This is something that is very easy to do on my macbook using either garageband or logic express. However, I am not sure how to do it on the ipad or if it is even possible. It should be similar to the method of connecting an electric guitar. Most people use iRig for a guitar, but there is not a comparable product to connect a keyboard. I'm assuming the only way to do it is by connecting the midi to a usb interface and then connecting the usb interface to the camera connection kit. However, I don't even know if the iPad recognizes an external midi controller like a macbook does.

Has anyone had any success with this maneuver? Thanks!

How can I use the iPad as a MIDI controller directly via USB (with Reason or Ableton Live)? But I'm sometimes getting MIDI overflow errors in Reason. I'm guessing there will be lower latency delays if I use a direct connection via USB (iPad connection to USB-port on a laptop) like so. I use a usb joystick as a midi controller by using. Is it possible to use iPad as midi controller for Garageband on my Mac? I'll be traveling next week and won't have access to WiFi where I am staying and don't want to by an intermediary midi device. Are there any apps that would allow me to connect my iPad mini to my Mac with the lightning cable, and then use the iPad Mini as a midi controller. To connect a controller keyboard with an iOS interface, first connect the interface to your iOS device’s dock port. Next, plug the keyboard’s MIDI out to the MIDI in on the interface using either a standard MIDI cable or a cable that comes with the unit, depending on the interface you have.

iPad 2, iOS 4.3.2

Use MPE controllers with GarageBand for iPad. You can use GarageBand with controllers that support MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE). MPE assigns each note to its own MIDI channel so that information about pitch, timbre and expression controls are applied to notes individually. /how-to-export-garageband-ipad-to-logic.html. More egregiously, my ipad doesn't recognize this midi controller (at least in garageband). This may be an issue with my USB adapter, but I have used it successfully for midi controllers in the past. If something has a picture of an ipad screenprinted on it, you would expect it to connect better. Jun 09, 2011 Most people use iRig for a guitar, but there is not a comparable product to connect a keyboard. I'm assuming the only way to do it is by connecting the midi to a usb interface and then connecting the usb interface to the camera connection kit. However, I don't even know if the iPad recognizes an external midi controller like a macbook does. May 16, 2012  GarageBand’s velocity-sensitive drums and keyboards — which use the iPad’s accelerometers to know how hard you hit the screen —. Carbon 49 MIDI Controller.

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With the exception of a few dedicated iOS-specific models, most MIDI controller keyboards require another piece of hardware to be placed in between them and your iOS device in order for your Core MIDI apps to recognize and respond to your MIDI controller. You have a few different ways you can go.

iOS MIDI interface

One way to go is to purchase a dedicated iOS MIDI interface, or an iOS audio-and-MIDI interface that gives you microphone or guitar connections (or both) in addition to a MIDI connection. Examples of audio-and-MIDI interfaces on the market include the IK Multimedia iRig PRO, the Alesis I/O Dock II, and the Behringer iS202.

If you only need MIDI and don’t plan on recording audio, a dedicated iOS MIDI interface is an economical way to go, and more are being released all the time. For instance, the new IK Multimedia iRig MIDI 2 gives you the option of Lightning and 30-pin connections for iOS, or USB connections for Mac and PC. It features MIDI in, out, and thru ports.

If you want to have the option to set up a multi-machine setup with four MIDI ins and four MIDI outs, and the ability to pass audio from one machine to the next, you might consider iConnectivity’s new iConnectMIDI4+, which, with all its capabilities, sells only for about $200.

To connect a controller keyboard with an iOS interface, first connect the interface to your iOS device’s dock port. Next, plug the keyboard’s MIDI out to the MIDI in on the interface using either a standard MIDI cable or a cable that comes with the unit, depending on the interface you have. The keyboard’s MIDI out is where messages coming from the keyboard — including note-ons and note-offs, CC data, and more — are sent.

The interface’s MIDI in port takes that data and brings it into your iOS device and makes it available for your app.

Before MIDI came along, synthesizers used control voltage (or CV) to pass messages like notes and performance data between different devices. CV isn’t common to iOS interfaces yet, but some enterprising souls allow you to pass MIDI to digital devices and CV to analog devices for some truly impressive synth rigs. If you feel like geeking out, check out apps like Brute LFO and buy the cable you’ll need (one end should be the standard headphone to plug into the phone, and the other end whatever the analog synth accepts).

Connecting controllers to iOS devices using USB

Another option for plugging in an external keyboard is to use a standard USB MIDI controller. “But wait, there’s no USB port on an iOS device,” you say. This is technically true, but you can add one very easily with Apple’s inexpensive Lightning-to-USB-camera adapter, for Lighting-equipped devices, or the Camera Connection Kit for iOS devices with 30-pin dock connectors.

Ipad As Midi Controller For Garageband

When you do this, the MIDI controller world is your oyster, as you can choose from a large selection of USB MIDI interfaces.

In order to work with Apple’s Core MIDI, a USB MIDI controller must be USB Class Compliant, which means that it’s designed to work with your iOS device (or a computer) without the need to install a software driver. If driver installation is required, it won’t work on your iOS device.

A large percentage of USB controller keyboards are USB Class Compliant, and some even advertise themselves as being iOS compatible, if you use one of the Apple camera adapters.

Do your research and make sure your USB MIDI controller will work with iOS devices. Manufacturers who do produce compatible equipment will usually fall over themselves advertising this fact.

Midi Controller Software

One more big advantage of connecting via USB to your iOS device is that you don’t need to plug a power adapter into the keyboard; it will be bus powered, which means it gets its power through the USB cable. As a result, you can connect your MIDI keyboard in places where there’s no AC power available — as long as your iPad’s battery is charged. However, longer chains of devices or larger devices might still need a separate power source — do your research and test first.