Can you use a MIDI keyboard with a tablet?

What is a MIDI Keyboard?

A MIDI keyboard is a type of electronic music controller that transmits MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data to control sound generating devices, virtual instruments, and audio software. MIDI keyboards do not produce sounds themselves, but instead send instructions to other MIDI devices to trigger notes, change sounds, and control parameters.

Most MIDI keyboards are designed with touch-sensitive piano-style keys, which respond dynamically to playing intensity. Many also include customizable knobs, faders, and pads to control various software functions. The MIDI information sent from the keyboard can be recorded into software like digital audio workstations or even iOS apps.

By connecting a MIDI keyboard to a tablet, musicians can play a wide range of virtual software instruments and manipulate their sound in real-time. The MIDI data also allows for sequencing, arpeggiation, and all sorts of creative music production techniques.

Connecting a MIDI Keyboard to a Tablet

To connect a MIDI keyboard to a tablet, you’ll need either a MIDI to USB cable or a wireless MIDI adapter. A MIDI to USB cable plugs into the MIDI out port on your keyboard and into the USB port on your tablet. This allows MIDI data to be sent from the keyboard to the tablet. Popular options include the MIDI Solutions Quadra Thru splitter.

Wireless MIDI adapters use Bluetooth or low-latency WiFi to transmit MIDI data wirelessly between devices. This gives you more flexibility and avoids messy cables. Good wireless options include the IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard and the CME Xkey Air.

Most music apps and mobile DAWs on iOS and Android support external MIDI input, so they can receive and respond to MIDI data from a keyboard. Some examples are FL Studio Mobile, Bias FX Mobile, and Apple’s GarageBand. Be sure to enable the MIDI input option in your app’s settings.

Some MIDI keyboard models like the Alesis V49 have built-in connectivity options that allow you to directly connect to mobile devices via USB or Bluetooth MIDI. This avoids the need for adapters or cables.

Playing Instruments and Software Synths

Connecting a MIDI keyboard to a tablet allows you to play virtual piano and synth apps using the physical keys and controllers. There are many high-quality synth and instrument apps available for mobile platforms that can be played directly from a MIDI keyboard.

For example, apps like Korg Gadget 2, Animoog, iGrand Piano, and Synth One provide realistic simulations of synths, keyboards, and other instruments that can be controlled via MIDI.

Using a MIDI keyboard with these types of apps allows for dynamics and expression when playing, as opposed to tapping on glass. The keys, knobs, pads, and other controls on a MIDI keyboard can be mapped to parameters in the synth and instrument apps to enable real-time sound manipulation and performance.

MIDI keyboards also work seamlessly with digital audio workstation apps and platforms like GarageBand on iOS. You can record MIDI note data from the keyboard which can then be edited and manipulated during music production.

Having a tactile MIDI keyboard for playing virtual instruments makes music production on tablets much more intuitive and enjoyable. It unlocks the potential for detailed and expressive performances.

Recording and Sequencing

Using a MIDI keyboard with a tablet allows you to record, sequence, and edit MIDI data easily. Unlike audio recordings, MIDI data is smaller in size since it only contains performance information like notes, velocities, and controller data. This makes it easier to work with on tablet devices with limited storage space (Source).

There are many MIDI sequencer and DAW apps available for both Android and iOS that allow real-time recording and step sequencing. For example, Caustic 3 is a full-featured DAW for Android that enables piano roll editing and exporting MIDI files. On iOS, apps like BeatMaker and Cubasis are popular for sequencing beats, melodies, and chords using the MIDI keyboard.

The tactile experience of playing and recording MIDI data on a keyboard, combined with the portability and touchscreen editing capabilities of tablets, provides a flexible and intuitive music production environment.

Controlling Other Parameters

One powerful aspect of MIDI keyboards is their ability to control various parameters in virtual instruments, DAWs, plugins, and other music software beyond just playing notes ¹. This is done through MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages. There are 128 MIDI CCs that can be assigned to control different functions like synth parameters, effects, EQs, and more ²^{, 3}.

By assigning MIDI CCs to various controls and automating their values over time, you can create dynamic sound changes and effects. For example, you could assign MIDI CC #1 (Mod Wheel) to control a filter cutoff or reverb amount. Then by moving the mod wheel on your MIDI keyboard, you can open and close a filter or increase and decrease reverb.

Many music apps and DAWs feature MIDI learn functions that allow you to easily assign MIDI CCs to parameters by just selecting the parameter and moving a controller. This makes it simple to set up expressive real-time control of various synth, effect, and mixing parameters from your MIDI keyboard. The tactile control opens up creative possibilities and allows crafting more intricate, evolving sounds.

Using External Sounds and Plugins

One of the main benefits of using a MIDI keyboard with a tablet is the ability to trigger external sounds and plugins beyond just the built-in sounds on the tablet. By connecting a MIDI keyboard, you can greatly expand the sonic capabilities of your tablet setup.

