Digital Piano Outputs: Connect And Record Your Keyboard Lesson 2

[@MusicRepo]

My favourite recording gear is here! (Affiliate links) Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/musicrepo Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/deals (As an Amazon and Sweetwater Affiliate I earn a commission for qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps support my channel. Thank you )

[@mirandakeigher819]

I'll admit it, I was in tears with frustration at not being able to find any kind of explanation or tutorial that didn't go over my head. FINALLY a beginner tutorial that actually explains how things work. THANK YOU

[@petermcmurray2807]

I'm in love! A knowledgeable presenter with the sense to keep it simple and short without leaving options out plus she understands not just piano but instruments in general. Thank you

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks 😃

[@Pepingco]

Looking at this in 2020, and amazing information for someone who needed a refresher and wanted to triple check a few options as its been a while. Thankyou so much!

[@theodorn]

Very well done video, technical stuff, which causes so many people headaches, explained in a language everybody should understand. You also speak audibly, clearly, and not too fast, like some tend to do. Respect.

[@MusicRepo]

Thank you for your lovely comments. Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@eddyvideostar]

Theodor: I agree.

[@MichelleHaughianViolin]

Your video tutorial is extremely clearly explained and covers all possible questions that would arise. What I've found really helpful, is making a screenshot of the labelled diagrams throughout tutorial, and have then printed them for quick reference when I need to check my connections. Great job altogether.

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks so glad the video has helped :)

[@MommyMeowMeowcom]

Thank you soo much! I've been going round in circles looking for the right cable for my Yamaha keyboard. Now I've found the answer here :D

[@Oleg__]

4:30 - I love this feature (USB Audio Recorder). It makes audio recording so much easier! No cables, no audio interface, no computer need! The King of this feature is KAWAI, which provides in their digital pianos not only WAV recording, but also MP3 recording! No one other brand offers this. Furthermore, there is another important feature in KAWAI instruments called "Gain Level", which allows to adjust how loud will be your USB Audio recording. It's important because there are so many user's recordings in the Internet, on KZbin etc., which are really quiet, and it's annoying.

[@MusicRepo]

Oleg Olegov Thanks for your comment! I agree, that if you have a keyboard that records direct to USB it is definitely a very good option and saves a lot of issue with connectivity, ground loops and other issues

[@MaxwellBennett789]

I just happen to stoll down and read this exciting information. I must check out this Kawal...it sound the the answer to my problem and sounds simular to Xitel INport. Thanks Oleg for posting.

[@MaxwellBennett789]

I mis spelled some words but I checked out some Kawal pianos online these pianos cost $799 and up

[@stefanm67]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Like many others who have commented here you have absolutely made my day. I have watched dozens of videos with people going on with themselves over complicating this and you have simply explained what I needed to know and have sorted my problem. I can't tell you how happy you have made me. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@yaronbrecher7397]

superb demo usefull at last thanks a lot

[@Glide-Music]

3:36 "Nothing worse than trying to play and not being able to hear it", unless you are Beethoven :-D Nice video keep up the good work.

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks! 😃

[@Earaem]

Oh my god, who is this beautiful lady making those beautiful videos. Thank you!

[@MusicRepo]

Haha. Well glad you liked the video

[@a.b.9240]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@rva]

Thanks Wonderful Wonder Woman

[@alicewilliam522]

hi everyone ,if anyone else wants to discover quickest way to learn how to play piano try Dalz Piano Discovery ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my work buddy got excellent success with it.

[@tonkkronk4087]

You also wonderful 🔥

[@sammckenzie6760]

Best explanation I've ever seen

[@bluevviolet]

This is SO helpful. Thanks!

[@MusicRepo]

So glad!

[@ishtar2848]

Excellent video! Thanks 👍

[@MusicRepo]

Glad you liked it!

[@josephchristoffel]

This video has anwered all of my questions! A LOT of videos on youtube only talk about recording guitar stuff, so this video is a rare gem! Thanks!

[@MusicRepo]

+Joseph Christoffel thank you!

