Connection Guide
You can connect your external MIDI controllers and an audio interface to the App, allowing you to control Sunday Keys and interface with your PA system. While the specific hardware you desire to connect will impact exactly how you’ll connect everything, there are some basic principles for connecting described here.
The most important detail is to ensure that your iPad receives enough power to be Charging while you perform on stage and that all connected MIDI and audio peripherals also receive adequate power.
Connecting to USB Devices:
For iPads with a USB-C Port:
If your iPad features a USB-C type jack, you can use a USB-C hub that features “Power Delivery”. You’ll connect the hub to your iPad and plug your hardware peripherals into the hub’s ports. Then, connect a power brick/power supply capable of providing plenty of power to all your connected devices to the “Power Delivery” (often abbreviated “PD”) port on the hub.
Important: The charger that came with your iPad is likely not capable of providing enough power to the hub AND your iPad. You’ll want to acquire a dedicated power brick/power supply for this purpose. We recommend purchasing a power supply capable of delivering at least 100 Watts of power as a good baseline for most setups.
Hardware options for this setup:
USB-C iPads - Option (hub option with an expanded I/O set.):
- Anker USB-C hub (requires separate power supply)
Example:
Here’s a example setup of Sunday Keys with an external MIDI keyboard (connected via USB), an auxiliary MIDI controller, and an audio interface:
Example:
Here’s a example setup of Sunday Keys with an external MIDI keyboard (connected via MIDI Cable), an auxiliary MIDI controller, and an audio interface:
For iPads with a Lightning Port
If your iPad features a lightning jack, you’ll need to set things up a little differently by utilizing the “Camera Connector Kit” available directly from Apple. This plugs directly into your iPad’s lightning jack and gives you a single USB-A port next to a lightning port. Connect your iPad’s charger to the lightning port, which will provide power directly to your iPad. Then you’ll need to acquire a separate, powered USB hub and plug that into the USB-A port on the Camera Connector Kit. You’ll connect your MIDI and audio hardware to this powered USB hub.
Hardware options for this setup:
Lightning iPads - Option:
- Apple brand Camera Connector Kit
- Use stock iPad charger into connector kit.
- Connect powered USB-A hub into Connector Kit
Example:
Here’s a example setup of Sunday Keys with the iPad connected via an Apple Camera Connector Kit to both the USB Hub and power with an external MIDI keyboard, an auxiliary MIDI controller, and an audio interface:
Connecting to Bluetooth and Network MIDI Controllers
The Sunday Keys App can be connected to Bluetooth and/or Network MIDI connections to allow complete control from remote devices. Visit Bluetooth & Network MIDI for a complete guide.
Audio Output
Using an Audio Interface:
Your audio interface must be class-compliant, meaning it does not require any special drivers or software to operate. Most interfaces from popular brands like Focusrite, iConnectivity, Behringer, M-Audio, Radial, etc are class-compliant and can be used.
While we would expect any class-compliant audio interface to be compatible with an iPad, some manufacturer’s may have more specific steps or information on how to ensure their devices operate as intended when used with an iPad. Check the manufacturer’s website for information specific to any audio interface before making a purchase to ensure it will perform well for your use case.
Some recommendations include:
- PreSonus Audiobox (has MIDI I/O) | ~$100
- Focusrite 4i4 (4 outputs, has MIDI I/O) | ~$250
- Radial stereo D | ~$260
Using the Built-in Headphone Jack:
If your device has a built-in headphone jack, you can use this port to send audio to your PA using a 3.5mm to 1/4" breakout cable.
- Cable Matters 3.5mm TRS to Dual 6.35mm TS Breakout Cable
MIDI Learn
If you want to control the on-screen faders, knobs, and buttons via your connected MIDI hardware, be sure to check out the section on MIDI Learn in the User Manual.
Troubleshooting Connections
If you are experiencing issues with your MIDI or Audio connections, visit Troubleshooting MIDI Connections or Troubleshooting Audio Connections for troubleshooting steps.
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