Can an iPad power a USB midi controller

[kenrob2037]

Hi Everyone,

I have tried to get my 2017 iPad to power my midi controller, it's a Roland A-49, put it does not.

Does anyone know if it is possible, or do iPad only work with powered midi keyboards?

Cheers

Rob

 

[giradman]

Hi Everyone,

I have tried to get my 2017 iPad to power my midi controller, it's a Roland A-49, put it does not.

Does anyone know if it is possible, or do iPad only work with powered midi keyboards?

Hi Rob - you are fairly new here so welcome to the forum! I probably do not have an adequate answer for you, but my wife is an accomplished amateur musician and singer who owns multiple instruments including a MIDI KB - probably a dozen or so years ago, I hooked it to our PC for her to experiment, so interested in your situation - believe I used a Roland connector.

But first provide us w/ the 2017 model device that you own, i.e. iPad or an iPad Pro? Second, the 'lightning dock' is 8-pins w/ just one devoted to power, i.e. for battery charging (see first pic below) - reading about your Roland KB HERE, the instrument can run off USB power (about 100 mA current required - see following pics below) - the Roland brochures that I reviewed (assume you've gone through the same process) indicate that an iPad can be used, but an AC-powered USB hub is needed (last pic) - thus, my interpretation is that the iPad cannot provide the power needed to run your Roland KB and must be supplemented w/ power, as described. If not already done, check the support area on the Roland website and/or give them a call for advice. Good luck - Dave
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[kenrob2037]

Thank you Dave for the detailed reply, that is very helpful.

As my 2017 iPad, which is not the Pro version, would not power anything through its port, such as a USB mic, a usb powered backup drive, nor my midi controller, I assumed that the iPad is not as suitable as an Android or most Windows devices that will power this type of equipment.

I have to say, I find it gobsmacking that Apple, the industry standard for tech in the music industry, produce a tablet that will not power a midi controller so it can be independently used as a tool to produce music.

I guess that's the world of a proprietary business.

Thanks again Dave.

Regards

rob