Using the MODX with the iPad (Animoog | iProphet | iRealPro) 

Glad to hear that you found it useful! 🤟🏽

You're welcome. Glad you found it useful!✌🏾

You don't really have to setup any settings. It should just work once you plug them together. Are you using a specific app on your iPad? On some apps, you'll need to go into the audio settings within the app and set it up to send audio to the MODX. Maybe that?

Thanks! I don't use an amp, but instead run mine through my JBL LSR-Series studio monitors. ✌🏽

Just go to soundmondo.com for an easy way to connect your MODX to the computer and transfer patches and sounds

The MODX is class compliant. Yes, there's some additional software that comes with it, but I don't think that it needs any additional drivers on Mac.

Hi Stephen! Thanks for stopping by and listening. To answer your questions: 1. Yes, that's correct. The iPad audio will also come through the outputs of the MODX, and you don't need to hook up an extra audio cable from the iPad. 2. Yes, you should be able to do that. Each of the tracks in performance mode send MIDI on separate channels, ie. Track2 on channel 2 etc. So if you setup your iPad Synth to receive midi via channel 2, and then switch off the little keyboard icon on the track of your performance layer, you should be able to get the iPad on channel2 and MODX on the other channels. I hope that helps. ✌🏽

@@BharathKumarIyer Thanks so much, Bharath! Very helpful indeed. I'm very much looking forward to enjoying more of your content. With appreciation, Stephen.

All the best with the Integra. It should be fairly straightforward. Hope it works out! I don't sell sample packs though ✌🏾

Thanks for that question. I got excited by that too, but unfortunately I don't think that's possible. The USB-Return goes straight through to the outputs.

This should be possible on Montage as well. But, it doesn't have a dedicated USB Monitor knob, as far as I understand, so the return level might not be as easily controlled as on the MODX. Other than that, the rest (audio & MIDI over USB to/fro iOS) should work.

@@BharathKumarIyer how do u get it to transmit sound back thru keyboard instead of out of ipad speakers? Did it do by default or did u adjust something and how

Yes! It's possible to do that in a couple of ways. One is to create an empty performance with all MODX patch volumes set to zero and only let the iPad audio through. Second option is to disable local control inside of Utility, which will allow the keybed to control only the iPad apps. Hope that helps. ✌🏽

Absolutely! They work great offline.

Absolutely! AudioBus is the easiest way to run multiple synths on the iPad.

Because the standard USB cable wouldn't fit. The camera connection kit is used for hosting USB devices via a USB B port. Just see the port shapes, and you'll see why. ✌🏽

@@BharathKumarIyer Actually I have a lighting to USB Midi cable that came with an Iport

Oh great! That saves you some extra cables :)

Both USB-iPad and MIDI port should be able to work simultaneously. Please share when you do find out!

@@BharathKumarIyer What I have found out, not entirely satisfying as it seems overly complex for the very simple thing I am trying to do...The 5 pin MIDI ports change function when MIDI mode on the MODX is set to "USB," but yes, they do have some functionality. See this: yamahasynth.com/learn/modx/mastering-modx-midi-settings-explained QUOTE: "Important Note: If you select MIDI I/O = USB, MODX will send and receive via the USB connection; while the 5-pin MIDI IN/OUT jacks will allow you to connect an external device discreetly to the computer (as port 3). Therefore, it is NOT that the 5-pin MIDI ports don't work when you select MIDI I/O = USB, they work to address one external device (both IN/OUT, to and from the computer). You can trigger that device by looping the signal through the computer: Port 1 In to Port 3 Out." My understanding of this: The 5pin ports DO work *partially,* but they then function more as "THRU," allowing the computer (or iPad) to communicate with some other device downstream of the MODX. Any commands that one wishes to send out from the MODX itself to another device would have to thus be routed first back through the computer (or iPad) via the USB connection, as I understand it, then they could be sent out to the other device via 5pin. Pretty sure that is right. As for me, I am not trying to connect different synths together but rather need to send MIDI info (notes and program changes) from MODX to VoiceLive3 and prefer that connection to be DIRECT vs. trying to figure out how to relay it through iPad first. If I keep it simple and just connect those two devices via one simple 5-pin (MODX OUT to VoiceLive3 IN) with MIDI set to "MIDI" on the MODX instead of USB, it works (without iPad involvement...just the two devices). But I was wanting to add an iPad to the mix on the front end, to send program changes to the MODX first and on occasion to send directly to the VoiceLive3, using onSong (I am just learning that app). I get partial success with that by either going ALL 5-pin (with a MIDI to USB adapter and camera kit for iPad to connect to the 5pin IN on the MODX) OR (clumsily and inconsistently) with all USB using a simple USB hub (for inputs from MODX and VoiceLive 3, going into camera kit and into iPad)...requires an additional app running in background to route everything virtually and get things talking to each other in the right directions (MIDIflow is what I've tried). Can't get the latter to work reliably due to complexity of the settings (I'm just guessing on a lot of it!) but have had some success, but then next time I try it won't work or gives weird results....ugh. For now I'm going to leave the ipad out of things and go with 5pin for MODX to VoiceLive 3 connection which I know works (used that for a long time with my old MOXF8 and VoiceLive 3). Oh - additionally -- with an all-5pin setup, it seems there is no real "MIDI THRU" functionality on the MODX, so that's another frustration...If I turn "THRU" on in the MIDI options to allow commands from iPad to OnSong, the OUT port becomes ONLY a THRU, it seems, and no commands from MODX itself make it to the VoiceLive via the 5pin. So the most simple/reliable for me will be just a one-way chain....iPad to MODx, then MODx to VoiceLive 3, and I'll skip the step of trying to send anything from iPad directly to VoiceLive 3 for now until I have more time to learn how to do it all via USB and get the routing and commands right. Whew. Clear as mud????

