This video is a basic tutorial on how to connect a keyboard to an audio interface. It was an assignment for an intro to production course. / drew-dowler
I know it's 10 years later but wanted to comment on the info you gave. I had a question about where to plug in my audio keyboard. You used the term "line level" and that is the term my audio interface used. As soon as you said it, you answered my question. You did great!!!
Thank you, this is all new to me so your video was very helpful. Explanations of terms like “ line level “ and “ TS instrument cable “was appreciated as well as tips like turning down the volume before plugging in the cables. Great job.
I think you did great on your first assignment (over 4 years ago!). I play a digital piano, but I don't know much about music electronics. I'm trying to understand the topology needed to connect a digital piano through an audio interface, and out to monitors and PC. One of the things I had been wondering about was whether it was possible/common for a "Y" adapter to go from the 2 piano outputs to a single input on the audio interface. But based on your video, it looks like I'll need to use 2 inputs on the audio interface, meaning that in order to add a voice microphone to this setup, I'd need an interface >2 inputs. This is good to know. Thanks for the video!
Hey Connor, if you're plugging in a stereo keyboard you're going to want to plug in both left and right as your keyboard is sending different signals from both outputs. Otherwise, you can change the output of your keyboard so that it is sending a mono signal. Some keyboards will do this automatically if there is only one cable in the mono output- others will require you select "mono" from a menu.
That was very nice and clear. If you are getting too much feedback you may want to bring down the volume a little. But since you were asking for it, just go ahead and crank it up.
Great video! Just got my keyboard. I am a beginner. Needed to connect the keyboard to a Scarlet Interface. According to your video, I was using the wrong cable. I used cables with two rings, not one ....and wasn't getting any sound from the keyboard ... once cables were in place. Ordering another set of cables ...1/4 inch with single ring. Hope that solves my problem. Your video is clear and easy to follow. You are a great teacher! Thanks so much! 💙
That was really informative. I've been gathering information to build my own little home studio. I understand now how my analog synth can be hooked to the audio interface and my monitors, but how do I record the sound being played from the monitors in my DAW platform?
Good video! I was thinking of getting an audio interface, and I have a wk-200 Casio keyboard. I want to record the tones on my keyboard (like violin, drums etc.) exactly to a computer, so would an audio interface work for me? If so, what do you recommend?
Hey Mark, you should not need anything besides your Audiobox to get a signal into your computer from your Blofeld. (A DI would be redundant and further degrade your signal). You would connect the audio outputs directly from your Blofeld into the two front inputs on your Audiobox (similar to how I connect my keyboard in the video). This signal will be recognized in your DAW as long as you have a stereo channel set up correctly and have selected your Audiobox as your "audio in" source. Let me know how it goes.
Nice demo Dau ! Could you please help me out with an answer ? I am going to use a Roland E09 keyboard and a mic for vocals simultaneously and I am using a MacBook Pro for recording. Please tell me which audio interface will be very good for that purpose. I am thinking of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. What do you think about this audio interface and pleas specify if you have anything else to suggest me.
Would I still need an Audio Interface for the new Yamaha Genos Workstation. I am hearing conflicting things as to whether or not this keyboard has a built in Audio Interface or not. Thanks ps I want to be able to record into FL Studio both a MIDI and Audio signal.
Hi Love your channel ! But I can not find anything on how to connect 2 keyboards together (not for recording ) to powered speakers with a internal mixer (I do notwant a separate mixer). Is there any way to connect 2 keyboasrds so they sound together without running 2 line out to a seperate mixer mixer ...in other word can I tie 2 keybords sounding together and have only 1 connection for both signals to my powered speakers mixer . I have 2 channels on each powered speakers .
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I'm using a Scarlett 2i2 through Yamaha mixer and the keyboards connected to a midi emu creative 2x2 and mixer. My m audio bx5 connect straight in the mixer instead of Scarlett. All sounds great and loud. Cool vid and rock on
Your video is very clear thanks a lot by the way how do we choose an audio interface to record keyboards how to find an interface affording line level as there are so many mic or guitar interfaces
I have a Yamaha YPT-310 61 Key keyboard. I am using a Scarlet 2i2 interface. My Daw is Reaper. Normally I record my guitar without much issues, as I have my guitar plugged into an ART Proffesional Tube Mic Preamp which is then plugged into my computer. For my sound I am using Mackie MR5 MK3s, and AKG K240 Headphones. How would I use my keyboard with my daw and interface? It only has the two midi ports, the in and out, a sustain port headphone jack and power port. Do I need to purchase additional stuff? If so what do I need?
I liked the video and noticed you were answering comments so i figured i would ask one myself. I have an interface and a keyboard firewire midi and 1/4" cables. What should the proper inputs and outputs be if i am trying to record audio into my daw? Thanks
Hey Jack Briody, If I understand you correctly you are using a firewire keyboard controller to play software instruments in your DAW? If so, you can connect the keyboard, using the firewire cable, directly to your computer's firewire input, or into your audio interface's firewire input, if it has one. 1/4 inch cables are only necessary if you have a keyboard (or any other instrument) that sends actual audio of its own (not a midi controller), in which case you would connect it into the inputs of your interface as I do in the video. If I misunderstood you, please tell me exactly which keyboard and interface you have and I'll better understand what you're working with :)
hello vey good video, my question is, what happens if my keyboard (casio ctk 4200) only have a single phone (earphone) stereo output and my interface (scarlett solo) only have a single mono ( line (bal) / inst (unbal) ) input? should i use a single double headed ts cable? thanks
Hi, in order to get stereo with what you currently have, the “hack” would be to get a TRS y cable, male to two female. Then use one 1/4 inch ts cable to the 1/4 input on the scarlet, and one 1/4 to xlr cable into the mic input on the scarlet. You will need to manually balance the input levels using the pots on the scarlet. Hope this helps!
On the back of my keyboard, I have an audio left/mono and an audio right. These are outputs from my keyboard. But when I plug them into my audio interface I don’t get true stereo signal. When I plug my headphones into the keyboard it sounds spread out left and right. But when I plug in my headphones to the interface and listen, the signal is more mono based. How do I get the signal coming from my keyboard to be truly stereo? If that makes any since to you. Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi. This is a panning issue. In order to create the same stereo width you hear in your headphones, you will need to pan the left channel left and the right channel right, to achieve the spread. As you hear them now, they are both coming in center, so it sounds like summed mono.
