Developer Matthias Frick has released an updated version of his free MIDI LE app that adds USB MIDI support.

Alongside its MIDI over Bluetooth functionality, MIDI LE now can establish connections to iOS Devices via a USB Lightning or 30-Pin cable. This means that Macs without Bluetooth LE can now make use of low-latency MIDI, without the need for separate hardware.

Here’s how it works:

Download and install MIDI LE, along with the free partner app for Mac (available on the MIDI LE website).

Connect your iOS Device to your Mac, and launch both apps.

MIDI In/Out Ports should now be available in your DAW of choice, as well as in synths on iOS. For those without dedicated MIDI Lists, routing can be done through the MIDI LE app.

According to Frick’s tests, delay is about 1.5 to 2.5ms for a round-trip signal, as shown in the screen capture above, or half that for a one-way trip.

The Mac app is compatible with OS X 10.7 and up.

Frick has also updated his MIDI LE page, which documents his work on MIDI & Bluetooth and also the new MIDI LE USB features.