Summer NAMM 2021 - Sand, software and sound

Even though Summer NAMM 2021 is a live event, the global pandemic still has the business world topsy-turvy. The vaccinated parts of the United States are shaking off cob-webs, but large parts of the world remain in the grasp of COVID-19. Japan — a major source for electronic musical instruments — is in near crisis just as the Summer Olympics are due to start.

Thus, I don’t really expect much from Summer NAMM 2021. In the run-up to the show, vendors are mainly announcing product updates and upgrades. Manufacturers are highlighting previously announced instruments like the Korg Wavestate or Yamaha DGX-670 digital piano.

Truly new, is the Boss EV-1-WL wireless MIDI expression pedal. The price ain’t bad, $149USD, and it offers the chance to eliminate yet another cable in your live rig. Although it seems targeted for guitarists — being promoted through the Boss brand — the EV-1-WL might be a boon for keyboard players, too.

The EV-1-WL operates on two AA batteries or PSA-series power adapter. It cooks up MIDI three ways: Bluetooth, USB and 3.5mm TRS. Nice to have both wired and wireless options. According to Boss, all three can be used at the same time and are independently configured.

In addition to the rocking expression pedal, the EV-1-WL has a built-in top switch and two external footswitch inputs (1/4 inch TRS). Boss will provide an app to assign MIDI messages [quoting the Boss web page]:

Expression pedal with EXP SW on—CC# 1-31/64-95, value 0-127
Expression pedal with EXP SW off—CC# 1-31/64-95, value 0-127
Toe switch (EXP SW)—CC# 1-31/64-95, value 0-127
External footswitch 1 (CTL1)— CC# 1-31/64-95, value 0-127
External footswitch 2 (CTL2)— CC# 1-31/64-95, value 0-127
MIDI channel—1-16
Expression pedal curve—Normal, Slow1, Slow2, or Fast
EXP SW/CTL1/CTL2 mode—latch or momentary

I’m a little nervous about the EV-1-WL’s ability to rendezvous (pair) with any old Bluetooth device or interface adaptor. Boss state compatibility with their WM-1 5-pin adaptor and WM-1D USB-A dongle. However, will it interoperate with Yamaha’s MD-BT01, UD-BT01 or in-built Bluetooth MIDI (e.g., SHS-500 Sonogenic)? A 5-pin DIN MIDI cable is brand-agnostic.

The USB and Bluetooth MIDI world is rife with incompatibilities and the inability to make connection. A 5-pin MIDI cable is symmetric. A USB connection has a HOST end and a DEVICE end. Bluetooth has acceptors and initiators which must dance with each other when pairing. A MIDI cable simply connects an IN to OUT (and vice versa). Done.

Anyway, the EV-1-WL has got my attention and I look forward to the user manual and app. Hoping for the best…