Live Keys Setup With the iPad Pro

[@Johnmike]

This is my setup that I use for live keys using my new iPad Pro! Apple took away the headphone jack so it presents an issue with being able to send audio and midi like I was used to before. But I found a couple of workarounds! If you have the new iPad Pro...how are you connecting your audio and midi? Let me know in the comments!

[@archt]

John Mike thanks for sharing it! How was the sound from usb-c vs 3.5mm headphones jack? Which one has more fuller and rich sounding?

[@Johnmike]

Dylan Hoang both about the same

[@archt]

I’m thinking to get an iPad Pro 12.9 as for a replacement of my old iPad Air 2. With playing multiple apps inside the AUM, are they work better with the iPad Pro in term of polyphonies wise? Can you tell the difference? Thanks John Mike!

[@symbionproject]

Great video ~ thanks for the insight! So your ProSonus interface is USB2 and the iPad Pro11 is USB-C. Are you using just a standard USB-A to USB-C cable or is it an OTG (on the go) cable to allow the audio interface to be recognized by the iPad Pro11? thanks!

[@ion677]

I use aum for live keyboards. Very stable. Only use AU plugs. I can have multiple instruments with eq and effects, busses, and midi routing. Can recall complex sessions reliably every time, and route midi and audio with an interface. The new yamaha cp 73 has a built in midi and audio interface. Might be worth checking out!

[@Johnmike]

Nathan D Farrell yup I use AUM as well...I have a few videos on it that I’ve recorded going to be releasing those really soon!

[@creativite.productions]

@@Johnmike Still waiting on the videos with AUM!

[@YOUWIDEaudioSTUDIO]

man, i have ipad pro second gen and all of those apps, but AUM Can not handle processing RAVENSCROFT. Easy get 100% of processing and bug the app with a loud noise, forcing me to restart the whole thing. Any ideas to solve this HUGE problem? :( please let me know

[@PeteJohnsMusic]

Hey my friend! Very cool video. I'm getting a lot of questions from folks about connecting up to iPad Pros so will send them to this video as an idea.

[@kyledavidson9264]

What is the benefit of using the audio interface if you could plug straight into the earphone jack on the iPad? Better quality or better volume control or both?

[@rcnoob573]

Nice video! This where i was looking for. Only do i have a question: Can you tell me if its possible to split the keyboard as well? I want to do so for a better bass sound for my left hand instead of have 2 keyboard setups. This is for live performances. I do have a yamaha cp33 .can you give me advise? Thank you!

[@mr.k905]

Any progress on finding out? Would love to know as well if this works… Cheers!

[@rcnoob573]

Not realy. Still looking. Im a bit scared off low latancy. I im thinking about the focusrite with midi and have a good app for tablet. Korg pro sound seems like the best for the job, but i have to buy it first to see the effect. Maybe start with focusrite combined with garageband to feel the latency. That will be my plan.

[@Prexsplay]

Nice tutorial bro! Just one question or possibility: can I just get midi with the one cable from the iPad to the audio interface and then from the audio interface with 5pin midi to the keyboard? 🤔🤔.... thinking!

[@MarkDHastingsMusic]

Thanks for posting a nice useful video, Mike. I learned a few things. I use a Quicco Sound mi.1 Bluetooth MIDI plug with good results. I like its form factor better as it is smaller and doesn't stick out of the MIDI ports very far at all. I also have a Korg Plug Key. Each has its pros and cons. The Plug key offers more ports including Lightning, 1/8" headphone jack, and two 1/4" phone jacks. The con is that it is a lot more wires to connect, but the very big plus is that you can keep your iPad charged no matter how long your gig. Also the hard wires mean little or no latency. The mi.1 is wonderfully small and seems pretty reliable. I have been able to make the BT connection via the Piano Jukebox app, or Ravenscroft 275, or Collossus Piano. I have been about to get these BT connections and at the same time establish a BT connection to one or both of my Bose S1 Pro speakers. With this configuration there are NO WIRES needed at all! The very very big downside is that all this "coolness" is offset by the latency of almost a full second, which makes it pretty much unplayable...

