Sync issues between latest iPad Pro and MPCX

Howdy everyone!

I’ve been trying to sync my IPad (USBC) to the MPCX via cables and adapters, but I’m beginning to think it’s currently impossible.
I’d love to use the iPad as a sound source - using the sequencer of the X with its audio going out to an external mixer.’
I have this Dock: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VR ... UTF8&psc=1
and these cables for connection:
https://www.amazon.com/CREATIVE-EMU-XMI ... ics&sr=1-1
but the issue seems to be the Dock, as both machines talk nice to each other when in conjunction with an Apple USBC adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Apple-USB-C-Digi ... 87&sr=8-23
but there’s no sound!
I also have an iconnectmidi4+, an MI.1 Bluetooth midi adapter, and a myriad of cables and other failed attempts, to try and get everything sync’d and nice together.

Could someone recommend another Dock that they’ve had success with, or if it’s worth going down Ethernet midi - I have no idea how to set that up, but I have an adapter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MY ... UTF8&psc=1 but I tried this too but with no luck.

Any help would be amazing!

I guess the hub thing wont work with the iPad? Have you tried to get straight audio (say from itunes) out through the headphone Jack on the hub first?
I have an older ipad, and I can get things working with this thing:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... rface.html
No midi out, which would be cool for some of the apps I have.
That's lightning to Midi. It is really annoying trying to keep up with Apple and the cables.

Schnooker wrote:Howdy everyone!

I’ve been trying to sync my IPad (USBC) to the MPCX via cables and adapters, but I’m beginning to think it’s currently impossible.
I’d love to use the iPad as a sound source - using the sequencer of the X with its audio going out to an external mixer.’
I have this Dock: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VR ... UTF8&psc=1
and these cables for connection:
https://www.amazon.com/CREATIVE-EMU-XMI ... ics&sr=1-1
but the issue seems to be the Dock, as both machines talk nice to each other when in conjunction with an Apple USBC adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Apple-USB-C-Digi ... 87&sr=8-23
but there’s no sound!
I also have an iconnectmidi4+, an MI.1 Bluetooth midi adapter, and a myriad of cables and other failed attempts, to try and get everything sync’d and nice together.

Could someone recommend another Dock that they’ve had success with, or if it’s worth going down Ethernet midi - I have no idea how to set that up, but I have an adapter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MY ... UTF8&psc=1 but I tried this too but with no luck.

Any help would be amazing!

Why don't you just use Ableton Link over WiFi to sync them? That's what I do with my iPad and MPC Live usually. But then again, all of my iOS apps that I use support Ableton Link.

Same here, I just use Ableton link and direct record the iPad via the headphone output into the live.

I've tested this setup with iPad Pro 2019. The Hyper USB hub fit flush and it has wall power which the SSL 2+ needs. Because the Ipad does not give enough power over USB to power it. Doing this gives you the ability to consistently sync your device MIDI in/out, send and record quality audio.

Hyper USB C iPad Pro USB hub: $69.99
Solid State Logic SSL 2+: $279.99


Also check out:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 because it has MIDI. $129.99
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4: $229.99


VIA Focusrite website.

Bus powered Interfaces (Solo, 2i2, 2i4, 4i4):

- These interfaces are supported for use with the USB-C iPad Pro.
- To connect them you will need to connect the Scarlett either with a C to C USB cable or A to C using the Apple USB C to USB adapter.
- The iPad Pro supplies enough power to bus power these interfaces, no external power/powered USB hub is required.

Schnooker wrote:Howdy everyone!

I’ve been trying to sync my IPad (USBC) to the MPCX via cables and adapters, but I’m beginning to think it’s currently impossible.
I’d love to use the iPad as a sound source - using the sequencer of the X with its audio going out to an external mixer.’
I have this Dock: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VR ... UTF8&psc=1
and these cables for connection:
https://www.amazon.com/CREATIVE-EMU-XMI ... ics&sr=1-1
but the issue seems to be the Dock, as both machines talk nice to each other when in conjunction with an Apple USBC adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Apple-USB-C-Digi ... 87&sr=8-23
but there’s no sound!
I also have an iconnectmidi4+, an MI.1 Bluetooth midi adapter, and a myriad of cables and other failed attempts, to try and get everything sync’d and nice together.

Could someone recommend another Dock that they’ve had success with, or if it’s worth going down Ethernet midi - I have no idea how to set that up, but I have an adapter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MY ... UTF8&psc=1 but I tried this too but with no luck.

Any help would be amazing!

Hello everyone.

Thank you SO much your amazing help.
I think I’m going to try and go with the SSL option + the dock - I love the idea of everything working seamlessly.

I can’t thank you enough for everyone’s help.

Schnooker wrote:Hello everyone.

Thank you SO much your amazing help.
I think I’m going to try and go with the SSL option + the dock - I love the idea of everything working seamlessly.

I can’t thank you enough for everyone’s help.

Make sure it's the SSL 2+, because the SSL 2 does not have MIDI.

You’ll need a Midi to USB converter like the iconnectivity Mio to sequence the iPad from the MPC.

Our MPCs don’t do midi over USB.

kaydigi wrote:Same here, I just use Ableton link and direct record the iPad via the headphone output into the live.

Same. So easy and effortless. Works like a charm.

echo opera wrote:You’ll need a Midi to USB converter like the iconnectivity Mio to sequence the iPad from the MPC.

Our MPCs don’t do midi over USB.

This is the one I currently use with my setup:
https://www.amazon.com/iConnectivity-mi ... 268&sr=8-1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/amt7tvc6ofb3mc1/61B7B20A-1FEF-4952-90D3-146CEE678FAA.JPG?dl=0

echo opera wrote:You’ll need a Midi to USB converter like the iconnectivity Mio to sequence the iPad from the MPC.

Our MPCs don’t do midi over USB.

The SSL 2+ has 5 pin MIDI in and out.

I use this:
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Alesis/Con ... 5JEALw_wcB
79 bucks and worth every penny. Wish it had audio in but oh well.
Works like a charm. One midi cable and one set of 1/4” going into Mpc, mixer whatever.

The ssl in theory should work the same if it’s connected to the iPad.

Cockdiesel wrote:I use this:
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Alesis/Con ... 5JEALw_wcB
79 bucks and worth every penny. Wish it had audio in but oh well.
Works like a charm. One midi cable and one set of 1/4” going into Mpc, mixer whatever.

The ssl in theory should work the same if it’s connected to the iPad.

That's a nice options, minus the lack of inputs. However, this may have just, Solved the lack of a foot switch for the MPC ONE and LIVE. Can you try it out and see if you can get the footswitch to work on your MPC.



The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 can be powered directly from the ipad and ipad pro USB. So it's a one cable and one midi/audio interface solutions as well. You can get them new and find them used for like $100.

CharlesRandolph wrote:

echo opera wrote:You’ll need a Midi to USB converter like the iconnectivity Mio to sequence the iPad from the MPC.

Our MPCs don’t do midi over USB.

The SSL 2+ has 5 pin MIDI in and out.

Thats cool...but the iPad will only read Midi over USB...so you'll need some way of converting the 5 Pin midi from the MPC to USB Midi via the CCK connected to the iPad if you want to sequence the iPad.

Hope this makes sense.

echo opera wrote:
Thats cool...but the iPad will only read Midi over USB...so you'll need some way of converting the 5 Pin midi from the MPC to USB Midi via the CCK connected to the iPad if you want to sequence the iPad.

Hope this makes sense.

SSL 2+ connects to the IPAD via USB. So it can send Midi out or Accept Midi in via the SSL 2+, 5 pin MIDI DIN Ports.