This article explains the requirements and provides instructions to connect your iOS-compatible Native Instruments device to an iOS device, i.e. iPad or iPhone. Note that only 'class-compliant' NI devices are compatible with iOS. Please read this article for more information.
For a quick overview of the requirements for each iOS-compatible NI audio interface, consult chapter 5 'iOS Connectivity Table' at the bottom of this article.
Note: Make sure that you are using the latest firmware for your NI device. Find detailed information about updating the firmware in this article.
The article is divided into the following chapters:
1. iOS Requirements
iOS 6.0 or higher is required to use your iOS-compatible NI device with the iPad or iPhone. If you have not done so already, download the latest iOS update from the System Preferences.
Note: The TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 MK2 requires iOS 7.1 or higher.
2. NI Device Requirements
Depending on the type of NI device you use, different requirements and conditions apply for a successful connection with an iOS device. We distinguish between the following types of iOS-compatible NI devices:
- Fully supported NI devices
- Compatible NI devices
2.1. Fully Supported NI Devices
Fully supported NI devices can be used with both iPad and iPhone, except the S2 MK3 and S3 which can only be used with iPad.
The table below lists all fully supported NI devices and their specifications regarding iOS connectivity.
Note: These devices can be used both as audio interfaces on any iOS app capable of streaming audio (including TRAKTOR DJ) and as a surface controller in the TRAKTOR DJ app.
Device Name | iOS Adapter Cable | External Power Supply |
---|---|---|
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 MK2* | Mini-USB to Lightning cable; not included | optional; not included |
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK2 | USB to Lightning cable; included | required; included |
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK3† | USB-A to Lightning cable; comes with iPad | required |
TRAKTOR KONTROL S3† | USB-A to Lightning cable; comes with iPad | required; included |
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK2 | USB to Lightning cable; included | required; included |
*Note: TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 MK2 is not compatible with 2018 models of iPad which has a USB-C type port.
†Note: the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK3 and S3 require iOS 11.0 or later, compatible with iPad 5th generation or later, iPad Air 1st generation or later, iPad mini 2nd generation or later, and iPad Pro 1st generation or later.
If you do not have a (required) power supply for your device, you can purchase one here.
2.2. Compatible NI Devices
Compatible NI devices can only be used with iPad.
An iOS adapter cable needs to be purchased separately for these devices (see 'iOS Device Requirements' below).
Note: These devices can only be used as audio interfaces on any iOS app capable of streaming audio (including TRAKTOR DJ) but not as controllers for the TRAKTOR DJ app.
Below is a list of all compatible NI class-compliant devices and their specifications regarding the use of a power supply.
Device Name | External Power Supply |
---|---|
KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 | not included; iOS connectivity only possible using a self-powered USB hub* |
TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 | required; included in current models* |
TRAKTOR AUDIO 10 | required; included* |
TRAKTOR KONTROL S5 | required; included |
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 | required; included |
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 | required; IEC power connector included |
Note: If you do not have a (required) power supply for your device, you can purchase one here. TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 users who lost the included power connector can purchase IEC power connectors at most electronic / hardware convenience stores.
*Note: Since iPads with USB-C type connectors support more power than a Lightning cable, NI devices which can be powered via USB do not require you to connect the external power supply. From the list above, that includes the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 and TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 / 10.
3. iOS Device Requirements
All NI devices require an iOS adapter cable in order to establish a connection with an iOS device.
Depending on the iOS device generation you use and the NI device type you wish to connect to, different iOS adapter cables are required. Below we specify which adapter cable is required for your specific device and iOS model.
Note: All fully supported NI devices (see 'Fully Supported NI Devices' table above) currently include a USB to Lightning (or Mini USB to Lightning) cable. If you need to connect your device to an older iOS device model equipped with a 30-pin connector, you can purchase the USB to 30-pin (or Mini USB to 30-pin) replacement cable here. New devices with USB-C ports will require and adapter which can be purchased from Apple here.
3.1. iOS Devices Equipped with a Lightning Connector
The following iOS device models are equipped with a Lightning connector:
- iPad Pro
- iPad Mini (1st generation or higher)
- iPad Air (1st generation or higher)
- iPad Retina Display
- iPhone 5 or higher
3.1.1. USB to Lightning Cable (Required by a Fully Supported NI Device)
In order to connect a fully supported NI device (see 'Fully Supported NI Devices' table above) with a Lightning-type iOS device model, you must use the provided NI USB to Lightning (Mini-USB to Lightning for TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 MK2) cable. If needed you can purchase replacement cables here.
