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!

50 Comments

  • Matt Page

    September 28, 2014

    Edirol PCR-A30 works with audio and MIDI if the audio is put in generic 44.1kHz mode.

    MIDI also has to be in generic mode to work.

    See my blog for setup details ;-)

    • Vadim

      October 27, 2014

      Thanks for that Matt!

    • Mochael

      April 9, 2018

      Is nektar lx+88 keyboard will work?

  • Jkg

    February 11, 2016

    I have an M-audio Oxygen 8 – will it work on an iPhone in addition to the iPad?

    • Vadim

      February 13, 2016

      Oxygen is a class compliant device and should work with iOS devices such as iPhone and iPad. However you also need to make sure not to go over the maximum power requirements on the iPad/iPhone port. In this case powered USB hub can be the answer for Oxygen 8 v 2, Also some users mentioned: “I use a Oxy 8 v2 plugged into a powered USB hub then out of the hub into the cck into ipad mini ios 6. Works great, also allows me to plug in a second MIDI controller, a steinberg cm-pdp drum pad and a m-audio fast track all at the same time” so keep that in mind.

      Oxygen 8 v 1 runs on batteries or AC adapter, and you can combine this with M-Audio Uno.

      Let me know if you need any other help :)

  • ernie baron

    February 20, 2016

    how about….

    samson carbon 61 ?

    • Vadim

      February 22, 2016

      Yes Samson Carbon 61 works with an iPad apple camera connection kit. it even has a dedicated iPad slot to hold up your iPad. Let me know if it helps and or if you have any other questions :)

  • Den

    February 22, 2016

    Hi, I can confirm that NI Kontrol 61 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.

    Cheers Den

    • Vadim

      February 24, 2016

      Hi Den,

      Appreciate this invaluable compatibility info on a newer keyboard thanks! Will add that to the list shortly :)

      Cheers!

  • Augusto Holme

    March 3, 2016

    Hi,
    I have a M-Audio Prokeys Sono 88 midi controller (compliant class) that I’ve connected to my Ipad Air 2 but I can’t make it work!
    I’m using a powered USB hub to power and connect the midi controller to the Ipad but the ipad does not recognize it!
    Could you help me, please? I don’t know what I’m doing wrong!
    I hope I have been clear!
    Augusto Holme

    • Vadim

      March 3, 2016

      Hmm, not sure, do you possibly have access to another powered USB hub that you can try? Or borrow a friends previous gen iPad/iPhone?

      Anyone else reading this want to fill in, that has the same/similar setup?

  • Jacopo

    March 17, 2016

    Today I tried the compatibility between my iPad Air 2 and the controller Cakewalk (by Roland) A800pro, with the original Lightning to USB Camera Adapter.

    This message appears: “This device is not compatible”.

    Is there anything I can do?

    Kind regards

  • Vadim

    March 17, 2016

    Thank you for that Augusto, updated that for others, thank you for your valuable input!

  • Matteo

    January 2, 2017

    Hi,
    I have an iPad Air and a edirol pcr-30,just bought the camera connection kit,but nothing happen. With power supply and without, the iPad write edirol pcr is not compatible..
    Do I give up?

    • Vadim

      January 8, 2017

      Did you try setting the USB mode driver to ‘generic’?

  • Stephen

    February 28, 2017

    I’ve been trying to get my rockband keyboard to work with my iPad as a MIDI controller. There are several videos on YouTube of people doing it but for some reason I can’t get it to work. Everything looks like it should work and all the right lights are on but I get no response from the keys in garage band or any other synthesizer app.

    Anyone have any insight on this? Thank you.

  • Ibsen

    March 5, 2017

    Hi friend, for me don’t work in my Ni maschine Mikro MK2, and don’t work for my Novation Ultranova, say This device is not compatible”. I use USB HUB for the controller, how I can do it friend?

    • Vadim

      March 8, 2017

      What device are you trying to use as the host?

      • Ibsen

        April 9, 2017

        Thanks for reply friend, I am using IPAD AIR with IOS 10.2, connecting with camera kit. Thanks.