Hi! Pls update. How about modern piano keyboards that has only USB type . Should I just plug it in my computer/laptop? Or should I use an audio interface?
+LinDavid88 - choosing an audio interface really is a personal/financial decision. The factors to consider are how many i/o s, preamp quality, firewire vs usb, etc. If you are planning on simple keyboard recording, a basic 2 channel in should be fine. My best experience has been with Focusrite interfaces :)
I have a mackie 1402 vlz pro mixer. I am trying to hook a keyboard into one of the extra 1/4" l/r mono inputs. i tried it w/ a splitter but dont get sound out of both speakers. i am not sure if i am using the wrong cable or splitter. the keyboard has only one cable to connect.
That was helpful, thanks. But, what if I am running, say, Arturia V Collection 6 in my MacBook Pro, and want to play all those sounds through my speaker at a live gig; since, the audio output jack on the MacBook Pro is a singular jack, how do I run that as stereo into my audio interface? Or, do I simply run the single cable from my MacBook Pro into just 1 channel on my audio interface, and run a patch cord (mono or stereo???) from that 1 output channel on the audio interface into 1 input on my amp?
Hey, my keyboard has a headphone out instead of two TS outs... so I got a TRS instrument cable that supports stereo but it still sounds like a mono signal, the quality is worse and not as full sounding as when I plug headphones directly into the keyboard. I’m using a Scarlett Solo interface, maybe perhaps the preamp is just not as good or maybe the Inst/line in doesn’t support a stereo signal? Please tell me your thoughts.
Hey I have an Alesis VI 49 and It has both a USB port and a Midi out. Is there any benefit to running the Midi out into my Steinberg AI and then a Midi out into my computer or is it fine to just connect the Keyboard directly to my computer via usb?
I have a midi controller which i directly connect to my laptop through USB port. It only has a USB in and out. No MIDI or the ones you showed. I cannot find any material on how can I reduce load on my laptop by using audio interface. If I connect laptop "out" to Interface "in", and interface "out" to the speakers, will it help my performance? any help appreciated! Thanks!
I have M Audio Axiom Mini 32 midi controller and Intel core i-5 processor 8gb RAM. I work with cubase 5. So my PC does hang at times, becomes slow, I cannot play media when cubase is turned on, sometimes suddenly shut down, piano roll gets written twice off the same key etc. I am pretty sure this is because sound card is over loaded. Now Since my controller has only one USB output, I am out of ideas how I can make this load easier for my PC to work with. Thanks a ton for reply! :)
Parth- are you referring to a usb controller keyboard? If so, this connection is different as with a controller you are not sending actual audio but instead controlling sounds that are already in digital format (software instruments). My demonstration is for the connection of a keyboard that sends an audio signal into the interface to be converted into a digital signal. Cheers.
Thank you for the video. I wanted to know what to do if I have only a single headphone/line out port behind my keyboard. Should I then use a TRS cable instead for a stereo input into the audio interface. I want to use a scarlett focusrite 2i4 interface.
Hi, it depends on how your keyboard is sending the signal. If it is in fact sending a stereo signal, I would recommend running a trs y cable into two inputs on the interface. If it's summed to mono, a regular ts instrument cable should be fine. This info should be found in the instruments manual and managed under a "system" menu or something similar.
ok so i know that the eie pro is a 4 in 4 out interface now im still not sure what that means, does it mean i can connect 4 of those pianos like you have or only 2 pianos with 2 1/4" jacks?
Thanks for the video Dau. I wonder if I can record my Waldorf Blofeld's Stereo Out using a TRS Cable. I have a Focusrite Scarlett Interface. The stereo content adds up to the left monitor and it sounds absurd. The reason why I trying this is to see if I can run both my hardware synths via Scarlett at the same time as it has only 2 inputs. (Focusrite 2i4). Or is there a workaround?
Why would you use an audio interface? I have a live set up with my MoDX8. I'm coming out of my keyboard to a direct box then into my sound board. Should I use an audio interface instead? Ty
Hey Randy, an audio interface is used to convert an analog audio signal to a digital signal that your computer can process (and record). For live application, an audio interface is not necessary.
i use fl studio and the keyboard i have has sounds that i would like to use, if i connect it through the audio interface, will i be able to use the sounds on the actual keyboard, because as of now i’m just using the keyboard as a midi
Hey Nick, in order to use your keyboard’s sounds you need to be connecting it through the analog outputs (usually 1/4 cables) into the analog inputs of the interface. It most likely will not send sound through a midi connection like a usb cable or 5pin midi cable. Does that make sense? If not, tell me what kind of keyboard and interface you have and I’ll be more specific
Are you connecting to XLR input? If yes, most of the audio interface doesn't have a phantom power switch for each XLR input. So if I connect condenser mic in one of the XLR input the other two will also receive 48v power. Will it affect the keyboard? Do I need two audio interface for mic and keyboard?
I want to plug into a mixer then route it to my DAW and listen with control out to my PA speakers. Only problem, my "Control Out" doesn't seem to work at all. Also, if I have my DAW routed from output to mixer to hear my computer playing back, it is hogging up my mixer. I need to get another mixer to prevent the signal from jamming.
Have a question and hoping you can provide me with some direction. I recently bought a brand new Roland RD-88 stage piano for my personal hobby playing and small occasional performances for my family ( I am a piano hobby player) also got a decent pair of monitor speakers and connected them to my piano via a set of TRS cables. While I am getting a great sound when I listen to piano using headphone; the sound I am getting through external monitor speakers are terrible when I connect them directly to instrument’s line outs, it is so bad I can’t even think of playing for anyone else other than myself! My question is, am I missing something or doing something wrong? How do you get such a nice high quality sound from your instrument? Do I need to put a mixer and/or an audio interface in between? Greatly appreciate if you or anyone else out there can give me a hint on this.
Hey Kam. I’m assuming your monitors are powered...if not, that’s your first problem! Generally speaking, when running a keyboard into a PA monitor system, you’d want to use a mixer. Not totally necessary, but it this gives you more control of gain stages and allows you to run your keyboard output in stereo. In the mean time, make sure you aren’t driving the the monitors too hard w the signal from your keyboard by reducing the master volume from your keyboard.
