Hi all

I've only recently got myself an iPad, and i would like to get midi out and into my macbook. what are my options? I don't have a interface for the mac so I'd like it to connect via usb if possible, I have heard that the camera connection kit will allow this? is this right? if not is there anyway to do it?

Thanks

Simon.

Hi Simon,

unfortunately, a direct USB connection does not work (I hope someone will come up with a solution one day...).

The camera connection kit only allows you to connect USB _devices_ to the iPad, not using the iPad as a USB device for the MacBook. With the camera connection kit you still need two(!) MIDI interfaces to connect to a computer (seems rather silly...)

However, for iPad <-> MacBook, the WiFi connection works quite well. Best set up an ad-hoc network to connect. You can set it up on the Mac by using the "Audio MIDI Setup" in the utility folder. All should be rather straight forward. If you have any problems, just ask for more details.

Hope that helps,
Martin

Ok thanks Martin, I have tried an ad hoc network but the midi timing is rather bad, I was hoping a cable connection would be quicker and more consistant, and I hoped the camera connection kit would be a cheap way to achive it.

what about midi kits like the iRig midi? I've read a few bad reviews about it falling out the dock connector. (btw Apple, Dock connector? really, you couldn't do worse if you designed it blind! ) are they any midi kits that are any good? and that don't cost an arm and a leg?

Cheers

Simon.

For me, it was not too bad. Going through a router, though, is unusable. Also, I read somewhere, that it is important to switch off the bluetooth on your iPad and probably also on the MacBook.



Well, the iRig gives you just normal MIDI cables as in and out, so you still need a second interface to get the MIDI into your MacBook.. Even if you then buy another cheap MIDI interface, it often gives you the in and out as (male) MIDI connectors as well, so you still have the problem to connect them. You could, probably, make your custom cables.


In fact, it really would be SO MUCH easier, if one could simply plug the Ipad into the MacBook (or any other computer) using the USB docking cable. I don't know enough about the details of the hardware, etc., as to judge whether it would in principle be possible to write an app which allows that. Somehow I think it is not possible, because if it were, I could not understand that nobody has done it yet.

If it is possible, PLEASE, can someone write such app and driver!!!


Cheers,
Martin

MIDI over WiFi works much better with an ad-hoc connection. The response is not perfect, but it's generally better than using a regular wireless network.

As for MIDI devices, it's not cheap ($US 199) but iConnect MIDI is an excellent solution:

http://iconnectivity.com/iConnectMIDI-Overview

Peace,
Andy.

Yes it would be so much simpler if Apple allowed the usb for midi connectivity, lets hope they do in the future.

I have today tried wifi to my work pc (Ipad to wireless router to main network switch to wired desktop pc) and that actually works better than the adhoc network on my macbook, which seems strange. so I might have another play to see if I did something wrong. I have got bluetooth turned off on both devices.

Yes I know the iRig only has standard midi cables, but I could at least connect it to my Korg M3 then. but then I understand I can do that with the camera connection kit, as the Korg is usb compliant.

Hmm not sure what I'll do yet, I think I'll give wireless another try, and if its no good try the irig, line6 or yamaha devices.


ZenPunkHippy

I've seen the Iconnect, and unfortunately its a bit too expensive for me at the moment. I don't think I will really get the use out of it.

Thanks

Simon.

That is odd. I have the opposite experience. Maybe your ad-hoc interferes somehow with your other wireless. Did you try changing the channel of the ad-hoc network?



Well, that should work then that you use the CCK and go from there into your Korg. Does the Korg do forward MIDI from the MIDI in/out sockets to the USB MIDI? In this case you could go from the iRig (or similar) into the Korg MIDI sockets and then use the Korg USB to connect to the computer.


Cheers,
Martin

I haven't tried another channel, I will give it a go when I get home.



Unfortunately the Korg does not forward midi from the USB to the DIN midi ports, in fact I believe that they are disabled entirely when using USB.

I think I'm going to go for a iRig midi or similar, and hook my macbook up to my lexicon usb soundcard. and do it that way, a few to many cables in that for my liking but hey ho.

Thanks for your help.

Simon.