How to Record From an Electric Piano

Electric pianos have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their affordability, versatility and maneuverability. Another desirable aspect is the ease with which they can generate high-quality recordings without any background noise. Whereas recording from an acoustic piano requires a series of microphones and cables, with an electric piano, one cable and a handheld recorder you can begin recording jams and performances in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/8-inch cable Recording device Headphones

1. Plug one end of the 1/8-inch cable into the "line out" or "mic" jack on the electric piano. These jacks can be located in different places on different models, but the most popular places are the front right side and the back left side.

2. Connect the other end of the 1/8-inch cable into the recording device via the "line in" jack.

3. Plug the headphones into the headphone jack of the piano. Put on the headphones.

4. Turn on the piano and recorder.

5. Play a few notes on the piano to ensure that the volume in the headphones is at an appropriate level.

6. Press record on the recorder and play a few notes on the piano. After a few seconds stop the recorder. This initial recording is used to make sure the volume of the keyboard is set to an appropriate level.

7. Listen back to the initial recording. If the piano is hard to hear, turn up the volume before the next recording; if the piano sounds too loud or distorted, turn the volume down.

Tips & Warnings

• Setting the volume of the electric piano at 0 before starting will prevent ear damage when testing the headphones. Always have spare batteries for the recording device on hand when recording a live performance. This will prevent the recorder from dying in the middle of a song or set.

Resources

• Recording Equipment Buying Guide