You can configure the iPad audio to also flow through the interface. So it should be possible to record both together. Not just for live performance.

Hi Bharath. Well, do you have any idea if the patches made on ios apps like Animoog could be used for music production on non-apple DAWs like Cubase on PC ? Are they compatible ? If yes, how can the data be transferred ? Thanks.

🙏🏽

If I'm not mistaken, it's possible on the FA series. Don't think it's possible on the Juno DS. Let me know if you try it and it works! ✌🏽

@@BharathKumarIyer Thx you for your answer. I will buy the FA06 and try to replicate this setup. You did a very good job on this video, pretty interesting to talk about this aspect of workstation.

The latency with the iPad is pretty great for the most part. Some apps even have some basic buffer size settings to help tweak the latency. But since the USB cable is connected to the iPad, you can't connect to the computer digitally. Hope that clears that up. ✌🏽

@@BharathKumarIyer hope this isn’t too late. But using an app called AUM and Cubasis you can load up the app with your tones and recording app (Cubasis) all in AUM. So u can play vst instruments from the iPad and record them at the same time.

The audio coming out of the Yamaha ports would definitely be of a higher quality than the iPad analog audio output. And most certainly on the Montage!

@@BharathKumarIyer I need to try it. I expect it will work the same way as the MODX though the controls are a bit different on Montage.

The app synths are all great! Bass Tones are pretty amazing. Especially the Animoog. Very versatile and very good sounding.

Bharath Kumar might have to look at that. Thank you!

I'm not sure. But a quick look at the specs seems to imply that it could work. Maybe try it out and let us know ;)

It should work on Android 9 or later I suppose. Let me know if it works!

The delay in signal is called latency. The simplest way to reduce latency is to reduce thr "buffer size". This is app specific. I would recommend looking around inside the audio preferences/settings inside your program and setting a buffer size of 64 or 128

Yeah. I think you should be able to hook them up via USB. Let me know how that goes!

The MODX has in-built transposition functionality. Just press the Shift+OctaveUp button to transpose one semitone up. Similarly for transpose down. From the app perspective, most Synth apps have the possibility to transpose/tune within the app itself. Alternatively if you're working within a Performance, you can transpose only a single track on the MODX, and receive the relevant track/channel on the app. I hope that clears it up. ✌🏾

@@BharathKumarIyer thank you for your response. I know how to transpose with the Modx but sometimes is not easy for press two buttons at once.

The MODX can definitely be used to trigger samples on iPad. I personally use BeatMaker2 for sample trigger stuff. I've never personally explored horns on iPad, but I read on some forums about an app called Heavy Brass by Crudebyte. The demos looks quite interesting, maybe that? Especially if you want that Earth, Wind & Fire or Tower of Power style sound. But if you're looking at integrating multiple apps simultaneously, definitely check out Audiobus.

@@BharathKumarIyer Hi Bharath. I very belated thank you for your response! I appreciate your information very much.

It should work on Android 9 or later I suppose

The connection should be similar. Not sure if the PA900 can do Audio over USB, but it can definitely do MIDI over USB. This will allow you to play the iPad synths, but you may have to route audio separately. For iPad sampling and looping etc, take a look at BeatMaker3, Akai MPC, and Loopy HD. Hope that helps ✌️

@@BharathKumarIyer thanks Sir, and if you could please tell me what all apps i could use with my ipad 2018?

This should be possible on Montage as well. But, it doesn't have a dedicated USB Monitor knob, as far as I understand, so the return level might not be as easily controlled as on the MODX. Other than that, the rest (audio & MIDI over USB to/fro iOS) should work.

