How to Record a Keyboard on the Computer

The keyboard is the lifeblood of computer recording. If you’re triggering software instruments, you can play guitar, drums, cello, and a lot of other instruments on the keys. If you’ve got an old keyboard without Midi capability, you’ll need other options.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A keyboard or midi controller
• A USB or firewire interface

1. 
    

   If you’re recording an old synth, you’re going to need to plug into a soundcard or firewire interface to either plug the keyboard in directly via the line out port, or record the keyboard live with a microphone. Mic-ing a keyboard is more imprecise than direct-line recording.

2. 
    

   Check the sound quality of your soundcard: you may need to upgrade. A USB or firewire device are recommended for both latency and the quality of sound.

3. 
    

   An easier way is to record a keyboard with a Midi controller. The controller doesn’t have any internal sounds of it’s own, but instead triggers sounds in a software program. The number of instruments depends on the depth of the software program. A lot of free virtual instruments are available online, or you can buy instrument packages.

4. 
    

   Change the sound. With a midi controller, you can change from cello to piano to guitar and back again. With a standard keyboard, you won’t have the same leeway, but you can change EQ and add distortion, chorus, or other effects.

Tips & Warnings

• A Midi controller is recommended. Purists might scoff at it but you can find software instruments for all types of keyboards: Mellotrons, old Moog devices, and more. It’s not entirely necessary to record a Mellotron directly.
• A midi controller can also be used with piano tutor programs. If you’re primarily a guitarist, it can be really be helpful to learn some piano to help with composing string sections, synth parts, and everything else a controller can handle.

[dkalnz]

on 2/11/2009 or you could use the m-audio axiom midi controller with Reason reWired into FL Studio

[semaj01]

on 6/21/2007 or you could use the garage band programs on macs and a 1/8 to 1/4 in. converter plugged into your audio port. it's much easier and you get a better sound.