In this tutorial, I'll show you how to connect your iPad directly to the Elektron Syntakt drum machine using just a USB cable - no MIDI cables required! We'll cover:
- Setting up MIDI tracks in Patterning
- Configuring MIDI channels and ports
- Using MIDI note transpose for melodies
- Controlling synth parameters with MIDI CC automation
- Synchronizing devices with MIDI clock
- Best practices for iPad-to-hardware connections
Whether you're using a Syntakt, another drum machine, or any MIDI-capable hardware, this guide will help you integrate Patterning into your hardware setup as a powerful sequencer.
Gear Used:
- Patterning app for iPad
- Elektron Syntakt drum synthesizer
- USB-C to USB-A cable
Timestamps:
- 0:00 Introduction - MIDI Output in Patterning
- 0:30 USB Connection Discovery - iPad to Syntakt Direct Connection
- 0:59 Syntakt USB MIDI Driver Setup
- 1:11 Overview - Using Patterning to Control Syntakt
- 1:39 Setting Up MIDI Tracks vs Sampler Tracks
- 2:08 Configuring Track Output (Audio/MIDI/Both)
- 2:30 Understanding MIDI Ports and Connections
- 2:42 Selecting the Syntakt as MIDI Port
- 2:59 MIDI Channels - Different Approaches (Drum Racks vs Syntakt)
- 3:35 How Syntakt Uses MIDI Channels for Instruments
- 3:55 Working with Analog Synth Voices (Channels 9-12)
- 4:20 Drawing MIDI Beats and Patterns
- 4:33 Adjusting MIDI Note Pitch
- 4:55 Using MIDI Note Transpose for Melodies
- 5:30 Quantizing Notes to Scales (C Minor Example)
- 6:16 Setting Up Multiple MIDI Tracks
- 6:21 "Apply to All Tracks" Shortcut for MIDI Ports
- 7:45 Working with Synth Sounds on Channel 11
- 8:03 Pitch Bend Modulation
- 8:41 MIDI Gate Length Explained
- 9:17 Creating Longer Sustained Notes
- 9:59 Connecting Adjacent Notes for Longer Sustains
- 10:46 Audio Routing Clarification
- 11:03 MIDI File Export Feature for DAW Integration
- 11:36 Controlling Synth Parameters with MIDI CC
- 12:04 Finding CC Assignments in Syntakt Manual
- 12:27 Mapping CC Controls in Patterning Layers
- 13:04 Automating Decay Parameter (CC20)
- 13:26 Using Patterning with Other Drum Apps
- 13:46 MIDI Clock Synchronization
- 14:10 Understanding MIDI Clock Signal
- 14:26 Best Practices: Computer as Clock Source
- 14:53 iPad/Computer Sync - Use Ableton Link Instead
- 15:16 Setting Up MIDI Clock Send in Patterning
- 15:40 Configuring Syntakt to Receive Clock
- 16:00 Tempo Sync Demonstration
- 16:16 Hybrid Setup Possibilities
- 16:28 Closing Thoughts