MIDI Keyboard Setup Guide

USB MIDI via Lightning

If your iPhone or iPad has a Lightning port, you need Apple's Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (the small dongle) or the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter (which adds a charging port — handy for longer sessions). Plug the adapter into your device, connect your keyboard's USB cable to the adapter, and you're set. ChordFrog detects the keyboard automatically.

Some larger keyboards draw more power than the basic adapter can supply. If your keyboard has lights, motorised faders, or built-in speakers, it may need bus power that exceeds what Lightning provides. In that case, use the USB 3 Camera Adapter with a power source connected, or plug your keyboard into a powered USB hub first, then connect the hub to the adapter.

USB MIDI via USB-C

iPad Pro models and iPhone 15 and later have USB-C ports. If your keyboard also has a USB-C cable, you can connect directly — no adapter needed. For keyboards with the older USB-B (square) connector, use a USB-C to USB-A adapter or a USB-C hub with a standard USB-A port.

USB-C generally provides more power than Lightning, so bus-powered keyboards that struggled with Lightning adapters often work fine here. If your keyboard still doesn't power on, a powered USB hub solves the problem.

Bluetooth MIDI

Wireless MIDI is the most convenient option — no cables, no adapters. First, make sure your keyboard supports BLE MIDI (Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI). Not all keyboards do, so check your keyboard's manual if you're unsure. Put your keyboard into Bluetooth pairing mode, then go to iOS Settings, tap Bluetooth, and pair the device.

Latency over Bluetooth is generally low enough for chord recognition. You may notice a few extra milliseconds compared to USB, but for ChordFrog's purposes — identifying which chord you played — it works well. If you're sensitive to timing or plan to use Lily Pad Drill at speed, USB gives the tightest response.

Troubleshooting

Keyboard not detected

Check that your adapter is fully seated in the Lightning or USB-C port. Try a different USB port on your hub if you're using one. Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard. If the problem persists, close ChordFrog completely (swipe up from the app switcher) and reopen it. Occasionally iOS needs a moment to recognise a new MIDI device.

No sound when playing

Make sure you're in a MIDI mode — either Lily Pad Drill or Free Pond. The quiz modes (Leap Quiz and Travel Chords) don't use MIDI input. Also check that your device isn't muted and the volume is up. ChordFrog plays audio through your device's current output.

Latency feels sluggish

Bluetooth adds a small amount of latency. If it bothers you, switch to a wired USB connection. Also close other audio apps running in the background, as they can compete for the audio pipeline.

Keyboard powers off or disconnects

This usually means the keyboard needs more power than your adapter can supply. Use a powered USB hub or Apple's Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter with a charger plugged in. For Bluetooth keyboards, check the battery level.

Verifying your connection

The quickest way to confirm everything works is to open Free Pond mode and play any chord. You should see ChordFrog identify the chord in real time — root, quality, and inversion displayed on screen as you hold the keys. If that's working, your setup is ready for Lily Pad Drill and serious practice.