Can I use MIDI keyboard with Android?
What is MIDI?
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is a technical standard that describes a protocol, digital interface, and electrical connectors that allow a wide variety of electronic musical instruments, computers, and other equipment to connect and communicate with one another (MIDI.org).
The beginnings of MIDI date back to the 1970s when synthesizer manufacturers like Sequential Circuits began experimenting with computer control of synthesizers. In 1981, Sequential Circuits founder Dave Smith brought together representatives from various companies to cooperate on a standard means of interconnecting electronic music devices. This led to the release of the first official MIDI specification in 1983 (The History Of MIDI).
MIDI data contains messages with information about musical notes, tempo, volume, vibrato and more. This data is sent in digital form between different devices via MIDI cables. MIDI keyboards and controllers can send MIDI note data to synthesizers, computers, samplers and more to trigger sounds and play music (A Brief History of MIDI).
MIDI keyboards work by converting presses of keys into MIDI data that is sent to other devices. They do not themselves produce sound, but rather trigger sounds on connected devices by sending MIDI note messages. The receiving device will then play the appropriate pitch and sound corresponding to the MIDI note data it receives from the MIDI keyboard.
Connecting MIDI Keyboard to Android
One of the main requirements for connecting a MIDI keyboard to an Android device is having a MIDI keyboard that supports USB-OTG connectivity. USB On-The-Go (OTG) allows Android devices to act as a USB host, enabling them to connect to external USB devices like a MIDI keyboard.
To connect the MIDI keyboard to your Android device, you will need:
- A MIDI keyboard that supports USB-OTG
- An OTG adapter cable
- A MIDI keyboard app capable of handling the MIDI input
The OTG adapter cable allows you to plug the MIDI keyboard’s USB cable directly into your Android device. When choosing an app, make sure it is capable of accepting and routing MIDI input otherwise the keyboard will not be detectable even when physically connected. Some popular MIDI apps like Caustic 3, FL Studio Mobile, and Galileo Organ 2 have MIDI input support.
Once you have confirmed USB-OTG support on both the keyboard and Android device, connected them with the proper OTG adapter cable, and launched a compatible MIDI app, the keyboard should be automatically detected as a MIDI input device ready for you to start playing!
MIDI Keyboard Apps
There are several excellent MIDI keyboard apps available for Android that allow you to use your MIDI keyboard with your device. Here are some of the top options:
Wireless Mixer – This app lets you use your Android device as a MIDI controller by connecting it wirelessly to a computer. It supports MIDI input and output over WiFi.
TouchDAW – TouchDAW transforms your Android device into a full-featured MIDI controller for your favorite music software. It has advanced features like MIDI learn and customizable UI.
Piano MIDI Legend – This app turns your Android device into a piano keyboard with MIDI output. It has a simple interface but realistic sounding piano samples.
MIDI Keyboard – As the name suggests, this app simply allows you to use your Android as a basic MIDI keyboard controller.
While these apps allow you to connect your MIDI keyboard to your Android device, they have some limitations. The main ones are potential audio latency issues and limited functionality/parameters compared to a dedicated MIDI controller device. But they provide a convenient way to access basic MIDI control capabilities on your Android phone or tablet.
Latency Considerations
Latency refers to the delay between hitting a key on your MIDI keyboard and hearing the sound come out of your Android device’s speakers. This can be an issue when using MIDI with Android.
Android’s audio latency used to be quite high, often over 100 milliseconds in older versions. This makes playing MIDI keyboards nearly impossible, since the delay is very noticeable. However, latency has improved in recent years according to Reddit discussions.
Here are some tips to reduce latency when using MIDI keyboards with Android devices:
- Use Android 10 or newer – newer versions have better audio latency.
- Use apps designed for low latency like Caustic 3 or FL Studio Mobile.
- Turn off unnecessary system sounds and notifications.
- Use professional audio interfaces like the iRig Pro with direct monitoring.
- Connect headphones directly to the MIDI keyboard if possible.
- Adjust audio buffer settings in apps like Caustic 3.
With careful selection of hardware and software, MIDI keyboard latency can be reduced to acceptable levels around 10-30ms on Android. Manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei have made additional improvements as well. Overall latency continues to improve with each new OS release.
Audio Routing
When using a MIDI keyboard with an Android device, you need to properly route the MIDI data to generate sound. There are two main options for audio routing:
The first is to route the MIDI data internally to sounds and synthesizers within your MIDI keyboard app. Many Android MIDI apps like Caustic 3 come equipped with a wide variety of built-in sounds and effects to create music. The advantage of using internal sounds is that it avoids latency issues involved with routing to external devices.
The second option is to route the MIDI data from your keyboard to an external MIDI tone generator or synth module using a MIDI interface like the MidiHub. This allows you to use pro-grade external sounds. However, you may experience higher latency compared to internal sounds. Using the combined audio routing features in Android can help minimize latency.
In the end, it comes down to your specific needs. If low latency is critical, opt for internal sounds. But external routing provides more sound design flexibility.