[@delanobersan7344]

Mark Hastings I did it. I used yamaha mdbt_01 to send MIDI data to the IPad and audio to the Bose S1. Much latency unfurtnetly. If u realized some way, pls let me know.

[@MarkDHastingsMusic]

@@delanobersan7344 Sorry, I have no BlueTooth joy to offer you. I went back to cables. Much more reliable and no latency issues. I got an iPad mounting bracket that attaches to my mike stand. I hot glued my PlugKey to a convenient spot on the back of my keyboard which makes connections relatively easy. I generally keep my S1s close to my keyboard at gigs, so a collection of short cables gets it all done.

[@dereosroads]

Great video! I really appreciate the explanation.

[@christcenteredworship6954]

Love it! Can you do an updated video of the apps you use to play live worship with the new iPad? i.e. for piano, pads, tracks, etc. Thanks!

[@Johnmike]

Galatians Two Twenty yup! It’s on my list to do!

[@demikoo]

I’m all here for that video!!

[@stanvans3214]

wow looks like almost no latency using the wireless midi?!

[@Eighty8Music]

Thanks so much for these videos. Super helpful. I have the iPad Pro 2018 12.9 and I’m having tons of audio crackles with Ravenscroft. Like the CPU is peaking. But this iPad is supposed to be all-powerful! I’ve been in touch with UVI for support but they’re not aware of the issue. I’d love to know if you’ve noticed this too? When USB C audio is plugged in you only have option of 1024 samples too. But even with 256 it crackles. Makes it unreliable. Thanks!

[@Eighty8Music]

Forgot to add, i use the Yamaha BT-01 for wireless midi. Love going wireless. Also have Korg Microkey Air for quick wireless use.

[@Johnmike]

Yea I think it’s a UVI thing...I’ve had it happen a few times...but not every time...I can’t really trace it down but I typically close out everything in the background but the apps I’m using and I get better results

[@StaffanStromsholm]

Great video, thanks! What apps do you use live and how do you switch between the sounds?

[@mojoefelix]

Will this midi bluetooth dongle work with Garageband on 2017 iPad pro? I can't ever find anything in Garageband to specify I/O.

[@eddiegang544]

Hey man. Thanks for the video. Just getting into VSTs for live performance. I have an issue - I am getting a weird sound on my main stage / logic pianos (the Rhodes sound is fine). But the piano sounds like its underwater when I go from laptop to the Focusrite to a speaker / amp. I can't figure out how to correct this. Any ideas? Note - the pianos sound awesome (especially the Bosendorfer) through headphones) but not through the speaker/amp.

[@BelovedDefender]

Does the new iPad Pro output enough power to eliminate those “not enough power for this device” message on larger controllers? I have an Arturia 61 key mk II and considering updating to the new iPad Pro. I’m hoping it won’t have that same issue as the previous iPad Pro’s.

[@Johnmike]

I haven’t had that issue on this iPad since I got it

[@keyboyrecords]

Try Yamaha wireless MD-BT01. It has a higher success rate. Hyperdrive will adapt that USB-C port into a functional iPad Pro.

[@edsn0124]

Does this mean that there's no need for an audio interface for better sound quality?

[@soulinspiration1]

Wonderful!!! I have the same iPad. This is what I needed to know. Thanks!!

[@allaboutboxerdogs2936]

I've got an Ipad mini 2018, sampletank, powered USB hub, berenger audio interface, maudio 88 keys.. If I playalong with KZbin videos I get slight latencey. Would I be best investing in a ipad pro? Thanks in advance. Andy

[@truthmanifestingtruth]

iconnect audio and or midi works pretty cool

[@ejscl]

Great video! Is there a workaround for MKSensation with Bluetooth midi?

