As I’ve begun to explore the dwarf and it’s midi capabilities, I found one thing I’d like to see in the future of mod devices.
POWERED MIDI PORT!
I have been experimenting a lot with wireless midi, most notably the CME WidiJacks. They are pretty solid device for what I do.
Unfortunately, with the MOD Dwarf, I have to run external power to the widi jack (kinda kills the wireless experience) instead of having a powered midi out port like most of my synths.
I am not sure when you’ll make another hardware revision, or even if it’s an economical issue, but I’d request implementing this when you decide to do so.
I love this Dwarf and I’m starting to really itch for a DUO X to pair with it.
I do use the USB port for a Bluetooth dongle. using the dongle seems to mitigate ground loop noise by a factor of 10.
If there was a secondary USB-A port or integrated Bluetooth I’d have just used the mod dwarf to power the widijack.
I’d have to assume that it would be much more cost efficient to route power to the midi jack rather than integrating a Bluetooth chip, or adding another USB-A port, but then again, I’ve never designed or built a product from the ground up before.
I’d also imagine that if there was an integrated Bluetooth option, all midi could be handled that way, and then the widijack would be a moot point.
I’m doing just fine with what I’m working with now, but it’d be next level to only have to plug audio and power cables in the device. It’s as clean of a unit as you can get for what it offers as it stands. This suggestion is just one more thing that would put it over the top imo
Mounted on a pedalboard, a USB hub is a great solution. On the desk, I agree that it can get a little messier here because of the cables. But that also depends a bit on which USB hub you use. I also have a Bluetooth dongle and the Widi-Jack on mine.
I have no problems with ground noise in my setup. There are no audio sources involved and the power supply comes from the Dwarf. So the risk should be very low.