Thanks Dau for your quick response, greatly appreciated. Yes I am using a pair of RCF AYRA PRO5 monitor speakers ( see the link below), as you may know Roland RD-88 allows you to control the output gain ( from -12db to +12db), it also have a master equalizer which controls the output lines. I played with all these parameters for hours but still getting a very damped sound from speakers ( looks like you put a pillow on speakers and your are hearing the sound via the pillows!!). I also checked the quality of speakers by connecting them directly to my cellphone and played some piano pieces, got crystal clear amazing sound. Today I took my instrument to the store I purchased and they connected it to a PA system and it sounded fine but the didn’t have monitor speakers at the floor to test it with monitor speakers, so my problem remained unsolved, very frustrated as I am dealing with this for over three weeks now. Someone from another TH-cam channel told me my issue will be resolved if I buy a mixer and put it between the instrument and the monitor speakers, I am not sure if this will resolve my issue so thought to check with you before purchase a mixer, again thanks fir helping me on this www.rcf.it/en_US/products/product-detail/ayra-pro5/1022568
hi Dau, i am a singer and have keyboard yamaha i425 can u guide me how can i combine my keyboard ans mic with my computer so that i can make properly record my song with my computer software waiting for your reply manny
I don't need to connect one keyboard to my audio interface - I need to connect eight (8) + keyboards to my audio interface, some stereo, some mono. What's the best way to do that? Is there an audio interface with 16+ DI Inputs available?
(Dau) well i produce yracks on fl studio but i dont have abln audio interface so when i use some sounds it starts to buffer and my piano is midi so when i connect it with a usb to my laptop it delays alot so when i get an audio interface do i need to connect to my interface or can i just connect it to my laptop?
I have a Casio CDP-130 digital piano. It records MIDI via USB. How do I record MIDI with an audio interface since my keyboard has no MIDI ports, but only a USB port?
i have a casio wk200 that has usb out and headphones 1/4" out...my interface does not have usb input, so can i use 1/4 inch unbalanced cable to plug into interface?
Has anyone tried to connect their keyboard to an UAD Apollo unit? I recently bought Apollo X6 and tried to connect my Yamha Montage to the unit via line inputs on the Apollo. I was surprised to hear extremely low level of the input signal bearly affecting the Apollo input level meter. The situation hadn't occurred in my old EMU interface. Any similar insights?
Alright, so all your saying is I need 2 quarter inch TS instrument cables to connect my keyboard to my Audiobox USB and I'm set record those sounds on my keyboard into my DAW.?
In almost certain you can. I'm not sure about the connections on the Scarlett but as long as it has midi in or USB in you should be able to connect any controller that has a midi/ USB connection.
I use to be able to directly plug in my synthesizer with an audio jack into the microphone jack and play and record with FL easily, but my new laptop has an annoying combo jack and it doesnt plug in at all and when I try the laptop tries to use its internal microphone. Is there a way around this?
QUESTION! Do i have to connect it to my interface Or is there a way to bypass that because i have the piano hooked up by usb and its not reading it. Thanks!
The talking turned me off cos I wanted to see the keyboard being connected to the audio interface which is action .... you could talk while doing it but after 2 mins you'd lost me ...
Hey Subhasish, yes you can record all three at the same time. You will need an interface that has the proper inputs. You will also need to set up your DAW so that their are separate channels for each input. If you give me more info about how you plan to record voice and guitar and what DAW you will be using, I can give you more specific info on how to get set up.
Dau I was thinking about Focusrite Scarlett Studio Bundled Recording Package for sometime { as the whole package comes in my budget}, which includes a Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface. I am just not sure, if I can record the vocal, guitar and the keyboard at the same time or not.
subhasish christche So because the Scarlett 2i2 is a 2 channel-in interface you would only be able to record 2 signals simultaneously. You will need an interface with at least 3 inputs, like the Scarlett 6i6, which has 6 inputs. Another option would be an M Audio M Track quad, which comes with a lite version of Protools, though I would recommend the Focusrite because I believe it is a better product.
Dau that will be beyond my budget, what about scarlett 2i4, can i record vocal,keyboard and guitar in this interface at thee same time. plz suggest me.
Hey Drew! I was reading somewhere that some people use DI boxes when connecting keyboards with a line-level input. Is that really necessary? I use a Korg Krome, and I don't want my keyboard getting damaged. So is it still okay to plug the board in directly to the line-input?
Hey Souvik, I've never heard anything about it being unsafe and have never had any negative experiences plugging in plenty of different keyboards into audio interfaces.
The MPK is just a controller, there's no actual sound coming out of it so you don't connect it to the Focusrite directly. You just plug the USB to your PC/Mac and use it to play your virtual Instruments or effects. If you have an external keyboard (with a sound output) then you would connect that to your Focusrite. You may be thinking then what is the Focusrite for? It will take the audio processing load off of your computer to give you a lower latency when playing/recording audio. Like having a nice graphics card when playing PC games. The audio interface usually also offers you a better preamp than your onboard computer sound card.
+nightlifekingcom Well, in most controllers there are Midi In/Out 5 clip ports. The problem is that I wanna use the focusrite(Cause ima connect a guitar and a Mic to it) and the keyboard in the same time. (Like Alex Aiono, check him out) So Can I buy a usb port?
