Hohner MIDI Melodeon 4.0

The Hohner MIDI Melodeon serves as a control surface for Button Accordion and Melodeon, utilizing CoreMIDI technology on the iPad platform.

This application does not generate sound independently; rather, it interfaces with hardware and software VST-style MIDI synthesizers via a CoreMIDI-compatible connection. Compatible devices include a connected dock connector interface or virtual MIDI instruments such as Roland Sound Canvas for iOS, IK Multimedia SampleTank®, or Sonosaurus ThumbJam running on the iPad.

The button configuration replicates the iconic Hohner Erica diatonic accordion, with an integrated note guide designed to facilitate learning and navigation of the controls.

The layout maintains approximately the same button spacing as the physical instrument, ensuring familiar ergonomics.

Playback is achieved by pressing the buttons with the right hand; illuminated in green upon contact.

The instrument emulates the bellows operation characteristic of this style: pushing or pulling affects the produced notes. Users can initiate PUSH notes by pressing anywhere on the bellows image at the top of the screen and PULL notes by lifting their finger.

A PUSH/PULL indicator displays the current bellows direction, with side lighting tracking motion for visual feedback.

Fingers may glide between adjacent buttons to facilitate fluid play.

Tap the MIDI connector icon located at the upper left to access MIDI control settings, where users can adjust overall MIDI volume, modulation, channel (1-8), key attack velocity (fixed or variable), velocity range, and transposition (+/- 12 semitones).

Both fixed and variable velocity modes are supported. In variable modes, the horizontal (X) or vertical (Y) position within the bellows area determines note velocity, with adjustable minimum and maximum values. Fixed mode utilizes the maximum velocity setting directly. Additionally, reversing velocity mapping is possible by setting maximum velocity lower than minimum velocity.

The layout offers options for B/C or D/G tuning configurations. Other tunings can be achieved via transposition settings; for example, selecting B/C layout with +2 transposition yields C#/D tuning.

The "Transmit MIDI Port" toggle allows users to choose between "Omni," broadcasting to all CoreMIDI applications—consistent with previous MIDIFlute versions—or "Virtual Port," targeted at named CoreMIDI virtual ports. When set to "Virtual Port," MIDI data is accessible as an input in compatible applications such as ThumbJam and MidiBridge. The default setting is "Omni."

For quick reference, tap the '?' icon to reveal note names for each button without transposition. The '!' icon triggers an "All Notes Off" command to silence any stuck notes. The 'i' icon opens instructions.

All user preferences are preserved upon exiting the application.

Relevant settings for integration with other MIDI synthesizer applications include:

• Sonosaurus ThumbJam: Enable "Background Audio" in "Preferences" > "Options." If using "Virtual Port," activate it under "Preferences" > "MIDI Control" > "MIDI Input Connections."
• IK Multimedia SampleTank: Enable "Background Audio" within Settings (gear icon).
• iRig MIDI Hardware Interface: Set "Transmit MIDI Port" to "Omni" for direct connection; select "Virtual Port" if processing via an intermediary like MidiBridge.

Additional CoreMIDI-compatible apps may require similar configuration adjustments.

Consider exploring the "Celtic Sound" module app for authentic Accordion and Concertina sounds, which pairs effectively with this control surface.

Visit AppCordions.com for detailed MIDI setup guides and demonstration videos.