1. What You Need
Requirements
- A Bluetooth MIDI keyboard (also called BLE MIDI or wireless MIDI)
- iPhone or iPad with iOS 13+
- Bluetooth enabled on your device
No extra apps needed. Crescendo has built-in Bluetooth MIDI support. You don't need any third-party pairing utilities.
Keyboards with Built-in Bluetooth MIDI
| Brand | Models |
|---|---|
| Roland | FP-30X, FP-60X, FP-90X, GO:PIANO |
| Yamaha | P-515, P-525, CLP Clavinova series, CSP series |
| Kawai | ES520, ES920, CA series, CN series |
| KORG | microKEY Air, nanoKEY Studio, G1 Air |
| Casio | PX-S series (select models), CT-S series |
Check your keyboard's manual for "Bluetooth MIDI" or "BLE MIDI" support. Some models only have Bluetooth audio (not MIDI).
2. Step-by-Step Pairing
Important: Pair within Crescendo
Do not pair your Bluetooth MIDI keyboard in iOS Settings. Bluetooth MIDI uses a different protocol than regular Bluetooth. You must connect from within Crescendo.
Turn on your keyboard and enable Bluetooth
Power on your keyboard and put it in Bluetooth pairing mode. This varies by keyboard—check your manual. Common methods:
- Hold a dedicated Bluetooth button for 3 seconds
- Access via the keyboard's menu/settings
- Some keyboards auto-enable Bluetooth when powered on
Open Crescendo and tap the MIDI button
On the home screen or practice view, tap the MIDI button (keyboard icon) in the bottom bar to open the device picker.
Tap "Scan for Bluetooth MIDI"
This starts a 30-second scan for nearby Bluetooth MIDI devices. Make sure you're within 10 feet (3 meters) of your keyboard for best results.
Tap your keyboard when it appears
Your keyboard should appear in the list within a few seconds. Tap it to connect. You'll see a green indicator when connected.
First time? iOS may show a Bluetooth permission prompt. Tap "Allow" to let Crescendo discover your keyboard.
Calibrate your keyboard (first time only)
On first connection, Crescendo asks you to play your keyboard's lowest and highest keys. This helps display the correct range for your keyboard.
3. Latency: What to Expect
Bluetooth MIDI has slightly higher latency than USB, but it's still excellent for practice.
Latency Comparison
| Connection | Latency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USB | 5-10ms | Lowest latency, requires adapter |
| Bluetooth MIDI | 5-15ms | Wireless, no adapter needed |
| Perception threshold | <20ms | Most people can't perceive delay |
Bottom line: Both USB and Bluetooth MIDI are fast enough for comfortable practice. You likely won't notice the 5ms difference.
Factors That Affect Bluetooth Latency
- • Distance — Stay within 10 feet (3m) for lowest latency
- • Interference — WiFi routers, microwaves, and other Bluetooth devices can add latency
- • Keyboard quality — Higher-end keyboards often have better Bluetooth implementations
4. Troubleshooting
Keyboard doesn't appear in scan
- Confirm your keyboard has Bluetooth MIDI (not just Bluetooth audio)
- Put the keyboard in pairing mode again
- Move closer (within 10 feet / 3 meters)
- Toggle Bluetooth off and on in iOS Settings
- Restart both your keyboard and iPhone/iPad
Connected but keyboard doesn't respond
- Check that your keyboard is set to send MIDI data, not just audio
- Some keyboards have a "Local Off" setting—make sure MIDI output is enabled
- Disconnect and reconnect in Crescendo
- Try forgetting the device in iOS Settings > Bluetooth, then re-pair in Crescendo
Keyboard disconnects during use
- Battery — Check your keyboard's battery level
- Range — Stay within 10 feet of your device
- Interference — Move away from WiFi routers or other Bluetooth devices
- iOS 16+ — Paired devices should auto-reconnect when powered on. If not, tap the device again in Crescendo.
Latency feels too high
- Move closer to your device (within 10 feet)
- Reduce interference: turn off WiFi temporarily, move away from other electronics
- Close other apps that might be using Bluetooth
- If latency is critical, consider USB connection (5-10ms vs 5-15ms)
5. Bluetooth vs USB: Which Should I Use?
Choose Bluetooth if...
- You want a clean, cable-free setup
- Your keyboard has built-in Bluetooth MIDI
- You don't want to buy adapters
- 5-15ms latency is acceptable (it usually is)
Choose USB if...
- You want the absolute lowest latency
- Your keyboard doesn't have Bluetooth MIDI
- You experience Bluetooth interference
- You want the most reliable connection