MIDI Connection: How to Connect your MIDI Keyboard to your iPad, Mac, or PC Computer

What is a MIDI connection? Learn how to connect your midi keyboard or midi piano to your iPad, PC, or mac. computer. Leverage the power of MIDI in your home studio so you can use Garageband, Cubase, FL Studio, Ableton, Reaper or any other apps and MIDI software. This video explains step by step how to hook up your piano or music keyboard to your computer whether it has traditional MIDI ports, MIDI USB or Bluetooth.
So whether you have an old MIDI keyboard, a USB MIDI keyboard, or even a brand new Bluetooth piano keyboard, you'll discover exactly which connectors you need to connect your MIDI controller to your iPad, iOS device, iPhone, MacBook, iMac, android smartphone or PC. In this video you will also find out how to connect your MIDI controller directly to your iPad via using a camera connection kit, or connect directly via lightning to your iPad. Whatever MIDI equipment you have, the principle of how to connect is the same.
I'll explore the difference between how to connect your MIDI equipment via a MIDI Interface, to an audio interface with MIDI cables (my interface is a Focusrite 2i4), bluetooth, or direct. This is MIDI connection explained for beginners. It applies whatever brand of MIDI keyboard or digital piano you have a whether it's Yamaha, Roland, M-Audio or anything else.
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[@MusicRepo]

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[@MusicRepo]

@syed omaeer well, good luck ...

[@tommydavid680]

i have an electric piano and a MacBook air, when i connect them with a midi to USB connector in order to play piano in to logic pro x, the sound still comes out the piano... what do i do??

[@woojeffery8983]

For midi to iPad, this one should be a perfect one, it also has a charger portwww.amazon.com/Keyboard-Electronic-Instrument-Microphone-Compatible/dp/B08DMKM56Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=midi+cable+for+ipad&qid=1598009871&sr=8-15

[@robertjmontemayor]

Thanks for the thorough explanation!

[@karlatabor5463]

Your videos are extremely helpful. My husband was my tech guy for my home studio. He died and now I am looking for answers for my simple tech problems (not so simple for me). Thank you!

[@RadiantJasmin]

My condolences and prayers for your healing heart 💗

[@Funkypenguin335]

Amazing, thank you for all your videos!! I've been trying to figure out how to record my keyboard for YEARS but didn't even know what terms to start my search. So glad I stumbled upon all your videos, such a huge help! :)

[@MusicRepo]

Happy to help!

[@charlesostman7142]

Nicely done, thanks for posting. I'm just now wading into this territory, getting my ancient Korg DW-6000 to cooperate with various DAWs on the PC.

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks! Good luck 👍

[@PianoVampire]

Fantastic detailed video, many thanks - I'm about to go on the road, so this was invaluable advice.

[@daxgreen4704]

Straight to the point👍 Very helpful. Thanks!!

[@ephemerics]

This is a lovely piece of work. Incredible graphics and clear instruction. Thank you for all the work you have obviously done here.

[@mario9775]

Omggg thankss. So freakin good information... greetings from Colombia 🇨🇴

[@MarcusV741]

OMG! I am returning a mini midi controller that I just bought from Amazon. I just found that my old 61 key Yamaha PSRE333 works as a midi controller for my iPhone thru this video! TYSM!

[@xjulitox]

This is the exact thing I was looking for. Thank you so much!

[@orlanrodz88]

Great Video, Thank you.

[@pedrobarrionovo]

the best explanation on youtube! very clear and direct! tks

[@shaannnnn]

you explain everything very deeply.keep sharing.thank you.

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks 🙏

[@elunico13]

Very helpful! Thank you for sharing. I subscribed and clicked the bell.

[@MusicRepo]

Glad it helped you. Thanks!

[@mikebullock8196]

DEAR MUSIC REPO I must say WOW !!!!!!!!!U ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS THAT MOST TEC VIDEOS DONT ANSWER THANK U SO MUCH YOUR VIDEOS THEY REALLY HELP ME KNOW WHAT IM DOING SO MUCH AND WHAT I CAN DO WITH MY SOFTWARE AND DIGTAL KEYBROADS BIG THANKS AND IM A BIG FAN NOW MIKE ALL THE BEST YOU MUSIC REPO LOVE YOUR VIDEOS !!!!!!!!!!!!)))))

