed_Saxman from Down Under

Thanks for responding. It should be me apologising for all my queries that contributed to the overwhelming response. I was just fired up being somebody with health issues and seeing a solution that I had desperately sought over a long time, for which nobody but yourself had come up with.

I am really disappointed, but I totally get where you are coming from with the economics. It just makes me despise being Tech even more, as you are right on the money about the constraints the licencing also places on the user. Especially the back room bum like me who cant justify anything increased expense.

Kills me to say this but, it looks like I will have to move on my BB and Aeros as they have sat dormant for so long.

I am really envious at your set up and will be watching to see how things go

Thanks for your efforts so far at trying to address the requirements of people like myself, who unfortunately, are a small minority

[Ed_Saxman]

@AndyD

Kills me to say this but, it looks like I will have to move on my BB and Aeros as they have sat dormant for so long.

Not yet, Buddy. I have something for you.

This is a flowchart representing the MIDI connections between all the devices.

It’s just a preview of a future thread where I’ll explain how I’m building my pedalboard.

Actually, I don’t have the MIDI Maestro onboard, but a simple Ampero Control, but for explanatory purposes, it’s essentially the same thing.

Note:
The H4MIDI WC leaves plenty of free ports if you want to add more devices. But if you don’t plan on doing that, there are some other, more affordable CME devices that will do the same job.

The WiDi Jack is also an excellent choice since it doesn’t even need an external power supply (while the H4 needs 9V-1A). Just make sure you buy CME cables of the length you need.

[persist]

Not to hijack this thread but have to ask about MIDI, Ed. With your Stomp XL, you have a lot of MIDI capability. Is it going to figure into your pedal control and if not, why not?

[Ed_Saxman]

Well, the main reason the Stomp XL is last in the chain is because I want it to receive MIDI Clock from the BeatBuddy. This way, all the tempo-based effects are perfectly synchronized.

The second reason is that this is supposed to be a thread about a wireless MIDI controller, so I can do most things with my iPad via Bluetooth MIDI.

I used to have an HX Stomp, but I recently switched to the XL for my new pedalboard because it’s self-contained. It doesn’t need external MIDI control to switch between Stomp, Snapshots, Banks/Presets modes. The lack of a Mode button was the worst thing about the regular Stomp.

In any case, I still have other more suitable MIDI controllers like the Pirate MIDI Bridge 6 or the HX Effects. I also had the Helix Floor until a few days ago, but I sold it to fund a Stadium