The best way to record your keyboard or digital piano is using a dedicated audio interface. Whether you want to record on Mac, Windows, Laptop or iPad you can buy a good interface that will make a professional quality recording. It is possible to buy one interface that works on all three platforms.
So far I have shown you the cheapest way to record your keyboard using just a cable connected directly to your computer. Now I am going to demonstrate how you can get a better quality recording, with an audio interface that has superior functionality.
What is an audio interface? Think of it as an external sound card that connects to your computer using either USB, firewire or thunderbolt. I will be showing you step by step how I use my USB audio interface to record the sound of my digital piano. It doesn't matter which interface you choose, the principles I show you will be exactly the same once you have your interface correctly connected up.
What does a typical audio interface have? Many have: professional microphone inputs with built-in pre-amps;a headphone port; speaker outputs; line inputs; possibly phantom power; and maybe MIDI and digital input and output as well. Some interfaces are very simple - for example the Alesis Linelink is a very simple recording interface designed especially for just recording the sound of your keyboard or other instrument with line out.
The iRig Pro is an example of a very modern interface designed especially for iPad (but equally works on Mac) that has line, Mic, and even MIDI. It's built for iPad from the ground up and definitely worth a look.
So what are the key essentials if you are considering purchasing an audio interface, and your main goal is to record your keyboard or piano?
Here are what I think you should look for:
1 - Good quality line inputs - essential to get good recording from keyboard or piano
2 - If you want to be able to connect a mic, then good mic inputs (XLR) with pre-amps and preferably phantom power should you wish to record using a condenser mic
3 - The ability to direct monitor so that you can record without hearing any delay (known as latency)
4 - MIDI if you would also like to make a MIDI connection and your keyboard does not have a USB port for MIDI, or you don't own a MIDI interface
5 - Go for quality rather than a large quantity of inputs and go for the very best brand you can afford.
This is a good link if you want to know more about digital audio:
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