[@MusicRepo]

Wow, thanks!

[@earthdweller222]

Great video! Thanks so much for publishing 😃

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks! Glad you liked it

[@pinchopaxtonsgreatestminds9591]

Thank you! You covered USB C which most people don't.

[@TimKGrimes]

Got me hooked-up. Thanks

[@ilikeyouabit2]

Thanks for the great summary.

[@milessmith750]

Wow, great!! Thanks!

[@TheApril1610]

so helpful thank you!

[@joshprobert2973]

Brilliant walkthrough - you've made it all so simple! Thanks! Really helpful

[@stevenrogersfineart4224]

Concise, informative video. Excellent! A video on software to use would be an awesome extra video :)

[@clivebrooker1]

Really useful, thank you.

[@flamencollabmelbourne7529]

thank you so much for the info!

[@googull271]

Excellent presentation! Thank you.

[@susanneciao]

Thanks! Very good and clear!

[@maxisosa555]

Your video is gold! thank you!!

[@SoniaPestana]

YOU-ARE-WONDERFUL!

[@carlharding5311]

Thanks for this great video, exactly what I've been looking for, well explained.

[@cruepprich]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@goodlife6145]

Many thanks for this. Very useful.

[@joeboast260]

Thanks for this. I have 15 ipads in school and need to connect them to midi keyboards. If I wanted to record vocals and guitar into garageband as well as keyboard, would the audio interface be the best option or only option? Would I need the lightening adapter in this situation as well in any case?

[@billmartin4195]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@charalove6867]

This was great thank you.

[@TheLooking4sunset]

Fantastic and what I needed, thanks

[@takakofisher7167]

Thank you!!!! This is exactly I needed to know!!!

[@lancebarker]

Thanks. Very informative.

[@nelson1953]

Quite clarifying.

[@karlatabor5463]

Thank you for the excellent explanation. It was clear and concise.

[@arwaldc9056]

I got mine hooked up yesterday thanks to your video! (My gf said to make sure I go back and let you know 😉 cos it’s polite)

[@5966ramesh]

Thank you. Very useful

[@MusicRepo]

Happy to help 👍

[@victoriatrestrail]

Thank you!

[@alosanz]

Very good! Thank you!!

[@jovanashton5890]

Very very helpful thank you so much for this video.

[@psicadet]

I play e-drums and can apply this so that I can record at home for the first time. I have a roland kit in storage, i'm going to experiment with this as I found that my guitar hero drums controller has a midi out port. It seems i will need to buy a midi interface, what I understand is that it will separate/amplify the signals before it goes into the pc. Thanks for the video.

[@umbraav6281]

Excellent video cheers

[@jaimechavez8331]

Great video, thanks

[@MusicRepo]

Glad you liked it!

[@senzanome7801]

A very good and helpful video, thank you very much. Besides you have ASMR power! Did anybody already tell you about this talent?

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks, no-one has mentioned the ASMR before .... 😉

[@boblonghurst5111]

Thank you so very much for clearing the murky Midi waters for me. To try understanding the very basics has been made very much easier. Thanks to you. I'm watching your great tutorials, which are produced in easy to understand language. Kind regards Old Bob!

[@sonicshroomssounddesign9070]

Very Good Thanks

[@gastonpereyra998]

Great explanation. Can you add info on latency comparison between those options for midi keyboard connection? What option is best for monitoring while recording?

[@MusicRepo]

Hi, latency will depend on a number of factors, but mostly on the kind of audio interface you are using and the way you set the buffer size etc. I have a number of ways of making MIDI connections, the one which seems to offer the best low latency is when I use MIDI cables connected to the MIDI i/o in my focusrite interface.

[@gautamsane1499]

great video thank you for sharing. I'm still in the research phase for at-home music production and I was wondering what you'd do if you have more than one MIDI controller (ie drums and keyboard), do you have to swap the MIDI/Audio cables each time to switch controllers or are there audio interfaces that allow multiple MIDI connections? Also, not sure if this is a common practice lol thanks again!

