CME has introduced the WIDI X-8, a full duplex wireless system for MIDI and USB communication.

“Wireless technology is everywhere and CME has finally brought wireless MIDI technology to a price that any musician can afford,” states Athan Billias, Director of Marketing for Technology Products at Yamaha. “The creative applications for the WIDI system are endless.”

The WIDI X-8 is a great way to clean up long MIDI cable runs or extend USB connections. The two units communicate over a wireless 2.4GHz ISM license-free band up to 262 feet of unobstructed space. Also able to communicate through walls and floors, the WIDI X-8?€™s 64 available channels mean up to 64 pairs can run at the same time within your home, studio or stage, making connections faster and easier.

The WIDI X-8 comes with two identical MIDI/USB devices that operate in four different ways depending on the users needs.

First, each unit can work independently as a stand-alone USB to MIDI interface. With both units in MIDI/RF mode, a keyboard or MIDI
controller can be wirelessly connected to rack modules, samplers, or other keyboards – great for use on stage. With both units in USB/RF
mode, USB data is transmitted between devices, allowing wireless communication between two computers in different areas of the home or
studio. Put one unit in USB/RF mode and the other in MIDI/RF mode and you have a wireless interface to connect a keyboard or MIDI controller to a computer.

Key Features

• Operates on 2.4GHz ISM license-free band
• Transmission range up to 262 feet (unobstructed)
• Low power consumption, high speed, error correction ability
• Built-in USB MIDI interface
• Bi-directional MIDI communication (MIDI in/out)
• Up to 64 pairs can be operating at the same time via 64 channels
• Three operating modes (USB/RF, MIDI/RF, USB/MIDI)
• OS X and Windows XP class-compliant for plug-and-play
• Powered by 2 ?€˜AA?€™ size batteries, AC power adapter (DC 5V) or USB bus-powered

The WIDI X-8 will be available in August, 2006 for $249.99 US MSRP.