⚠️ This guide is for drums on iPhone. The iPhone app is drums only.
On iPad? Use our iPad connection guide.
On Mac or Windows? Use our electronic drums guide.
Set up your drums
Every kit works with the Melodics iPhone app. Let's get yours set up.
Go to Settings and tap Setup new device.
Choose Electronic, Acoustic kit, or Practice Pad.
Electronic kits: pick your brand and model. If yours isn't listed, choose Other. Every kit works.
The app checks you can hear sound. Then connect your drums using one of the methods below.
Not at your kit right now? Choose I'm not at my kit right now to carry on and set up later.
Connect your electronic drums
There are three ways to connect electronic drums to your iPhone. Pick the one that suits your kit.
Method 1: USB MIDI
Works for every kit with a USB connection.
Connect your kit to your iPhone with a USB cable and an adapter that fits your iPhone (Lightning or USB-C). An adapter with a headphone jack as well as USB is ideal, so you can plug in your headphones at the same time.
Not all adapters carry MIDI. Some USB connections are for charging only. If you're not sure, try one of these:
Method 2: Bluetooth MIDI
For kits with Bluetooth MIDI built in.
Bluetooth MIDI lets your kit talk to Melodics wirelessly. No cables, no fuss. It's different from Bluetooth audio, which is what headphones and speakers use.
Make sure Bluetooth MIDI is turned on in your drum module's settings. On many modules it's off by default.
In Melodics, go to Settings, tap Connect via Bluetooth, and follow the instructions.
⚠️ Don't pair your kit in your iPhone's Bluetooth settings. That sets up an audio connection, which won't work for MIDI.
Kits with Bluetooth MIDI
Kits with Bluetooth MIDI
Alesis Strata Prime
Roland TD-02 series (with the BT-DUAL adapter, sold separately)
Roland TD-07 series
Roland TD-17 series (excluding TD17K-L)
Roland TD-27 series
Simmons Titan 20, 50, and 70
Simmons Titan SD1250
Method 3: USB audio and MIDI
For kits that can send sound and MIDI over one cable.
Some kits can send both MIDI and sound over a single USB connection. Connect with a USB cable and adapter, as in Method 1, then plug your headphones or speakers into your drum module instead of your iPhone.
Kits confirmed to work this way
Kits confirmed to work this way
Carlsbro D25M, D35M, and D45M
Roland V-Drums 3, 5, and 7 Series
Simmons Titan 20, 50, and 70
Simmons Titan SD1250
Yamaha DTX402 Series
Yamaha DTX6, DTX8, and DTX PRO
Yamaha DTX10 and DTX PROX
Using Roland V-Drums?
Using Roland V-Drums?
Newer V-Drums 3, 5, and 7 Series modules work with iPhone as they are, audio over USB included. On older modules, change the USB Mode from VENDOR to GENERIC before connecting. Check your module's manual for how.
Playing acoustic drums?
No electronic kit? No problem. Melodics listens to your acoustic kit through your iPhone's mic.
In Setup new device, choose Acoustic kit.
Follow the prompts, hitting each drum a few times until it turns green.
You can recalibrate any time from Settings. Bluetooth headphones are fine in acoustic mode. For tips, see our acoustic drums calibration guide.
Drums not showing up?
No stress, we've got you. If Melodics can't find your electronic kit, work through these:
Try a different cable or adapter. Not every adapter carries MIDI, so try one of our recommended adapters above.
Alesis kits: if you're having trouble connecting, especially on a USB-C iPhone, try a USB 2.0 hub.
Using Bluetooth? Disconnect other Bluetooth devices to avoid interference.
Restart your iPhone, and close other apps running in the background.
Factory reset your drum module. Here's how for popular kits.
Drums or hi-hat not playing right?
Let's sort it. If your kit is connected but some drums trigger the wrong sound, don't trigger at all, or your hi-hat won't open or close:
Factory reset your drum module. If its settings have been changed at some point, it may no longer send what Melodics expects. A factory reset puts it back.
Still not right? Chat with us using the chat button on this page and we'll help you sort it.
More tips
Hearing a delay when you play?
Bluetooth headphones and speakers add a noticeable delay with electronic drums, so use wired ones. Check out our iOS sound setup guide for more.
Still stuck?
We've got your back. Chat with us using the chat button on this page. Our chatbot knows the fixes for lots of specific kits and setups, and it can pass you to the team if you need a hand.