This video, via thesoundtestroom, is a step-by-step tutorial on how to connect various type of music keyboards to your iPad.
Keep in mind is that this will only work with applications that support MIDI. Look for a mention of MIDI support in the App Store description and for additional details from the developer on what functions/features of the app are supported via MIDI.
That was a nice tutorial! Cool that he goes over a bunch of scenarios.
One thing that came up for me was with a Korg MicroKey 37, that it draws too much power, so the iPad 4 won’t accept it. The workaround was to use an externally powered USB hub. It is obviously less convenient, but if you already have a USB controller that is only powered via USB, the USB hub is a pretty inexpensive way to get it to work with the iPad. It also might allow you to use another USB device simultaneously. For example, I was able to use my Zoom H2n as an audio i/o along with the MicroKey keyboard. It also won’t run the battery down as quickly.
love the microkey form factor, but it is strange on its power consumption. even plugged into a powered hub, its own usb hub is useless.
Yeah, cool tutorial, but it’s so simple, that my 8 year old neighbour can hook up those devices, with the right cables within hand reach. I think he wanted to show off how many synths, keyboards & midi controllers he has. But I find it’s cool he took the effort to show people who are using Midi gear for the first time. Thumbs up!
http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v3/730127246/Free-Shipping-font-b-Female-b-font-to-font-b-Female-b-font-font-b-USB.jpg
well done tutorial!
The key feature I want in an iPad MIDI or USB interface is being able to charge the iPad while you play,
This is relatively common for 5-pin MIDI interfaces (iRig MIDI, Behringer iStudio, Alesis IO Dock, Griffin StudioConnect, etc. all do the trick) but much harder to find for USB MIDI interfaces (iConnectMIDI v1 did it; I’m still waiting for the iConnectMIDI4+ which should do everything and then some in 2015 or whenever it finally ships.)
thank for the guide, I needed it few days ago. But your post is really helpful. I will recommend it to my friend your site.