Just checked out Alex, great talent, but he's totally not performing live. I can tell by his mic levels and the effects used. So if you want you can record everything into your DAW, mix and then play it back while lip syncing on the video. But if you're seriously wanting to do it live (which I don't suggest due to the perfection it takes) here's how you can do it. 1) The mini MPK 2 doesn't have MIDI ports so you don't connect it to your Focusrite, if it did you still don't need to connect it to the Focus right if the controller has a USB port. It's really up to you, back when I was first making music there were no USB midi controllers, everything was only MIDI so for older gear, playing multiple sound modules/keyboard from one or live performers those MIDI ports are still available. If you don't have enough USB ports available then definitely get a small USB 3.0 hub. 2) Connect your guitar to one of the combo inputs on the front of the interface, make sure INST and is on for this input. 3) Insert your XLR mic into the other combo input sure INST is OFF. If your mic requires phantom power turn the +48V on otherwise be sure to turn it off, that's important. Alex uses a USB mic so it isn't going into an audio interface and connecting to the computer directly. I'm sure he's choosing the input of his USB mic in the DAW. 4) connect your speakers to outs 1 and 2 (you may need an 1/4" males to mini jack stereo adapter). 5) In your DAW create audio tracks for instruments and mic, 1 for guitar, 1 for mic, 1stereo track for virtual instrument. 6) When you create your virtual instrument be sure to select your MPK as the MIDI IN device, make sure sure you receive that MPK on ALL MIDI channels you may have to do this in your DAW preferences under a MIDI setting. Every different virtual instrument needs it's own channel so that you can play different instruments without playing them all at the same time 7) Make sure "software monitoring" or "input monitoring" is on so that you can hear yourself playing and singing. If things feel delayed, its due to latency, go into your preference in your DAW and you should be able to lower the latency set it to the lowest it can go without crashing. 8) You may want to setup effects (reverb, delays, compression, etc) for your tracks on a BUS channels It sounds like a USB hub may be all you need if you don't have enough USB ports. You don't want to record with these effects on the input tracks because if you want to change them later you can't.If you need any more help just let me know. I have a lot of knowledge in this area.
Do i need a cable if i want to reduce lag because the audio interface im gonna get is the presonus audiobox or can i just connect it to my laptop once i get an audio interface
Hey Connor, mono in will work just fine. Just make sure your source is sending a mono signal. If it's a keyboard that has a left and right out, you may need to select (in a menu or on that panel of the keyboard) for your stereo signal to be "summed" (added together) to mono, or else you might be sending just the left signal. If your keyboard says L/mono, then it automatically sums the signal for you.
Hey Dau, I have connected everything and am getting a signal from my software, though it is not recording the synth when i play it. Any suggestions? Thanks
It only really works if the audio interface has the capability to receive a stereo cable. If it does you'd only connect L I believe, since that's usually the "mono" spot, and it should work. If it isn't able to receive a stereo cable it shouldn't break or anything, it'll just be read as a mono cable by the interface :P
Its so stupid for interfaces not to be able to record from a stereo source directly into 1 port via TRS, im having the focusrite 2i2 here and channel 1 input records only keyboard Left and channel 2 records keyboard Right, that was very stupid and strange for a professional audio interface like this
All in all good. I agree with other comments about showing the connections (ports/cables). Also, you didn't actually define what a line signal means. You said, "...a keyboard as opposed to a guitar or a bass is a line level instrument, which means its signal is already ready ... to match all the rest of the instruments." Those are good comments. But it might be nice to explain what a line signal means. In other words, I still wouldn't know what a line level is. What does this refer to? Maybe explain that this refers to the strength of the electric signal in terms of volts. A mic level is in the region of -60 dBV (0.001 volt) to -40 bDV (0.010 volt); relatively low. Aux-level is in the region of -10 dBV (0.300 volt). Compare this to line level, which is in the region of 0 bDV (1.000 volt). Another way to put this is that a line-level signal is approximately 1,000 times more powerful than a mic-level signal. If you connect a line-level source such as an electric piano to a mic-level input, you get distortion because the electric signal is too strong for the mic input to pass. Devices and interfaces exist to boost signals up to line level. By contrast, an attenuator reduces a line signal down to mic-level. Trivia: the term "line" came from telephone line. The old telephone networks used a nominal level of about 1 volt; the signal strength through the line (metal wire).
Hey Jacqueline, Many keyboards only have one channel output. You can use one cable instead of two. You will be recording a mono signal as opposed to a stereo.
I know it's 10 years later but wanted to comment on the info you gave. I had a question about where to plug in my audio keyboard. You used the term "line level" and that is the term my audio interface used. As soon as you said it, you answered my question. You did great!!!
clear enough that i’m here 8years later
Thank you, this is all new to me so your video was very helpful. Explanations of terms like “ line level “ and “ TS instrument cable “was appreciated as well as tips like turning down the volume before plugging in the cables. Great job.
i think you should have shown us the connections you did on the keyboard also
yeah and not taken 3 years about doing so
Diego it easy to connect you take the output or input to Left and Right as same on the interface
Diego i know because i am keyboardist and music programer
I think you did great on your first assignment (over 4 years ago!). I play a digital piano, but I don't know much about music electronics. I'm trying to understand the topology needed to connect a digital piano through an audio interface, and out to monitors and PC. One of the things I had been wondering about was whether it was possible/common for a "Y" adapter to go from the 2 piano outputs to a single input on the audio interface. But based on your video, it looks like I'll need to use 2 inputs on the audio interface, meaning that in order to add a voice microphone to this setup, I'd need an interface >2 inputs. This is good to know. Thanks for the video!
Hey Connor, if you're plugging in a stereo keyboard you're going to want to plug in both left and right as your keyboard is sending different signals from both outputs. Otherwise, you can change the output of your keyboard so that it is sending a mono signal. Some keyboards will do this automatically if there is only one cable in the mono output- others will require you select "mono" from a menu.
That was very nice and clear.
If you are getting too much feedback you may want to bring down the volume a little. But since you were asking for it, just go ahead and crank it up.
Good video - some more details on the Akai ? Interface would have been good
Nice work! Your information was clear, simple and practical. You are off to a great start!
Great video! Just got my keyboard. I am a beginner. Needed to connect the keyboard to a Scarlet Interface. According to your video, I was using the wrong cable. I used cables with two rings, not one ....and wasn't getting any sound from the keyboard ... once cables were in place. Ordering another set of cables ...1/4 inch with single ring. Hope that solves my problem. Your video is clear and easy to follow. You are a great teacher! Thanks so much! 💙
Is it possible to connect your keyboard to your computer without an audio interface, such as for use with a DAW or VST? Thanks.
That was really informative. I've been gathering information to build my own little home studio. I understand now how my analog synth can be hooked to the audio interface and my monitors, but how do I record the sound being played from the monitors in my DAW platform?
Good video! I was thinking of getting an audio interface, and I have a wk-200 Casio keyboard. I want to record the tones on my keyboard (like violin, drums etc.) exactly to a computer, so would an audio interface work for me? If so, what do you recommend?
