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Ipad 9th gen version 18.2, Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 Controller, Algoriddim DJ Pro Software 5.2.7
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I have a pioneer ddj flx4 controller connected to an ipad with a camera adapter and it worked fine for 2-years until recently. Currently the Ipad is not recognizing the controller. I can connect it through Bluetooth, but then I have no sound from the speakers that are connected to the controller. I thought the camera adapter was the cause and bought three of them, as it failed during the last gig and I bought extra to never have the issue again, but i have tried them all and it does not connect. I have also tried different cables for all connections and the controller still does not recognize the Ipad in midi devices, I have also tried three ipads, and my phone, without success. I am able to connect the Controller to my PC running Windows and updated the software.I have also tried several power sources supply power to the controller and IPad without affect.
Can you please confirm that these are Genuine Apple adapters and not 3rd party adapters?
Please close djay, disconnect all cables and adapters then follow the procedure below to perform a Forced Restart of your iPad: Force restart iPad - Apple Support (CA) total
Follow this connection sequence in the EXACT order:
a. Launch djay
b. Connect the Camera Adapter to your iPad.
c. Connect the Camera Adapter to power using your original Apple charging cable and power supply.
d. Confirm your iPad is charging.
e. Connect the USB cable to the Camera Adapter and the Computer/Table socket on the FLX4 (not the power USB socket).
I followed your direction above with several of the adapters I have, I believe one is a genuine apple adapter and the others are third party. The apple adapter did not charge the iPad but the 3rd party adapters did charge he iPad. I am going to find another apple adapter, but it may be a couple of days before I can find one nearby. The 3rd party adapters are identical to the apple adapter, was hoping the apple adapter had a logo or something on it, but it does not. None of the adapters, following restart and connecting the cables in the order you provided resulted in midi device connection.
Thanks for confirming @dblblkdmnd. I’ve personally had issues with 3rd party adapters in the past so this could be the issue. There are two more things we can try before you purchase another Apple adapter.
I would try repeating the above connection setup, but with different USB cables between the Adapter and your FLX4. Please note that not all USB cables are capable of sending both data and power. Ideally, you will want to use a genuine Apple USB-C to A that came with your iOS device or with the FLX4. If you don’t have one, then I recommend you purchase a new one either from Apple or a reputable, high quality cable manufacturer like UGreen, Anker or Baseus. If this doesn’t work, then please try to following alternative connection sequence/configuration:
Instead of connecting your charger to the Camera Adapter we will try connecting it to the FLX4.
a. Launch djay on your iPad.
b. Connect your iPad to one of the Camera Adapters, then connect a high-quality USB-C to A cable from the adapter to the Computer/Table USB-C socket on the FLX4.
Ok, I plugged the iPad directly to the FLX-4 without the adapter and it works, it shows in midi devices and speakers work. I tried this in the past and the battery drained on the iPad pretty quickly, but now I see that the iPad is charging. This makes it much easier to hook things up and I am not sure how the iPad is charging. Hopefully it doesn’t stop charging the iPad because I will be right back in the same position where it works for like an hour and then the iPad is dead. I updated the software in the FLX-4 and maybe that allowed the data cable between the iPad and FLX-4 work both as a data cable ( iPad to FLX-4) and a charging cable (from FLX-4 to IPad).
Excellent. Glad you got it working. The iPad is being charged through the FLX4. It was pass-thru USB-C power. Just make sure you keep your iPad charger connected to the second USB socket on the FLX4.
FYI. One item I did discover is that one of the chargers I was using was 5V 2A and that will not back charge the IPAD through the FLX-4. It has to be a 5V 3A to charge the iPad. I’m still not sure why the adapters are not working, like I have used for the last two years.
Yes, as per the FLX4 user manual, the charger needs to be DC 9V, 3A. Personally, I prefer to avoid adapters whenever possible as these can add another point of failure in your setup. Direct connection like you now have is always preferred if possible. You’re very welcome! Happy to help!
I upgraded to the DDJ-FLX4 from my DDJ-SB3. Here’s my setup:
Djay Pro 5.2.7 running on iPad Air 3rd generation
25W charger into the FLX4 via USB-C to USB-C
USB-C (FLX4) to Lightning at the iPad
This setup works.
Now I want to use the Apple lightning to digtal AV adapter (charge the iPad, HDMI out (external monitor) and USB-A to USB-C (to controller). This worked beautifully on the DDJ-SB3 but doesn’t work on the FLX4.
Hi @tfmeier, I’ve merged your new topic with this existing one. There seems to be an issue with using the Apple Camera Adapter and Digital AV adapter with the latest FLX4 firmware. I recommend that you reach out to Pioneer support for more details on what changed in the latest firmware release and to see if they can bring back support for these Apple adapters.
In the meantime, does it work if you connect your iPad charger to the FLX4 instead of to the AV adapter?
Many thanks for coming back on this. I will contact Pioneer.
When connecting the FLX4 to the iPad directly without a camera/digital AV adapter the setup works, i.e. FLX4 shows under MIDI devices and audio becomes available via the controller.
Do we know which firmware of the controller works and whether there’s a way to revert to that version to confirm this?
You’re welcome @tfmeier. I’m not sure which firmware works or if you can do a firmware rollback. A good question for Pioneer DJ support.
Thanks for confirming that direct connection with the cable only works. However, my proposal was to try connecting the Digital AV Multiport adapter to your iPad and instead of connecting your iPad charger to the adapter, connect the iPad charger to the power socket on the back of the FLX4. I’m curious if this configuration will work or not. Thanks!
@dblblkdmnd Until recently means have you updated to the latest firmware v1.06 meaning it was working on v1.05 or an earlier firmware? I got my FLX4 recently and it was on v1.06
FYI, I have put a request through to the Pioneer support team on this and mentioned it was likely related to a recent firmware update. Will update here once I get a response
