How to Connect Piano Keyboard to a Computer

Digital pianos and keyboards are popular nowadays for their amazing set of features and sound quality. Moreover, they are cheap and lightweight too.

If you still have no idea about digital pianos, check out our article What is a digital piano. However, beginners like you will not have much knowledge, that’s why you stumbled upon this article.

We can connect these electric musical instruments to any smart device such as desktop, laptop or even iPad and smartphones.

If you are one of those confused people who doesn’t know 400;”>how to connect a piano keyboard to a computer, don’t worry!

In this article we will guide you on how you can easily connect your digital piano or keyboard with a computer or even other smart devices.

Basically, there are 3 types of connections. Based on your keyboard model type your piano will have any of these.

The three types are

MIDI connection
USB connection
Bluetooth connection

MIDI connection:

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is a protocol that lets computers and musical instruments communicate with each other.

This interface is available in traditional keyboards and older models. Check out our keyboard or digital piano for MIDI ports which are circular in shape. Mostly there are two MIDI ports for input and output.

You can’t directly connect these MIDI cables with your computer or mac, for this you will require a MIDI interface which lets you connect these MIDI cables and USB cable which in turn can be connected to your PC. once you have connected your MIDi keyboard with your PC you can easily share stored files to your PC.

USB connection:

Many new digital pianos and keyboards include MIDI ports as well as USB ports check out if your music instrument has one or two. You will require a USB A to B type for connecting your keyboard to PC.

The A end of USB is rectangular in shape which is to be connected to the USB port of your computer or laptop. The B end of the USB is square shaped which will be connected to your keyboard.

This USB cable is also known as printer cable because it is used to connect printers with computers.

Moreover, you can also connect your keyboard with your smartphone with the help of USB cable. However, you will require an A to C type of USB cable or an USB interface in between.

Bluetooth connection:

This feature is available in very few digital pianos and keyboards. However, you can easily connect your keyboard to your PC or smartphone by attaching a Bluetooth wireless MIDI interface.

However, make sure your device has bluetooth connectivity. This cable is connected to both the MIDI ports on a keyboard. Now whenever you will search for any bluetooth device nearby, this interface will show your keyboard as a bluetooth device. Hence, you can easily transfer files to your PC or smartphone with this wireless interface.

How to start using a keyboard after connecting to a device

You will require a driver for operating your keyboard through the PC. First of all, driver is a software that you have to download on your PC which acts as a medium of communication between keyboard and your computer. Check your user manual to know how to download a driver compatible with your keyboard.

FAQs

Which type of USB cable should I use to connect my piano to a smartphone?

You can use a A TO C type USB cable as the smart phones are not compatible with type A USB cables.

How much does a MIDI interface cost?

MIDI interfaces are easily available online with the price range below $50.

How do I connect my wireless keyboard?

You will require a MIDI bluetooth wireless interface to connect your wireless keyboard with a PC.

Conclusion

So, these are all the options available with you to connect your piano keyboard with a computer. When you connect your piano to any smart device, you can easily save your recordings and MIDI files in them.

Moreover, you can also alter them as per your need. If you are a beginner, you can also check out our article- how long does it take to learn a piano and how many keys are on a piano keyboard to get the basic idea of piano playing.

400;”>Digital pianos have made lives easier for new musicians with its affordable price range and compact design.

However, there may be some difference between the sound quality of a digital piano or keyboard and an acoustic piano but the features you get with a keyboard are amazing for a small home studio and beginners. Do check out our article- what is a digital piano for detailed information.