[@MusicRepo]

Hi, this is quite a cool video from someone who has covered the question ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep_RlYeor7CSesU

[@bonniegeorgekoshy5647]

Hey @Music Repo: Can you suggest some good software (both iOS and Windows) to get started with a Roland GO:KEYS keyboard?

[@Kaizokui]

at 7:26 what software is that? what software would you recommend to learn to play on the computer via a midi keyboard

[@luckyblueduck]

Thanks for the video. Does using USB dongles to connect to midi controllers increase the latency? E.g. connect a midi keyboard via its provided USB B to USB A cable to a macbook pro via a USB A to USB C dongle?

[@5966ramesh]

Thank you.

[@lukas1k]

nice video! very interesting and informational. thanks

[@MusicRepo]

Thank you

[@raseshgandhi6702]

Thank you so much I hv this cable news I'm using xp 30 Roland keyboard, n using nuendo also.

[@MusicRepo]

Great 👍

[@m4yckthr4sh]

Helpful video! I have almost everything, just missing a good computer/MacBook to start to record.

[@justuskruger8182]

Thank you:)

[@chhana101]

Deatailed and Easy to understand instructions😍

[@peterpatterson6593]

thank you

[@mariannep.9462]

Thanks, that was helpful :)

[@MusicRepo]

Glad it helped!

[@aleksgornostaev]

Hello! Nice video though I have a question left. Does it require an audio interface for a computer if I have a MIDI keyboard with USB (in context of audio delay) ?

[@digambara]

Thank you very much for your videos ! Question: I want to use iPad (5th gen.) with my Yamaha P-140 digital piano keyboard to give high quality sound for Zoom ballet classes, and also for Jamkazam small group rehearsals. Jamkazam and Jacktrip and others recommend using Ethernet rather than wifi to avoid jitter I believe. I have a Steinberg UR22mkii audio interface which can do audio or MIDI, and the Apple lightning to USB3 camera adapter, and an Anker 4-port USB 3 data hub. On my first attempt, I tried to record in Zoom using audio out from the keyboard to the audio interface, and using the hub to plug the ethernet cable and also USB to USB from the audio interface into the hub, then plugging the hub into the camera adapter. But I was not able to record sound from the keyboard in the Zoom meeting this way. Any suggestions on what I can try next would be so much appreciated !

[@AbdullahKhan-sr1ir]

Awesome content! I have a Roland rp302 which has great speakers. I am using my piano as a midi but I also want the sound to come out of my piano speakers. I am using FL studio and Kontakt for VST's. Please help. Thank you!

[@lazmusic1]

Thank you for your very useful video. I wonder if you could explain something to me. I have an old Yamaha PF15 which I like to use with a separate sound module (Roland Sound Canvas) for better sound options. What I haven't been successful to do so far is to connect the two devices to my computer so while I use the keyboard as the controller, I use the module as the sound source. How shall I connect the devices to input music into a DAW from the keyboard and be able to use the sounds from the external module? Many thanks.

[@gbigbo_zjebeezjeboo]

Great explanation. Any idea on the following questions in a keyboard - audio interface with midi in and out - computer with DAW setup ? What if my keyboard only has a midi out, not a midi in and out ? Can I connect such keyboard to my audio interface by means of connecting the keyboard midi out on my keyboard to the midi in on my audio interface ? Are there any disadvantages to this kind of setup in terms of controlling the keyboard from the DAW and vice versa, in comparison with a keyboard with a midi in and out as you showed in the vid ?

[@Musicwav]

Hope the same procedure is applicable for Mac Air laptops

[@TheApril1610]

is soundwise the roland cable or an extra interface (Fousrite) better?

[@jseelinga4034]

Great tutorial thank you. I have the Roland go key, I’m using Bluetooth to connect to garage band, how do I fix the latency?

[@mikeynavarro3195]

Awesome video thanks! I bought the usb 2.0 to lightening cable and it didn’t work! So I returned it after reading some other comments online saying the same thing. (Said not enough power or something ) so I would go with the second way of usb 2.0 then buying iPhone camera adapter. That works for me now.

