Using a USB keyboard with your iPad

Pt. 12 of 11 | 2:15 |

How do I use GarageBand on iPad

Friday April 8, 2011

In episode six, we showed you how to plug an electric guitar into your iPad. In this episode, we'll show you how to

plug a USB keyboard into your iPad

so you can

play your own keyboards in GarageBand

. You need a couple of extra accessories but many will prefer this method to the onscreen keyboard offered in the

GarageBand app for iPad

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Show Notes

Previously, we showed you how to connect a guitar to your iPad. The method is similar for connecting a USB keyboard. First, you'll need an

iPad Camera Connection Kit

as well as a powered USB hub. Of course, you'll also need a

USB keyboard

. Now, plug the USB camera connector to the iPad, plug the powered USB hub into a power outlet and then into the camera connector. Now, plug your USB keyboard into the USB hub.

Now, you'll be able to use your USB keyboard for keyboard input rather than the onscreen version offered by the GarageBand app. This can make playing keyboards much more comfortable as you won't have to crush your fingers together trying to play music. Depending on your keyboard model, you might also have a variety of other options available to you including pitch bend and modulation.

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