[@Johnmike]

Not that I’ve found yet

[@christophermoreira7268]

Hook up with an Anker USB-C Hub with my 2i4 and definitely use Bluetooth midi. I have the MD-BT01 and the UD-Bt01, much cleaner set up. I use a hub so I can charge my iPad Pro 11 at the same time

[@Johnmike]

Christopher Moreira nice!

[@alfreMonteRome69]

Thank u, this was very helpful :)

[@rudygomez6996]

Could you do a live gig with just the iPad Pro, without using macbook mainstage? What is the quality comparison? Thank you!

[@Johnmike]

You can and I have before...depending on what apps you use the quality isn’t that much different

[@rudygomez6996]

@@Johnmike awesome thank you :)

[@rkgibbons]

What kind of keyboard is that? Great vid!

[@markconnors9941]

John I have a question. Will the setup you are describing allow for keeping the iPad charging( like the camera connection kit did)? Thank you!

[@Johnmike]

With the particular adapter I used in this video...no...but there is a USB-c adapter that allows you to charge the device as well as plug multiple things in.. amzn.to/2MgCEre

[@brwhyon]

Thanks so much for sharing this info, really appreciate it !

[@soulinspiration1]

Hey John Mike lets talk keyboard controllers. Why the Komplete Kontrol MK2? I bought a controller for the first time and purchased Novation. Now I'm wondering if that was a smart move.

[@Johnmike]

The Novation is a great board! I loved the feel of the keybed and the functionality that it gave me in Ableton...but I still prefer the komplete kontrol over them all(in terms of semi-weighted boards) but I cover my full thoughts on the MK2 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4jdeIymj5l7pq8

[@menarj]

Thanks for this video dude. Quick question… any latency issues?

[@Johnmike]

Not really that noticeable

[@menarj]

@@Johnmike awesome! Thanks for your quick reply. Another question though. Have you tried Bluetooth midi with AUM? Cause I’m planning on getting a new iPad and we know they don’t come with headphone jack. And I’m using AUM to mix Ravenscroft, MKSensation and bs-16i.

[@YOUWIDEaudioSTUDIO]

ii have ipad pro second gen and all of those apps, but AUM Can not handle processing RAVENSCROFT. Easy get 100% of processing and bug the app with a loud noise, forcing me to restart the whole thing. Any ideas to solve this HUGE problem? :( please let me know

[@ShazammtheProducer]

Bro Bro can you midi learn the knobs? I need to use this with Moog apps and map the knobs I would go buy one asap. I remember I could never hook up the first gen to ipads

[@Johnmike]

Shazamm the iPad Producer yes you can...may have to power the device separately tho...I have it connected to power

[@kokopelli314]

So here it is in 2023 and I just bought a new 9th gen ipad with the headphone jack from 2019. Why..?? LATENCY, or rather lack of. The output D/A converters are faster than routing back through USB to my CK88.

[@SamohtNhoj01]

Hey I'm also playing keyboard at my church and I'm really interested into buying the Ipad pro for my job (I'm a cartoon artist) and also to use it to do that kind of setting.. I have 2 questions ^^ 1) which app do you advise on using ? (I'm pretty new with apple and music apps ^^) and 2) Can you display at the same time your app and your sheets chords ? (if so I guess the 12.9 inch Ipad should be a better choice lol) Tx for your video !!

[@Johnmike]

I cover the music apps I use here in this video...don’t really know much about cartoon drawing apps...but yes you can display multiple apps on screen

[@KLRCAT]

Doesn't the audiobox also send midi? For example; couldn't you just plug midi cables between the audiobox and keyboard, then plug the usb into the ipad (as you are doing)?

[@Johnmike]

Yes you can!

[@thatsforrealmusic6884]

I hear that intro John Mike! Nice!

[@carlemilflores]

In traditional computers I know more ram is better. But is the 4gb enough for live use on the ipad pro? Im looking to use mainly with 2 keyboards through aum, perhaps the prime app for backing tracks and onenote for looking at chords and lyrics.. Is the 4gb more than enough?