[@josephchristoffel]

Btw, i just purchased Focusrite Scarlett Solo.I'm using it to record my Yamaha S550 sound. I have used a trs cable, but i still can't record in stereo. My DAW is Ableton live lite. I tried to record in audacity but the result is still same. Can you give me suggestion? :(

[@MusicRepo]

+Joseph Christoffel just had a look at the spec of the Solo, and it is only intended to record a mono signal. The TRS input is a balanced input, not a stereo input.

[@josephchristoffel]

Really? Do you have a link about it only can record mono signal? Yeah, but my cable has 2 rings, so it can used for stereo signal right?

[@MusicRepo]

If you look at the manual for the Solo, it states that the 1/4" input is for either TS (unbalanced) or TRS (balanced). I don't own the Solo, so I cannot say for absolute certainty, just what I interpret from the info on the Focusrite site.

[@movemusepiano]

Can you make a more in depth video about how to set up a piano keyboard to use in Zoom? I saw the one you did but it was very fast and went over my head! Thank you! You are sooooo awesome!

[@Tymmeisnow]

This presentation is tantamount to cable issues thank you Solomon much.

[@AlisonCrawford-sz8rd]

An incredibly clear and understandable explanation. Many thanks.

[@PuffleBuns]

Headphone splitter is a life-saver. I have a Yamaha E223, and it only has one phones/output socket with a MIDI out/in socket.

[@MateoHB222]

Good video, a note tho: 1:18 Whenever you have L/L+R Output on a keyboard you still use the same kind of cable your keyboard "supports" (ie TRS/XLR if it has balanced connections or TS if it has unbalanced ones). What is happening is that both left and right channels are summing together into one single channel to then go out of the keyboard using one single cable; It is not sending 2 signals through that cable, which i think is what you assumed. Thus a TRS cable on this case is not needed, nor beneficial.

[@JasonBugeja]

Exactly, good and informative video, however the L/L+R Output is meant as a summed up output. I have actually tested it out on my Psr-S900. When I plug/ unplug the Right Aux out, the L/L+R signal changes significantly. With the Right Aux plugged in, the L/L+R is just the left channel of a stereo output. As soon as I unplug the Right jack, both left and right channels are summed up in the L+R mono signal.

[@JoshuaAmos]

Thank you so much! I'm going to go and get the needed wires. You helped me so much.

[@MusicRepo]

glad to hear that, thanks

[@Frank-fh7vh]

Thank you. Finally understand this!

[@Xiollele]

I've seen a lot of your videos, they are amazing, thank you so much!

[@MusicRepo]

Xiollele Roccxibú Thanks for your comment! Glad you like them

[@blueser100]

Excellent! Finally, an answer to my stereo output confusion! 👍👍

[@chrisroot2916]

Thank you for clearing this up!

[@MusicRepo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@philippeperin7186]

thanks for the detailed and precised explanation, it was very useful to me

[@escaragami]

A VERY NICE TUTORIAL. THANK YOU

[@channelkerr]

One trick you can use is to record onto the piano first before hooking up any laptop/device - so you can then record it onto a laptop and adjust the volume to ensure it's not too loud/distorted. Instead of trying to record the audio on a laptop or another device in one take and hoping it doesn't distort. Another bonus is that you can often change the playback instrument on the piano of your recording to see how it sounds! I use this for my vids and while it can be annoying, it takes the pressure off getting the camera/laptop/audio spot on the first time!

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks, yes if you can record on your piano (not every keyboard has this feature but most do ...) then that is a great idea 👍

[@YourFreeBeats]

Thank you for putting this together.

[@SarcasticElephant]

Thank you. So many videos that skip over what you're explaining here.

[@Harpiano]

Thanks a lot. This is the most useful video about the connection between computer and digital piano.

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks

[@JJStar19]

Wow.. this explained it all. Thank you so so much for this!!!

[@bobbytoure4084]

great video. thank you

[@mreastwood1107]

absolutely brilliant,thank you.best simple explanation i have found to date.keep the info coming many thanks a l eastwood (Mr.)

