Using The Missing Link
It’s important to note that the Missing Link uses MIDI to connect with your hardware via the wired connections and OSC for wireless communication. This means that you need to use an OSC-compatible app, like TouchOSC, on your wireless device.
Here are a few example scenarios:
- Add a wireless multitouch control surface for editing patches on older synths;
- Control rack-mounted gear wirelessly; or
- Adjust a MIDI-capable mixer from a remote touchscreen.
Here’s a short video that demonstrates controlling a Korg microKorg wirelessly, using The Missing Link and TouchOSC:
We tested the Missing Link with TouchOSC, running on an iPad, and some vintage gear. We found it easy to set up and use. And once you’ve got it set up, controlling your vintage MIDI gear using a wireless touchscreen interface seems magical.
To get the most out of the Missing Link, though, you’ll want to have access to the MIDI documentation for your gear and be able to make or customize your controller layouts in an app like TouchOSC.
Summary
The Missing Link is a unique device that lets you add wireless MIDI control to your MIDI gear. You need to use an OSC app, like TouchOSC, on your wireless device. If you’re willing to dig into TouchOSC, though, the Missing Link should let you to create a wireless control surface for just about any MIDI gear.
The Missing Link is available via Jabrudian and other retailers for $165.
Pros
- Controlling 25 year-old gear wirelessly, with a multi-touch screen, is a revelation
- It opens up new options – like adjusting your stage mixer settings from anywhere in the audience.
- Can be configured to work with WiFi routers to extend its range
Cons
- Doesn’t directly support wireless MIDI, so you’re limited to working with OSC apps
- Plastic case not as indestructible as we’d like
This is very cool – but I wonder why they can’t support MIDI apps directly?
That would open it up to hundreds of iPad apps. Is MIDI harder to send via wifi or something?
Thanks for the review. As a TouchOSC user, this looks very interesting!
I already can control my MIDI synth wirelessly with an OSX MIDI WIFI network, using any number of input devices. It’s a ton of fun to play a synth from the other room!
where we can buy?
The Missing Link is available via Jabrudian and other retailers for $165.
Links at the end of the review!
Why is this article paginated? Are you guys too good for scrolling now?
And yeah I love OSC and that’s cool but, IMHO really not so useful if we can’t send wireless MIDI, specially if they’re marketing it as a solution for controlling old synths.
Hi where can 1 get tge missing link please email [email protected] thank