Xsonic Airstep Smart Controller

19 Customer ratings

4 / 5

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13 Reviews

Xsonic Airstep Smart Controller
$199
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MIDI SysEx Messages limited to 5 bytes only!
RockSwede 15.08.2021
I bought this pedal device only to simplify the control of my keyboard, organ and computer synth MIDI programming for live gigs! As it was advertised you should be able to "Send all types of MIDI messages via 5-Pin, USB, Bluetooth output". Sounds fantastic, but:

If you are serious in MIDI programming then you will need system exclusive messages (SysEx), for example to change "Send" or "Receive" MIDI channels or to activate a specific "voice" on a MIDI device.

To program the AIRSTEP controller board you will have to use the corresponding AIRSTEP app, on an Android or iOS device. To my total surprise the maximum length to program MIDI SysEx messages in the app is limited to 5 (five!) bytes.
Any SYSex command I needed during the years hat at least 10 bytes, meaning I cannot get SysEx MIDI programming running due to the limits in the app. So the advertised text is just misleading!

I got in direct contact with the supplier XSONIC and they promised that the needed functionality will be available in app version 2.0. Still waiting for it, for months!

Finally, this controller is build like a tank! If the rating was related just to build quality it would deserve 5 stars. It also comes with lots of more features, but unfortunately the one that I was in need for is not working.

I will be happy to update this text as soon as the product is usable in a sense it was advertised for.
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9
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b
OK Hardware, horrible software
bbatarelo 31.10.2022
My experience with Airstep (full version) - frankly disappointing. I bought it to control Waza Air and it worked to some extent, but connectivity issues were always present. After upgrading everything (headphones and Airstep) to the latest version (Airstep 1.9.3), there's no way I can connect to it with Boss application anymore. There's either communication error or connection just doesn't happen.
Then I bought Katana Air and although presets generally work, it's impossible for me to actually see using the BTS app what's really going on. You are guessing - the same connectivity issues. BTS app sees Airstep, but connection just can't be established.
I don't know what's worse, using presets and blindly guessing what's going on or going through series of disconnects/reconnects after pushing each button on Airstep and verifying what happened using the app.
Until this gets resolved, this product is a joke and not something you can depend on.
There are plenty of the inconsistencies. XSonic website is joke as well, in recent Chrome you need open and close several times "Katana Air Mode" section for all modes with images to load.
On website there are only 4 modes explained, there are 8 in the app.
When you upgrade firmware to 1.9.3, application says device firmware version is 4.5.
This all looks like a shabby startup with poor quality assurance and not something serious. I'd like to be proven wrong, but there's just a lot of stuff telling me that nobody gives a damn on xsonic end.
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5
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b
Not stable wet “product”
beninghton9 04.06.2023
I bought it for Bluetooth connection to my PC and Yamaha thr10 to switch presets and control YouTube and other programs.
I could not attach it to Yamaha when it arrived, it did not switch presets.
The support is really bad, they just suggest you to update everything without diving into your specific problem, when you tell them what exactly happened they just ignore and use common phrases. So it’s only your problem guessing why it does not work.
Product is really wet, I don’t understand how it’s sold everywhere.
I finally was able to connect it to my Yamaha but it was just luck, I guessed right MIDI messages in the app. Btw app is very wet as well, a lot of bugs and unstable connection.
Here’s the main problem of this item - it can not provide stable Bluetooth connection.
Sometimes after enabling it connects from the first time but usually I have to reboot it, or reboot the Yamaha, or turn off and then on Bluetooth on my pc. It’s really annoying.
I think the manufacturer does not do any quality control of the product, they just did it, added many features, claimed that it works and sell everywhere. And big stores for some reason happily distribute this “product”, I guess only because it’s well assembled in appearance.
So my advice - you will be TIRED using it, because you will have to reboot it and your devices constantly, and Id be terrified using it on your live performance, it will let you down 100%.

I swear if I developed it could program it myself better I think (I’m a developer), but I just don’t have connections to sellers, while these guys somehow do.
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Km
"EXCELLENT"
Kemper man 08.08.2021
Excellent product, easy transaction ,speedy delivery, Thomann includes VAT in transaction which i find excellent .Well done Thomann
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Xsonic Airstep Smart Controller