How do I use MIDI cable on my phone?

What is MIDI?

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is a technical standard protocol that allows musical instruments, controllers, computers, smartphones, and other devices to connect with each other and communicate (Source: https://hiphopmakers.com/what-is-midi). The MIDI standard was established in 1983 by music industry manufacturers to enable their equipment to interconnect and communicate musical data with one another.

MIDI allows connected devices – such as synthesizers, drum machines, sequencers, controllers, computers, and now smartphones – to send and receive data like musical notes, tempo, rhythm, vibrato and other attributes of musical performance between them. This MIDI data is communicated in a standardized digital format, allowing devices made by different manufacturers to understand each other and be used together in a synchronized and integrated way (Source: https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2023/11/09/what-is-midi/).

MIDI Cables

MIDI cables are special cables used to transmit MIDI data between devices like keyboards, drums, smartphones, and computers. They typically have 5-pin DIN connectors on each end that allow the cable to be connected to MIDI ports.

MIDI cables carry MIDI messages between devices but do not actually transmit audio signals. The MIDI messages contain performance data like note on/off, pitch bend, tempo, etc. This MIDI data can be used to trigger and control software instruments or hardware synthesizers to generate sound.

There are a few common types of MIDI cables:

Standard MIDI cables – These have 5-pin DIN connectors on each end and transmit 16 MIDI channels.

MIDI thru boxes – Allow multiple devices to be connected using MIDI in/out.
Wireless MIDI solutions – Allow MIDI data transmission over radio, infrared or WiFi.

Overall, MIDI cables form the backbone for communication between musical devices and are essential for MIDI connectivity and control (Source). Understanding MIDI cables is key to leveraging the power of MIDI in music production.

Connecting a MIDI Controller to a Phone

To connect a MIDI controller to your phone, you need some type of adapter cable or wireless adapter. The most common method is to use a MIDI to USB cable. This allows you to connect the MIDI out port of your keyboard, drum pad, or other MIDI controller to the USB port on your phone (or USB adapter that plugs into your phone).

For example, you can connect a 5-pin MIDI cable from your MIDI keyboard into a MIDI to USB adapter cable, and then plug the USB end into your phone’s USB port (or into a USB adapter that plugs into the phone). This converts the MIDI signal into USB so your phone can receive it (Source).

Alternatively, you can get a wireless MIDI adapter that will allow you to send the MIDI data wirelessly from your controller into your phone, removing the need for cables altogether. The MIDI data gets transmitted wirelessly over Bluetooth or a proprietary wireless protocol into your phone for use with MIDI apps.

Once connected via USB or wirelessly, the MIDI data from your controller can be received by MIDI apps and music creation software on your smartphone. This allows you to use your phone or tablet to control soft synths, drum machines, and other MIDI software.

Enabling MIDI on Your Phone

To utilize MIDI devices with your phone, you will need a music app that supports MIDI input. There are many synthesizer, sequencer, and digital audio workstation (DAW) apps available for smartphones that can receive MIDI data.

For iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, some examples of MIDI-enabled music apps include GarageBand, Korg Gadget 2, Animoog, iMPC Pro, and SynthMaster One. GarageBand comes pre-installed on iOS devices and offers a seamless way to connect MIDI controllers and start making music right away.

On Android, some popular MIDI apps are FL Studio Mobile, Caustic 3, MIDI Tools, and Audio Evolution Mobile Studio. Most MIDI-capable Android apps will require you to enable MIDI in the settings before they will recognize a connected MIDI device.

Before purchasing any MIDI apps, be sure to check the app specifications to confirm it will work with external MIDI controllers. This capability may be listed as “MIDI input” or “Core MIDI” support on iOS, or “MIDI” in the Android app permissions.

With the right app, you can use your phone just like a MIDI sound module or sequencer controlled by an external device. The MIDI data sent over the cable will trigger notes, change parameters, and more depending on the app.

Using MIDI Controller with Phone App

One of the main benefits of using a MIDI controller with a phone is that the app on the phone can receive MIDI data from the controller. This allows you to play virtual instruments, sequence melodies, and control parameters in music production apps running on your phone.

By connecting a MIDI keyboard, drum pad, or other controller to your phone, you unlock the music production potential of the device. With a good MIDI app, you can use your phone just like a powerful synthesizer, sequencer, or digital audio workstation (DAW). The controller serves as the input source while the phone generates sounds, sequences patterns, and more.

Some examples of how a MIDI controller can be used with phone apps:

Play software synthesizers and virtual instruments
Input notes and chords for the phone app to sequence
Control effects like reverb and delay in real-time

Mix levels and pan position of tracks
Trigger loops and samples
Program drum patterns and rhythms

With the right setup, a MIDI controller unlocks the music production potential already in your phone. It allows for a much more hands-on, tactile experience compared to only using the touchscreen.