Hey Mark, you should not need anything besides your Audiobox to get a signal into your computer from your Blofeld. (A DI would be redundant and further degrade your signal). You would connect the audio outputs directly from your Blofeld into the two front inputs on your Audiobox (similar to how I connect my keyboard in the video). This signal will be recognized in your DAW as long as you have a stereo channel set up correctly and have selected your Audiobox as your "audio in" source. Let me know how it goes.
Nice demo Dau !
Could you please help me out with an answer ? I am going to use a Roland E09 keyboard and a mic for vocals simultaneously and I am using a MacBook Pro for recording.
Please tell me which audio interface will be very good for that purpose. I am thinking of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
What do you think about this audio interface and pleas specify if you have anything else to suggest me.
Old but good video.
Very good job explaining this!
Would I still need an Audio Interface for the new Yamaha Genos Workstation. I am hearing conflicting things as to whether or not this keyboard has a built in Audio Interface or not. Thanks ps I want to be able to record into FL Studio both a MIDI and Audio signal.
Hi Love your channel ! But I can not find anything on how to connect 2 keyboards together (not for recording ) to powered speakers with a internal mixer (I do notwant a separate mixer). Is there any way to connect 2 keyboasrds so they sound together without running 2 line out to a seperate mixer mixer ...in other word can I tie 2 keybords sounding together and have only 1 connection for both signals to my powered speakers mixer . I have 2 channels on each powered speakers .
I'm using a Scarlett 2i2 through Yamaha mixer and the keyboards connected to a midi emu creative 2x2 and mixer. My m audio bx5 connect straight in the mixer instead of Scarlett. All sounds great and loud. Cool vid and rock on
Thanks man been looking for this everywhere
Your video is very clear thanks a lot
by the way
how do we choose an audio interface to record keyboards
how to find an interface affording line level as there are so many mic or guitar interfaces
I have a Yamaha YPT-310 61 Key keyboard. I am using a Scarlet 2i2 interface. My Daw is Reaper. Normally I record my guitar without much issues, as I have my guitar plugged into an ART Proffesional Tube Mic Preamp which is then plugged into my computer. For my sound I am using Mackie MR5 MK3s, and AKG K240 Headphones. How would I use my keyboard with my daw and interface? It only has the two midi ports, the in and out, a sustain port headphone jack and power port. Do I need to purchase additional stuff? If so what do I need?
What do people suggest as a reasonable keyboard just for melodies which is affordable I don't need anything too fancy
I liked the video and noticed you were answering comments so i figured i would ask one myself. I have an interface and a keyboard firewire midi and 1/4" cables. What should the proper inputs and outputs be if i am trying to record audio into my daw?
Thanks
Hey Jack Briody,
If I understand you correctly you are using a firewire keyboard controller to play software instruments in your DAW? If so, you can connect the keyboard, using the firewire cable, directly to your computer's firewire input, or into your audio interface's firewire input, if it has one. 1/4 inch cables are only necessary if you have a keyboard (or any other instrument) that sends actual audio of its own (not a midi controller), in which case you would connect it into the inputs of your interface as I do in the video.
If I misunderstood you, please tell me exactly which keyboard and interface you have and I'll better understand what you're working with :)
For someone setting up their first home studio, this video was really helpful. Thanks mate
hello vey good video, my question is, what happens if my keyboard (casio ctk 4200) only have a single phone (earphone) stereo output and my interface (scarlett solo) only have a single mono ( line (bal) / inst (unbal) ) input? should i use a single double headed ts cable? thanks
Hi, in order to get stereo with what you currently have, the “hack” would be to get a TRS y cable, male to two female. Then use one 1/4 inch ts cable to the 1/4 input on the scarlet, and one 1/4 to xlr cable into the mic input on the scarlet. You will need to manually balance the input levels using the pots on the scarlet. Hope this helps!
On the back of my keyboard, I have an audio left/mono and an audio right. These are outputs from my keyboard. But when I plug them into my audio interface I don’t get true stereo signal. When I plug my headphones into the keyboard it sounds spread out left and right. But when I plug in my headphones to the interface and listen, the signal is more mono based. How do I get the signal coming from my keyboard to be truly stereo? If that makes any since to you. Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi. This is a panning issue. In order to create the same stereo width you hear in your headphones, you will need to pan the left channel left and the right channel right, to achieve the spread. As you hear them now, they are both coming in center, so it sounds like summed mono.
Clear, but I don't know how to find out what cable to use from Yamaha NP-32 keyboards to Focusrite Scarlett audio interface.
Did you figure it out? Because I’m struggling with this too 😅
Hi! Pls update. How about modern piano keyboards that has only USB type . Should I just plug it in my computer/laptop? Or should I use an audio interface?
Gail Valdez hey Gail, does your keyboard create its own sound or is it a usb/midi controller keyboard?
@@Grapebotdd Yamaha PSR - E43.
Hey Adam, this is correct. Your interface outputs can go straight to powered speakers or an amp (then amp to speakers).
+LinDavid88 - choosing an audio interface really is a personal/financial decision. The factors to consider are how many i/o s, preamp quality, firewire vs usb, etc. If you are planning on simple keyboard recording, a basic 2 channel in should be fine. My best experience has been with Focusrite interfaces :)
Great Job! so let me get this straight.. you plug the synth into the audio interface which is then played through the speakers directly?
I have a mackie 1402 vlz pro mixer. I am trying to hook a keyboard into one of the extra 1/4" l/r mono inputs. i tried it w/ a splitter but dont get sound out of both speakers. i am not sure if i am using the wrong cable or splitter. the keyboard has only one cable to connect.
That was helpful, thanks. But, what if I am running, say, Arturia V Collection 6 in my MacBook Pro, and want to play all those sounds through my speaker at a live gig; since, the audio output jack on the MacBook Pro is a singular jack, how do I run that as stereo into my audio interface? Or, do I simply run the single cable from my MacBook Pro into just 1 channel on my audio interface, and run a patch cord (mono or stereo???) from that 1 output channel on the audio interface into 1 input on my amp?
Hey, my keyboard has a headphone out instead of two TS outs... so I got a TRS instrument cable that supports stereo but it still sounds like a mono signal, the quality is worse and not as full sounding as when I plug headphones directly into the keyboard. I’m using a Scarlett Solo interface, maybe perhaps the preamp is just not as good or maybe the Inst/line in doesn’t support a stereo signal? Please tell me your thoughts.
