Stereo digital-piano mixers
If you record a digital piano’s separate left and right analogue outputs, you need two suitable input channels to keep that recording in stereo. Check how your headphones and desktop monitors will connect for mix checks.
Who needs which connections?
Start with the signals you need to record at the same time, then consider what you need to hear while recording and mixing.
Acoustic-piano home recordists
Recording with two microphones calls for two microphone-capable inputs. Check whether your chosen microphones require phantom power and how you will monitor the recording without relying solely on computer playback.
Growing home-studio users
If you expect to add MIDI hardware, another analogue source or more microphone channels, distinguish connections available on the interface now from channels that require compatible external equipment later.
What matters when choosing?
Choose the simultaneous recording path first. Extra connections are useful when they solve a specific routing need, not simply because their total is larger.
Compact two-input interface
Choose when: One stereo piano or two microphones will be your only simultaneous analogue source.
Trade-off: Both inputs are occupied during that recording, leaving no spare analogue input for another source.
Four-input desktop interface
Choose when: You want to leave a stereo piano connected and retain inputs for other sources. Focusrite lists two rear line inputs alongside two front combo inputs on the Scarlett 4i4.
Trade-off: More connections give you additional routing choices but do not address room acoustics or monitor placement.
Interface with digital expansion
Choose when: You have a realistic plan to add compatible digital input hardware. Audient lists ADAT/SPDIF input on the iD14.
Trade-off: Digital expansion does not provide extra built-in analogue sockets; using it requires external hardware and additional setup.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous inputs | Count the channels needed at once. Match each piano output or microphone to an input that accepts its signal type. | If I want separate left and right piano signals, or a microphone on each of two channels, running out of inputs would change the recording I can make. Around 37% of consumers put input capacity first. |
| Desk monitoring | Check the monitor-output connectors and whether speaker and headphone levels, or their mixes, can be controlled separately. | Moving between headphones and speakers matters to me when I record and then check a piano mix at my desk; around 27% of consumers prioritise that monitoring workflow. |
| MIDI and expansion | Check for physical MIDI In/Out if your hardware needs it. For more future inputs, identify the digital format and compatible external equipment. | I plan to connect MIDI hardware or add recording channels later, so the path beyond my current setup matters most. This is the primary need for roughly 18% of consumers. |
| Computer connection | Confirm operating-system support, the USB connection and the power available from your computer or hub. | I need the interface to work with my existing computer and fit a manageable desk setup without changing my connection arrangement. About 18% of consumers put compatibility and simplicity first. |
Connection mistakes to avoid
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Choosing one input for a stereo recording plan
A digital piano’s separate left and right analogue signals need two simultaneous channels if you want to capture both. The same input count applies to a two-microphone acoustic-piano recording.
List the sources you will record together, then check the simultaneous input count and each input’s signal type.
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Treating MIDI ports as piano-audio inputs
MIDI carries performance and control data, not the sound from a piano’s analogue audio outputs.
Check the analogue audio path for recording the piano’s own sound; choose MIDI In/Out separately if your hardware workflow calls for it.
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Assuming every USB-C connection provides enough power
Connector shape alone does not establish whether a computer port or hub meets an interface’s power requirement. Audient specifies a minimum of 0.9A at 5V via USB-C for the iD14.
Compare the interface’s stated requirement with the computer port or hub before relying on bus power.
If the planned connection cannot meet that requirement, you may need a different power arrangement or connection setup.
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Counting ADAT expansion as built-in microphone inputs
Audient’s iD14 offers a digital expansion path, but that does not turn its digital input into additional built-in microphone sockets.
Plan for compatible external equipment before choosing expansion as the way to record more microphones.
Using the additional channels requires a compatible external ADAT preamp or converter and an optical connection, which also take space in the setup.
Relevant brands and product lines
These model-specific connections offer different ways to build a piano-recording setup; a brand’s inclusion does not indicate which products are available here.
Focusrite
The Scarlett 4i4 is a four-input, four-output option when a piano may remain connected alongside other sources.
- Focusrite specifies two front combo inputs, two rear line inputs, four balanced line outputs and MIDI In/Out. It also lists separate main-output and headphone level controls.
- Check the piano’s output level and your monitor cables; the connection count alone does not establish that your existing equipment will plug in as planned.
MOTU
The M2 suits a setup centred on one stereo piano source or two microphones, with MIDI connections available for a separate hardware workflow.
- MOTU specifies two combo mic/line/Hi-Z inputs, balanced TRS outputs, mirrored RCA outputs, MIDI In/Out and front-panel colour LCD metering.
- Its two analogue inputs are occupied by a stereo piano or two microphones, so another simultaneous analogue source needs a different connection plan.
Audient
The iD14 provides two microphone preamps and a digital input route for a setup that may grow beyond its built-in analogue inputs.
- Audient lists ADAT/SPDIF digital input and specifies 10 input channels and 6 output channels for the iD14.
- Additional digital input channels require compatible external hardware. Audient also specifies a minimum USB-C power requirement of 0.9A at 5V.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Common questions
Do I need two inputs to record a digital piano in stereo?
Yes, if you are capturing separate left and right analogue outputs simultaneously. Check the piano manual for its output connectors and level, then make sure both interface inputs accept those signals and that you have suitable cables.
Can MIDI replace audio cables when recording a piano?
No: MIDI carries performance and control data, not the sound coming from the piano’s analogue outputs. Recording that sound requires suitable audio inputs; MIDI In/Out serves a separate hardware or virtual-instrument workflow.
Should I choose two inputs or four for a home-office setup?
Two analogue inputs can cover one stereo piano or two microphones when those are your only simultaneous sources. Four inputs become useful if you want to leave the piano connected and record something else without reconnecting it; also check the input types and outputs, rather than choosing by count alone.
What should I check before using USB bus power?
Compare the interface’s stated power requirement with the computer port or hub you intend to use. For the iD14, Audient specifies a minimum of 0.9A at 5V via USB-C; the connector shape by itself does not confirm that a hub can provide it.
What should I do with an old audio interface in the UK?
Check the retailer’s take-back arrangements or your local authority’s electrical-equipment collection options before disposing of it. GOV.UK describes the UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment framework for reducing electrical waste, but the route available to you depends on the relevant retailer or local service.