How can I use my Android phone as a MIDI controller?

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a technical standard that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other equipment to connect and communicate with each other. MIDI messages communicate information like note on/off, pitch, velocity, vibrato, panning, and clock signals that synchronize tempo between devices. MIDI is integral for music production, electronic music performance, and managing advanced lighting/stage effects during live shows. Using MIDI, musicians can control external sound modules, DAW software, synthesizers, sequencers, and more to achieve virtually limitless creative possibilities.

In recent years, mobile devices like Android phones have gained functionality as MIDI controllers by leveraging their embedded sensors, multi-touch displays, wireless connectivity, and software. With the proper apps and accessories, Android users can turn their phones into portable MIDI keyboards, drum pads, faders, xylopads, and other types of MIDI controllers. This opens up creative musical control from the convenience of a smartphone. The following overview explores how to setup an Android device as a MIDI controller, offering tips to enhance the mobile music production and performance experience.

Requirements

In order to use an Android phone as a MIDI controller, there are a few requirements in terms of the phone’s hardware and software capabilities:

For the phone itself, you’ll need:

Android OS version 6.0 or higher – Earlier versions do not have full MIDI support enabled at the system level (source). Android 6.0 Marshmallow introduced the MIDI API.
USB host port – The Android device needs to be able to act as a USB host to connect to MIDI devices (source). Many newer Android phones support USB OTG for this.

Bluetooth – For connecting wirelessly to MIDI devices, Bluetooth 4.0 or higher is recommended.

For software on the Android device, you’ll need:

A DAW or other music app that supports MIDI – Popular options include Caustic 3, FL Studio Mobile, Cubasis, and others.

Any virtual instruments or synth apps the DAW will control.
Possibly a MIDI driver app like MIDI Enabler Pro to improve connectivity.

On the receiving end, you’ll need:

A computer or mobile device running a DAW if not creating music directly on the Android phone.
MIDI-capable hardware like synthesizers, drum machines, or MIDI controllers.

With the proper hardware and software in place, the Android phone can connect via USB or Bluetooth to send and receive MIDI data to control instruments, DAWs, and more.

Enabling MIDI on Android

To use your Android device as a MIDI controller, you first need to enable MIDI mode. Here are the steps:

1. Go to Settings > System > Developer options. If you don’t see Developer options, go to About phone and tap Build number 7 times.

2. In Developer options, check the “MIDI” box under Networking.

This will allow your Android device to connect to external MIDI devices over USB or wirelessly via Bluetooth MIDI. Some manufacturers like Samsung may have their own MIDI settings you need to enable as well.

Next, you’ll need to download a MIDI software app like MIDI Controller (1) or MIDI Bridge (2) from the Google Play Store. These apps will let you map your Android’s touchscreen and sensors to MIDI controls.

With MIDI mode enabled and a MIDI app installed, your Android is ready to start controlling external synthesizers, DAWs, and more. Just make sure to use a proper OTG adapter if connecting via USB cable.

(1) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobileer.midicontroller&hl=en_CA&gl=US

(2) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.kshoji.bluetoothmidibridge&hl=en_CA&gl=US

Connecting to Devices

You can connect your Android device to MIDI hardware and software in a couple different ways:

Via Bluetooth – Most modern MIDI keyboards, drum pads, synths and other controllers support Bluetooth MIDI connectivity. To connect, simply pair your Android device to the MIDI device via Bluetooth in your device settings. Many music apps will automatically detect Bluetooth MIDI devices once paired. TouchDAW and other DAW controllers work well connecting over Bluetooth.

USB – Using a USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable or adapter, you can connect your Android device directly to a MIDI controller, synth module or audio interface via USB. This will provide lower latency compared to Bluetooth. Make sure to enable USB MIDI in your app settings. Some USB MIDI interfaces like the iConnectivity mioXM work with no additional power on Android.

Virtual MIDI – Apps like rtpMIDI allow you to route MIDI between devices over WiFi and ethernet as virtual MIDI ports. This allows you to connect your Android device to MIDI hardware anywhere on your local network.

In most cases, your music apps will automatically detect connected MIDI devices and allow you to select and route them to virtual instrument and DAW tracks.

Mapping Controls

One of the most powerful features when using your Android as a MIDI controller is the ability to customize the mapping of virtual controls to external devices. Many MIDI apps include virtual representations of knobs, faders, buttons, and other controls that can be mapped to send specific MIDI data.

For example, in apps like MIDI Controller or touchDAW, you can map a virtual fader to send CC#7 (channel volume) to an external synth when moved up and down. This allows you to control device parameters hands-on from the touchscreen. Most apps include preset mappings for popular MIDI devices as well.

Mapping is configured within the settings of each app. You can choose a control on the screen, then select which MIDI message it should send when manipulated. Some apps even allow defining custom MIDI messages for advanced control.

