Hapax USB & iPad Pro (USB-C) Basic Connectivity

Hapax
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Brand new to the Hapax, trying to get the iPad Pro (USB-C) to receive midi notes & clock.

I’m using a USB-A (Hapax) to USB-C (iPad, direct) cable, no hub. When I do this with both devices on, the iPad starts charging, but I get no other signs of midi even with the midi monitor on either device.

I realized that if the Hapax were a midi keyboard instead it would have the USB-B side and plug into a computer via USB-A. I think I need a USB-B to USB-C (or adapter from A to C) setup to sequence iPad apps from the Hapax, correct? (Hapax as Device, iPad as Host?)

I also realized that I should be able to receive midi from the iPad using what I have available now, is that correct?

I ask this as I managed to get things working with my Dirtywave M8 which has micro-USB, and plugged into my Hapax via USB-A. I was able to send midi notes to it just fine even though in my mind this should also be possible on the iPad. Why is it not, seemingly? Do I need to configure something?

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I haven’t got a clue about the iPad Pro, but one perhaps not so obvious thing is to check that your cable actually has the data pins connected. These are being sold as “secure charging cables”, and probably dozen other names.

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Yeah I thought about this too and I’m gonna get another data specific cable and try again

4

Just an update here, iPad Host to Hapax Device via a USB-C to USB-B cable does work, since Hapax behaves like a midi keyboard. But with a new data cable it still does not show up on the iPad (C to A). I think it should still work this direction, since Hapax can output to host or device, but I can’t get it to.

5

I think I’ve read before that iOS always wants to be the midi host when doing Midi over usb, because it’s not a Class Compliant midi device, so you may be having an issue because it would need to be the device if Hapax is hosting.

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6

Oh, that would indeed explain it.

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I believe @SiftingFlowers is right, and that the USB device mode of the iPad does not expose any MIDI interface. This means Hapax needs to be the device, and the iPad needs to be the host.

Tis is possible by using two cables:

  • a USB-C “OTG” adapter (male USB-C to female USB-A)
  • a “printer cable” (male USB-B to male USB-A cable)

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This is ultimately what I settled on doing and it works, though they make USB-B to USB-C cables nowadays as well. Worked fine for me, thanks!