Hey I have an Alesis VI 49 and It has both a USB port and a Midi out. Is there any benefit to running the Midi out into my Steinberg AI and then a Midi out into my computer or is it fine to just connect the Keyboard directly to my computer via usb?
I have a midi controller which i directly connect to my laptop through USB port. It only has a USB in and out. No MIDI or the ones you showed. I cannot find any material on how can I reduce load on my laptop by using audio interface. If I connect laptop "out" to Interface "in", and interface "out" to the speakers, will it help my performance? any help appreciated! Thanks!
What specific issues are you experiences with your computer? Is there lag in the signal? Which DAW are you using?
I have M Audio Axiom Mini 32 midi controller and Intel core i-5 processor 8gb RAM. I work with cubase 5. So my PC does hang at times, becomes slow, I cannot play media when cubase is turned on, sometimes suddenly shut down, piano roll gets written twice off the same key etc. I am pretty sure this is because sound card is over loaded. Now Since my controller has only one USB output, I am out of ideas how I can make this load easier for my PC to work with. Thanks a ton for reply! :)
Parth- are you referring to a usb controller keyboard? If so, this connection is different as with a controller you are not sending actual audio but instead controlling sounds that are already in digital format (software instruments). My demonstration is for the connection of a keyboard that sends an audio signal into the interface to be converted into a digital signal. Cheers.
My keyboard needs a Amp
it has two Ports for Stereo L & R
and a single port for Mono Sound
keyboard is PSR S770
What do i do??
Actually i need more volume gain on my keyboard roland go keys
If i use an audio interface
It will help? Gain some quality DBs?!
Great video! Much appreciated.
what if you have TRS input on the audio interface, can't you use a a L/R to TRS cable and plug it in a single input on the audio interface?
Thank you for the video. I wanted to know what to do if I have only a single headphone/line out port behind my keyboard. Should I then use a TRS cable instead for a stereo input into the audio interface. I want to use a scarlett focusrite 2i4 interface.
Hi, it depends on how your keyboard is sending the signal. If it is in fact sending a stereo signal, I would recommend running a trs y cable into two inputs on the interface. If it's summed to mono, a regular ts instrument cable should be fine. This info should be found in the instruments manual and managed under a "system" menu or something similar.
ok so i know that the eie pro is a 4 in 4 out interface now im still not sure what that means, does it mean i can connect 4 of those pianos like you have or only 2 pianos with 2 1/4" jacks?
Thanks for the video Dau. I wonder if I can record my Waldorf Blofeld's Stereo Out using a TRS Cable. I have a Focusrite Scarlett Interface. The stereo content adds up to the left monitor and it sounds absurd. The reason why I trying this is to see if I can run both my hardware synths via Scarlett at the same time as it has only 2 inputs. (Focusrite 2i4). Or is there a workaround?
+Sharath Narayan Hey Sharath, if you use a TRS cable it will sum the left and right to mono, so you will lose any panning effects.
Why would you use an audio interface? I have a live set up with my MoDX8. I'm coming out of my keyboard to a direct box then into my sound board. Should I use an audio interface instead? Ty
Hey Randy, an audio interface is used to convert an analog audio signal to a digital signal that your computer can process (and record). For live application, an audio interface is not necessary.
@@Grapebotdd well ty.
i use fl studio and the keyboard i have has sounds that i would like to use, if i connect it through the audio interface, will i be able to use the sounds on the actual keyboard, because as of now i’m just using the keyboard as a midi
Hey Nick, in order to use your keyboard’s sounds you need to be connecting it through the analog outputs (usually 1/4 cables) into the analog inputs of the interface. It most likely will not send sound through a midi connection like a usb cable or 5pin midi cable. Does that make sense? If not, tell me what kind of keyboard and interface you have and I’ll be more specific
I like this. Would you do some more classes.
Are you connecting to XLR input? If yes, most of the audio interface doesn't have a phantom power switch for each XLR input. So if I connect condenser mic in one of the XLR input the other two will also receive 48v power. Will it affect the keyboard? Do I need two audio interface for mic and keyboard?
I want to plug into a mixer then route it to my DAW and listen with control out to my PA speakers. Only problem, my "Control Out" doesn't seem to work at all. Also, if I have my DAW routed from output to mixer to hear my computer playing back, it is hogging up my mixer. I need to get another mixer to prevent the signal from jamming.
I'm to connect my Casio keyboard to my Behringer Eurodesk SH2442FH,could you guide me so the sound from the keyboard will come out of the speakers
Have a question and hoping you can provide me with some direction. I recently bought a brand new Roland RD-88 stage piano for my personal hobby playing and small occasional performances for my family ( I am a piano hobby player) also got a decent pair of monitor speakers and connected them to my piano via a set of TRS cables. While I am getting a great sound when I listen to piano using headphone; the sound I am getting through external monitor speakers are terrible when I connect them directly to instrument’s line outs, it is so bad I can’t even think of playing for anyone else other than myself!
My question is, am I missing something or doing something wrong? How do you get such a nice high quality sound from your instrument? Do I need to put a mixer and/or an audio interface in between?
Greatly appreciate if you or anyone else out there can give me a hint on this.
Hey Kam. I’m assuming your monitors are powered...if not, that’s your first problem! Generally speaking, when running a keyboard into a PA monitor system, you’d want to use a mixer. Not totally necessary, but it this gives you more control of gain stages and allows you to run your keyboard output in stereo. In the mean time, make sure you aren’t driving the the monitors too hard w the signal from your keyboard by reducing the master volume from your keyboard.
Thanks Dau for your quick response, greatly appreciated.
Yes I am using a pair of RCF AYRA PRO5 monitor speakers ( see the link below), as you may know Roland RD-88 allows you to control the output gain ( from -12db to +12db), it also have a master equalizer which controls the output lines. I played with all these parameters for hours but still getting a very damped sound from speakers ( looks like you put a pillow on speakers and your are hearing the sound via the pillows!!).
I also checked the quality of speakers by connecting them directly to my cellphone and played some piano pieces, got crystal clear amazing sound.
Today I took my instrument to the store I purchased and they connected it to a PA system and it sounded fine but the didn’t have monitor speakers at the floor to test it with monitor speakers, so my problem remained unsolved, very frustrated as I am dealing with this for over three weeks now.