[@MusicRepo]

Mr Eastwood thank you! Will be uploading the rest of the series over the next few days....

[@northwoodinc5520]

brilliant , simple and easy

[@alicemolan9594]

seriously useful videos, thank you so much!

[@MusicRepo]

thank you :)

[@h2p59]

Thanks for the help! This worked on my Yamaha S-90ES

[@hiddenwaves4772]

A perfect explanation. Thank you so much!

[@a.d1947]

Thanx for the video! It's being really useful to me. Thank u!

[@MusicRepo]

+A.D Glad to hear that, thank you very much

[@PriyankaThakur]

this video has helped me so many times

[@rtjo9483]

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH

[@oopalonga]

this is huge, and much appreciated--you have no idea how fuckin frustrating this was for me until i watched your video lol. There's nothing worse than having an idea for a song (or anything creative, for that matter) and then not being able to record it = /

[@MusicRepo]

+oopalonga thank you. So glad this helped you :)

[@HaotoAnimeOnPiano]

3:25 What exact cables do I need after the headphone splitter? If a keyboard only has a headphone jack, what are the names of the converter cables I need?

[@mogzs]

Thanks alot, you really answered all possible question regards this! Also i really like your way of speaking, awesome for this type of "commercial" thing or what to say.

[@drutgat2]

Love your videos. Many thanks. I have a couple of questions about the MIDI connections. 1. Are the two MIDI DIN and the MIDI USB connector alternatives to each other? i.e., Are these two different kinds of physical connectors which permit transferring the same live performance or recorded MIDI data to a computer? 2. If the answer to the above question is 'Yes', and one uses the USB MIDI option, isn't the latency / time lag going to be greater, because you will be plugging the USB into the computer, and having to monitor the sound you are playing on your MIDI keyboard from the computer, rather than from the input of an Audio Interface?

[@CoKeHQ1]

REAAALLY informative! and so easy to understand I love it. thank god to internet info this good would be such a pain to get hands on irl

[@shovalmanor]

Very helpful. thank you so much!!!(:

[@Techcoachalbert]

Great, informative video! Good note about the USB being MIDI only!

[@MusicRepo]

Tech Coach Albert Yes, it catches a lot of people out. Had a lot of emails over the years from people who want to record the sound of the keyboard through that USB port and not been able to.

[@pianoman4035]

Your videos are a blessing, thank you very much.

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks!

[@eduardkrasovsky]

So great to see woman who is good at engineering!I have a question for you.I think its time to change my USB cable which connect my Yamaha p.125 with my laptop?Which one would you recommend me to buy?Cables to go 81562 cable (usb2.0 type A to type B,3M) or Lindy 36741 USB3.0 type A to B cable ?

[@pinio95]

glad I found this video...thank you!!helped me alot

[@MusicRepo]

+Arthur Parapat thank you! lovely to hear that :)

[@truthfinder4973]

you can also fry the Keyboard card if you go from head phone out to mono so you have to find a way to split it out too left and right in

[@JamesWarrior]

That was a brilliant and very clear tutorial. Thank you.

[@rourouart]

yes!!!!! thank you so much just what ive been looking for very informative!

[@MusicRepo]

+rourouartlife thank you, so pleased to be of help

[@jonesgerard]

I have a korg kronos, I believe the USB connection on the kronos can handle midi and audio, having said that I can't get it to work.It has 2 slim usb sockets , type A ?and 1 square shaped usb socket, type B ?The square socket is supposedly midi/audio capable, I have managed to get midi and audio by using separate audio leads and usb to midi cable, the audio outs feed into a M-Audio interface, I think I'm missing something but at least it kinda works well enough that I can record either the kronos sounds or VSTi in Kontakt.Anyway, good videos.