[@Johnmike]

I’ve ran up to 4 keyboards using my iPhone 6 back in the day lol so yea the Pro can handle it! Lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2TZiIWDg7JoaqM

[@carlemilflores]

@@Johnmike 😱👌👌

[@mrdali67]

usb-c ... is that for ipad Pro's or am I missing something .. have never seen an ipad/iphone with anything other than lightning connector (or the old style apple connector). Not sure what Presonus interface you have. I have an AudioBox 22vsl wich is a little older usb-2 model. can that connect to an iPad Air 2 with an adapter ?

[@Johnmike]

Yes...the newest iPad Pro has a usb-c port instead of the lightning port...and yes the audio box should fit with an adapter

[@jojotlopez]

Thank you for this. What audio interface are you using?

[@Johnmike]

Presonus audiobox...link for it is in the description of the video

[@iambrucej9486]

i ran my ipad straight thru the church motixfs via usb. Would you recommend using an interface though for better sounds quality?

[@Johnmike]

Bruce Lee not necessarily...but if you have an interface you have more control over routing where the audio goes and direct volume control straight from the interface

[@iambrucej9486]

@@Johnmike gotcha! Thanks for the reply bro! God Bless

[@cef1416]

Are you able to midi learn and assign knobs and faders in the iPad?

[@Johnmike]

Yes

[@bsdguy]

Check out the Korg plugKEY

[@edrock26]

Thank you, for sharing this extremely valuable information. Rhetorical Question: But why would Apple do away with the Earphone Jack on the new iPad Pro? Wow!!!

[@MatthewBrownProductions]

I love this!...Just wish Apple hadn’t taken away the headphone jack...😒, But great video though 👌🏾

[@Johnmike]

Matthew Brown thanks! And I agree!

[@JamesThompson97]

Digital audio is superior

[@keyboyrecords]

Throw an mpc in the mix come on live a little drums need love too.

[@Bronzeey1]

Can u use this set up on a Roland JUNO-DS? Thank you.

[@Johnmike]

Yes

[@niejelnelson9851]

Do you think I Could do this with iPhone X max. I wanna be sure before I go spending money on these apps on my phone or going and buying a whole iPad.

[@Johnmike]

Yes you can...I have the same apps on my iPhone X

[@studio3320]

Does the wireless midi work on a controller that only has one midi port?

[@Johnmike]

It can…I’ve used it on quite a few midi boards with one port and it works fine

[@studio3320]

@@Johnmike thank you!

[@lordbachus]

I am trying to build a live keyboard rig combining my Yamaha modx with an ipad.. i want it to function like mainstage(Mac) so that i can work from a setlist, comtrolled by midi from the modx(or the other way around) switching patches between instruments.. its important that it supports Audio units, and IAA(midi, audio and effects) .. as well allows the integration of players/sequencers/loopers for backings.. i have been trying to figure this out for weeks no... the onl program that promisses to do all, is still im development(camelot pro) and misses most features.. So how can i expand my modx in a flexible way with ipad synths?

[@Johnmike]

Should be able to do this with the AUM app...but I’ll need to verify...I have a friend with a MODX...I’ll see if I can get with him on it

[@lordbachus]

John Mike i dont think that the modx is where the problem lies. Its AUM.. i can use AUM live as long as i keep the same synths in a single saved performances... but if i want to load a different setup with different synths, there is no way to controll this over midi.. it requires to my knowledge manual actions in AUM.. There is no way to manage patches like on my mac/mainstage..

[@Johnmike]

Gotcha

[@tronlady1]

You’re making me really nervous wafting it around like that 😂. I’ll bet there’s at least £1000 there bruh!

[@TheBassman0327]

great tutorial brah!!!!!

