How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to an iPad Pro

Whether you're a producer on the go or a pianist exploring new sounds, connecting a MIDI keyboard to your iPad Pro opens up a world of musical possibilities. With just a few tools, your iPad can become a portable production studio, complete with touch-based DAWs, virtual instruments, and apps like GarageBand, Cubasis, or Korg Gadget.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started.

What You’ll Need

1. A MIDI Keyboard
This can be a USB MIDI controller (like the Akai MPK Mini, Arturia MiniLab 3, etc.) or one with traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI output.

2. An iPad Pro
All iPad Pro models support MIDI input and are powerful enough to run most music apps smoothly.

3. A Connection Method
You have a couple of options depending on your keyboard:

For USB MIDI Keyboards:

• Option A: USB-C to USB Adapter (if your MIDI keyboard has a USB Type-B port)
  - Use Apple’s USB-C to USB adapter or any compatible USB-C hub.
• Option B: Direct USB-C Connection
  - Some newer keyboards support USB-C directly. Simply connect via a USB-C to USB-C cable.

For 5-Pin DIN MIDI Keyboards:
You’ll need a MIDI Interface like the iConnectivity Mio or Roland UM-ONE, which converts the MIDI signal to USB.

Connect the interface to your iPad using a USB-C adapter or hub.

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Plug in your MIDI keyboard
Connect your keyboard using one of the methods above. If your keyboard requires power and doesn’t draw enough from the iPad, plug it into an external power source or use a powered USB hub.

Step 2: Launch a music app
Open an app like GarageBand, Logic Remote, Cubasis, or any other iOS-compatible DAW. Most of them detect MIDI input automatically.

Step 3: Play!
Once connected, you should be able to play virtual instruments, trigger samples, or control app parameters directly from your MIDI keyboard.

Troubleshooting Tips

• No Sound? Ensure the correct virtual instrument is selected in your app and that the volume is up.
• App Not Responding? Some apps may require MIDI input to be manually enabled in their settings.
• Latency Issues? Try closing background apps, or use apps optimized for low-latency MIDI performance.

Bonus: Going Wireless with Bluetooth MIDI

Some MIDI keyboards support Bluetooth MIDI, which allows you to connect wirelessly:

1. On your iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure it’s on.
2. Open a compatible music app.
3. Look for a “Bluetooth MIDI Devices” option (often found under settings or preferences).
4. Pair your keyboard when it appears in the list.

Wireless MIDI is ideal for quick jams, though wired connections are generally more stable for serious production work.

Final Thoughts

The iPad Pro is an incredibly powerful tool for musicians and producers, and pairing it with a MIDI keyboard gives you the tactile feel of keys with the flexibility of mobile music apps. Whether you're composing in a coffee shop, practicing on the road, or recording on the fly, this simple setup can transform your workflow.

Happy playing!