Connect any USB MIDI keyboard to your iOS device
What if your instrument doesn't have the traditional MIDI IN/OUT ports at the back? How do you connect it to the iPad to unleash its full power?Solution: The iPad Camera Connection Kit
This video illustrates the connection using the YAMAHA PSR E-433 and my iPad3 using the camera connection kit. At the end of the video, I recorded the demo song using the Yamaha keyboard as a MIDI input while using sample sounds from the GarageBand app. All you need for this setup is:
- A standard printer A-to-B cable
- The ORIGINAL (this is important) iPad Camera Connection Kit.
- The GarageBand app on your iPad. This method will also work with any other apps that support the Core MIDI functionality.
Frequently asked related questions (from the video tutorial):
Have you tested non-Apple manufactured camera connection kits, such as those 5-in-1 camera connection kits available on eBay? Will it still work?Perhaps! I have used the Chinese 'fake' kit from eBay and noticed a distortion in the sound and poor connectivity. The iPad will occasionally not detect the device; hence I would only recommend the original and genuine connector.
What is the difference between the i-UX1 and i-MX1 cable?
The i-UX1 cable is for devices with 'USB to HOST' port, meaning that I could use that cable instead of the camera connection kit setup, which I show in the video.
The i-MX1 cable is for all other MIDI IN/MIDI OUT port devices.
Can FL Studio's audio output be played on the speakers of a Yamaha Keyboard instead of the PC speakers?
When you connect your Yamaha to your PC/Laptop via USB, the Yamaha synth is visible in both input and output sections in the MIDI settings. In the Output setting, select Yamaha and set a port number (say "0"). Use the same port number Fruity LSD, and you can assign any instruments in Fruity LSD, and the sound output will come from your Synth.
I have a Yamaha keyboard, and I want to connect it to FL Studio. Should I be using the same USB cable which you showed in the video? Will there be any lag/delay in the sound output? I will be using FL Studio's ASIO-4-all driver.
ASIO driver is an excellent option; However, there still might be a very slight lag/delay. I recommend splitting the keyboard outputs into 2. One line could then go directly to FL studio, and the other would be your monitoring headphones.
I want to connect two devices (keyboard and iPad) to hear an audio file (on the iPad) and the keyboard at the same time in my headphone. Is that possible with a USB and a DAW app?
Yes, it is possible, but it depends on the keyboard model that you have. For example, my Yamaha PSR S950 has an Aux-in slot in the back that is made specifically for this purpose.
Another way around would be to use a Y-split cable with all-female ends and two male-to-male aux cables. In this setup, two male-ends would be hooked to the iPad and the keyboard, respectively, while the third female-input would be for your headphones.
Key takeaways
- Non-Apple connection kits might work too but often experience connection/performance issues.
- Using too many plugs and adapters can degrade the overall sound quality. You're better off investing in a small mixer. Read more about my keyboards, software, and mixers.
