Insufficient power when connecting MIDI keyboard to iPad Air 2

Even though it is an older keyboard (but does have USB "B" MIDI output port), I have gotten it to connect to my iPad Air 2 but only by Bluetooth, so I believe it is compatible. (Although I don't think I could find any documentation that would confirm its iOS compatability in print). So... I still think its back to the power issue and not compatability with iPad.

BTW the Bluetooth connection I have successfully made is via a really nifty little piece of hardware I just learned about and purchased. Yamaha makes a Bluetooth transmitter in two versions: one is a dongle that plugs into an older 5 Pin MIDI OUT and the other is a similar dongle that plugs into a USB port of a MIDI controller. My iPad pairs WIRELESSLY to my keyboard via these Bluetooth signals coming from my keyboard. They cost just a little more than an Apple Lightning to USB3 connector and have the benefit of wireless connection AND no "low power" issues. Having said that I STILL want to connect my keyboard to my iPad with a wire in case for some reason the Yamaha wireless solution fails...

Bob

Look at the reviews on Amazon on Google for other reviews. Almost nobody is reporting latency issues and mostly seems like 5ms or so. I received mine and had no noticeable latency whatever. Wireless allows for keeping iPod charged while playing via lightning port since previous Apple camera adapter kit cord occupied the iPod lightning port for connection to keyboard and left the iPad discharging while in use. The newest Lightning to USB3 adapter has fixed this with an extra USB port to run to a powered hub or other USB charger. But remains to be seen if it connects okay. I finally said the **** with it and ordered one, hoping if it won't connect I can return it.

Bob

".. and connected accessories". I take this to mean that the adapter indeed could provide the necessary ooomph to avoid

the not enough power message due to being connected to my piano keyboard.

I cannot image that my keyboard would not be compatible with iPad. Its just the industry standard MIDI out protocol practiced by virtually every MIDI keyboard manufacturer. And its not a flaky Chinese keyboard- its a well-recognized M-Audio stage piano common in the industry. But who knows... The MIDI Gods can be very ornery at times...

Anyway, for $30, I guess I'm gonna give it a shot...

Thanks for the input,

All the best,

Bob

I still don't quite understand though. My M-Audio Keystation stage piano is plugged into 120 V AC. So I would think its MIDI out port power is not relying upon (weak) power from the iPad via the MIDI connection from the iPad to the keyboard.

Instead I would think the power in the keyboard MIDI out port, not being derived from batteries or the iPad but rather the internal power supply in the piano, would be sufficient.

In any event, what is the solution ? Is my piano not going to be able to work with the iPad unless I use a Bluetooth or wireless connection ?

Or per my original question, if I use the new Lightning to USB3 connector that has an extra USB port to connect to a powered hub (genrally intended I think to charge the iPad while making music, will this overcome the weak power issue ?

Bob