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Chosen by a concert pianistA starter bundle gives you the interface, the cables and the software in one box, which is the easiest way into home recording. Choose a bundle from a maker with good software support, and expect to add headphones and a stand.
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If you only read one section, read this: one pick for most people, one for a careful budget, one to grow into.
Best overall
Cardioid USB condenser. I ask my students to send me a recording, and a clean, simple setup like this is all a teacher needs to hear your touch.
I suggest it for recording yourself on a computer to send me a clip for feedback.
See it on Amazon
Best value
A recording bundle built around the AudioBox Go interface. I recommend it for a student ready to grow a home recording setup beyond one simple microphone.
I suggest it for a first recording kit in one box.
See it on AmazonPremium pick
A Scarlett 2i2 interface bundle for a home studio. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 4th Gen Bundle is one of my premium picks for this list.
I suggest it for a pair of inputs, so a keyboard and a microphone at once.
See it on AmazonA home studio kit is a way to start recording without choosing each piece alone. It usually contains an audio interface, a microphone and a way to monitor, and often some recording software. I include bundles and a few simpler alternatives, such as a handheld recorder or a USB microphone, because the best setup is the one an adult will really use every week. I describe each by its listing, and I ask you to read what is in the box before you buy.
I recommend this gear because it is what my adult students need to work through my free 41-lesson course and, later, to use with my upcoming method books. I am a concert pianist and a university piano professor, and these are the kinds of tools I look at first when a student asks what to buy.
How this helps you learn: a simple kit that is always ready makes recording a habit, and a recording is the most honest teacher you have between lessons.
A recording bundle built around the AudioBox Go interface. I recommend it for a student ready to grow a home recording setup beyond one simple microphone.
I suggest it for a first recording kit in one box.
See it on Amazon
A clip-free recorder for musicians, podcasters and content creators. A recorder you can switch on at the piano makes the recording habit easy, and a recording is the fastest way to hear what a teacher hears.
I suggest it for a simple first recorder for a quick clip.
See it on AmazonA six-channel mixer and USB interface with Steinberg software. The Yamaha AG03MK2 Mixer and USB Interface is one of my mid-range picks for this list.
I suggest it for recording a keyboard and a microphone together, and streaming.
See it on AmazonA recording bundle built around the AudioBox USB 96 interface, with Fender Studio Pro software. The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Studio Recording Bundle is one of my mid-range picks for this list.
I suggest it for a complete first home-studio kit.
See it on AmazonA Behringer recording bundle built around a USB interface. The Behringer U-PHORIA Studio Pro is one of my mid-range picks for this list.
I suggest it for a starter kit when the budget is firm.
See it on AmazonCardioid USB condenser. I ask my students to send me a recording, and a clean, simple setup like this is all a teacher needs to hear your touch.
I suggest it for recording yourself on a computer to send me a clip for feedback.
See it on AmazonHandheld recorder with 32-bit float. The Zoom H4 Essential Handheld Recorder is one of my mid-range picks for this list.
I suggest it for recording a whole practice session or lesson without a computer.
See it on AmazonA Scarlett Solo interface bundle for a first home studio. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 4th Gen Bundle is one of my mid-range picks for this list.
I suggest it for one microphone and one keyboard in a tidy first studio.
See it on AmazonA studio condenser that connects by XLR or by USB-C straight to a computer. The RODE NT1 5th Gen Condenser Microphone is one of my mid-range picks for this list.
I suggest it for recording your piano and your voice for lessons.
See it on AmazonA Scarlett 2i2 interface bundle for a home studio. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 4th Gen Bundle is one of my premium picks for this list.
I suggest it for a pair of inputs, so a keyboard and a microphone at once.
See it on AmazonA 2-channel USB 3.0 interface bundled with Cubase AI and Cubasis LE. The Steinberg UR22C Studio Bundle is one of my premium picks for this list.
I suggest it for a student who wants software and an interface in one box.
See it on AmazonA computer or a recorder, a way to capture sound (an interface and microphone, or a USB microphone), headphones, and some recording software. A bundle packs most of these into one purchase.
A bundle is simpler and often cheaper than buying each piece. Buying pieces gives you more choice of microphone and headphones.
Yes. A digital piano can connect straight to an interface or a computer by cable or USB, with no microphone.
No. A phone is enough for my free feedback. A kit is for when you want to hear your playing as a listener does.
Yes. The links go to Amazon.com and open your local Amazon store when the model is sold there: the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Singapore. Models, voltages and plugs differ by country, so on your local listing check for the 230-volt or UK-plug version of a digital piano or a suitable mains adapter, and check that the sustain pedal, bench (keyboard stool) or keyboard stand you want is sold in your country. If a model is not sold locally, the page will say so.
USB audio interfaces for recording piano at home.
Microphones, recorders and interfaces for recording piano.
Powered monitors for hearing your own piano touch.
Microphone stands, boom arms, pop filters and monitor pads.
The shop exists to support your learning. The learning itself can start free: all 41 lessons of my beginner course are published, and I give feedback on your playing at no charge. When you want a teacher, I take private students online. I am also preparing a method book series for adults who learn alone.
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