iPad Apple Connection kit compatible Midi Keyboard Controllers

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iPad via Apple Camera Connection Kit plus Midi Keyboards USB Hub controller
Are you wondering whether your midi usb keyboard controller will connect with your iPad, iPhone, or any other iOS device you might use? This list below includes an updated list of devices that will work to save you the trouble of buying a device that may or may not work with your new or legacy devices. Good chunk of this list was originally part of iosmidi.com’s page, but they have since taken it down, but as I was looking for a keyboard for my iPad that would not require a power plug I decided to keep this available for others. If any midi devices or controllers are missing please let us know via the comments below and we will try our best to figure out whether or not your midi usb keyboard or usb controller works or not. Remember this needs a new Lightning to a USB Camera Adapter (MD821AM/A) or the older Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (MC531ZM/A) to work
ipad midi controller setup for your ipad to your midi controller keyboard

Midi USB keyboards and USB controllers that work:

    • Akai MPK225 (uses a built-in low power mode with limited LED operation)
    • Akai MPK249 (uses a built-in low power mode with limited LED operation)
    • Akai MPK261 (uses a built-in low power mode with limited LED operation)
    • Akai MPC Element
    • Akai EIE (Powered USB Hub needed) (only 2-channel input possible)
  • Arturia 61 key Universal keyboard controller (powered usb hub required.)
    • Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S25 Controller Keyboard (works as a stand-alone MIDI controller with Apple Camera Connector into an iPad Mini 2 running Korg Module and Gadget apps. Great cool minimalist live setup, only downside is DIN MIDI out on the Kontrol 61 does not appear to work without an attached PC or MAC. Thanks Den)
    • With Apple Camera Connector into an iPad Mini 2 running Korg Module and Gadget apps. Great Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Keyboard (works as a stand-alone MIDI controller cool minimalist live setup, only downside is DIN MIDI out on the Kontrol 61 does not appear to work without an attached PC or MAC. Thanks Den)
    • Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 Keyboard (works as a stand-alone MIDI controller with Apple Camera Connector into an iPad Mini 2 running Korg Module and Gadget apps. Great cool minimalist live setup, only downside is DIN MIDI out on the Kontrol 61 does not appear to work without an attached PC or MAC. Thanks Den)
    • Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Keyboard, 88-Key (works as a stand-alone MIDI controller with Apple Camera Connector into an iPad Mini 2 running Korg Module and Gadget apps. Great cool minimalist live setup, only downside is DIN MIDI out on the Kontrol 61 does not appear to work without an attached PC or MAC. Thanks Den)

ipad plugged into midi keyboard controller via lightning to usb apple cable or apple camera connection kit

Midi USB keyboards and USB controllers that DO NOT work:

midi controller that can me usb powered for ipad or iphone ios devices

iPad Midi keyboard and USB controllers that may work:

    • Adafruit UNTZtrument 16×8
  • Adafruit UNTZtrument 8×8

Connecting iPad with a Midi keyboard, few caveats:

The device must have a USB connector (i.e. you can’t plug a MIDI cable directly into the iPad). In addition to this, you may have to setup your device slightly differently to make sure it transmits/receives correctly, ie with a BCR2000.
It must be class-compliant – if you can plug the device in and it will work without drivers on a Mac, this generally means it is class-compliant.
It must draw a tiny amount of power, or have it’s own power source such as a power adaptor.
Below is a list of devices that are known to work or not work with the iPad on iOS4.2. Bear in mind this could change, the power requirements did vary between early beta versions of iOS4.2 and caused some devices to stop working that worked previously. Hopefully there will be updates made that will bring those back!

List and iPad Midi Controller Setup

iPad Apple Connection kit compatible Midi Keyboard Controllers

Some tips on getting midi usb keyboard/usb controller devices to work:

Try multiple times. Sometimes devices don’t work the first time, unplug them and re-connect them to try again a few times.
Use a USB Hub. For some reason some devices only work via a USB Hub. This can also be used to power devices, and connect multiple devices to one iPad, and they will work simultaneously


Charge your iPad. If your iPad is low on charge it may say that your device is ‘not compatible’, when in fact it is.
Look for a ‘generic driver’ setting. It’s currently not possible to install drivers on the iPad, and likely never will be. So your device must be class compliant. Some devices have a setting for an ‘advanced’ driver, if your device has this setting turn it off. Most EDIROL products have this setting on by default and can be made to work by changing it – refer to the manual.


Check for firmware updates. Some Novation controllers/keyboards can have their firmware (software) updated and will work with the new version. Note: I have a received a note that apparently this only applies to the the Remote Audio, LE or SL series, and not the 25/37 models.

Oh Yea Check this video out, and go support this indigogo campaign if this is something you want to see happen:

Indigogo Campaign

Also another great link on multiple other ways you can connect your iPad to your Midi controller, keyboard, or Ableton, etc.

If you have experience with other midi keyboards and controllers that work with the Apple Camera Connection Kit via powered and unpowered usb connections please comment below and Ill add it in here? Also some of the links are affiliate ones, maybe someone will buy and help keep this page up. Thanks guys!

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