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MIDI Controllers powered by iPad
I'm looking to compile a list of MIDI controllers that can be powered solely by the recent USB C iPads.
I really like my Launchpad Pro MKIII, but having to include a powered USB hub in the chain stops me from using it spontaneously.
Please include the type of controller with any you have (keys, pads, knobs).
Comments
To start: Faderfox UC4 & EC4 (knobs)
Arturia minilab mk2 works perfectly powered solely by my ipad 9 (not even usb-c, you need the cck adapter although mine is an old one, so no further requirements there, either).
I believe the more recent mk3 woks too but I can’t confirm
Waiting for a novation launchpad mini mk3 (been shipped) but until I try I can’t know for sure. My guess is it will need extra power but fingers crossed
I think the problem is always the leds, if there’s several bright lights there may not be enough juice from the pad alone (although I only have experience with lightning, maybe usb-c models are more capable)
My impression is that the mini’s can be bus powered.
Tested on
both directly connected with a USB-C cable
Launchpad Mini MK3 - works
Launchpad X MK3 - works
Launchkey 37 MK4 - works
My understanding is that the Launchpads can 99% of the time be powered via the iPad, but then they'll occasionally fritz out. This is what happens with my Launchpad Pro MKIII. But I'm not certain on this.
Word on the streets of ABF are that LP X can be powered by USB C ipads. Mine currently requires power on lightening devices. I did notice a low power mode.
The mini’s consume less power than the Pro’s. People have reported that even lightning-based iPads can power them…my iPad 6 can not power the X.
This is great info, I may swap for an X as I don't need the extra features anyways.
I'm still curious about other controllers
I'd love to have a 16x8 controller for example, but there aren't many options.
I’ll report back in a few days regarding the mini. I hear conflicting reports, just like when I did this research an year or two ago. Wait and see
I went with the LP mini cause I just wanted to play with drambo, and although at first the velocity bigger sized buttons of the LP X seemed a must, it’s an extra 100€ I can live without spending. There’s no shortage of ways to post process velocity on drambo, and the minilab has the velocity/aftertouch part covered anyway (and I need a new hub anyway, so better spend there)
Mystrix Pro has no problem being bus powered C-to-C
These 4 I have all work fine being bus powered via USB-C:
I also have a Launchpad Pro MK3 under the tree for Xmas. I had assumed that would be bus powered as well, but it sounds like I may be disappointed.
Anyway it turns out I wish novation would disclose this information upfront. That’s nowhere to be seen, and I searched. Maybe they just assume everyone is using a studio setup
I use a Launchpad X and mini on Ipad 5 mini - and both work bus powered (lightning to USB adapter). Sometimes they don't seem to work - this involves disconnecting/reconnecting. Can't remember what order to do this - sometimes USB out of display port/reconnect - other times unplug/re-connect LPX. I have had both X and mini and korg nanoKey + nanoKontrol (4 controllers at the same time) bus-powered.
Arturia minilab mk2 also works bus-powered.
My original Launchpad Mini could be powered by an iPad, but only in its low power mode. Do they still have high and low power modes?
The MK III works with the 9.
I can run the Arturia MiniFuse 2, along with a MiniLab 3 running off the MiniFuse’s USB port, from the USB-C port on an M2 iPad Pro. No need for power or an additional USB hub.
Great to know, thanks!
Many keyboards can be powered via an internal rechargeable battery or AA batteries and also paired with the iPad via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for any cables. Some examples are the Xkey Air and the Casio CT-S1 (with the optional BT adapter).
I’d turn the question around: what MIDI controllers cannot be powered via USB-C? I think that would narrow things down a bit…
/DMfan🇸🇪
I've tried using my Launchpad Pro MKIII more with my iPad Pro, using a non-powered hub and also having a USB-C Headphone adapter plugged in. It seems fine. I think my issue before might have been my audio interface tapping some extra power (even though it was powered as well). I'll post again as I use it more.
MVave SMkK 25