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You can use a MIDI keyboard in BandLab to play and record software instruments, but you do not need a physical keyboard: BandLab also offers Musical Typing on the Web and a virtual piano on mobile. For an external controller, connect it, add a Virtual Instrument track, choose an instrument, and record your performance. The connection steps differ between a computer and a phone.
Use a MIDI keyboard with BandLab on the Web
- Connect the keyboard to your computer by USB. If it has 5-pin MIDI ports rather than USB MIDI, connect it through a USB-to-MIDI interface cable or an audio interface with 5-pin MIDI ports.
- Open BandLab Studio and create a project or open an existing one. Add a Virtual Instrument track.
- Choose an instrument in the instrument panel, then play the keyboard. BandLab says most USB devices are supported, but if the keyboard is not detected, allow the browser’s MIDI-device permission and select it manually in the instrument track panel. See BandLab’s Connecting MIDI Devices guide.
- When you are ready to capture a take, press Studio’s Record button and perform. The notes are recorded on the Virtual Instrument track. BandLab’s Virtual Instruments guide covers playing and recording on Web and mobile.
Connect a MIDI keyboard to BandLab on a phone
- Connect the keyboard to the phone using a supported adapter or OTG cable. Make sure the keyboard has power if it needs an external supply, and check that the phone detects it.
- Open BandLab Studio, add a Virtual Instrument track, and choose an instrument.
- Play the keyboard to check the connection, then press Record when you are ready to perform.
BandLab’s connection guide says the Connected MIDI Devices setting is available on Android; it does not describe that setting for iOS. Adapter and keyboard compatibility depends on the specific devices and connection. See BandLab’s connection instructions before assuming a particular phone-and-adapter combination will work.
Choose the right connection for your keyboard
- USB MIDI keyboard and computer: Connect by USB, then select the device in BandLab if it is not detected automatically.
- 5-pin MIDI keyboard and computer: Use a USB-to-MIDI interface cable or a dedicated audio interface with 5-pin MIDI ports.
- Keyboard and phone: Use an adapter or OTG connection supported by both the phone and keyboard, and account for the keyboard’s power needs.
BandLab’s documentation supports a device-agnostic setup, not a model-by-model compatibility guarantee. Confirm the ports, power requirements, and adapter support for your particular equipment.
Fix a MIDI keyboard BandLab does not detect
- On the Web, check browser permission. Allow BandLab or the browser to access MIDI devices, then select the keyboard manually from the instrument track panel.
- Check power. If the keyboard requires an external power supply, connect it.
- Check the physical connection. Try another USB port or cable. For a 5-pin keyboard, confirm that the USB-to-MIDI interface or audio interface is connected correctly.
- On mobile, check the adapter and phone detection. Verify the adapter or OTG connection works with both devices, and check that the keyboard is powered.
- Separate connection problems from timing problems. If notes are recorded but timing is off on Android, BandLab’s beginner guide says a Latency Test can help detect the issue and apply compensation techniques. That is a recording/playback concern, not evidence that the keyboard failed to connect: BandLab’s Beginner’s Guide to BandLab Studio.
Map keyboard knobs, faders, or buttons on the Web
If your controller has knobs, faders, or buttons, BandLab’s MIDI Mapping feature lets you assign them to highlighted Studio parameters. This feature is documented for Web, not the mobile apps.
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- In Studio, open the top-left menu and choose View > MIDI Mappings.
- Click the highlighted parameter you want to control.
- Move or press the corresponding control on your MIDI device to assign it.
BandLab says mappings are saved through browser cookies, so clearing those cookies can affect saved mappings. Follow BandLab’s MIDI mapping guide for the current workflow.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Play without a physical MIDI keyboard
On the Web, use Musical Typing to play a Virtual Instrument with your computer keyboard. On mobile, use BandLab’s virtual piano. Both are alternatives for playing an instrument when you do not have an external MIDI controller connected; see the Virtual Instruments guide.
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- Full Creative Control - A dynamic 37-Key MPK Mini keybed for 3 full octaves of melodic and harmonic performance; Easily connect to your DAW or studio equipment with the USB-powered MIDI Controller
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If you record a take and need to correct notes afterward, BandLab documents its MIDI Editor for Web, Android, and iOS. The Web editor includes additional features such as Humanize, according to BandLab’s beginner guide.
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- 32-note velocity sensitive mid-size key keyboard. Pitch Wheel. Modulation Wheel. Octave Buttons(Up & Down). Transpose Buttons(Up & Down).
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- Attachment Type: USB cable
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- Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration - Akai Professional and Native Instruments have partnered to bring NKS support to the MPK Controller series, get ready to Kontrol straight from your MPK
- Choose Your Exclusive Complimentary NKS Bundle - Browse and control Native Instruments presets and sound libraries; select one of three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band, or Electronic
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual synthesizer / DAW controls
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