USB Audio Interface: Play Piano with VSTs & Apps

Playing piano on a computer or mobile device can be convenient, but unfortunately, not all laptops, tablets, and smartphones can match the high audio quality of today’s software pianos. For this reason, we recommend using a USB audio interface to play the great sounds of piano VSTs and applications. Here are our top tips for affordable and powerful audio interfaces.

Of course, there are exceptions and positive examples: MacBook, iPad, and iPhone already have great sound systems that you can use for live performances or connect to high-quality speakers at home

However, this only applies to Apple devices that still have an analog headphone jack. Unfortunately, many of the latest models do not and instead rely on digital audio interfaces right out of the box.

In this case, you can use a digital piano that supports USB MIDI/audio, a USB-C or Lightning audio adapter, or a USB-C hub providing audio output. All of these solutions are relatively expensive, which begs the question…

…Why Buy an Audio Interface?

After all, you can get sound from any computer or mobile device. While that is true, you still need to consider the purpose. For listening to music, watching movies, or taking online lessons, Bluetooth headphones will do the trick, of course. However, Bluetooth is not suitable for working with a piano app like Modartt Pianoteq, PurePiano, or Korg Module Pro.

→ Digital Piano & Bluetooth: Play Wirelessly

Reliable Audio Driver & Connectors

Even small audio interfaces provide better audio quality than the built-in sound systems of computers or mobile devices, especially on Windows PCs. Not only does the sound quality suffer, but the driver architecture of Windows software is another reason to use an audio interface when playing the piano. However, an ASIO driver actually lets you use the built-in sound system: Download ASIO4ALL here for free.

In addition to improving audio quality, a USB audio interface offers several technical advantages. Along with the proven and stable ASIO drivers, you will immediately appreciate the rugged hardware when performing live with an audio computer or mobile device. Robust TRS and XLR connectors are more reliable than a mini-jack adapter when connecting to a mixing console, PA, or monitor speakers on stage.

Which Audio Interface for Piano Software?

With so many different devices available, what kind of audio interface do you need to play piano VSTs and applications? While the answer is technically simple, it can quickly become more complex depending on your intended use beyond just playing piano. The possibilities are endless, from small recording projects to live streaming a jam session with vocals and guitars while recording everything in your DAW. This works just as well on a computer as it does with music apps on a tablet or smartphone.

USB Audio Interfaces – Recommendations

You can play piano VSTs on a small audio interface because all you really need is a stereo output. While you can get one for about 25 Euros, you’re then back to mini-jacks or even RCA connectors. Check out our top recommendations below that offer at least a minimal set of features.

There are many brands with comparable features, so our recommendations provide an overview of different concepts starting at a low price of around 60 Euros. Recommended models are based on the minimum requirements of stereo output, two Hi-Z mic and guitar inputs, a headphone jack, and an adjustable output.

1. Swissonic Audio 2 – Compact and Affordable

The Swissonic Audio 2 is compact, sturdy, and equipped with all the necessary functions for connecting a stage piano (line, jack), microphone (+48V), or electric guitar (Hi-Z). Alternatively, you can use its two inputs to connect another keyboard or synthesizer in stereo. If you only require stereo output for playing software pianos, the more affordable Swissonic Audio 1 is also available

2. ESI U86 XT – More Features, Less Money

This USB audio interface offers a comprehensive set of features at an affordable price. In addition to the minimum requirements, it has six additional outputs and a total of eight line inputs. Inputs 1-2 are versatile, with front-panel switchable input sensitivity allowing them to function as mic/hi-Z inputs

Alternatively, you can use the additional inputs and outputs for signal routing, such as connecting multiple instruments or controlling PA and/or monitoring from your DAW. Specifically for this purpose, there is the free Control Panel software (available for Win/MacOS) for this interface.

3. Focusrite Scarlett – The Bestsellers

Focusrite’s Scarlett family is one of the world’s best-selling audio interfaces. Not only are they affordable, but their technical specifications are impressive. Now in their third generation (3rd Gen), these interfaces have been continuously improved.

The absolute top sellers are the two small interfaces Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen and Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen – both are more than sufficient for playing piano VSTs through an audio interface. If you want more recording functionality, the Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen is the best choice. Focusrite also provides control software (Win/MacOS) for monitor routing.

4. Yamaha AG03/06 – Mixer & Interface

The concept here differs from other audio interfaces, offering the advantage of immediate access to mixing functions without configuration: Connecting a microphone on the fly and adjusting it to the computer’s audio settings, recording vocals, guitar, or stage piano into the computer – all this is very easy with the AG mixers. What’s more, you can use the AG03 and AG06 as stand-alone mixers without a computer, making them ideal for rehearsal rooms or submixing live gigs.

5. IK Multimedia iRig Stream PRO – Streaming Included

Conclusion: It Doesn’t Have to Be the Most Expensive Audio Interface!

Of course, if you want to enjoy the high-quality sound of Piano-VST, you’ll need to buy a USB audio interface. It doesn’t have to be super expensive, though, as audio interfaces in the 60 to 400 Euros price range are perfectly adequate for playing piano VSTs and small recording projects.

