Wireless controll of the Wolfmix W1 Mk3 via Set List Maker on a iPad

[Lange]

Hello Set List Maker enthousiasts.

I am a guitarist/singer in a hobby cover band.
On my iPad, I use Set List Maker for lyrics and for wireless Bluetooth control (via the Yamaha MD-BT01) of my pedalboard via MIDI. I'm very satisfied with it!

I just purchased a Wolfmix W1 Mk3 and would also like to control it wirelessly via MIDI. I have read that wireless control of the Wolfmix cannot be done in the same way as with my pedalboard via the Yamaha MD-Bt01.

Is there anyone who has experience with wireless control of the Wolfmix via Set List Maker on a iPad and can give me tips on how best to do this? In particular I'd like to hear which system/brand/model of the wireless system you use, and is it reliable at live gigs with the other wireless stuff on stage)?

Help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Roel (The Netherlands, Europe)

[arlo]

I have read that wireless control of the Wolfmix cannot be done in the same way as with my pedalboard via the Yamaha MD-Bt01.

Do you know why not?

[Lange]

Thank you Arlo for your reply.

The Wolfmix has no built-in Bluetooth, so a direct wireless connection to an iPad via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not possible.

Here's some info I found about this subject:
"It can become a bit "complex" to remote control Wolfmix wireless. Wolfmix itself has no communication protocols imbedded (beside MIDI), that is why we use WTOOLS as the "communication link" between a network (Cloud) and the device. WTOOLS also has no "remote control" APIs for Wolfmix you could possibly use. And "mobile" DMX apps (phone/tablet) need to have a DMX Interface where you send your data to, but then it is not programmable to mimic the Wolfmix user interface. So WTOOLS and mobile control is out of reach for that use.

As Wolfmix is a Live DMX controller, all activity is triggered from the Wolfmix itself. But in 2 instances it can receive DMX data and control certain functions: by MIDI for Dimmer control & Preset selection and also as DMX IN (WLINK) for coarse (individual) channel value manipulation - not really selecting pattern in ColorFX though. But I can think of "wireless-MIDI" as well as "wireless-DMX" solutions to be put in between a MIDI or DMX controller and the Wolfmix, to get the options mentioned above - but not full Wolfmix control.
I also like to emphasize the fact, that all wireless solutions are based on crowded and overpopulated 2.4Ghz networks, so frequent disconnects will be part of the remote experience."


I would like to use Set List Maker for controling Wolfmix the same way it does with my pedalboard. So when I switch to another song, Set List Maker automatically sends a MIDI-signal to Wolfmix and my pedalboard for a pre-programmed preset. I've asked AI for a possible solution and it gave some options. However, because I have insufficient knowledge of this subject matter, I cannot judge whether the information is correct and which brand/type of device(s) I would actually need to purchase to get it working on stage.

[arlo]

It sounds like you're using a Yamaha MD-BT01 for a different device; is there a reason you wouldn't get another Yamaha MD-BT01 for this device?

[Lange]

I lack sufficient (technical) knowledge to determine how to control the Wolfmix via MIDI from Set List Maker. Therefore, I searched online and also asked AI. Here is the information:

'No, you cannot control the Wolfmix W1 Mk3 wirelessly directly via the Yamaha MD-BT01.The Yamaha MD-BT01 relies entirely on traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI ports. However, the Wolfmix W1 Mk3 does not feature these ports. It only supports MIDI over USB.To get wireless MIDI control working on your Wolfmix, you will need alternative hardware. Wireless Alternatives for Wolfmix W1 Mk3CME WIDI Uhost: This is currently the most popular and reliable option for USB-only hardware. You plug the WIDI Uhost directly into the Wolfmix USB-A host port via a USB cable. It adds instant Bluetooth MIDI connectivity to the controller.Yamaha UD-BT01: If you want to stick with Yamaha, you need the UD-BT01 model instead of the MD version. The UD version is specifically designed for USB connections and can plug into the Wolfmix USB host port. External USB MIDI Host: If you absolutely must use the Yamaha MD-BT01, you would have to plug it into a standalone USB MIDI Host box (like those made by Kenton or CME). You would then run a USB cable from that box into the Wolfmix. However, this adds extra bulk and cables to your setup.'

I have read through the information several times, but it doesn't give me enough clarity. Due to my health, I struggle to interpret this kind of information. It isn't concrete enough for me—hence my original request for specific brand etc. I'm sorry.