Best MIDI Controllers for Android
There are many great MIDI keyboard options for controlling music apps and software on Android devices. Here are some of the top picks:
Akai MPK Mini MKII
The Akai MPK Mini is one of the most popular, compact MIDI controllers. It’s lightweight and portable with 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 backlit MPC-style pads, and 8 assignable knobs. It connects via USB and is plug-and-play for Android.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
The Komplete Kontrol M32 from Native Instruments is a sleek, slim keyboard MIDI controller designed specifically for mobile music production. It has 32 full-size keys and onboard touch strips for expressive playing. Great integration with NI apps.
Arturia KeyLab Essential 88
For pianists who want closer to a real piano feel, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 has 88 semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch. It also features 9 sliders, 9 encoders and transport controls for controlling DAWs and plugins.
When shopping for a MIDI controller for Android, prioritize one with USB-MIDI support, compact size, velocity-sensitive keys, and portable design. Look for models made by reputable music gear brands for the best quality and compatibility.
Other Mobile Options
While Android offers a lot of flexibility for using MIDI controllers, there are a couple other mobile options worth considering if low latency and seamless integration are your priorities.
iOS
Apple’s iOS operating system is well known for its low audio latency compared to Android. This makes it generally better suited for live music applications where timing is critical. Connecting a MIDI keyboard and using MIDI apps on an iPad or iPhone typically results in minimal lag between playing a note and hearing the sound.
The tradeoff is that iOS is a closed ecosystem so there are less options for MIDI keyboards and customization compared to Android. But for many, the ease of use and reliability of Apple’s Core MIDI framework makes iOS a top choice for mobile music production and performing.
Dedicated MIDI Hardware
If you want a mobile MIDI experience tailored specifically for keyboards, there are some dedicated hardware options. Brands like Roland and Korg make pocket-sized MIDI controllers designed to integrate with iOS devices and work seamlessly with music apps. The benefit over a standard MIDI keyboard is that these devices are highly portable while retaining keys and controls optimized for playing.
The main downside is lack of flexibility compared to a full MIDI keyboard. But for many musicians, the tradeoff is worth it for the portability and seamless mobile MIDI experience with minimal setup and lag.
Final Tips
Getting MIDI keyboards working smoothly with Android does require some troubleshooting and optimization. Here are some final tips for troubleshooting connections and optimizing settings:
Double check your cables and connections. Make sure the MIDI keyboard is securely plugged into the Android device, whether through USB, MIDI, or an adapter. Loose connections can disrupt the MIDI signal.
In your MIDI keyboard app, look for a settings section to enable and configure MIDI input and output. Some apps may require you to route the MIDI input and output or adjust latency. Optimizing these settings can improve performance.
If experiencing latency or lag, try reducing the audio buffer size in your app settings. Smaller buffer sizes result in lower latency but require more processing power.
Consider the processor and RAM capabilities of your Android device. More demanding MIDI apps and large projects may benefit from devices with more power. Upgrading your device can help.
Try different cables, adapters, or connection methods if possible. Certain components work better than others for routing MIDI signal into an Android device.
Restart your Android device and MIDI keyboard if encountering connectivity difficulties. Power cycling can reset things.
Check forums and user groups related to your MIDI keyboard and apps for troubleshooting advice from other users. The community may have helpful tips.
As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall MIDI apps after verifying they are compatible with your Android OS and version. This can clear up underlying software issues.
The Future of Mobile MIDI
There are some exciting innovations on the horizon when it comes to mobile MIDI technology. According to an article on LinkedIn titled “How MIDI Controllers and Keyboards Are Evolving”, some emerging standards and technologies include:
New expressive control methods – Controllers are incorporating more sensitive pressure and position sensors to capture nuanced human expression. This expands the creative possibilities for mobile music production.
Adaptable and modular design – Controllers that allow you to customize and swap out different modules means you can tailor your setup. This allows for more flexibility for mobile music makers.
Enhanced connectivity – Bluetooth MIDI and wireless systems like Roli Blocks allow for cable-free music making. This untethers musicians and allows for more creative freedom.
According to a market research report from LinkedIn titled “MIDI Controllers Market Analysis Research Report [2023-2030]”, the global MIDI controllers market is expected to grow steadily over the next decade. This means we can expect more advancement and accessibility of MIDI technology on mobile platforms.
The future looks bright for mobile music production. As technology improves and MIDI controllers become more adaptable, expressive, and wireless, it will empower musicians to make music spontaneously and creatively wherever inspiration strikes.
Summary
In summary, it is possible to connect a MIDI keyboard and use it to control MIDI apps on Android devices. The main advantage of this setup is that it allows you to play software instruments and record music on-the-go using your phone or tablet. The latency when using a wireless MIDI connection can be higher compared to a wired USB connection on a computer, so this is one potential drawback to keep in mind.
Overall, connecting a MIDI keyboard to an Android device opens up creative possibilities and allows you to make music anywhere. The experience has improved over the years as latency and connectivity issues are addressed. As long as you have reasonable expectations, using a MIDI keyboard with Android can be a great way to create music with a mobile workflow.
In conclusion, the recommendation is to try using your MIDI keyboard with your Android device, especially if mobility is important for your music creation needs. With the right apps and keyboard, you can have a productive and enjoyable mobile music making experience. Just be prepared to deal with some latency challenges. As technology continues to advance, the integration of MIDI keyboards with Android and other mobile platforms will likely become even more seamless over time.