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks for getting in touch. You need to buy the one that is powered - ie as well as lightning to USB it also allows you to connect your lightning power lead. Is that the one you have now?

[@Factotum6814]

Hi Jane, as always, Music Repo comes through with an extremely clear, concise and complete video. My question - what do you recommend for connecting both old pro equipment (my vintage Yamaha SY99 synth has MIDI In, Out and THRU) and a just -purchased Yamaha keyboard that features USB connectivity for MIDI hook up? Can I connect them both in some way? Using a new M1 Macbook Pro... cheers, and keep up the brilliant videos!

[@alfredoalcocer]

I love your tutorials. Are so well done and so generous. I give zoom online lessons and when I use my interface to connect a microphone, my electronic piano through midi so they can see a virtual keyboard with an internet midi software, and also the sound of my piano through line out to the line in on the interface I can not make both sound and midi work at the same time so my students listen a clear sound of my keyboard and my voice on zoom. Should I just fix that using a mixer ? Or do I need anithing else?

[@stevelogan1699]

Thank you for an exceptionally clear and helpful review of all the options. I’ve got a Vox Tonelab SE multieffects floorpedal. If I connect this to a Mac by one of the methods you suggest, will I be able to edit patches onscreen? I’m guessing this depends on the availability of an app and, given the age of the Vox I assume I’d need something generic. Any advice?

[@MusicRepo]

Hmm, I think you will only be able to edit patches if there is some librarian software available for that device. But I don’t know it in detail. Certainly if you connect it up, you should be able to use it to control other virtual sounds on your computer, I would have thought. You may have to go and scour the Vox site support portal for more detailed assistance on this.

[@stevelogan1699]

Music Repo So kind of you to reply. I will do as you suggest. But the unit is excellent as it stands so I’ll manage even if the editing options are limited. Wishing you every success with the site!

[@Maranatha-TXT]

Thankfully for the video nice and clean, this is my question: I have Arturia key lab esencial and just have midi thru, how I can connect to my iPad please help me thanks

[@islandtony5009]

Great video thanks! So if I have a keyboard without MIDI ports, just USB to host (USB-B) and I want to use that as a controller for a keyboard that has MIDI ports - will the adapter cable you mention work in that direction as well? I have a different brand of the same kind of cable and I tried getting that to work without much success (wasn't sure if that cable should work in both directions)

[@phnx4life]

Good and to the point. Is there any other music composing software other than Cubase that can be used with the Yamaha MOXF8 that is user friendly?

[@stephenmorgan5100]

Great video. Could you make a video on studio desks? I want one for a 88 Key controller.

[@stewartroberts9883]

I found the video very helpful thanks. Question: Do I need to use 2 midi cables to connect from keyboard to pc via audio interface box? If so why? Can I not just use one cable (out from mkeyboard to In on Audio interface box).

[@ewrockford]

I'm curious if you might share how this info would be used along with the use of a webcam, as in the kind of set up an online music teacher might use.

[@janisledford2368]

I just came across your video which is very helpful. I have a Yahama YPT270 which doesn't have either a midi port or usb port. It has an Aux in port. Is there a way to set up the keyboard to an iPad to access piano learning apps? Thanks for your feedback.

[@MrKaxid]

Great easy explanations. Out of curiousity, how would you connect a newer keyboard (thinking about Korg B2) which has USB MIDI out to and DAW (either old Digidesign Digi002 or PreSonus AudioBox iTwo), which has MIDI IN/OUT? Basically 1:14, but reverse. Is this possible? Been searching online for compatibility, but everthything referrs me back to USB is easy, plub into you PC directly, however thats not an option due to lack of USB Ports. Thank you very much for your help.

[@jameslabs1]

thanks

[@gernotistgerninnot]

Thank you

[@jonarriola794]

Hello, I bought an irig i/o 49 and love it. I bought it mainly for its small size to practice on the go. But was wondering if it’s possible to play these midi devices in the background while reading sheet music on another app or browser? I’m using an 8th gen IPad

[@iloveaudiostuff]

Thanks for the video - I do admit that it’s a bit frustrating - I do have the Roland UM-ONE but my MacBook running Ableton with the latest OS (Catalina) doesn’t recognize MIDI from my keyboard .. and I suspect it’s an OS incompatibility issue.... I’m not sure if I need to just wait to Roland to release a driver or what I should do!?!?