3.1.2. Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (Required by a Compatible NI Device)
In order to connect a compatible NI device (see 'Compatible NI Devices' table above) with a Lightning-type iOS device model, you need to purchase the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. You can find this cable in most Apple retail stores or order it from the Apple Store.
Important Note: We only support original Apple adapters, which are available at the Apple Store or authorized Apple retailers. Third-party or fake adapters will not work properly. Find more info about identifying fake adapters here on the Apple support pages.
3.2. iOS Devices Equipped with a 30-Pin Connector
The following iOS device models are equipped with a 30-pin connector:
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 4S
- iPod touch (4th generation)
- iPad 2
- iPad (3rd generation)
3.2.1 USB to 30-Pin Cable (Required by a Fully Supported NI Device)
In order to connect a fully supported NI device (see 'Fully Supported NI Devices' table above) with a 30-pin-type iOS device model, you must use the NI USB to 30-pin (Mini-USB to 30-pin for TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 MK2) cable. You can purchase a replacement 30-pin cable here.
3.2.2. Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (Required by a Compatible NI Device)
In order to connect a compatible NI device (see 'Compatible NI Devices' table above) with a 30-pin-type iOS device model, you need to purchase the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit. You can find this cable in most Apple retail stores or order it order it from the Apple Store.
Important Note: We only support original Apple adapters, which are available at the Apple Store or authorized Apple retailers. Third-party or fake adapters will not work properly.
3.3. iOS Devices Equipped with a USB-C Connector
On October 30 2018, Apple announced that their new range of iPads will replace Lightning with USB-C. In order to connect a fully supported NI device with your USB-C connector, you will need to purchase a USB-C to USB Adapter. They can be purchased from Apple here.
4. Connecting your NI Device to an iOS Device
Please follow the instructions below in order to succesfully connect your NI Device to an iOS device. You can look up the 'iOS Connectivity Table' below for information regarding your specific device.
- Connect your NI device to the external power supply, except for the following specific NI devices:
- TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 MK2: The use of an external power supply is optional. You may connect to the external power supply in order to prevent your iOS device from discharging or you may skip directly to step 2.
- KOMPLETE AUDIO 6: Since this device model does not provide an external power source, connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to a self-powered USB hub, power up the USB hub and then connect the USB hub to the iOS device as described in step 2.
Note: Since iPads with USB-C type connectors support more power than a Lightning cable, the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 does not require you to connect the external power supply.
- Connect your NI device to your iOS device, using the cable corresponding to your specific NI device and iOS device model:
- Fully supported NI devices: Connect the device directly to the iOS device Dock using the NI (Mini) USB to Lightning / to 30-pin cable.
- Compatible NI device: Connect one end of a standard USB cable to your NI device and then connect the other end to the Apple Lightning to USB Adapter / iPad Camera Connection Kit. Finally, connect the Lightning to USB Adapter / Camera Connection Kit to your iOS device.
- Launch your audio application on the iOS device, for example TRAKTOR DJ.
The NI device will be detected and can now be used.
5. iOS Connectivity Table
The table below summarizes all relevant aspects to consider for a successful connection to a supported iOS device for each compatible NI device.
Device Name | Required Cable (Lightning Dock iOS Device) | Required Cable (30-pin iOS Device) | Power Supply | iPad Compatible | iPhone Compatible | TRAKTOR DJ Controller |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 | Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter | Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit | Self-powered USB hub required | |||
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 MK2 | NI Mini-USB to Lightning Cable | NI Mini-USB to 30-pin Cable | optional | Main/cue volume adjustment wheel only | ||
TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 | Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter | Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit | NI Power Supply | |||
TRAKTOR AUDIO 10 | Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter | Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit | NI Power Supply | |||
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK2 | NI USB to Lightning Cable | NI USB to 30-pin Cable | NI Power Supply | |||
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK3 | Apple Lightning to USB-A cable | N.A. | NI Power Supply | |||
TRAKTOR KONTROL S3 | Apple Lightning to USB-A cable | N.A. | NI Power Supply | |||
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK2 | NI USB to Lightning Cable | NI USB to 30-pin Cable | NI Power Supply | |||
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK3 | N.A. | N.A. | NI Power Supply | |||
TRAKTOR KONTROL S5 | Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter | Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit | NI Power Supply | |||
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 | Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter | Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit | NI Power Supply | |||
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 | Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter | Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit | IEC power connector |
Note: In order to connect a fully supported NI device with the USB-C port found on new iPads, you will need to purchase a USB-C to USB Adapter. They can be purchased from Apple here.
*TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 MK2 is not compatible with 2018 models of iPad which has a USB-C type port.