[@MusicRepo]

+jonesgerard thank you! Had a look on the Korg site and downloaded the operation guide, this is what it tells you to do: Connecting to computers via USB The KRONOS’s USB B port lets you connect to a USBequipped Mac or Windows PC, for sending and receiving MIDI and audio, and for connecting to the KRONOS Editor. To do so: 1. Install the Korg USB MIDI driver from the included Accessory Disc 3, or as downloaded from the Korg website (see link below). On Accessory Disc 3, the installers are located in the following directories. Double-click the driver installer to start the installation. Windows: Windows folder/DrvTools folder/DrvTools_e.exe Mac OSX: Mac folder/KORG USB-MIDI Driver folder/KORG MIDI-Driver.pkg 2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. For both Windows and Mac OSX the KRONOS uses the standard, built-in USB audio drivers, so no additional installation is necessary for audio. 3. Turn on the KRONOS. 4. Connect the KRONOS’s USB B port to one of your computer’s USB ports. When the KRONOS is connected, the computer will recognize it as a USB MIDI Device and USB Audio Device You can download the drivers from here (down at the bottom of the page) www.korg.com/us/support/download/product/0/424/#driver

[@putliuyamut5469]

Excellent website www.musicrepo.com...I've already bookmarked your site as my primary resource for all my concerns regarding midi. Recently I have this problem with my midi cable, it has already been detected by my computer however it's still doesn't work. Thanks a lot

[@Letmegetsomesalsa]

Great info. Awesome tips. Thanks a lot

[@MusicRepo]

Pedro Obando Thanks, nice to hear

[@ohiorichkidbeats]

this was very helpful...,thank you

[@MusicRepo]

+Ohiorichkid_Beats Ohiorichkid2015 thank you 😃

[@jenbucks]

Thank you so much, been spending so long wondering how its done before seeing this! If the Headphone socket is the only output you have, are you able to use a usb external stereo sound adapter with minijack audio cable instead of using the headphone splitter? Just want to make sure before purchasing all the wires!

[@garbo9951]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻thank you so much.

[@WavyIsTalking]

Thank you 😭

[@alejandrogalarraga1537]

Hi, great videos!!! could I connect from headphone output of a keyboard to line/aux input of an amplifier? Thanks in advance!

[@MusicRepo]

You could try, keep the levels very low and gradually increase ... won't do any harm

[@JackShoreMusic]

hi thanks so much is there any way that i can record midi and audio at the same time with my scarlet 2i2 please help

[@lauraarsto1285]

great video! If I have a keyboard with two 1/4 TS outs, could i use two TRS stereo outs even though its two single mono outputs?

[@MusicRepo]

I have a much more recent and detailed video on recording your keyboard here that may help .... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHunZ4WClJesd8U

[@edwardtamayo5526]

hello, your videos are very helpful but i have a huge pain because my digital piano does not have a usb port , what will i use to record my keyboard sound directly on my iphone camera? can i use 1/4 inch line jack to usb cable ?

[@banymany7444]

So do we connect both the USB port and the headphone port to the computer? To record sounds?

[@MusicRepo]

Unless your keyboard has built in audio interface, then just headphone port

[@xe25659]

Thank you so much for this clear technical video. I have a Yamaha p255 and I would like to connect a Shure SM45 microphone to it, to sing and play using headphones (to not disturb a lot to neighbours). But I have realised that to do that I would need a audio interface. And I'm wondering which one would be suitable for this playing and also to record at same time piano keyboard and microphone.

[@MusicRepo]

This video I made for music teachers covers some of the technology for recording keyboard and voice at the same time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l32vZqeipt6jg5I

[@shariqkhan4505]

Thanks.

[@MatthewSebastian]

omg this is what i need thank you very much!!

[@chevyvantravel9735]

excellent videos ...thank you.

[@MusicRepo]

+mimi taylor Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed

[@shTree]

What is the impedance of these outputs though? Some sources say most keyboards are hi-z, but my piano at least calls the output line out, which makes me assume it's line level. I would guess most are line level, since they are amplified, but I can't find a straight answer.

[@walterarlenhenry]

You have helped me enormously, thank you!

