Question about using an iPad Mini 4/Cubasis with multiple controllers

by **Ben Asaro** » Mon Jan 14, 2019 3:47 am

Is there any reason to believe that I cannot use two MIDI keyboards plugged into a USB hub and iPad Mini 4 simultaneously if they are on separate MIDI channels?

I am doing some coffee shop writing/jam sessions starting this week and would love it if we could just plug our KeySteps into the iPad Mini and set them to different MIDI channels and use my Arturia AU synths.

I have Cubasis 2.7 installed.

by **resistorman** » Mon Jan 14, 2019 5:56 pm

Sadly it's not that easy. You need this:
https://www.retrokits.com/shop/rk005/

Or this:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... ivity-mio4

And a hub

by **Ben Asaro** » Tue Jan 15, 2019 1:14 am

I was probably not being very clear, apologies.

Both keyboards use USB for MIDI.

by **resistorman** » Tue Jan 15, 2019 6:24 am

Yes, I know. That’s why you need these devices. They act as a host for multiple USB midi devices when you plug in a USB hub to their host port.

by **Escapegoat** » Tue Jan 15, 2019 11:55 am

You can use the Korg microkey which has its own (extra) USB inputs - two of them. It's intention is certainly to allow you to plug more than one device into an iDevice. See here - https://www.korg.com/us/products/computergear/microkey/ - the 37-key version has two extra USB sockets for others. As does the 61-key (but not the 25-key).

As always with Apple product's fussiness, and less-than-diligent controller manufacturers, there's a chance that this or that combination of USB devices doesn't work. But in theory...

So order online, check it out and send it back if it doesn't work.

(The other devices mentioned above are sledgehammers to crack a nut!)

by **Ben Asaro** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 3:09 am

GOOD NEWS!

It’s possible to do this with just a couple of accessories! You will need access to a mains receptacle, a powered USB hub, and either a camera connection kit or Lighting to USB 3.0 adapter. If you want to charge your iPad while using it, use the USB 3.0 adapter. Otherwise a camera connection kit will work as well. The USB hub will also need a micro or other connector besides the B jack for connection to the iPad. I used an Insignia four port USB hub.

Plug in the USB hub to mains power and connect the iPad and keyboards.

We practiced with this setup tonight and it worked a treat! I wish InterApp Audio worked half as well. =p

by **Martin Walker** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 12:15 pm

Glad you're sorted Ben! :thumbup:

My experience with Lightning to USB 3.0 Adaptors isn't too good - I've bought two, and the first only lasted a couple of weeks. Perhaps I should bite the bullet and buy an official Apple one for over £30 and be done with it ;)

Martin

by **Ben Asaro** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 7:37 pm

I am using Apple adapters with no issue. :)

by **Martin Walker** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 12:28 pm

Yep, I should have guessed :D

by **resistorman** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 6:11 pm

Well, that IS good news, my experience hasn’t been the same. The devices I mentioned do work in a lot of more complex situations... keep them in mind if you find yourself needing them down the road.

SOUND ON SOUND

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Question about using an iPad Mini 4/Cubasis with multiple controllers