iPad MIDI on the Cheap

If you have an iOS device and have been considering using it with MIDI there are currently four options.

1) There's MIDI via the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer which requires apps that support MIDI through their SDK. Apps that do not support their SDK but support CoreMIDI will not work with it.

2) There's OSC to MIDI which requires that you have a device between the iPad and destination MIDI device that converts OSC messages to MIDI. Not all apps support this. For apps that do, this is fine if you want to control things on your computer with your iPad over wireless, but not so good if you want to control external hardware synths, unless of course, you are fine with using your computer as a MIDI dongle. The Missing Link is an option for direct wireless OSC to MIDI, bypassing the computer all together.

3) There is MIDI Wifi via DSMidiWifi or a Network Session to your computer. Again, this is great if you want to use your computer, but not good if you want to go direct iPad to hardware.

4) Finally, and probably most importantly for us gear heads, there is CoreMIDI which is becoming the standard for most apps. You can go wifi with a computer as your MIDI device, or for use without a PC you need two things, one you need the USB Camera Connection Kit from Apple (if you pick up a used one, make sure it comes with the USB attachment/dongle and not just the SD card attachment), and two, you need a class compliant MIDI device that will support what you plan to use it for. For example you can use the KORG NanoKeys for MIDI IN to the iPad, but obviously not for MIDI OUT of the iPad. See http://iosmidi.com/devices/ for a list of devices and what they support.

As I already have the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer and The Missing Link, I didn't want to spend too much for CoreMIDI, so I decided to go cheap and picked up the HDI MIDI Cable from Amazonfor $5 plus shipping for a total of $10.14. It works for me but some people are reporting various issues with it.

I hooked it up and it was instantly recognized by apps that support CoreMIDI. It uses the thin USB computer type cable as you can see. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I do. For some reason, it feels thinner, lighter, and more flexible than some of the thicker MIDI cables I have. I should note the Line 6 MIDI mobilizer has even thinner, and flexible cables as well. Thinner is better with the iPad as the point is to be as unobstructed as possible. Length was also a concern for me and the cable is great at about six feet long. Again being light and thin is good and the device takes a very small profile compared to some other class compliant MIDI devices. One thing I did notice was when I accidentally nudged the Camera Connection Kit (the white square you see the HDI MIDI Cable connected to) and lost the connection, I had to completely remove it and re-seat it to get the app to pick it up again - the Camera Connection Kit that is, not the USB cable. The USB cable sits snug in the CCK. The only reason I mention this is to remember to keep the CCK snug if you are performing or recording! Another reason I have my fingers crossed for a wireless CoreMIDI device.

In short, if you are thinking of picking up or using your iPad with other hardware and/or software, research the apps you are interested in and make sure to note the method of connection they support. Most apps have a support site where you can also find out what they plan to support in the future. Check the http://iosmidi.com/devices/ list for supported hardware and those that are not supported. For example, older Midisport Uno USB devices with the solid blue enclosure will not work with CoreMIDI, while the new M-Audio Uno USB with the clear case will.

Apps pictured:
StepPolyArp - Midi Step Polyphonic Arpeggiator - Laurent Colson - great polyphonic sequencer and arpeggiator with some nice features. See the link for details on iTunes. Hooking it up with the KORG MicroKORG pictured or any synth for that matter is tons of fun. An interesting and obvious side note is you can use the iPad as a controller for your desktop synths that don't have keys. Setting up a small portable workspace with the iPad as your MIDI controller really can work. No you don't have full size keys but even setting up a mini keyboard in TouchOSC works surprisingly well.

Domestic Cat MIDI Touch - like TouchOSC but also supports Sysex and NRPN.

Not pictured but an alternative MIDI editor for the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer is S1MIDI Trigger.

And some relevant links:
HDI MIDI Cable from Amazon
iPads on eBay
iPod Touch on eBay
Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer on eBay
Camera Connection Kit on Amazon
Camera Connection Kits on eBay - note some of these are big and 3rd party devices. I picked mine up from the local Mac store as I didn't want to wait.
Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer on eBay