[@RexyFan]

Hi... Can I pick your brain for a sec please? .... What’s the purpose of the audio interface? Is it a requirement when playing live music ? I’m new to the midi world and recently bought a behringer motor61 and connect it to my iPad 4 which is running mksensation. From my iPad I’m running a guitar lead to a behringer mx400 mixer (recommended by the sales guy) and from that little mixer I run another guitar lead connecting that mx400 to my behringer XR18 digital mixer. However, when I was playing live in a church service... my midi keyboard kept cutting out and wouldn’t connect to my iPad. So I had to factory reset the midi and then reconnect mksensations app. Would the personus audio interface or any other (cheaper) audio interface like a behringer UM2 U-phoria 2x2 audio interface be a better replacement for that MX400 mixer the sales guy recommended ? Or do I have a faulty midi keyboard ? At one stage I was hitting the lower keys (low E to maybe a low C) and they all played the same note (like a G#) ... which was annoying !! Hence the reason I kept trying to factory reset the darn thing. I had to pull out my backup Roland keyboard mid song... which was embarrassing. Any ideas ? I really don’t want to buy a new digital keyboard when I know the midi controller would be great once set correctly. Thanks.

[@fairweatherfriends.]

A cheap usb interface will fix your problem. You have to get one. No getting around it

[@realandri5775]

Any suggestion what app should I use for android tablet?

[@Johnmike]

Nope sorry...I don’t have any android devices

[@00DirectorsCut00]

Hi great video . This seems the only solution because there is not any more the audio output on iPad. So if you use an apple USB-c / headphones output you got audio but no way to control iPad. If you use a USB c/lightning adapter to connect the lightining/USB adapter (that I have to control a usb keyboard ) may be this can works but no way to take the audio except Bluetooth isn't it? By the way do you know if the 'old' lightning/USB adapter will work plunged into a lightning/USB c adapter? Thank you

[@Johnmike]

The audio isn’t streamed via Bluetooth the midi is..and no it doesn’t work

[@00DirectorsCut00]

John Mike thank you x answer. That means changes all adapters (I have original one light/hdmi and light/usb) 😒 apples introduce a USB port in a locked system that will not works with all USB device.. and eliminate the audio output. bah nonsense or better no attention to customers .. just business ..

[@AnthonyRocker]

Wow that is very useful..... Are we ever going to see your current set up at church

[@Johnmike]

ROCKERZ yes but it’s hard to film because we are very busy on sundays cause we do multiple services at multiple campuses...so I’ve got things going on before and in between services....but this is pretty much how I have it setup at church just with a different keyboard...but I’ll make an attempt to show something soon

[@AnthonyRocker]

@@Johnmike ok cool don't stress bro.. take you time just know that I am here for your setup man👍... and I understand I have 3 services on Sunday too so I understand..... keep on feeding us the content man I am a big fan.

[@eltonallenmusic]

👍🏾 nice broham

[@victorespina]

What's your toughs about using a full featured Synth vs a MIDI controller + iPad ? How can you do things like creating combis, layers and/or splits using an iPad ? How can you presetup sounds and combis and then show them in a screen so you can activate them when needed ?

[@Johnmike]

Easy...I use an app called “AUM” I show it a little bit in this video

[@theforetfl]

Can the midi and audio be communicated simultaneous to the Presonus through usb-c, allowing that unit to remain connected, and have full control from the ipad?

[@Johnmike]

The presonus dies have midi on the interface...so you can easily plug standard midi cables to the back of the presonus and use a midi keyboard that way...but not All interfaces have midi on them

[@lorddale2212]

Only reason I was worried about Bluetoothing the keyboard was because of latency.

[@JamesThompson97]

Good thing they took away the headphone jack. Digital audio over USB is superior to the analogue headphone jack.

[@JPDC624]

Except no thought on how to connect a keyboard and keep the iPad charged at the same time.

[@brijtoofar]

can u learn how to make a presentation in 3-4 mins instead of jumping around all over the damn place

[@Johnmike]

brijthisgap sorry to waste an extra 2 and a half minutes of your time! Im sure that you are great at condensing large bits of info down into a few minutes...you would be great at doing these videos!!

[@eltonallenmusic]

👍🏾 nice broham