4 Best MIDI Controllers For iPad | Bluetooth & USB-C
Mar 28, 2024
MIDI controllers are among the most essential pieces of equipment for making music. Short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, MIDI controllers come with keys, knobs, faders, and pads that allow you to control different sounds and effect parameters within a digital audio workstation. You can use MIDI keyboard controllers to play virtual synths, strings, pianos, or any other software instrument in your DAW.
Just a few years ago, everyday notebooks and tablets lacked the power required for complex music production sessions. Nowadays, iPads pack a lot of power, thanks to Apple’s ARM-based M1 and M2 processors. GarageBand on iPad has always been one of the most popular free DAWs for novice and intermediate music producers. However, with the introduction of Logic Pro for iPad, this tablet has become more popular than ever among producers and musicians alike.
Because of this, various hardware manufacturers have started making music-related products for the iPad, including MIDI keyboards. Typically, you’d want to pair your iPad with a MIDI keyboard that is compact, feature-rich, and travel-friendly. However, the proper choice depends on your needs, goals, and budget. In this post, I’m going to review 4 of the best MIDI keyboard controllers for iPad. Here’s a quick look at the list of the products mentioned in this article:
- Roli Lumi Keys
- Korg NanoKey Studio
- CME Xkey Air 25
- Arturia MiniLab Mk3
1. Roli Lumi Keys
Although relatively new to the market, Roli attracted a lot of attention for offering a modern, sleek, and practical keyboard for those looking for a fun way to make and learn music. The Lumi Keys Studio Edition offers you a colorful two-octave backlit key bed with a minimalistic design language. The keyboard connects to your device via Bluetooth, excellent for a tidy and straightforward setup. If 24 keys are not enough for you, you can pair two of these together to have a 4-octave MIDI controller.
What sets the Lumi Keys apart from the rest of the products on the market is its vast collection of bundled software. Lumi comes with a guided curriculum that teaches piano to beginners through fun and interactive lessons. Moreover, Roli Studio Player allows you to create tracks in a dedicated DAW. Needless to say, you can use the Lumi Keys to control other programs on your iPad, including Logic Pro, GarageBand, and FL Studio.
Compared to other MIDI controllers with two octaves, the Roli Lumi Keys is definitely on the expensive side of the price spectrum. However, few competitors can offer equally valuable software and hardware features, especially for beginner musicians. You can purchase it on Roli’s official website for $249.
2. Korg NanoKey Studio
The Korg NanoKey Studio is a compact gadget that is jam-packed with features and controls. Although smaller than an A4-size notebook, the NanoKey studio features 25 low-profile keys and 8 velocity-sensitive pads. Moreover, you have access to 8 knobs and a KAOSS-style X-Y touch pad that you can use to manipulate effects and add automations to your tracks.
For connecting the MIDI controller to your device, you can use Bluetooth as well as a USB cable. Besides the multiple Mac/Windows software, plugins, and lessons that Korg bundles with this device, you’ll have access to two iPad and iOS apps: the Korg Gadget 2 Le, which is a music production app, and the Korg Module that features piano and keyboard sounds.
The Korg NanoKey Studio is priced at $160 on SweetWater.
3. CME Xkey Air 25
If you’re looking for a MIDI controller that features full-size piano keys, the CME Xkey Air 25 can be exactly that. The layout is pretty straightforward. Instead of trying to pack various features in one package, this MIDI keyboard focuses on delivering one element as best as it can.
The CME Xkey Air 25 features 25 velocity-sensitive keys with polyphonic after-touch. Besides a few other control buttons for changing octave, holding sustain, and bending pitch, that’s pretty much all you get in terms of functionality.
With a thin chassis made of aluminum, this keyboard is both portable and sturdy, making it an excellent companion for musicians on the go. The Air model connects via Bluetooth and USB. You can purchase the CME Xkey Air 25 on Amazon for $229.
4. Arturia MiniLab Mk3
Arturia is one of the most popular brands both for making software and hardware for musicians and producers. Their recently updated compact MIDI Keyboard, the MiniLab Mk3, checks many boxes as a compact and versatile gadget for musicians.
The keyboard features 25 velocity-sensitive keys, eight performance pads, eight rotary knobs, and eight faders, making it one of the most adaptable MIDI keyboards in its league.
Unlike other products mentioned in this list, the Arturia MiniLab Mk3 does not support Bluetooth. However, it comes with a USB-C cable in the box that you can use to connect to most recent iPad models without the need for any adapters. You can find the Arturia MiniLab Mk3 on Amazon for $109 on Amazon.
Final Thoughts On Buying A MIDI Keyboard For iPad
As mentioned before, the optimal MIDI keyboard for your iPad depends on your needs and budget. If you’re just starting your music-making journey and want to learn the basics in a fun and engaging way, the Lumi Keys can offer a seamless experience with eye-catching software options. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more serious and versatile, I recommend the Arturia MiniLab Mk3.
Bluetooth connectivity is excellent for times when you want a quick and tidy setup on the go. However, connecting your MIDI to your iPad wirelessly can introduce latency, resulting in a delay between what you play and what you hear. You should always prefer a wired connection if you want a snappy and responsive experience when making music on your iPad. If you have a 10th-gen iPad or newer, you can connect your MIDI controller to your device via a USB-C cable. If you have an iPad with a Lightning port, you can use Apple’s Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter to connect your keyboard to the tablet.
