iPads as Wireless MIDI Controllers

Wrightstuffmusic.com © 2011

iPads as Wireless MIDI Controllers

How is this useful?

MIDI?Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) messages are inside Computers, USB Keyboards, iPods & iPads. MIDI allows us to generate music and transport this music over any number of consumer interfaces to a wide variety of MIDI-equipped devices.

MIDI files, formats and the MIDI protocol is so completely integrated into the world of music that you will hear musicians say that they "use MIDI", "compose in MIDI" or "control that with MIDI."

2010 MIDI.org, Tutorial - The Technology of MIDI, accessed June 2011 <http://www.midi.org/aboutmidi/tut_techomidi.php>

iPads, iPhones and iPods can connect to your mac over a wireless network (or via the camera connector kit) and control applications like GarageBand & Logic via MIDI - or even allow you to interact with MIDI enabled websites like www.smartboardmusic.org

Imagine controlling your music software from across the classroom or in a studio as you play your instrument stuck behind a microphone and cables!

Getting Connected

On your MAC Laptop or Desktop click on the desktop and go to:GO > Utilities (Shift Command U) >Audio MIDI Setup and open it (Command O)

Apple’s Audio MIDI Setup is a very important utility to know about & navigate. In this little app you can test, configure and ‘setup’ your MIDI / Audio devices.

You may have other devices showing but double click on the purple ‘Network’ icon

* Great Video for MAC & PC users at http://saitarasoftware.com/Site/Setting_Up.html Makers of AC7 Core

Apps you will need...

Pianist Pro$5.99 AUD

AC 7 Core$9.99 AUD

MIDI Surface$2.49 AUD

eyoControl$8.99 AUD

You will be presented with this window on the left.

Follow the numbered steps to connect your device wirelessly for MIDI Control.

Tips• Try to minimise the ‘MIDI’ apps you have open on your iPad to one. Don’t overload your network. • Make sure both computer and device are connected to the same network

1. Check the name of your session (either ‘session 1’ or rename it)2. In the Directory Box you will see ‘my iPad’ etc - only if the app is opened on the iPad though3. The Connect Button - hit it4. You should see your devices name in the Participants Box

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Icon Archive, all icons, accessed June 2011, <http://icons.iconarchive.com/icons/arrioch/senary/256/Media-music-midi-icon.png>

Example Connecting ‘Pianist Pro’ App

eyoControl

This is the same type of setup for most Wireless MIDI apps on the Mac - PC users will require a MIDI server of some kind e.g.

This window will pop up when you hit the MIDI Button.

Make sure your ‘ON’ switch is lit-up

Then connect your Device in MAC’s Audio/MIDI Setup utility.

You will receive this notification if you have been successful.

Now get playing in GarageBand!

Make sure you check out other apps for MIDI control features. This application has everything - Keyboard, X/Y Pads, Drum Pads & Control Surface