How to Connect a MIDI Controller to the iPad

Jam out in style

By
Daniel Nations
Daniel Nations
Daniel Nations
Writer
  • University of Texas at Arlington
Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator.
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Updated on February 12, 2021

What To Know

  • You need a MIDI adapter, like the iRig MIDI 2 or the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer II.
  • You may need a powered USB hub for your MIDI keyboard.

This article explains a few options to connect a MIDI keyboard to your iPad and jam out in style with Garage Band. It's actually rather easy to connect a MIDI controller to your iPad, but you will need an adapter to let you funnel that MIDI signal into your tablet. Luckily, there a couple of not-so-expensive options.

iRig MIDI 2 

iRig MIDI 2 next to keyboard, iphone, ipad, and laptop

The iRig MIDI 2 is the most expensive MIDI solution for the iPad, but it's also packed with features. The adapter provides MIDI in, out, and thru using the standard MIDI interface. It also has a USB port, so you can keep your iPad's battery from draining down while you play. This makes it an excellent choice compared to other solutions. If you can't keep your iPad charged, your playing time will be limited. And if you walk into the studio only to find your iPad's battery mostly drained, this is the solution that still lets you sit down and play. iRig MIDI 2 also works with all generations of the iPad or iPhone. 

Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit

Next up comes the iPad Camera Connection Kit, which essentially turns the Lightning connector into a USB port. One thing to remember when using it is to plug any MIDI controller into the connection kit first and then plug the Connection Kit into the iPad. This helps the iPad recognize your device. While the Connection Kit doesn't have the musical versatility that comes with the iRig MIDI 2, it does have non-musical versatility. Since it's essentially a USB port, you can use it to load pictures onto your iPad from a camera or even connect a hardware keyboard to your iPad. This solution is great for those simply trying to create a simple MIDI connection. The Connection Kit is available for iPads that have a Lightning connector and older iPads with the 30-pin connector.

Because the iPad may not output enough power for your MIDI controller, you may need to connect your controller to a USB hub and the hub to the iPad via the camera connection kit. 

Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer II

While less expensive than the iRig MIDI, the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer II doesn't offer the MIDI thru or the USB connection for keeping your iPad charged. If all you want to do is get MIDI going between your iPad and computer, this does the trick for the smallest amount of cash, but without the ability to keep your iPad charged, your playing time is limited.

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