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Your favorite Hardware Controller/Drum/Synth to pair with the iPad
I really enjoy making music/noises on the iPad with all the amazing apps which are available. But for quite some time I’m thinking about getting maybe a Controller or something like a small Drum/Synth.
I definitely don’t need it to make music but I somehow got a bit of an urge to try it since I have no experience with hardware. I don’t have a desktop so it should work with an iPad(Lightning Port) alone and should not cost more than 500$.
Things that caught my eye are:
- Launch Control XL ( Problem I see is if I upgrade to an ipad with usb-c I would need an Audio Interface to connect LCXL and Headphones?)
- Elektron Digitone (maybe Digitakt)
- Model Cycles ( a bit more budget friendly)
- Volca Drum or Modular (On Budget but small maybe not that of an Hardware experience?)
- Or save money an ipad alone is enough and it’s just my gas kicking in lol
Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on it and also like the titles says your personal favorites or alternatives 
Thanks in advance
Comments
An iMac.
A iMac/MacBook is definitely good to have
After trying the MPC Keys 61, I'm tempted to pick up an Akai MPD controller for the drum pads. They feel so much nicer to me than the pads on the MC-707 or Push 2.
Launch Control XL will work with iPad with lightning port, no extra power needed. When you upgrade just get a USB C hub with headphone jack and you should be ok. This is a lot of fun with Drambo and AUM and Loopy Pro.
Yea I’ve heard good things about the pads from the Akai’s. The Launchpads get mentioned often too.
Wow great to hear, since I was planning to use it with AUM, especially Drambo and Loopy Pro
Does it work straight out of the Box or is a Software Update on The Launch Control XL needed? (Which would be bad because I don’t own a Desktop)
I’m an old rockin organ grinder, so B-3X and VB3m are a couple of my favorite apps. The best controller I have tried so far is my Numa Compact 2X. Physical drawbar control is a wonderful thing for these apps. Second best controller is the Alesis Vortex 2. Only scratched the surface for programming that little beastie for the twenty-some synth apps I want to run with it. It’s a hoot!
I’ve not been able to get my MidiSolution Breath Controller box to work with iPad yet…requires too much power when going wireless with the Vortex…still working on it. So I picked up a cool little contraption called Re.corder to get a wireless wind controller on the cheap. A wonderful way to control SWAM instruments. Still need a lot of practice to get my recorder chops up to snuff.
Digitakt is an amazing instrument.
SP-404MK2, it doubles as an interface/controller
You can use the mappings that are on there by default, but it can be customized using the app called Midi synth control. It's an in-app purchase for the LCXL editor, no pc needed.
The model:cycles works great for me for additional sounds, as I run into the limitations of my iPad. Connected via usb, I have basically unlimited lfo’s for all parameters. the audio of the iPad routes out of the m:c.
The Dreadbox Typhon is awesome, as it connects via usb, and sounds great. The audio is received by the iPad, so I can record it, and add ffx. I also sequence it from the iPad. The two work simultaneously with the iPad, just using usb and audio out from the m:c. Both are available second hand, where I got them.
@brenner13
Looks interesting, I’ve never seen such a controller
@taeo
If I were more into sampling the Sp404 mkii would be definitely tempting.
@tahiche
I really enjoy hearing what people are creating with it. After getting into Drambo i realized how much fun I have with the workflow and that if I find a good deal on a Digitakt, Digitone or maybe even an Octatrack to grab one.
Perfect. It’s now my top list.
Thanks for the information
@Frank303
What I really like about the model:cycles how well the controls are lay out for easy performing.
Launchpad pro mk3 is a great fit for the iPad, 8 custom modes for faders or whatever combo takes your fancy, also it's directly editable on your iPad via midisynth app as is the launch control XL, I use a midi fighter twister as well which is very nice too.. you'll need a lightning to usb 3 camera kit and a power bank or the standard iPad charger though to provide enough juice for them though..