Latency Considerations

Latency refers to the delay between playing a note on a MIDI controller and hearing the sound produced by the synthesizer or software instrument. This is an important consideration when using MIDI controllers with phones, as latency can negatively impact the real-time playability.

Bluetooth and wireless connections often introduce more latency compared to wired connections. The electrical signals must be encoded and decoded between the wireless devices, adding a small but noticeable amount of delay. For playing virtual instruments in real-time, wired connections are recommended for the lowest latency.

High latency makes it difficult to play in time and with precise rhythm. For applications like live performance or playing virtual piano/guitar, low latency is critical. Sequencing and recording MIDI data is less sensitive to latency issues. Tweaking audio buffer settings, using ASIO drivers, and reducing plugin processing can help minimize latency for real-time playing.

Overall, wired MIDI connections, proper driver configuration, and optimizing project settings is key to getting workable latency on phones. This enables enjoyable and inspiring music creation possibilities on our pocket devices!

Examples of MIDI Controllers

There are many types of MIDI controllers that can connect to a phone to generate MIDI data, the most common being:

Keyboard controllers – These resemble a piano keyboard and allow you to play notes and chords. They are one of the most popular and versatile options. Examples include the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 and the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3.
Guitar controllers – These mimic an electric guitar and convert your playing into MIDI data. Examples are the Fishman TriplePlay and the Jammy MIDI Guitar.
Drum pad controllers – These let you tap rhythm patterns and drum beats which get converted into MIDI notes. Popular options include the AKAI MPD218 and the Alesis SamplePad Pro.

Knob controllers – Controllers with knobs, faders, and buttons allow for tactile control of parameters in MIDI software. Examples are the Novation Launch Control XL and the Behringer B-Control BCR2000.
Wind instrument controllers – These capture your playing of wind instruments and translate it into MIDI data. The Akai EWI USB controller is a popular option.

In summary, the most common types of hardware MIDI controllers that can connect to phones are keyboard controllers, guitar controllers, drum pad controllers, knob controllers, and wind instrument controllers.

Popular MIDI Apps

MIDI capability on phones opens up a world of music app possibilities. Here are some of the most popular and full-featured MIDI apps available:

Synth Apps
Synth apps allow you to generate various synthesized sounds using your phone. Top options include:

Korg Gadget – Robust synth studio with over 30 virtual synth engines.

iProphet – Digital recreation of the classic Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 analog synth.

DAWs
Digital audio workstations (DAWs) provide a full recording studio environment right on your phone. Leading options include:

Cubasis – Feature-packed mobile DAW good for songwriting and full production.

Auria Pro – Professional-grade DAW with unlimited audio and MIDI tracks.

Virtual Instruments

Virtual instrument apps let you play real instrument sounds via MIDI. Top picks are:

picoBand – Realistic virtual guitar, bass, and drums.

bs-16i – Authentic emulation of the iconic Roland D-50 synth.

Creative Uses for MIDI and Phones

Connecting MIDI controllers to phones opens up new creative possibilities for mobile music production and performance. With a MIDI keyboard or drum pad connected, you can use your phone to produce tracks and play virtual instruments anywhere. The compact portability of phones combined with the hands-on musical input of MIDI controllers offers a powerful mobile music studio.

MIDI over phones also allows for controlling parameters and effects in audio apps during live performances or recording sessions. For example, you could map knobs on a MIDI controller to control filter cutoffs or reverb levels in your favorite synth app. The tactile control of MIDI hardware can enhance the creative workflow when producing music on a phone.

Additionally, MIDI on phones enables experimenting with unique and novel musical interfaces. For instance, you could connect a MIDI wind controller to play wind instrument sounds from your phone. Or use a MIDI guitar to control virtual guitar amp modelers and effects on your phone. The options are vast for improvising with musical interaction methods using MIDI and phones.

By unleashing MIDI devices on your phone, you gain access to a whole new world of mobile music creation possibilities both in the studio and on stage. If you are looking to push the creative boundaries of music production and performance using phones, connecting MIDI gear can take your musical ideas to the next level.

Conclusion

Using MIDI with your phone opens up exciting possibilities for music creation and performance. Though most phones don’t have traditional MIDI ports, cables and adapters allow MIDI controllers and keyboards to communicate with phone apps.

In this article, we covered the basics of what MIDI is, the cables and connections required, how to enable MIDI on your phone, and some examples of popular MIDI controller apps. The main points are:

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol that allows electronic instruments to communicate.
MIDI cables or wireless adapters are required to connect MIDI devices to your phone.

Enabling MIDI on your phone may require an adapter or OTG cable depending on your phone model.
There are many great music apps that support MIDI input for creative music production.

With some cables and adapters, you can unlock the possibilities of MIDI controllers and keyboards with the portability and power of your phone. The world of music apps is there for you to explore.