When mapping controls, it’s important to select the appropriate MIDI channel so the messages are sent to the correct device. Mapping settings may also include options for setting the control range and response curve.

With customizable mapping, you can create tailored controller layouts optimized for your devices and workflow. The touchscreen offers flexible options for arranging knobs, faders, keys, pads, and other controls. This allows your Android device to become the centerpiece of a powerful mobile music production rig.

Advanced Control Options

There are some advanced ways to control MIDI parameters on Android devices beyond just using an on-screen keyboard or simple knobs and sliders. Two options that offer more expressive control are utilizing device sensors like the accelerometer and using pressure-sensitive screens.

The accelerometer inside most Android devices can be mapped to MIDI control changes to enable expression through motion. By tilting, shaking, or moving the device, you can modulate parameters like volume, pitch, effects, and more. Apps like MIDI Touch allow using the accelerometer for expressive MIDI control.

Some Android devices also have pressure-sensitive screens that detect varying levels of force. By pressing harder or softer on the screen, continuous controller data can be generated to control parameters expressively. Apps like TouchOSC support pressure-sensitive screens for advanced MIDI control on select Android devices.

Using the sensors and pressure sensitivity built into Android hardware allows for dynamic and nuanced MIDI performance compared to just tapping a touchscreen. With the right apps, mobile Android controllers can rival desktop MIDI controllers in expression.

Top MIDI Apps for Android

When it comes to MIDI apps for Android, there are a few standout options that provide robust MIDI functionality and an intuitive interface.

Caustic 3

Caustic 3 is one of the most full-featured MIDI and music creation apps available for Android. It provides tools for synthesizers, drum machines, sampling, effects, and more. Caustic 3 makes it easy to connect external MIDI devices and map controls.

MIDI Maestro

MIDI Maestro focuses purely on MIDI implementation and controller mapping. It provides precision tools for mapping hardware controls to MIDI messages. The app also allows you to create custom layouts for different MIDI hardware.

FL Studio Mobile

While best known as a digital audio workstation (DAW), FL Studio Mobile also offers excellent MIDI support. You can connect external MIDI controllers and keyboards to create compositions using the built-in instruments and effects.

Remojo

Remojo provides a streamlined interface for connecting Android to MIDI devices. It allows you to easily map hardware controls and includes tools for recording, sequencing, and exporting MIDI data.

Example Setups

Here are a few example setups for using an Android device as a MIDI controller:

Controlling Soft Synths

You can use your Android device to control soft synths and virtual instruments on your computer. Simply connect your Android device to your computer via USB and launch a DAW like Ableton Live on your computer. Map the on-screen controls in your MIDI app like MIDI Mux to parameters in your soft synths.

Controlling Hardware

In addition to controlling software instruments, you can also use your Android device to control external MIDI hardware like synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines. Connect your Android device to your hardware synth via a MIDI interface like the iConnectMIDI4+. Map the controls in your MIDI app to parameters on your hardware synth.

Live Performance

For live performances, you can create setlists in MIDI apps like MIDI CTRL and use your Android device as a dedicated controller for changing patches/presets, effects, and more during a performance. This allows quick access to all your sounds without menu diving on hardware synths.

Tips and Tricks

Getting the most out of using your Android device as a MIDI controller requires learning some helpful tips and tricks. Here are some useful pointers (Homerecording.com Forums):

Make sure to connect to MIDI before entering any music apps or courses, otherwise the connection may not initialize properly (Simply Piano 101).

Experiment with different MIDI mapping apps to customize controls for your favorite synth or DAW software.
Use a USB OTG cable for lower latency compared to wireless MIDI.
Consider getting a tablet mount to position your Android device like a MIDI controller.

Look into MIDI controller apps that offer advanced integration and touch response settings.

With some tweaking and practice, an Android phone or tablet can become a versatile and portable MIDI controller option.

Conclusion

Using your Android phone as a MIDI controller opens up many possibilities for music production and live performance. With just a few cables and apps, you can turn your phone into a portable and customizable controller. While mobile devices can’t fully replace professional MIDI controllers, for many music makers they offer an affordable and convenient option.

On the pro side, Android MIDI setups provide portability, touchscreen interfaces, wireless connectivity, and extensive customization. You can create controller layouts tailored to your needs and take them anywhere. The MIDI capabilities built into Android offer deep integration and low latency. With the right apps, you can achieve excellent functionality.

On the con side, mobile devices lack physical buttons, faders, and pads which offer intuitive control. The small touchscreens can feel cramped compared to large MIDI keyboards and drum pads. There are some limitations in connectivity and features of mobile MIDI compared to pro gear. You may encounter setup challenges and compatibility issues.

Overall, Android MIDI controllers provide creative possibilities for making music on the go. With the techniques covered in this guide, you can get started using your phone as a MIDI controller and explore ways it can enhance your musical workflow.