If you use a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, you already have an audio system that can handle low latency and even provide decent audio quality. However, you should not rely on the audio systems of Windows PCs when using Piano VST. In this case, an audio interface is definitely the way to go.

Audio Interface & Piano – FAQ

Even if you have no experience with recording hardware and computers, you can still use an audio interface. Fortunately, this is very easy to do – but it can’t hurt to take a look at a few technical details.

How Do I Install an Audio Interface?

It’s usually plug-and-play, so you might just need to adjust a few settings in your audio preferences. The audio system in iOS automatically adjusts to the audio outputs when you connect your audio interface. Music computers are a bit different because you need to set up the audio interface’s inputs, outputs, and MIDI connections in DAW programs. Thankfully, you usually only need to do this once- the next time you start the program, the DAW will automatically find the interface.

Do I Need to Install Driver Software?

Generally, operating systems automatically detect most audio interfaces without a driver. However, some audio interfaces require the installation of specialized audio software, such as for audio routing and monitoring. PC users should always follow the installation instructions when purchasing an audio interface.

Is a USB-C Interface Better?

While this interface is becoming more and more common in laptops and mobile devices, it does not offer any audio advantages when playing a piano VST. The most common USB 2.0 format is more than adequate for transferring 44.1kHz/32-bit audio. Even for multitrack recording with 16 tracks or more. Audio interfaces with a USB-C connector usually come with an adapter cable (USB-C to USB-A).

What Are the Minimum Requirements?

Headphone Jack: The most important feature is a headphone output with adjustable volume. Whether you prefer a mini-jack or a stereo jack is a matter of taste, though most higher-end audio interfaces come with a stereo jack.

Audio Connections: These are usually jacks, too. The minimum requirement is two outputs (L/R), but of course, there are interfaces with multiple outputs. Unless you are going for multi-channel formats like surround sound, one stereo output is usually enough. In a band context, however, it can be very useful to be able to send synth basses separately to the bass amp and a metronome click to the drummer. Some interfaces offer multiple parallel connections, such as jack plus RCA, which is handy for connecting to a stereo system.

Audio Inputs: You don’t need these at all for playing software pianos. However, audio inputs are useful for connecting a stage piano, electric guitar, electric bass, or microphone. For this reason, the audio inputs are usually designed as combo jacks (jack/XLR) and can be configured with gain control and switchable phantom power (+48V).

MIDI In/Out: Not a must, but useful. With a MIDI interface, you are also prepared for whatever type of keyboard is available on stage.  If you don’t want to take any risks with the sound, simply connect your setup via MIDI.

Volume Control: Again, not a must-have, but very useful-especially if you don’t have a mixer on hand. Many audio interfaces come with a monitor control, at best a big knob on the front panel. This way, you can always control the volume of your setup.

Digital Pianos with USB Audio/MIDI Capability

It’s not quite a trend yet, but increasingly digital pianos support USB Audio/MIDI capability. This is not the same as an audio interface, but it does allow full integration with an audio computer, smartphone, or tablet.

All you need is a USB cable to exchange MIDI and audio streams in parallel. What makes this USB connection so convenient is that audio from music apps on your tablet is automatically streamed to the digital piano’s audio system, allowing you to play the music app or a piano app via MIDI simultaneously.

In practice, however, the configuration is a bit more complex. The USB connection requires the Apple Camera Connection Kit (OTG adapter for Android devices). To charge the iPad at the same time, you need an adapter with a USB and Lightning connector.

→ Connecting iPad and Digital Piano

→ Overview of Digital Pianos with USB Audio/MIDI Capability at Thomann*

Audio Interface and Power

Most audio interfaces are bus-powered, meaning they get their power from the computer through the USB port. This works just fine for laptops, even if you need to power a piano controller and other USB hardware at the same time.

However, the iPad and iPhone are different. In some cases, it works right out of the box and the audio interface is powered by the Camera Connection Kit. However, this may fail depending on the USB/Lightning cable. Therefore, you always need to check if a combination works reliably.

To be on the safe side, you can also use an active USB 3 or USB C hub between the Camera Connection Kit and the audio interface. An active USB hub means that it has its own power supply that powers USB devices independently of the tablet or smartphone.

The best way to get rid of this tangle of cables and adapters is to put them in a case – guitar effect pedalboards are a great solution. In a stage setup, they can serve as a desk-shaped surface for the iPad and audio interface, while the cables, USB hub, and power supply are attached to the underside.

Why ASIO Drivers?

The variety of audio systems in Windows PCs from different manufacturers makes it essential to test yours! A PC audio system may or may not be suitable for live performances, but it only becomes really great with an audio interface. This has to do with the audio driver you are using.

What is an audio driver? It is a software module that acts as an interface between the operating system and the audio system in your computer’s hardware. The audio driver controls the audio communication between the software and the hardware.

The Windows operating system recognizes several audio drivers, some of which even allow low latency. This makes it possible to play piano VSTs. We recommend the free ASIO4ALL driver.

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