Who is this for?

Recordists short of plug sockets

You want to record the piano’s audio without adding a mains adaptor for the interface. Check that the exact interface runs on USB power from your computer; the piano and any active speakers have separate power needs.

Stereo piano-sound recordists

You want the sound produced by the piano, not just performance data. If it has separate left and right analogue outputs, you need two suitable interface input channels to record them together.

MIDI-first virtual-piano users

You want to edit note or pedal data and play it through a software instrument. As The MIDI Association explains, MIDI is not audio; a direct computer connection may be a starting point if your piano supports USB MIDI.

What matters when choosing?

Decide whether the recording needs to contain the piano’s sound or editable MIDI performance data. That decision determines which connections to check before comparing interface features.

USB-powered audio interface

Choose this when: The piano has separate left and right analogue outputs and you want to record its sound in stereo.

Bear in mind: Two piano channels occupy both inputs on a two-input model, and USB bus power depends on a suitable computer connection.

Direct USB MIDI

Choose this when: You want editable performance data for a software instrument and the piano supports a compatible USB MIDI connection.

Bear in mind: MIDI does not record the piano’s own tone; check the model’s USB capability and any driver requirements.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Interface power Confirm USB bus power for the exact model and a suitable available computer connection. I have few free sockets and want to avoid another adaptor for the interface. Roughly 36% of consumers would make that their primary concern.
Stereo piano audio Check the piano’s left and right analogue outputs and two simultaneous line-capable interface inputs. If I want to keep the piano’s own left and right audio channels, a MIDI recording will not do that job. Around 29% of consumers would put stereo sound capture first.
Listening while recording Look for a headphone output, suitable monitor outputs and the monitoring options needed for your recording plan. I need to hear the piano input and playback while tracking, then listen to the mix through my chosen headphones or speakers. Approximately 21% of consumers would prioritise that listening path.
Audio or MIDI connection Check the piano manual for USB MIDI, analogue outputs and any five-pin MIDI connections. Before choosing hardware, I need to know whether I am capturing sound, editable performance data or both. About 14% of consumers would put that connection decision first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming a two-input label guarantees the right stereo connections

    A piano with separate left and right analogue outputs needs two suitable inputs at the same time. The input count alone does not establish that both inputs suit the piano’s connection plan.

    Check the piano manual for its output connectors, then check both input types and modes on the exact interface before choosing cables.

    A two-channel connection may require two compatible cables and will occupy both channels of a two-input interface while recording.

  • Assuming MIDI captures the piano’s sound

    The MIDI Association distinguishes MIDI performance data from audio. Editable notes can drive a software instrument, but a MIDI recording alone does not preserve the piano’s own tone.

    Choose an audio recording path when you need that tone; use MIDI when editable performance data is the aim. If you need both, plan connections for both.

  • Counting USB bus power as a socket-free setup

    Bus power describes how the interface is powered. The piano, computer and any active monitor speakers may still need their own power connections.

    List every device and its power connection before buying, and check that the interface’s documented USB power arrangement suits your computer.

Relevant brands to consider

These model-specific examples show why input type, power and monitoring connections matter more than the brand name alone.

Focusrite

The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is a two-input option for a piano with a suitable analogue output arrangement.

  • Focusrite documents line inputs, USB data and power, balanced monitor outputs and a headphone output for this model.
  • If five-pin MIDI connectivity matters, check another model: MIDI DIN ports are not part of the documented 2i2 connection set.

MOTU

The M2 is relevant when analogue piano recording and five-pin MIDI hardware connections are both needed.

  • MOTU specifies USB bus power, two mic/line/Hi-Z combo inputs, balanced line outputs, a headphone output and MIDI input/output.
  • Check the current operating-system requirements and whether the piano actually needs MIDI DIN rather than direct USB MIDI.

Solid State Logic

The SSL 2 MKII is a USB-powered two-input option for recording and headphone or monitor listening.

  • Solid State Logic documents USB 2.0 bus power without a separate supply, switchable mic/line inputs and balanced monitor outputs.
  • Recording both sides of a stereo piano uses its two analogue input channels, leaving no spare channel for an additional microphone at the same time.

Audient

The EVO 4 is relevant if a compact, USB-bus-powered setup and gain-setting assistance appeal to you.

  • Audient lists USB 2.0 bus power, monitor mix, speaker and headphone outputs, and its Smartgain level-setting feature.
  • Gain assistance does not establish that the piano’s outputs, input modes and channel assignments are correct for stereo recording.

Steinberg

The IXO12 is worth assessing for a mono-source or vocal-and-instrument plan rather than assuming it fits a stereo piano connection.

  • Steinberg describes one mic preamp, one Hi-Z input, USB-C and direct monitoring.
  • Check those input roles against the piano’s actual outputs before treating its two-input designation as a stereo line-input solution.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an audio interface if my piano has USB TO HOST?

Not necessarily if you only want MIDI performance data and your piano supports USB MIDI with your computer. Yamaha documents USB MIDI data transfer for compatible instruments, while The MIDI Association makes clear that MIDI is not audio. To capture the piano’s own sound, check whether that model supports USB audio or plan to record its analogue outputs.

What inputs do I need for stereo piano recording?

If your piano has separate left and right analogue outputs, you need two simultaneous inputs that suit those outputs, with each side connected to its own channel. Check the piano’s connector types and the exact interface’s line-input modes; do not rely on a general two-input description alone.

Will a USB-bus-powered interface free up a plug socket?

It can avoid a separate mains adaptor for the interface when the model runs from a suitable computer USB connection. Solid State Logic documents the SSL 2 MKII as bus-powered without a separate supply; MOTU and Audient also specify bus power for the M2 and EVO 4 respectively. The piano, computer and active speakers have their own power requirements.

When do five-pin MIDI ports matter?

They matter when your piano or other MIDI hardware needs that connection, particularly if direct USB MIDI is not the intended route. MOTU lists MIDI input and output on the M2, but MIDI ports do not replace the two suitable analogue inputs needed to record a piano’s left and right audio outputs.