Published on Oct 7, 2014 Retronyms
Note the demos shows the iPad being controlled by external gear through the Wej. I'm curious if it works in the other direction so you can use controller and sequencer apps on the iPad to control hardware synths connected to the Wej. This would require the Wej to recognize and support USB MIDI adapters. For some hardware it would also require MIDI sysex support. I've reached out to Retronyms and will post back if I hear back. If anyone knows, feel free to comment.
Update: I heard back from Retronyms. The Wej will support MIDI out from the iPad and will support USB MIDI cables, so you can use sequencers and editors running on the iPad to control your hardware over bluetooth wireless.
"Yes, Wej will support MIDI out. Sysex should be supported. Also Wej is intended for controllers so MIDI timecode, clock, etc may not be something it's good at (bluetooth bandwidth may not be up to the task). Some of this is TBD."
Video description: "Wej combines a non-skid silicone base for creative work with a wireless hub for connecting USB controllers over bluetooth.
Wej needs you! Help support Wej by pre-ordering yours and get 20% off. Get Wej for just $99.00 through November 7th.
http://preorder.retronyms.com
*Music courtesy of our friends at
http://www.loopmasters.com"
And the press release:
"The company that brought you some of the most popular iOS music apps, including Tabletop, ReBirth, iMPC, iMPC Pro, iMini and iProphet has an exciting announcement. Retronyms is making their first venture into music hardware.
Wej is a non-skid performance platform that lets you connect your USB MIDI controllers to your iOS music apps wirelessly over the new Apple Bluetooth LE MIDI protocol. Wej features 24 ultra bright RGB LEDs so that you can add ambiance to your studio or blast an ultra-portable light show.
Retronyms is hoping you’ll help them gather enough pre-orders to support building Wej. To get you started, they're offering Wej at $99, which includes a 20% preorder discount!
Not only is Wej a great addition to your music studio, it is hackable. The core of Wej is an Arduino application processor, and they'll release the Arduino sketch for download under an open-source license. You can create anything from a MIDI controller based on your favorite joystick to a bedside charging stand with built in visual alarm clock. We’re excited to see what you come up with. Take a look at
retronyms.com/hacks.html for more information on the extensibility of Wej."
The iProphet is great for evolving pads, sharp leads and super punchy digital bass sounds and comes with over 500 presets created by some of todays best sound designers. You can also swap presets between iProphet and Arturia's Prophet V synthesizer which allows you to work on the iPAD and finish in the DAW of your choice.