Yamaha Music is present in all major cities: Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi. They are the official distributors. There are also many smaller retailers who might be able to get it to you. But just keep in mind the kind of after-sales support you would receive from whoever you buy it from.

Depends on the complexity of the load really. The iPad can do a lot, especially in terms of synths/arps and sequences, and tonally it's on par with PC synths. But if your set is majorly built around usong many samples and effects, then a Mac is probably a better option. The iPad is still a lightweight when it comes to processing power and depth-of-usage, but it's getting comparable to desktop grade power every year. There are things that my iPad Pro(2017) can do that my iPad 2 can't even imagine. I would recommend that you try an iPad out and see if that fits your needs. Hope that helps ✌️

@@BharathKumarIyer Thank you very much for you advise.

it is also worth knowing that the best instruments on ipad cost a tiny fraction of the best vst on a computer - ipad stuff is really very impressive and you can use cubasis as a proper sequencer/daw if you need to.

Hangar18 The model D App (MiniMoog) came out earlier this year. I brought it, and it’s pretty good and the reviews on it are excellent. I’m a little more comfortable navigating the Arturia both VST and iPad, but the Moog branded one is said to sound a little better. I wish Moog’s included more presets, but it’s good and also inexpensive. I’ve heard good things about the Modular 15 too. I highly doubt the MODX could replicate some of the sounds it can make, or would be as easy or fun for tweaking. MOXD & iOS apps or a laptop would make a nice combo.

Yes. It should work. You'll need the relevant camera connection kit with a lightning pin instead of the 30pin that I've used.

You can record the MODX as an audio track. Not MIDI though. You can record both MIDI & audio in Cubasis for iPad.

No. Not to my knowledge

The electric piano sound is coming from the MODX

Bharath Kumar thank you

I doubt it. I'd expect that the lighting port iPads would also need the relevant camera connection kit.

The audio goes from the iPad over USB to the outputs of the MODX

16GB iPad2. WiFi only.

Hi. The MODX should be able to connect to Android devices also. But please check whether the android device supports "class complaint USB audio". I myself haven't tried connecting Android, but it should work.

The audio goes from the iPad over USB to the outputs of the MODX

Bharath Kumar thanks bharath.. so can I use a laptop for the same setup and route the laptop output directly to modx output?

As a gigging musician, I've really been feeling the absence of aftertouch recently, especially with a multi-synth setup like what you describe. The Montage (or even Kronos) is obviously the closest option with aftertouch. Sadly, nothing in this price range has aftertouch. I really hope that trend changes. The MODX sound engine is able to respond to after touch, so if you'd like to use it as a sound source and laptop interface, that should be possible.

@@BharathKumarIyer I typically gig with a MODX6 + an M-Audio Axiom 61. The Axiom is also 61 keys, weighs just 15 lbs, has aftertouch, 9 sliders, 9 knobs, waterfall keys and much more. I typically use it with a laptop and soft synths (many of which support aftertouch) and I also have the ability to trigger the MODX and use aftertouch. The Axiom 61 is plentiful on the used market, and can often be found for around $100 (pre-COVID). That is a MODX6 you have an a full size iPad? I wasn't sure if the full size would fit on top of a MODX6 and I've been thinking of getting an iPad Mini. Are you able to fit the full size iPad in the MODX6 back pack gig pad? I think it would fit, but not sure.

It acts as a midi controller as well as an audio interface for any laptop based setup as well. So it should work perfectly well with Ableton or any other DAW.

@@BharathKumarIyer Thank you for the quick reply, so basically i will be able to use the knobs on the synth for my vsts sorry for my stupid questions 😂

@@cursedsound .. I just checked this out. It doesn't look like the knobs can be assigned to VSTs as of now, since they send Sysex and not MIDI CC. But the faders, buttons and super knob are all assignable. I hope a future firmware update can fix this.

@@BharathKumarIyer Thank you very much man i think im gonna buy this soon !

Kushal Mangal yes you can 😎✌️☃️

Yes. There are quite a few. One obvious choice, which has a variety of Indian instruments, is SwarPlug. It's an app available on the iOS store. ✌️

Bharath Kumar ohhh okay thank you very much 👍🏽

Should be possible. I don't see why not.

Sorry, I don't. Maybe try OLX or Facebook Marketplace? There's a bunch of good deals out there.

No. Sadly, it does not.

I've felt very negligible latency with this setup. I haven't run any tests to check specific numbers, though I expect it to be under 2-5ms.

Definitely

Thank you. 🙏 I'm based in Bangalore.