You can do A LOT more with Drambo, not even close. But the Digitakt feels so good you want to use it even f you don’t have to, for the sake of it. I’m not very productive with it, probably cos I don’t make techno or purely electronic music. But even if it’s to get a basic beat going, those knobs feel so good, the clicky buttons… it’s just nice and fun. I highly recommend it. I haven’t tried the digitone but I think the Digitakt covers more. You can do drums, clicks, synths…
I have the Launchpad xl and can also confirm it works with an M1 iPad standalone or with a usb c hub. I know you mentioned a limit of $500 but if you can stretch it I recommend the Oxi One. It pairs extremely well with the iPad, and is super portable. Here are some vids I made:
https://youtube.com/shorts/YD9idlSIbq0?feature=share
Launchpad X and the LaunchControl XL pair really nicely
for both composing and performance projects.
I'm personally a fan of the Novation Launchkey mk3. I shared my thoughts on this on this video, but the quick summary is this
Don't get me wrong...the Launchpad is an amazing controller. Someone like @Gravitas does amazing things with it. For me though, it's a bit overkill. 64 pads is a lot, and I sometimes like having knobs and keys.
I'm actually planning on giving my Launchpad (the one in the video) to one of my students.
Hope this helps. Feel free to check out my content over at...
Instagram: #SEONN
YouTube: #SEONN
Octatrack
My favorite is the OP-1 as it sends midi and audio via usb. Combining all of the crazy OP-1 effects and sequencers with some cool iOS synths is a ton of fun. It’s also great for sampling all those weird niche apps I have that don’t have any connectivity. The Reface CS is also really great as a midi controller and has the bonus of being a very good sounding synth.
I’ve heard the resolution on the knobs for the Nanokey is bad and results in a lot of stepping with filter sweeps and such. Has that been the case for you?
A nice controller instrument in the $500 price range I’d recommend is the Circuit Rhythm or Circuit Tracks. You get a great instrument, sequencer and controller all in one.
With the Rhythm you get a pretty nice Sampler and with the Tracks you’d get 2 nice Synths, 4 part Drum Machine and 2 Midi channels to do whatever you want on the iPad.
Here are a couple tracks i made using the Rhythm + iPad:
The Rhythm sequenced on board samples and soft synths on the iPad.
100% KaZoog here....
I have various kinds of controllers but the only one that I'm using regularly is my Arturia Keystep. Coming from Ableton Live and lots of MIDI/controller experiments, I've stopped my search at a very simple device: A simple 4 (endless) knobs and 2 buttons controller that I've installed inside the Keystep enclosure.
Why only 4 knobs?
Because I prefer to map them on the fly wherever I need them instead of using a large knob panel that I can't remember each knob's function anymore.
What I do won't work for controlling mixer tracks or the like but it works quite well for sound design and writing automation.
My favorite (in terms of spontaneity) drum or synth module sometimes is an old iPad running in sync over Ableton LINK and sometimes a Windows tablet running UVI Falcon with just a few drum and synth libraries.
Could you share more details about this mod? Sounds interesting
It's here:
https://forum.audiob.us/discussion/comment/449455#Comment_449455
The 4Control pcb and encoders did just fit perfectly into the Keystep enclosure and I've added two smaller momentary buttons because the original ones were a bit too bulky.
The MIDI Merge capability of the 4Control was very welcome for letting the Keystep MIDI out and the controller data both use the same Bluetooth MIDI connection.
The little white stick on the back is a USB power bank to make the whole thing completely wireless. Lasts for over 10 hours easily.
Yeah seeing what Drambo is capable of I’m questioning myself for spending money on hardware but there is something special about a device with a focused workflow and great tactile buttons and knobs. I’m so torn between a Digitakt and a Digitone. I guess I take the one which is cheaper 2nd hand.
@dendy Sorry for tagging you, but since I saw you own a Digitakt and a Digitone.
If you don’t mind, which one would you recommend for someone with only an iPad?
I’m leaning slightly more towards synthesis.
I know the basics of fm synthesis but I saw the Digitakt can sculpt sounds with its filter and envelopes too.
@VeridianCosmos
Yeah the oxi one ticks a lot boxes but unfortunately a bit out of my budget.
@muzka
That setup looks great
@Gravitas @symianbeatz
Yeah the Launchpad’s and Launch Control XL
Looking like a great combo. Can the Launchpad’s be powered with a lightning port or does it require the iPad to be charged while using it?
@echoopera
I like the hybrid approach and that the Circuit are portable with the internal battery. But somehow I have the feeling I get confused without a small display with menues and only navigating via the pads. Can the synth engines be customized with the Midi Synth Control app?