Thursday, August 26, 2021

How to connect a MIDI keyboard and headset to an iPhone

I've been using GarageBand on my phone to make music on the go since it came out on iOS. Since Apple did away with the headphone jack, I couldn't connect a headphone and a MIDI keyboard at the same time. Google didn't have a definitive answer for me. Or at least the answer that I wanted (i.e. cheap). Most videos and articles suggested that I buy a USB audio interface, which is around a hundred dollars and quite bulky. I was surprised that my problem was an uncommon one, but I found a solution.

You'll need the following:
1. Lightning to USB adapter
2. USB sound card hub
3. A monitor and/or mic with 3.5mm jacks
4. Your choice of MIDI keyboard
5. And of course, your iPhone 

Plug everything together, and that's it! This is the most compact and most cost effective solution that I can think of. 

Below is my on-the-go setup. I am currently using an iPhone SE 2020 which has a painfully small screen, so the MIDI keyboard is a must. As you can see, the peripherals are tiny enough to carry in one hand. This is perfect to take on vacations, and in case you get inspired to make music in your hotel room or on a long car ride.


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