        • Vadim

          August 31, 2017

          The Ultranova should work with the iPad Air, device is not compatible message could be a certain app, did you try any other apps with the controller?

  • Den

    April 7, 2017

    Hi,

    The Yamaha PSR-EW400 portable keyboard can transmit MIDI and receive audio via an iPad camera connection kit with no headphone audio connection required from the iPad.
    Using the Korg Module app, sounds from the Yamaha and the iPad are played back through the built in amplification and can be balanced with the “USB to host volume” function in the keyboard. I would guess most recent Yamaha ‘boards have this facility.
    Re USB powered hubs and the iPad – I have a set up which I use live consisting of a NI S61, NI Traktor Audio 2 and USB hub which works fine and gives amazing audio. The Native Instruments S61 DIN MIDI ports now work in standalone mode following a firmware upgrade.

    • Vadim

      August 31, 2017

      Great thanks for that feedback!

  • Deb

    April 20, 2017

    Hi, You list states that the M-Audio Axiom 25 1st gen doesn’t work using the UBS as a power device. Please can you confirm that it will work if I buy a separate power supply unit and then use it via the USB adapter?
    Thanks

    • Vadim

      April 21, 2017

      Please try this as it may shed some light. Also the only way to know is ti get a powered USB and to try it yourself to know for sure!

  • DaGypsyPig

    May 3, 2017

    I’m too lazy to read all of the comments. I have an iPad Air 2 and a Focusrite iTrack. I have a Yamaha PSR-530, PSR-270, and YPT-300. I have all of the Korg Apps released to date. Is there any configuration I can use with these keys to trigger these apps? Otherwise, looking at the Novation Impulse. Thanks in advance for info.

    • Vadim

      May 12, 2017

      The Yamaha keyboards you can try via MIDI cable from the Focusrite iTrack you have nothing to loose. If not go with novation or the following keyboards that should work:
      USB MIDI controllers tested with iTrack Dock’s MIDI port and found to work:

      Novation Launchkey range (mini, 25, 49, 61)
      Novation Launchpad S
      Novation Launchpad Mini
      Novation Launch Control
      Novation Impulse range (25, 49, 61)
      Novation SL MkII range (25, 49, 61) – Please note: the Novation SL MKII range needs external power to work with the iTrack Dock
      Akai Max 49 – Please note: the Akai Max 49 needs external power to work with the iTrack Dock
      Alesis QX61
      M-Audio Axiom Air Mini
      M-Audio Oxygen range (25, 61)
      Casio PX-5S
      Casio PX 350m
      Casio CTK 4200
      Korg PA 600
      Sanoxy USB MIDI Cable Convertor

      USB MIDI controllers tested with iTrack Dock’s MIDI port and found to be incompatible:
      Korg microkey 37
      Korg MS-20 Legacy Edition Controller (MS20iC)
      Akai MPK Mini MK1 & MK2
      Arturia Keylab 61

      Not officially tested but we have heard of issues with the following units:

      Korg NanoKey 2
      Korg NanoPad
      Korg nanoKONTROL 2
      Alesis Q25
      Alesis Q49
      Arturia MiniLab USB
      Native Instruments Kontrol S-Series
      iConnectivity Mio
      Akai MPK225
      Behringer X-Touch Universal Control Surface
      M-Audio Code 61

  • Mark

    June 9, 2017

    Hi,

    I bought samson carbon 61 recently but it does not work with my ipad- I have an ipad mini 2 and I’m only a student so money is quite tight- do you have any feasable solutions?

    All the best!

  • Lulu

    June 29, 2017

    I don’t think a nonoKey2 works on an iPad
    If it does can someone let me know how?
    As it is powered by the USB port

  • Greg

    September 4, 2017

    The presonus audiobox 4*2 definitely DOES NOT work with an older IPad2 –

    I have tried for a lng time to get this to work
    and since it requires power – i get the dreaded
    IO – device requires too much power or
    not compatible with either a powered USB or
    nonpowered USB with the 30pin CCK

  • Vadim

    September 4, 2017

    Thank you for updating us Greg!