[@Ronno4691]

Excellent! I'm using Windows and I'd forgotten that I need an 'Audio Interface'! Now I know :-) Been offered a free one but might just buy a brand new one instead. I've just bought an M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 MKV for all my Midi Controlling needs.

[@HowYouMove]

Good Video and I’m glad that you had made this video because I’m a Beginner my small set up includes a MacBook Pro 💻, a 4Port Hub a M-Audio MK3 Key Station midi controller that has usb & 1 Midi output & yesterday I had got my Akai MPD218 midi controller that has a USB connection a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Generation audio interface a pair of Sony MDR-7506 headphones 🎧 a Rod pod mic & a pair of Silver Rokit KRK monitors. After looking at your video I’m going to end up ordering the Roland Um-one mk2 cords specifically to use with a external MIDI Sound Module like The Roland JV-1080 which has the MIDI in & Midi out connection which I will end up buying off of EBay or Guitar 🎸 Center. My question to you is how do I connect my USB midi controller that has a MIDI out with my Akai MPD218 USB Pad midi Controller ? My guess is to connect both to my 4port hub that is connected to my MacBook Pro 💻 Mid 2012 that’s my guess but I need to know how I can get the sounds loaded into my keyboard 🎹 controller & my Akai MPD218 USB midi Pad controller? Cause I’m thinking about starting out with Ableton live lite since it comes free with both of my midi controllers & not only that I don’t want to use Akai’s MPC Beats Software that comes with their controller simply because Ableton is the better & easier program to learn do you agree? Any advice will be appreciated. Marc

[@Drawbotify]

Very Nice video I wish I found it month ago when I bough my first midi keyboard :) I have a question: I would like to connect some Bose USB speakers to my KORG D1, I have found an USB to Jack adapter but a lot of review on this cable show that it doesn't work with a lot of devices. Do you have any solution?

[@Urbizzo]

Thanks - very tuitive. So I got the keyboard connected, tested through midi-ox, And NOW comes next -to test it on a program. Do you have any tutorials on that?

[@MusicRepo]

This one might help ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/enOof2qPadp8i5I

[@rajkamaljangir3618]

Hi, ma'am, which connection is better, midi to interface or midi to direct mac or pc

[@Aarenthewriter]

I have an IPad and an iPhone with a Roland Go Keys like you mentioned, I connected my keyboard to my (GarageBand) iPhone with Bluetooth, is it possible to connect my keyboard to my IPad as well but using a lightning usb with an android cord to the keyboard (usb), when i tried it out the keys from the Roland Go Keys on keyboard kept playing loud (I wanted GarageBand) with Roland piano sample keys going off when I press the key, how does the keyboard connect to IPad with headphones with only the GarageBand samples sounds being heard when I press the keys?❤ wonderful video by the way🎉

[@davidcarr3819]

Thank you for the video. Is it possible to record a loop on a Roland Go Keys to play along too and save it then transfer to a smart phone as a backing track for busking. Thank you

[@rogerbishop9639]

I have a Tyros 1 which connects to my computer via USB cable, can I transfer Style files from PC to the Tyrus? Just found your site and will be back, nice clear instructions.

[@jarunasunshine]

Thank you so much for your very helpful, thought through and nicely presented content! I absolutely enjoy watching your videos. Is there a difference between the quality of these 2 options: - USB connection from keyboard to phone/computer - keyboard - interface - phone/computer The sound of my recordings from keyboard to my phone (in garageband) via USB cable sounds terrible

[@maniravandi5983]

thanks a loooot

[@gijazz1757]

Thanks for sharing so much for free. Very helpful. I own a Roland fp90x keyboard which should connect in midi to my PC. Connecting audio is quite straightforward but struggle with Midi. I can't find anything in the owner's manual. Any suggestions? Thanks