Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine - Comments for "Music Sequencing on the Pocket PC"

Hi Jeff:

MIDI over Bluetooth is possible.

2 problems though...

1: No softwsre designed to run on the Windows Mobile that provides MIDI based sequencing or file dumping capabilities.
2: Bluetooth based MIDI interfaces are very expensive.

Check this article out.
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2006/06/02/m-audio-goes-wireless-new-wireless-keyboards-wireless-midi-interface/

Bob

Hi Napoleon:

I remember you from a few years back. Thanks for the kind words.

Hi Dick:

The original MPort could have been connected to a Dell Axim if a special adapter cable was created. The other issue is the driver and actual MIDI software is not available for the Dell Axim. Therefore there is no solution I am aware of at this time.

As far as pda is concerned that runs Linux. Maybe a GP2X could be used available @ www.gp2x.com

Nothing is available at this time but the potential for someone to create one is built into the GP2X hardware. Specially if the break out box is used with it.

Hi Paul:

The major problem is inconsistancy with Windows Mobile hardware in what each make/model comes with. Some support serial and some do not. The ones that do support serial, not all support the full input and output signal lines to support a true MIDI interface.

In the end, one can be created for each make/model that supports the correct serial communications via the expansion port but the retail cost would be too high. Initial guess would be $200 USD just for the interface.

Then software is another major manufacturing expense. Could be sold for $30 - $100 depending on the level of sophistication but would take upwards of 1 - 2 years to create anything worth talking about.

There are so many great programs for the laptop already and you can use a unit like the OQO that runs Windows XP and is only slightly larger than a Handheld PC. Has a standard USB 2.0 port and you can connect a USB MIDI interface like the ones from M-Audio.

OQO
http://www.oqo.com/hardware/basics/

MIDI interface
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Uno-main.html

Exactly. I am the original creator of the MPort MIDI interface for the Pocket PC that worked on the original iPAQ's. No longer available due to various software and hardware issues but the potential is still there.

Thanks Ben:

As the date on your review indicates this is an old program and lacks the real world application of Midi via the PDA. Midi via the PDA for sequencing purposes means you can play notes on a keyboard and have your PDA record this live like how a desktop or laptop can. Then be able to reverse the process and have the PDA play the composition back on the MIDI keyboard. That would be a real sequencer. Midnote as the name suggests is just a notation program and not directly related to sequencing.

I'm not sure of what particular needs you guys have, but have you checked out MidNote?

If you haven't, you can learn about it at their website (pdamusician.com) or check out a review of it I did a while back at (http://ppcgems.blogspot.com/2005/11/midnote.html)

Update:

I just came across a great music program. It's called AudioBox. The company that manufactures the title is located @ www.4pockets.com

The title AudioBox is designed to emulate some classic synthesizers and allows you to create your own compositions. One major drawback is that the files created cannot be exported to a PC or converted to a MIDI file. It does import a MIDI file but is not a true MIDI synthesizer.

Smartphone &amp; Pocket PC magazine - Comments for "Music Sequencing on the Pocket PC"

Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine - Comments for "Music Sequencing on the Pocket PC"