Yes

You should be able to do the same on Montage as well, but you might not get the simplicity of a single volume knob for the iPad

@@BharathKumarIyer how do u get it to transmit sound back thru keyboard instead of out of ipad speakers? Did it do by default or did u adjust something and how

@@musikman337 ..it just works. By default.

Yes, it's an app. Available on the App Store

Bharath Kumar ok thanks

Hahah. No, but I'm saving it for the Smithsonian ;)

@@BharathKumarIyer Nice come back 😁

Hahah! Thanks for the sub. I'll answer your questions even without a subscription. :D

As mentioned in the title, I've used 3apps in this video: Animoog, iProphet and iRealPro.

I'm using the MODX6

@@BharathKumarIyer Is that a "full size" iPad sitting on top of your MODX6 or an iPad Mini? If full size, how well does it stay seated? I'd like to find a "Windows" tablet that will "securely" sit on top of my MODX and also easily fit in the MODX6 back pack gig bag. Windows has a lot more synths available and I'm already using many on a laptop. I like the idea of a small tablet fitting in the gig bag and not needing a stand. I've used anti-slip dish mat material to help with some gear, which might be suitable. Dollar stores sell it. Cut to size.

No doubt the MODX is a very deep and powerful machine. The iPad just adds extra versatility and possibilities to any synth. It's not about covering up for bad sounds.

Actually, connecting an iPad to a MODX is an excellent idea. I'm considering buying a MODX6 and have demoed them in music stores many times, and watched tons of videos showing the sounds and many expansion sounds that could be used with it from the Montage & MOTIF series. Still, software synths (either from iPad/iPhone or laptop) offer a lot of features not found on these keyboards. The MODX includes some excellent piano & strings. Where it lacks is physical modeling of classic analog synthesizers & Hammond organs. The Korg Kronos had the right idea on modeling, only they didn't model the instruments I really wanted. Sometimes you can get some good results with expansion sound libraries depending on what sounds your looking for, but generally modeling of the original instruments can create a wider variety of sounds and offer more controls over the sounds. The ones I care most about are lead synth sounds from famous instruments to cover famous songs & rock organs. Even on the Montage & MOTIF XF, though you can usually get by, soft synths can produce more faithful recreations. Some of the ones I use, Oberheim OB-X, Prophet V, Mini Moog, Korg M1, Korg Wavestation, Hammond B3. Moog Music offers their own Mini Moog App for iPad and laptops have many similar ones available from Arturia and other companies. Many of the lead synth examples & rock organs I've heard & tried from the Montage / MOTIF series pale next to the laptop full of soft synths I use.I also have many on my iPhone, but iPads offer many more. A regular laptop can also run soft synths of many classic digital synths like the Synclavier, Fairlight, etc. Nearly any classic instrument, and they've made many new ones too. No hardware keyboard can compete with that so far. I'm hoping in the future for the ability to run VST synths directly on a keyboard from a large company like Yamaha, Korg or Roland. For ultimate portability, I'm hoping my Windows netbook full of the same soft synths as my laptop will fit directly on top of a MODX6. I would tend to think I'd use the soft synth more with my band than the MODX6 sounds for the 80s & 70s rock songs we cover. The MODX6 would be used as a MIDI controller more often than producing it's own sounds, but I could use it as a soundcard for the netbook. One thing I like about the MODX6 is if the netbook crashed, I could probably quickly call up the the closest sounds as the netbook possible and like the netbook, easily create songs using splits with multiple sounds mapped to the keyboard. The MODX6 is also small enough that it might replace my MX49 placed to the right of my 2-tier keyboard setup. I mostly run soft synths on two 61 key synths. And it likely includes the MX sounds I use, since they were taken from the MOTIF XS. MX sounds by the way can be very good. I suspect a large portion of the MODX sounds are identical and both use the AWM2 engine for creating sounds. MODX includes a much larger sample library to build sounds, FM-X, the Super Knob for expression, etc. The MX series can't be beat for even more portability and lower cost that still does an excellent job of many sounds. And it still has the same AWM2 engine. MX49 weights only 8 lbs (the one I have) and takes very little stage space and is very affordable. Importing MOTIF libraries is more complicated, extra cost for software, and questionable if the results will match or not. Biggest disadvantage. Since my LCD broke, I can't explore that option right now (I don't think) but I originally planned on it. Now I may just save for the MODX6.

The ipad is not just for soft synths that expand on what the MODX already offers. Use the Ipad as a sequencer for the MODX, or use programs like Fugue Machine for generative music. Use the Ipad to sample and edit waveforms, then import them into the MODX engine. The MODX acts as the audio interface for an Ipad plugged into its USB port, it is an ideal accessory to a MODX.