    • Greg

      September 10, 2017

      Awesome site btw
      Tried with powered Usb also no go
      ….
      Buy a new iPad is the best solution
      But have not fond any virtual instrument
      Software – freeing as good as GarageBand
      For writing and playing :(

  • Luis Omar Garcia Jiménez

    November 26, 2017

    Hi, I have problems with the connection of Korg Kross 2 and my iPad Air 2.

  • Vitor

    February 20, 2018

    Hy Vadin

    Insee you listed the novation 25 sl mk2 should work. Would the 61 key work also?

  • don atkinson

    June 3, 2018

    I have an Evolution MK-461C.When i plug in to my ipad 10.5 screen ios 11) i get a message saying the keyboard to big to be powered by ipad.
    Do i need to buy an adaptor 9-12V to power my keyboard.
    Will it work with the ipad then.

  • Thomas Nelson

    February 19, 2019

    Late to the party here, but I’ll add that the CME x-key wired ‘boards word splendidly with iOS, and require a powered usb hub. I use AKAI mpk49 as well with my iPad 6th Gen.

    • Team Awesome

      February 21, 2019

      Hey Thomas, never late to the party thank you for this invaluable information! Thanks for taking the time to share

  • Joshua

    February 23, 2019

    I have been looking for mapping steps to use an APC 40 mkI with my iPad Pro 10.5. Without any luck. Any suggestions?

    • Team Awesome

      February 28, 2019

      Hey Joshua, so you would need a camera connector kit. “Official ones are the only ones guaranteed to work after updates, otherwise you end up buying 3 or 4 knock offs and spend more than you would have with the official. You also still need to use the power adapter on the Akai APC 40 For more info this page may help: https://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?t=226798

  • Nathan

    April 21, 2019

    Perhaps some patience, weeks maybe months, as I believe these protocols are far surpassed. With apps taking the place of hardware and developers in step with detailed UI and long accessed MIDI possibilities, I believe the timeline has equaled out in regard to growing expectations from users and common sense applications reach 3 & 4 steps ahead of people in studio or at home.

    • Team Awesome

      January 25, 2021

      Valid point, software ui instruments have a place, but so do physical touch devices, true for audio as it is for in car touch controls, knobs, etc. Would love to hear the perspective of others!

  • Deluxe Death

    January 25, 2020

    I have a Yamaha PSR-E363 it’s 61 Keys a portable keyboard for performance sold bundled with ac adapter w/ and also doubles as midi controller. It worked way more seamlessly with my iPad than the Arturia Minilab (old Gen) which constantly loses connection. For a more comprehensive list you can add that Yamaha PSR E363 is proven to work with iOS – guitar center has it listed as a feature.

    • Team Awesome

      May 11, 2020

      Perfect thank you for this valuable update!

  • BJay

    January 18, 2021

    Have old Oxygen 49 keyboard (no drum pads)
    And iPad Pro iOS 12. 1.4.
    Also D- link usb2.0 hub. Will this work with Garage Band on the iPad? Be nice if I could use this & only have to purchase camera connection.

    • Team Awesome

      January 25, 2021

      Hi BJay, walkie has a good explanation here Hope this helps! and do let us know if you have any other general or specific questions :)

  • OJBM

    March 25, 2021

    Just got an Alesis Q49 mkII, it works on my ipad pro 10.5 with no external power needed and seems to only work as a generic midi keyboard. The stop, play, record buttons plays high notes along with the directional pad on the upper left. I’m new to this and am not really a pianist. I also have a komplete kontrol m32 (also new) the difference i notice is that when i change cut off resonance and some other settings on garageband it affects the q49 sound but it doesn’t the m32. Still messing around but just wanted to contribute to support this page. I really don’t know what I’m doing yet.

  • Alexander

    May 19, 2021

    M-Audio Radium 61

    I got it to work. My setup is:
    – M-Audio Radium 61
    – iPad Mini 5
    – Apple Camera connection kit. Usb+ligtning female to lightning male
    – Roland UM-ONE mk2

    Keyboard connected with external power source. Roland connected to midi-out keyboard port. Roland usb connected to apple camera connection kit which connects to the iPad. (also: flip the roland switch to tab instead of comp)

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iPad Apple Connection kit compatible Midi Keyboard Controllers

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