[@MusicRepo]

That is good to know, thanks

[@nebrasabuabed1115]

hey Jane , first of all i want to thank you for all the effort you are doing to make recording easy on us :))) but i have a problem and i hope you can help me . i want to start recording the sound of my digital piano to my computer . i watched the tutorial on your blog but i'm still confused . I have yamaha arius ydp 143 but i don't know what kind of audio interface will suit my digital piano and what kind of wires should i use to connect them , my piano comes with the following outputs : usb to host and two headphone outputs . so what kind of interface should i consider and how to connect it with my piano ? please help and thank u !!

[@ShaylaSujan]

You are the best ❤️

[@jasmineyung]

Hello, Is it possible to record all 3 midi, audio, and vocal at the same time? How many audio outputs would I need to have on my keyboard piano? Thank you!

[@PakBudiTarigan]

Some keyboard like YAMAHA PSR 970 has inbuilt audio interface so can directly record using usb stick. But the product of audio is need to be boost/ need to improve. Can you please make opinion? Thank you very much

[@MusicRepo]

If you need to boost the signal, you can do this in any audio editing software ... though maybe if you adjust the levels on your keyboard you can record a louder signal in the first place? Make sure you have followed the instructions in the keyboard's manual fully. If you do have to use software to boost the signal, you may find you introduce noise too, which you can also try to remove using the audio editing software.

[@PakBudiTarigan]

@@MusicRepo thank you so very very much about your opinion. The problem is, if i record loudly in inbuilt soundcard yamaha psr keyboard it will make distortion. And if i use software to boost the result of record, it changes the original sound. Can you please give suggestions what software i can use to boost the midi file WAV. Especially in Android Google store store if it exists. Thank you very very much

[@hashedside3107]

Wish I saw this the other day. Ended up buying the usb to host cable

[@yerkoproduction7643]

ausome explanation! thanks! I love your brain!)))

[@karanlodaya5734]

Does korg d1 has trs connection or two outputs and which cable to buy for that kind of connection to connect it to amplifier ?

[@yogeshchandrashekhar9754]

Hi! Thanks for this video! I had a question. Does connecting a cable in the output/aux out in a digital keyboard silence the speakers? I was wondering if I could use a loop pedal and connect the looper's output back into the aux-in ports on my Yamaha keyboard, without the need for a mixer or an amp. Would such a minimalistic configuration work? My keyboard has both L/L+R ins and outs.

[@clothes4060]

Can I use my digital piano as one "vst" and import the midi to digital piano and record the sound of my piano?

[@Manukpo99]

This was so helpful, thank you

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks for letting me know ...

[@MadSkillzzTV]

Can I connect Yamaha p45 headphone out to Focusrite 2i2? What cable do I need? do I connect to both of the XLR feeds on the 2i2? Thanks

[@farukdurusoy3930]

Hi, i have the same issue here but i connected from phone out to focusrite with trs to trs cable like this one www.kirlincable.com/proshow.php?id=200 for not losing 1 input but volume i am getting (without clipping) is low compared to internal speakers. Do you think the trs to 2 ts splitter cable can solve my problem? Thanks in advance.

[@androidgalaxyman]

Nice tutorial @MusicRepo

[@Husainkbarafwala]

Hey, nice to see ur video. Can u guide me how can I connect my Korg kronos which has a USB output B-type and I have a Presonus fire studio which had fire wire connection. So my issue is I cannot use my keyboard as a midi keyboard. Only the keys function if connected through midi out. None of the other knobs work. Can u guide me if I need to change my sound card. Thanks

[@DjRavix]

Nice Explanations However The USB Port on A keyboard is mostly used for the Midi some of the keyboards might also have a build in Audio interface Also note that TRS Jacks are used for Balanced outputs (The Ground is then on a separate wire)

[@MusicRepo]

Hi, , thank you for your comment! From my experience of years of answering questions on this, many people get very confused about what the USB connection on their keyboard can do. In the huge majority of cases, it can only be used for MIDI, and if used in conjunction with the keyboard manufacturer software, to store song data etc. Many people are then disappointed they cannot just record their keyboard via the USB. But you are correct that some keyboards do have built in audio interface. It comes down to reading the manual for your keyboard quite closely - and understanding it! Yes TRS is also confusing. Again, people need to read the manual to try and understand whether they are getting a mono or stereo signal. Again, lots of confusing terms for beginners!

