Ok, maybe somone here has gone through this before. I have a new Akai MINI mpk midi controller that I am using with the most current version of garageband. I am using this controller to lay down a sick organ track via a 'B-3' virtual instrument track. My question: can I assign one of the pads. 1 Best Portable Midi Keyboards for GarageBand Comparison Table: 1.1 #1 Akai Professional MPK Mini 25-Key Ultra-Portable USB MIDI Keyboard. 1.2 #2 Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII 25-Key Keyboard Controller. 1.3 #3 Williams Legato 88-Key Digital Piano. 1.4 #4 Novation Launchkey 49 USB Keyboard Controller. See full list on noterepeat.com. I’m pretty much doing the same, and just bought the Mini 3. I purchased the iMPC for iPad, but I’ve barely used it. I’ve mostly been using GarageBand, and AudioKit synths (using Inter-App audio). It’s worked quite well for me so far. The mobile version of GarageBand is quite useful once you learn the workflow. If you are looking for a 25-key MIDI controller, the Nektar Impact LX25+ MIDI keyboard is a perfect choice as it is extremely user and wallet-friendly. Many DJs and music producers prefer this MIDI keyboard because of its smooth mapping experience. View price on Amazon. Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – A versatile MIDI keyboard for beginners.
Let’s Multi-Instrument! Bass Rig Keyboard Setup
Ever since seeing Greta Kline from Porches alternate between bass guitar and bass keyboard duties, I’ve been semi-obsessed with creating a bass rig keyboard setup of my own. Greta plays a Novation Bass Station II. At some point I’d like to try out that keyboard out, but I ended up landing on the Akai MPK Mini MkII keyboard controller, with an iPad brain, and Garageband Keyboards for the software.
I play an Ampeg SVT-VR which has 4 inputs so I got this crazy idea that I should be able to use one of those inputs for the keyboard setup, when I’m not playing bass.
My Bass Rig Keyboard Setup
I selected the Akai Mini because it has both keys and drum pads. It has enough features to be ‘professional’ but is simple enough for a beginner electronic musician such as myself. The final reason I chose it is because you can find them for as little as $20 buck or new for $99. I already had an Apple iPad with Garageband on it so I thought I could have a great keyboard/drum pad set up for about the cost of a round of beers…it’s never that simple.
Getting the iPad to connect the Akai was a nightmare…I easily connected my Android phone and my Macbook Pro to the Akai so I knew the Akai was working.
Here’s all the different crap I tried getting this stuff to work:
- USB hub – Internet says this will work but you need a specific adapter and it will run your iPad out of power.
- Powered USB hub – Internet says this will work, but you still need the same lightning to USB adapter.
- USB A to USB C Adapter – Don’t try this, I lost my mind and thought Apple switched over to USB C. I was able to used it for my phone though.
- USB B to lightning Adapter – Doesn’t work, iPad complains that Akai is drawing too much power.
- Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter – WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!
The Remedy
In the end I recommend using the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter because this is the simplest, least expensive, working solution. This adapter converts USB A to lightening and delivers power to the iPad. Any solution involving a hub, also requires a USB to Lightening adaptor…even if you think it doesn’t, it does.
If I end up loving this set up, I may switch the iPad with a iPod Touch that is dedicated to running Garageband. This would make my set up even more simple and compact.
My Setup Bass Rig Keyboard Setup:
Mapping Akai 25 Mpk Mini Garageband Ipad Pro
- Multi-input Bass Amp