Apple's Core MIDI Framework

• Core MIDI is Apple's global standard for MIDI functionality on most of the devices it produces, including the iPad, iPhone and Mac computers. This framework makes it possible to use almost any MIDI-compatible device with Apple's products, provided there is some way to connect them together. The iPad's popularity has inspired the manufacture of several devices that facilitate these connections, making it possible to interface MIDI controllers and instruments with the iPad.
  
  

MIDI Interfaces for the iPad

• The MIDI Mobilizer II by Line 6 allows you to connect your iPad to a MIDI device. When it's plugged into the iPad's USB port, almost any MIDI-compatible device can be connected to the MIDI Mobilizer using the included proprietary cables. Another device is the iConnectMIDI by iConnectivity, which, as of the time of publication, is the most comprehensive MIDI interface available for the iPad. It includes MIDI routing, the ability to connect more than one MIDI controller or instrument and other features found in professional MIDI studios.
  
  

MIDI Applications for the iPad

• As of the time of publication, there are numerous MIDI synthesizers, utilities and related applications available for the iPad, any one of which can interface with a Core MIDI-compatible device. For example, the NLog MIDI Synth supports all available iPad MIDI interfaces and provides tools for making and playing a wide variety of sounds. Similar software synthesizers for the iPad include Pianist Pro by MooCowMusic and Arctic Keys by One Red Dog. Numerous MIDI controller applications, such as MIDIPilot by Page 112 and MIDI Touch by Domestic Cat, make it possible to use the iPad as a controller for a connected MIDI synthesizer or other MIDI instrument.
  
  

Performance Scenarios

• With the diversity of iPad MIDI interfaces and applications on the market, it is possible to use the iPad in a wide variety of performance contexts. For example, using an application like MIDI Touch with the iConnectMIDI interface connected to a synthesizer and drum machine, the iPad can act as the central MIDI controller in a multi-instrument setup. Similarly, the diverse selection of MIDI synthesizers available for the iPad can be used as an artist's primary instrument in performance when coupled with a hardware interface. The possibilities are broad and growing all the time as more manufacturers and software developers create dedicated devices and applications for the iPad.