FM Group Test

1
Korg’s MicroKey keyboards
add Bluetooth LE support
across all four variants (25,
37, 49 and 61 key). Korg’s free app,
Bluetooth MIDI Connect for iOS and
OS X, helps you keep track of
connected devices. Windows 8.1 and
10 users can download Korg’s
BLE-MIDI Driver. MicroKey Air needs
two AA batteries but also retains
USB support, and you’ll find an
assignable 1/4-inch foot pedal jack.
A doddle to set up and use.
www.korg.com/uk
VerDICt 10
2
NanoKontrol Studio
provides Bluetooth LE
remote hardware control of
DAW transport, fader level, pan,
mute, solo and record ready. The
channel section has eight strips with
fader, pan and four backlit buttons.
Meanwhile the transport, stop, play,
record, return to zero, marker set and
cycle buttons are joined by a shuttle
wheel. It is the same size as the
NanoKey, and is ready for Logic X/
GarageBand with Korg’s driver.
www.korg.com/uk
VerDICt 9
3
Korg’s latest Nano series
controllers have received
not only Bluetooth LE
support but also a makeover.
NanoKey Studio features 25 velocity
sensitive keys, eight velocity
sensitive trigger pads, a Kaoss style
touchpad, and eight assignable
knobs. Two AAA batteries will deliver
around ten hours connectivity, or you
can opt for wired USB buss-powered
connection. System requirements are
the same as MicroKey Air and,
although the keyboard is a bit fiddly,
we love the compact, light design.
www.korg.com/uk
VerDICt 8
4
Yamaha’s UD-BT01 is
designed for instruments
with USB to host MIDI
connections. The small device plugs
into a USB AC adaptor and connects
via a standard USB A to USB B lead
to your existing MIDI controller.
Range is up to ten metres, with red
and green LEDs indicating Bluetooth
connection/MIDI activity. Our only
gripe here is the need for AC power.
www.uk.yamaha.com
VerDICt 8
5
Yamaha’s MIDI over
Bluetooth devices are
currently Apple only and
supported for iOS 8 and later and OS
X Yosemite or later. The MD-BT01
breathes life into devices with
traditional 5-pin MIDI ports and
connects between the MIDI In/MIDI
Out sockets. It comprises a couple of
large MIDI plugs joined by a short
cable and delivers a range of up to
ten metres. Red and green LEDs on
the output plug indicate connectivity
and MIDI activity respectively.
Finally, if your MIDI controller only
has MIDI output, you can also simply
connect the MD-BT01’s output plug.
www.uk.yamaha.com
VerDICt 10
6
Puc+ is the second
generation of this Mac and
iOS device and it supports
Bluetooth LE. Powered by two AA
batteries it can connect to your
controller via 5-pin MIDI or micro
USB, with two-way connectivity for
the latter. Further settings, including
the 5-pin MIDI direction, can be
configured via their iOS app.
Bluetooth connectivity and MIDI
activity are indicated on the top via
blue and green LEDs respectively.
www.mipuc.com
VerDICt 9
5
Yamaha MD-BT01
Wireless MIDI
Adaptor
£39
6
Puc+ Bluetooth
$130
Studio Essential: Korg MicroKey Air
If you’re after a good value, solid
wireless controller look no further
FM VerDICt
Best Value: Yamaha MD-BT01
Compact, cheap and convenient, Yamaha’s little
adapter is essential for OS X/iOS users
Group Test | Reviews
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FMU309.rev_grouptest.indd 93 10/08/2016 16:15