Someone from another TH-cam channel told me my issue will be resolved if I buy a mixer and put it between the instrument and the monitor speakers, I am not sure if this will resolve my issue so thought to check with you before purchase a mixer, again thanks fir helping me on this
www.rcf.it/en_US/products/product-detail/ayra-pro5/1022568
hi Dau,
i am a singer and have keyboard yamaha i425
can u guide me how can i combine my keyboard ans mic with my computer
so that i can make properly record my song with my computer software
waiting for your reply
manny
Will just about any multi-purpose PA system work for a keyboard?
So if I'm not mistaking.. piano output into interface input? then interface output into your stereo imput?
I don't need to connect one keyboard to my audio interface - I need to connect eight (8) + keyboards to my audio interface, some stereo, some mono. What's the best way to do that? Is there an audio interface with 16+ DI Inputs available?
(Dau) well i produce yracks on fl studio but i dont have abln audio interface so when i use some sounds it starts to buffer and my piano is midi so when i connect it with a usb to my laptop it delays alot so when i get an audio interface do i need to connect to my interface or can i just connect it to my laptop?
I have a Casio CDP-130 digital piano. It records MIDI via USB. How do I record MIDI with an audio interface since my keyboard has no MIDI ports, but only a USB port?
just plug the usb into your computer, it will recognise it as a seperate interface then just select the keyboard in your daw to record with
Sir you have used roland XP 60 key board .
i have a casio wk200 that has usb out and headphones 1/4" out...my interface does not have usb input, so can i use 1/4 inch unbalanced cable to plug into interface?
Has anyone tried to connect their keyboard to an UAD Apollo unit? I recently bought Apollo X6 and tried to connect my Yamha Montage to the unit via line inputs on the Apollo. I was surprised to hear extremely low level of the input signal bearly affecting the Apollo input level meter. The situation hadn't occurred in my old EMU interface. Any similar insights?
have you heard of camera zoom in as well as camera focus on connecting inputs?
Alright, so all your saying is I need 2 quarter inch TS instrument cables to connect my keyboard to my Audiobox USB and I'm set record those sounds on my keyboard into my DAW.?
This is correct!
Hi @Dau, do you is it possible to connect Alesis Q49 (midi controller) to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (audio interface)? Thanks.
In almost certain you can. I'm not sure about the connections on the Scarlett but as long as it has midi in or USB in you should be able to connect any controller that has a midi/ USB connection.
Hey Dau, I have a px-a100 digital piano and it doesn't have a line out. How can I connect it to my audio interface?
I use to be able to directly plug in my synthesizer with an audio jack into the microphone jack and play and record with FL easily, but my new laptop has an annoying combo jack and it doesnt plug in at all and when I try the laptop tries to use its internal microphone.
Is there a way around this?
so basically if u connect a keyboard directly through usb, itl b of the same quality as the one connected through the audio interface?
I'm trying to connect a Casio WK-1630 to a Behringer Eurodesk SH2442FH,want the sound to come out the speakers from the keyboard.
Hi should I need to download the driver too or just use it directly through interfaces??
QUESTION! Do i have to connect it to my interface Or is there a way to bypass that because i have the piano hooked up by usb and its not reading it. Thanks!
The talking turned me off cos I wanted to see the keyboard being connected to the audio interface which is action .... you could talk while doing it but after 2 mins you'd lost me ...
Is it possible to use an interface thats inside of a keyboard in a DAW?
Yes, absolutely
Ryan- yes, through midi, though a more common way of connecting them would be to connect both to your computer using their USB ports.
can i record my vocal, guitar and keyboard at a same time using the same interface, Could you please tell me what kind of interface i need .
Hey Subhasish,
yes you can record all three at the same time. You will need an interface that has the proper inputs. You will also need to set up your DAW so that their are separate channels for each input. If you give me more info about how you plan to record voice and guitar and what DAW you will be using, I can give you more specific info on how to get set up.
Dau I was thinking about Focusrite Scarlett Studio Bundled Recording Package for sometime { as the whole package comes in my budget}, which includes a Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface. I am just not sure, if I can record the vocal, guitar and the keyboard at the same time or not.
subhasish christche So because the Scarlett 2i2 is a 2 channel-in interface you would only be able to record 2 signals simultaneously. You will need an interface with at least 3 inputs, like the Scarlett 6i6, which has 6 inputs. Another option would be an M Audio M Track quad, which comes with a lite version of Protools, though I would recommend the Focusrite because I believe it is a better product.
Dau that will be beyond my budget, what about scarlett 2i4, can i record vocal,keyboard and guitar in this interface at thee same time. plz suggest me.
A 2i4 is still a 2-in interface, so it wouldn't work..make sure the interface you choose has at least 3 inputs- it will say in the specs
Hey Drew!
I was reading somewhere that some people use DI boxes when connecting keyboards with a line-level input. Is that really necessary?
I use a Korg Krome, and I don't want my keyboard getting damaged. So is it still okay to plug the board in directly to the line-input?
Hey Souvik, I've never heard anything about it being unsafe and have never had any negative experiences plugging in plenty of different keyboards into audio interfaces.
Cheers mate! :)
Hey there, I am planning on getting a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 and an Akai mini MPK 2 midi keyboard. How can I connect it to the Focusrite?
Thanks❤
The MPK is just a controller, there's no actual sound coming out of it so you don't connect it to the Focusrite directly. You just plug the USB to your PC/Mac and use it to play your virtual Instruments or effects. If you have an external keyboard (with a sound output) then you would connect that to your Focusrite. You may be thinking then what is the Focusrite for? It will take the audio processing load off of your computer to give you a lower latency when playing/recording audio. Like having a nice graphics card when playing PC games. The audio interface usually also offers you a better preamp than your onboard computer sound card.
+nightlifekingcom Well, in most controllers there are Midi In/Out 5 clip ports. The problem is that I wanna use the focusrite(Cause ima connect a guitar and a Mic to it) and the keyboard in the same time. (Like Alex Aiono, check him out) So Can I buy a usb port?
