Smartphones are handheld pieces of multifunctional wonder that can act as telephones, calendars, browsers, and cameras without even breaking a sweat. With hundreds of available apps, smartphones are now gaming consoles, e-readers, and even MIDI controllers.

MIDI controllers electronically record and store music, adjust the acoustical features of electronic instruments, and can even cue theatrical effects in a live performance. Actual MIDI controllers are large and difficult to transport, but MIDI apps make the technology convenient and portable.

Use device as MIDI. This oddball choice isn’t really aimed at PC connectivity. Instead, it’s for connecting your phone to a USB-based music peripheral. So you can safely ignore this one on your PC.

• This is due to the Windows specification, so I don't think we can do anything. When you connect a MIDI keyboard (INPUT) with a PC, you can play Microsft GS Wavetable Synth (OUTPUT). If you want to use DAW or software instruments, use virtual MIDI port application such as loopMIDI. BLE MIDI (MIDI over Bluetooth LE) and UWP MIDI API support.
• MIDI for NDK Android 10 makes it easier to port professional audio apps using MIDI to the Android platform. AMidi is an NDK API that gives app developers the ability to send and receive MIDI data with C/C code. Android MIDI apps usually use the midi API to communicate with the Android MIDI service.

Types of MIDI Apps to turn your Smartphone into a MIDI Controller:

There are as many MIDI apps today as there are stand-alone devices. No matter what type of functionality you’re looking for, you’re sure to find an app to support it. If you want a minimal approach to smartphone MIDI technology, you can even access some great apps for free.

Here are some top choices:

• MIDI Memo Recorder for iPhone — This simple app records and plays back audio and sound bites from your instruments.
• FingerPlayMIDI for Android — This records music from either OSC messages or the app’s unique FingerPlay format. The finished compositions are then sent to the user’s computer via WiFi.
• Shake MIDI Controller and Sequencer for iPhone — A stand-out contender, this app responds to physical movements like shaking to make changes to MIDI sequences
• GarageBand — The classic program for Macs is now available on iPhones with a full array of features including special effects for your electric guitar and vocal recording with the phone’s microphone.

In addition to these multi-functional MIDI apps, there are also applications for various smartphones geared specifically toward drum, keyboard, or guitar use. Most users find MIDI apps that connect to real musical instruments to be the most functional. However, if you don’t mind sacrificing some sensitivity in the keys, you can even play an instrument directly on the smartphone. Before you head to your local music store for a new MIDI controller, you just might want to visit your app store first.

Downloading MIDI Apps:

With the proper equipment, downloading a MIDI app is quick and easy. There are MIDI apps available for almost any smartphone device. With the free T-mobile prepaid cell phones, you can connect any unlocked smart phone to a new T-Mobile plan. Your old smartphone can quickly find a new life once again. If you’re planning to send data from the MIDI app to your computer, you may need to download the program to your computer as well.

Accessories for MIDI Apps:

Each MIDI app operates differently, but the best way to use most of these applications is with a special plug-in device like the iRig. The basic iRig device is a connector that hooks up your iPhone to a guitar and headphones so you can listen to the sound, play your guitar, and take advantage of the features of your MIDI app while everything is connected seamlessly. The more advanced iRig MIDI connector device brings even more functionality to your setup with three MIDI ports, two LED ports, and a micro USB port so you can connect additional devices like a synthesizer and drum pad.

Five Reasons a MIDI Smartphone App Is Better Than a Stand Alone Device:

If you’re not already itching to get your hands on one of these great MIDI apps to turn your smartphone into a powerful accessory for music recording and customization, here are a few more compelling reasons to give this technology a try.

1. Your MIDI app is always with you on your smartphone, so you’re never stuck with a great riff in your head and nowhere to record it
2. You’ll cut down on the number of electronics you need to drag along with you to play a show
3. You can keep multiple MIDI apps on your phone with various features, so you have all the functionality of a handful of MIDI devices in one handheld item
4. Many MIDI apps are free; even those that come at a price are typically cheaper than a separate MIDI device
5. Face it, plugging a smartphone into your guitar is just plain impressive

MIDI apps for your smartphone add a whole new level of functionality that any musician can appreciate. If you’ve never worked with a MIDI controller before, you’ll be astonished at the compositions you’re able to put together with these powerful recording and customization tools.

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I’m not here to start any wars or scuffles, but until now iOS has been the mobile platform of choice for musicians, DJs and producers. The included APIs have made it easier for developers to create kick-ass music apps. But that’s about to change.

According to a blog post on the Android Developers Blog on 15th September 2015, Google have released three new Marshmallow sample apps. So why should you care? Because two of these apps are relevant for music makers and use the new MIDI API in Andorra 6.0.

Use Mobile Phone As Midi

With new APIs which developers can use in their apps, it should now be easier than before to create MIDI controllable apps, and apps which can process received MIDI data of the Android platform.

Android MidiSynth

With new support for MIDI coming to Android 6.0, Google appear excited to show how their new MIDI API can be used to receive and play MIDI messages from an attached MIDI input device. This could be a MIDI Keyboard, a MIDI pad controller, a MIDI Guitar, glove, light… basically anything that spits out MIDI note or CC data.

Google tell us the sample app, Android MidiSynth, demonstrates some basic features of the MIDI API, such as:

• Enumeration of currently available devices (including name, vendor, capabilities, etc)
• Notification when MIDI devices are plugged in or unplugged
• Receiving and processing MIDI messages

Sample code for Android MidiSynth can downloaded HERE.

Android MidiScope

Receiving and processing MIDI signals from a synth or controller attached to an Android device is what this sample app is all about. MidiScope shows the “name, vendor, capabilities, etc, notification when MIDI devices are plugged in or unplugged, and receiving MIDI signals. This sample simply shows all the received MIDI signals to the screen log and does not play any sound for them.”

In short, this MIDI API can be used to more easily create an app which uses MIDI data to trigger sound, visuals or affect the app in a related way. and be aware of when a MIDI controller or synth is plugged into the device and when it isn’t/ Handy stuff.

Use Phone As Midi Device

Sample code for Android MidiScope can be downloaded HERE.

How To Use Phone As Midi

[Via: Android Developers Blog]

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