How do I use an iPad in a live keyboard rig?

If you’re a keyboard player, there are plenty of benefits to taking an iPad on stage with you, not least the fact that it’s incredibly portable. The touchscreen is a bonus too, as it enables you to quickly reach out and make adjustments while you’re playing.

The simplest option would be to use an iPad to generate all your sounds, in which case the only actual ‘keyboard’ you’d need would be a MIDI controller. If you’re a serious player, it’d be worth investing in a decent 88-note hammer-action model, though anything you feel comfortable playing would do. You might also consider a board with a built-in iOS-compatible audio interface – there are a few out there, including IK Multimedia’s iRig Keys I/O models – though you could quite easily use a standalone interface, too. You could also get your audio out using your iPad’s headphones socket, if it has one, though our preference would be to use an interface as it’ll likely offer better performance and make it much easier to hook your rig up to a PA. Make sure you choose one that enables you to charge your iPad when it’s plugged in, too – the last thing you want is for your tablet to run out of juice during a gig.

If you go down this ‘single MIDI keyboard only’ route, the simplest option would be to run just the one app, too. Something like Korg’s Module springs to mind, as this software sound module may very well give you all the sounds you require. If you have a collection of synth and other apps that you want to use for live performance, though, we’d recommend picking up Kymatica’s AUM, a fantastic app that enables you to bring together all your AU-, Inter-App Audio- and Audiobus-compatible apps (instruments and effects) and play them as you wish. With its clear layout and flexible audio/MIDI routing options, it comes highly recommended if you want to take your iPad anywhere near a stage.

AUM could also be useful if you’re wanting to use your iPad as a secondary sound source, as you could route your main keyboard or stage piano into one of its channels and mix it alongside your iOS instruments. It’s up to you whether you want to use said keyboard for these MIDI instruments or add a separate controller.

Finally, have a think about where you’re actually going to put your iPad when you’re on stage. Balancing it on top of your keyboard is not a good idea, so you’d be wise to invest in some sort of stand or mounting solution that means that your device will remain secure and within easy reach.