Sidecar MIDI Controller

Sidecar MIDI Controller

by Secret Base Design

14 ratings
21 reviews
#169 in paid Music
🔧 Utilities
🎵 Music
$4.99

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • January 18, 2016
  • February 24, 2026

Features

Sidecar MIDI Controller screenshot #1 for iPhone
Sidecar MIDI Controller screenshot #2 for iPhone
Sidecar MIDI Controller screenshot #3 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
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About

Transform your QWERTY keyboard or game controller into a powerful MIDI controller for your iOS music apps. Play melodies, trigger chords, and adjust synth parameters with ease, even while running other apps in the background.

QWERTY keyboard piano mapping
Configurable pads for notes, chords, and messages
Scale-configurable virtual keyboard
Game controller support
AUv3 plugin integration
Slide-over and side-by-side mode compatibility
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What's New in Sidecar MIDI Controller

1.9

February 24, 2026

Keyboard focus was not handled correctly as an AUv3 plug-in and recent versions of iOS. This bug should be fixed in the new release. QWERTY keyboard velocity for chords will now follow the in-app velocity slider correctly.

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Charts

Top Paid

📉 169-15

Music

This app dropped -15 positions in Music chart.

Last updated on July 22, 2026.

User reviews

Dev responded to email!

UPDATE: emailed the developer and got a reply within a couple of hours - an update is underway to fix the issue! [original post: The standalone app works fine, but I cannot get the AU plugin to detect key input when running in AUM as host (I know the AU “window” has to be open etc. within AUM). This is with a non-Apple Bluetooth QWERTY keyboard that otherwise works very nicely with my iPad.]
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Fonctionement en arriere plan?

Dommage pas possible de l’utiliser en arriere plan avec AUM…

no garage band support

Sadly no garage band support

Does what it says AND WORKS, thanks for filling a niche

Can make you qwerty into midi keyboard, nothing else worked until this.

great functionality for smart folio and other ipad keyboards! but no QWERTZ

Hi, I was looking for exactly this type of functionality to use the smart folio ipad keyboard for playing midi notes. Sadly, I have a german layout, so the note c is not next to the X, but in between T and U … QWERTZ

Please add an option for QWERTZ keyboards to use Y instead of Z as an input for the lower c :)
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Developer apps

FAQ

How does Sidecar turn a QWERTY keyboard into a MIDI controller?

Sidecar maps the lower rows of your QWERTY keyboard to function like piano keys for playing melodies. It also allows number keys to trigger ten configurable pads, each capable of sending specific MIDI messages.

Can I use Sidecar with any MIDI app on my iPad?

Yes, Sidecar supports slide-over and side-by-side modes on iPad, allowing you to use your physical keyboard with any MIDI app, even when it's running in the background.

What is the price of Sidecar MIDI Controller?

Sidecar MIDI Controller is available for a one-time purchase of $4.99.

Does Sidecar MIDI Controller support game controllers?

Yes, Sidecar is game controller ready and supports many game controllers, mapping their buttons to the app's pads for control.

How often is Sidecar MIDI Controller updated?

The app was last updated on February 24, 2026, indicating recent development and support.

What devices is Sidecar MIDI Controller compatible with?

Sidecar MIDI Controller is a universal app compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices.

What is the age rating for Sidecar MIDI Controller?

The app has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

Can Sidecar help me play in tune?

Yes, Sidecar provides a scale-configurable virtual keyboard. Once you select a scale, you are prevented from hitting any wrong notes, aiding in musical accuracy.