[@Piano_soulful]

Thanks for your amazing videos. I want to ask you: I have a CLP645 clavinova, can I use it as a “master” (controller) and than use a vst plugin? It’s because I’ve heard there are very nice sounds out there.(I mean vst plugins.) thanks again

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks for your kind words. Yes, you can. And if you do the firmware update you just need a USB cable to use the CLP645 as a MIDI and Audio interface, according to the Yamaha site Other Feature of Firmware V2.0 Now compatible with USB Audio/MIDI. Just connect with a single USB cable for audio/MIDI playback with a PC or iOS device. This allows you to record to, for example, Steinberg Cubase series products as audio or MIDI, without purchasing an Audio/MIDI interface separately." uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical_instruments/pianos/clavinova/clp-645/features.html#product-tabs So, yes, you could use it as a controller .... 🎹😀

[@souravyougin]

My piano has inbuilt audio interface. Usb to host also transfers audio. In that case how should I record

[@sourayanbiswas865]

Your videos helped me a lot. Quick question, have you faced any latency issues when using Y cable splitter or Sabrent USB adapter? I plan to use yamaha psr e453 with windows 7 desktop pc and audacity. Thanks

[@TABLAGURUKUL]

Hello, i have a yamaha psr e453 keyboard with only a headphone out and i want to connect it to my newly purchased bheringer umc 202hd audio interface as line input, i want to know what kind of cable i should use? I know keyboard outputs a unbalanced trs stereo and audio interface takes balanced trs stereo input so plz help me on this, Ty.

[@clarinetist-amit888]

thanx

[@nieschlafen]

Hello! I have a question. I have a Roland FP-30 digital piano and I wanna buy a new sound card to record my electric guitar. Also, I wanna record my piano as I do it for now but w/o high latency (for now I use USB-B from piano to USB to PC). Sound card has only 6.3mm inputs so I can't connect my piano. Is there any possible solutions w/ adapters maybe? Anyway, thank you for your video!

[@biblicalhebrewmadeez1332]

Greetings, I have a Yamaha 170 stand-up piano and I am trying g to connect my Focusrite 2i2 and laptop with the OBS software together so I can record my voice and piano. I have no clue what cables to use! I have watched many of your videos but your connections on your portable keyboard looks different from mine so it does not help me. Can you help?

[@GregorRaicevic]

Hey, thanks for this! I solved my issues with this videos. regards, Gregor

[@MusicRepo]

+Gregor Raičevič hey, thanks for letting me know, really pleased to hear that!

[@stephentam8280]

I have Krog EK-50 keyboard, it only have audio output L/R, USB Host output. Can I still connect to my Mac and using Garageband for recording and editing?

[@waynelee9503]

Great. May I ask if there is a difference in recording quality between using Audio recording and MIDI recording for digital Piano? Would I get a more quality studio/professional feel if I record Audio directly, or if I take the musical data through MIDI and use the DAW software to synthesize the professional piano sounds? I'm trying to get the same sound quality as I hear in the professional demos/samples played by those sales reps on KZbin trying to sell the model of the digital piano that I purchased. Thanks!

[@miltonborrows2936]

Hi, I'm currently using an old Roland g800 to fill out some music I've been recording with a Br1600. I've been going out via the left output using a guitar lead, but recently the guitar jack cables (I've tried several) have started Rice kRISPIES on me now for some unknown reason. It had been okay..ish up until a few nights ago, now I get crackle and pop, not so much snap, but definitely interference when the keys are pressed. I feel like such a novice. But then I am a guitarist, so out of my comfort zone. Any suggestions on how to clean up the signal? much appreciated.