MIDI Connection Setup
NueCtrl supports three MIDI connection methods: WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB. Choose the one that best fits your workflow and latency requirements.
WiFi MIDI Setup (macOS)
WiFi MIDI provides wireless freedom with professional-grade performance. All configuration is done on your Mac—no phone-side operation needed.
- Open Audio MIDI Setup: On your Mac, open Applications → Utilities → Audio MIDI Setup.
- Open MIDI Studio: From the menu bar, click Window → Show MIDI Studio.
- Open Network Configuration: Double-click the "Network" icon in MIDI Studio.
- Create a Session: In the "My Sessions" panel, click the "+" button to create a new session. Check "Enabled" to publish the session on the network.
- Connect to NueCtrl: In the Directory panel, you'll see "NueCtrl" appear when the app is running. Select it and click "Connect".
- Verify in DAW: Open your DAW and select the session name (e.g., "Session 1") as your MIDI input.
Ensure your iPhone and Mac are on the same WiFi network (5GHz recommended for best performance).
Bluetooth MIDI Setup (iOS)
Bluetooth MIDI offers wireless convenience with easy setup. This is the only connection method that requires configuration on your iPhone.
- Enable Bluetooth: On your iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
- Open NueCtrl: Launch NueCtrl and go to Settings → Connection → Bluetooth MIDI.
- Make Discoverable: Tap "Advertise" to make NueCtrl visible to your DAW.
- Connect from DAW: In your DAW's MIDI preferences, look for "NueCtrl BLE" and connect.
- Verify Connection: The status indicator in NueCtrl will show "Connected" when paired successfully.
Bluetooth MIDI works with any DAW that supports Bluetooth MIDI on macOS, iOS, or Windows.
USB MIDI Setup
USB connections offer the absolute lowest latency and maximum reliability. No phone-side configuration needed.
- Connect Cable: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning or USB-C cable.
- Enable iPhone (First Time Only): Open Audio MIDI Setup on your Mac, go to Window → Show Audio Devices, find your iPhone and click "Enable".
- Automatic Detection: NueCtrl automatically detects the USB connection and switches to USB MIDI mode.
- Select in DAW: In your DAW's MIDI preferences, select "NueCtrl" as your MIDI input device.
- Start Playing: NueCtrl is now ready for use with ultra-low latency.
USB MIDI is class-compliant and works with all major DAWs without additional drivers.
Latency Comparison
- USB: ~2ms (recommended for critical studio work and live performance)
- WiFi: ~5ms (ideal for wireless studio mobility)
- Bluetooth: ~10-15ms (best for casual use and portability)
Troubleshooting
- WiFi not showing: Ensure both devices are on the same network and restart Audio MIDI Setup.
- Bluetooth pairing fails: Turn Bluetooth off and on again on both devices, then retry.
- USB not detected: Try a different cable or USB port. Ensure the cable supports data transfer.
- High latency: Close background apps on your iPhone and use a 5GHz WiFi network or switch to USB.