Just checked out Alex, great talent, but he's totally not performing live. I can tell by his mic levels and the effects used. So if you want you can record everything into your DAW, mix and then play it back while lip syncing on the video. But if you're seriously wanting to do it live (which I don't suggest due to the perfection it takes) here's how you can do it. 1) The mini MPK 2 doesn't have MIDI ports so you don't connect it to your Focusrite, if it did you still don't need to connect it to the Focus right if the controller has a USB port. It's really up to you, back when I was first making music there were no USB midi controllers, everything was only MIDI so for older gear, playing multiple sound modules/keyboard from one or live performers those MIDI ports are still available. If you don't have enough USB ports available then definitely get a small USB 3.0 hub. 2) Connect your guitar to one of the combo inputs on the front of the interface, make sure INST and is on for this input. 3) Insert your XLR mic into the other combo input sure INST is OFF. If your mic requires phantom power turn the +48V on otherwise be sure to turn it off, that's important. Alex uses a USB mic so it isn't going into an audio interface and connecting to the computer directly. I'm sure he's choosing the input of his USB mic in the DAW. 4) connect your speakers to outs 1 and 2 (you may need an 1/4" males to mini jack stereo adapter). 5) In your DAW create audio tracks for instruments and mic, 1 for guitar, 1 for mic, 1stereo track for virtual instrument. 6) When you create your virtual instrument be sure to select your MPK as the MIDI IN device, make sure sure you receive that MPK on ALL MIDI channels you may have to do this in your DAW preferences under a MIDI setting. Every different virtual instrument needs it's own channel so that you can play different instruments without playing them all at the same time 7) Make sure "software monitoring" or "input monitoring" is on so that you can hear yourself playing and singing. If things feel delayed, its due to latency, go into your preference in your DAW and you should be able to lower the latency set it to the lowest it can go without crashing. 8) You may want to setup effects (reverb, delays, compression, etc) for your tracks on a BUS channels It sounds like a USB hub may be all you need if you don't have enough USB ports. You don't want to record with these effects on the input tracks because if you want to change them later you can't.If you need any more help just let me know. I have a lot of knowledge in this area.
+nightlifekingcom Thanks for helping❤
Is it OK to use 3 pin XLR for connecting the synthesizer to the midi interface?
It would be great if you can put the camera up closer so we can see exactly what you're doing..
Is it possible to double up speakers on a keyboard instead of plugging it into an amplifier?
Do i need a cable if i want to reduce lag because the audio interface im gonna get is the presonus audiobox or can i just connect it to my laptop once i get an audio interface
A cable for what? With what are you experiencing lag?
cool! does your interface also work without the pc connection or is that needet? Doesn't that cause any latency problems duo to a/d converters?
What is the level of the jack on an acoustic guitar ?
Hi Dau, my keyboard only has one output and one input, so how can I send it out as stereo with only one output? Thanks in advance
buy a stereo trs to 2x mono ts cable and it should be fine :) let me know if it works
do you have to have the two ts cables? or would it work using mono in?
Hey Connor,
mono in will work just fine. Just make sure your source is sending a mono signal. If it's a keyboard that has a left and right out, you may need to select (in a menu or on that panel of the keyboard) for your stereo signal to be "summed" (added together) to mono, or else you might be sending just the left signal. If your keyboard says L/mono, then it automatically sums the signal for you.
Hey Dau, I have connected everything and am getting a signal from my software, though it is not recording the synth when i play it. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Could you give me a little more info? Which software and interface are you using? Are you record enabling the track?
using a scarlett18i8 with logic pro x and recording is enabled....i think (:
yes. recording is enabled.
I'm assuming you're using 2 cables and not one out of the keyboard that splits? : | The Midi vs. audio thing is confusing to me too.
both is possible. it's audio not midi :)
with the audio input L & R with the 2 1/4 cables to the 1/8 slot into computer would that work also? without interface for my Roland juno g
and it's the cable that has the 2 1/4 inch with the 1/8 connected with it
How do i connect my scarlette solo to my presonus com16?
Is it just as good to use a single stereo cable (two rings)?
It only really works if the audio interface has the capability to receive a stereo cable. If it does you'd only connect L I believe, since that's usually the "mono" spot, and it should work. If it isn't able to receive a stereo cable it shouldn't break or anything, it'll just be read as a mono cable by the interface :P
i wish you shouwed where to connect them on both
It seems that your keyboard has a built-in sound card. Why do you need to connect your keyboard to an audio interface??
My keyboard is actually completely analog and sends a real analog signal. This signal is then made digital by the A/D converter in the interface.
Can anyone recommend any Audio / Midi interfaces?
A bit late but I like my Behringer UMC-404HD
Its so stupid for interfaces not to be able to record from a stereo source directly into 1 port via TRS, im having the focusrite 2i2 here and channel 1 input records only keyboard Left and channel 2 records keyboard Right, that was very stupid and strange for a professional audio interface like this
All in all good. I agree with other comments about showing the connections (ports/cables).
Also, you didn't actually define what a line signal means. You said, "...a keyboard as opposed to a guitar or a bass is a line level instrument, which means its signal is already ready ... to match all the rest of the instruments."
Those are good comments. But it might be nice to explain what a line signal means. In other words, I still wouldn't know what a line level is. What does this refer to?
Maybe explain that this refers to the strength of the electric signal in terms of volts. A mic level is in the region of -60 dBV (0.001 volt) to -40 bDV (0.010 volt); relatively low. Aux-level is in the region of -10 dBV (0.300 volt). Compare this to line level, which is in the region of 0 bDV (1.000 volt). Another way to put this is that a line-level signal is approximately 1,000 times more powerful than a mic-level signal. If you connect a line-level source such as an electric piano to a mic-level input, you get distortion because the electric signal is too strong for the mic input to pass. Devices and interfaces exist to boost signals up to line level. By contrast, an attenuator reduces a line signal down to mic-level.
Trivia: the term "line" came from telephone line. The old telephone networks used a nominal level of about 1 volt; the signal strength through the line (metal wire).
Thank You So Much
my keyboard has one cable can i use 1 instead of two
Hey Jacqueline,
Many keyboards only have one channel output. You can use one cable instead of two. You will be recording a mono signal as opposed to a stereo.
thanks
YAY!!!..He speaks intelligible English!! Hallelujah!! Thanks
Anyone know what keyboard he has in the video?
Alex Hewitt Hey man, it’s a Dave Smith prophet 08
Thank you so much🥰
Thanks to YHWH! This is a Great tutorial, Drew.