[arlo]

Okay, so your question is how to send MIDI wirelessly to a device that only has a USB port? Here are some options:

https://www.cme-pro.com/product/widi-bud-pro/

https://www.roland.com/us/products/wm-1d/

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/pianos/accessories/ud-bt01/index.html

You could check with Wolfmix to confirm compatibility before buying.

[Lange]

Thanks, Arlo, for your input and answers.

It's a shame there are no responses from SLM users with practical experience using it in combination with the Wolfmix.

Especially when you perform live regularly, you want to be able to rely on the gear you bring along. Naturally, that also applies to the wireless MIDI control of the Wolfmix via Set List Maker. I had hoped for concrete feedback from users regarding the specific tools they use and how reliable the setup is on stage—particularly concerning issues like interference. But it is what it is. You did your best, Arlo. Thanks again for your effort!

Greetings.

[arlo]

Maybe someone else will respond who has experience with these particular products, but this isn't really a question about Set List Maker. I would ask Wolfmix about USB compatibility, and look for a forum that discusses MIDI more generally, and read some product reviews, to learn about the reliability of those wireless interfaces.

[Lange]

You're right, Arlo, but I've posted my question already on a Wolfmix users' Facebook page first, unfortunately without a single response from users or anyone knowledgeable in this area.

I bought my Wolfmix from #Thomann (a German online giant for music gear), and I asked their relevant department for advice as well. Thomann sells the Wolfmix, along with all kinds of USB and DMX equipment and accessories—both wired and wireless. You'd logically expect them to be able to give good advice on this, right?! An iPad with a USB-C port doesn't seem like an unusual device to me, nor do the Wolfmix. Yet, even when asking what I need to establish a WIRED connection, I'm not getting any (correct) advice... Their initial recommendation was actually for a product that simply couldn't be connected due to incompatible plugs. After I pointed out that their advice couldn't be right, I got an apology plus a statement that they couldn't offer any further advice!

How do you connect an iPad with a USB-C port to the Wolfmix either wirelessly or via cable to control it, and exactly what do I need for that?..

It's a real shame that,apart from your replies Arlo, no other users have responded so far (even though there must be others controlling a Wolfmix with an iPad). There hasn't been a single response regarding the exact CABLE needed to connect the iPad and Wolfmix either. It's also completely baffling that Thomann would give that kind of 'answer' to a serious question!

Do you think it would be worth asking for help in the BandHelper group, Arlo?

Thanks again Arlo for your replies and for thinking this through with me!

[arlo]

How do you connect an iPad with a USB-C port to the Wolfmix either wirelessly or via cable to control it, and exactly what do I need for that?

Did you look at the three products I linked to above? You had asked about wireless originally, so those are all wireless options.

[Lange]

Yes , I've looked at the specific links with products and also many other products as well.
Based on the products mentioned, I cannot determine whether this alone is sufficient to establish the desired connection for controlling the Wolfmix.
I lack the sufficient (technical) knowledge and to my health, I struggle to interpret this kind of information. It isn't concrete enough for me, that's why I asked (and hoped for info and tips from experienced) users to give me explicit specific system/brand/model info."

I hope that there will be willing people like you on this forum who might help me. I'll just wait and see.
In the meantime, I have also posted a request on a Wolfmix forum asking if anyone is willing/able to help me. That request is still awaiting review by the
administrator. But I have to say that I'm starting to get a bit desperate by now whether I'll ever get a working MIDI connection between Set List Maker and the Wolfmix... We'll see.

Thank you very much for your effort Arlo!

[arlo]

If you don't get a specific recommendation, you could buy one of those MIDI interfaces from a seller that will let you return it if it doesn't work.

[Lange]

I had that option already in mind  considered as a last resort, but I really expected my request for information to be answered quickly.

After all, using iPads on stage, controlling lighting via wired or wireless connections, and using MIDI is comon. This combined with Wolfmix (a brand that has become well-known and prominent in Europe) and ADJ WMX1 as 'rebadge' for the American market, would, in my estimation, quickly yield useful information. But nothing could be further from the truth! Very disappointing.

Anyway, even though I'm really keen to take the Wolfmix on stage as soon as possible, I'm going to wait a few more days. I might still get lucky. Otherwise, I'll just go ahead and order it and see if it works.

Thanks a lot for your input, Arlo—I really appreciate the help!

Roel.