There are many virtual instrument (VST) apps for Android and iOS that allow you to load additional sounds and plugins using the MIDI keyboard. Popular options include Caustic, Piano VSTs, and synth apps like Korg Module. These apps transform your tablet into a sound module that your MIDI keyboard can control.

With the right VST host app, you can load third-party VST plugins, giving you access to high-quality piano, orchestral, synth, and other sounds. The MIDI keyboard serves as the controller, triggering these external sounds on your tablet for limitless musical possibilities.

Connecting a MIDI keyboard vastly expands the sounds at your fingertips, letting you go beyond the presets built into music apps and synth engines on tablets. It’s an economical way to access pro-grade sounds and take full advantage of music composition and performance apps on mobile devices.

Considerations for Playing Live

When using a MIDI keyboard and tablet setup for live performance, there are some important factors to consider.

Latency, or lag in the audio output, can potentially be an issue depending on the specific tablet, MIDI interface, and music apps used. As this Reddit discussion points out, newer tablets and iOS devices tend to have lower latency, but it’s still something to be aware of.

Since tablets and mobile devices don’t have built-in speakers powerful enough for live shows, you’ll need to connect to an external sound system or amplifier. The audio output options vary across devices and interfaces.

Compared to a full laptop or desktop setup, an all-in-one tablet and MIDI keyboard solution does have some limitations in terms of processing power and connectivity. While mobile technology is improving all the time, there are still trade-offs versus more robust PC/Mac-based configurations.

Overall, with the right gear and apps, using a MIDI keyboard and tablet for live performance is certainly feasible. Just be sure to test out your specific setup ahead of time and troubleshoot any latency or connectivity issues.

Popular MIDI Keyboard Options

When choosing a MIDI keyboard to use with a tablet, you’ll want to consider size, connectivity, features, and budget. Here are some top options to consider:

Akai MPK Mini MKII

The Akai MPK Mini is one of the most popular portable MIDI controllers. It’s ultra-compact, works over USB or Bluetooth, and features 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 assignable pads, and 8 knobs. Priced around $100.

Arturia KeyStep

The Arturia KeyStep is a slim 32-key MIDI keyboard with touch-sensitive keys and lots of controls. It has MIDI, USB, and CV/Gate connectivity for versatility. Priced around $120.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32

The NI Komplete Kontrol M32 integrates tightly with NI software like Kontakt. It has 32 full-size keys, Light Guide controls, and USB/MIDI connectivity. Priced around $120.

Roland GO:KEYS

The Roland GO:KEYS is tailored for mobile music making. The 61 mini keys are velocity sensitive, and it has Bluetooth, USB, MIDI ports, and iOS integration. Priced around $200.

Korg MicroKey Air

The Korg MicroKey Air series provides slim 25- or 49-key Bluetooth MIDI keyboards. They have touch-sensitive, velocity-sensitive keys, assignable knobs/pads, and iOS integration. Priced $120-$200.

Top MIDI and Music Apps

There are many great options for MIDI and music production apps on both Android and iOS tablets. Some popular choices include:

For iOS:

GarageBand – Apple’s full-featured DAW and synth studio for song creation and recording [1]

BeatMaker 3 – Advanced sampling and sequencing app for beat making [2]
Korg Gadget 2 – Modular synth studio with library of powerful instruments
AUM – Flexible audio mixer and MIDI routing app

For Android:

Caustic 3 – Modular rack synth, sampler, and sequencer [1]
FL Studio Mobile – Full music production studio with piano roll sequencing [3]

Audio Evolution Mobile – Multitrack DAW and MIDI recording
Walk Band – Virtual instruments app with guitar, piano, drums, and more

These powerful apps provide similar capabilities to desktop DAWs and synths right on your tablet. With a MIDI keyboard connected, you have a flexible mobile music production studio.

The Benefits of Tablet MIDI Setups

Using a MIDI keyboard with a tablet offers some unique advantages over a traditional computer-based setup:

Compact, Mobile, Touchscreen Workflow

Tablets provide an ultra-portable and compact way to produce and perform music on the go. Their touchscreen interface offers intuitive control right from the device itself, without needing an additional computer monitor, mouse, or trackpad. This creates a streamlined and simplified workflow for music creation and performance.

Fun Way to Learn Music Production and Performance

The combination of portable hardware controllers and touchscreen music apps makes tablets a fun way for beginners to get started with music production, composition, and live performance. The intuitive design allows for quick learning and experimentation, making music creation more accessible.

Lower Cost Than Laptop/Desktop Setups

A MIDI keyboard plus tablet solution provides powerful music abilities at a fraction of the cost of a full-fledged computer workstation. For those on a budget or just getting started, it’s an affordable way to unlock professional-grade music abilities.