Question:
Can you connect a piano keyboard's output(usually headphones are connected)directly to a computer's mic input?
2007-02-17 20:31:55 UTC
You know those old electronic keyboards that don't have those fancy midi outputs to usb ports? The ones with only a plug to power and another for output to headphones are what I'm talking about. Is it possible to connect that directly to where a headset's microphone is usually connected to the computer? (the pink input jack). What kind of cable would be used if there exists one? One with a two ended 1/8 inch cable or something?

Thanks
Seven answers:
Biff R
2007-02-17 20:39:13 UTC
Match the cables up, then make sure that the piano volume control is set all the way down. Check levels using sound recorder (or Garage Band - whatever) and ramp the volume level up SLOWLY on the piano. If it sounds loud, but really far away, something is wrong. Adjust the CPU levels down on Vol Ctrl.



Put simply, the piano output is a line level (low signal) output, which is why iit needs an amp. The Mic on your CPU is a High-level input (microphone) which is why it needs very little amplification. PIANO - low sig/MIC - hi sig. Just try to match them up best you can. Always start by keeping the piano vol at zero and go slowly from there - don't fry your sound card!~
William
2007-02-17 20:36:25 UTC
A 1/4" phone to 1/8" phone cable should do the trick. RadioShack probably has them for about $5 or so. One thing though... hooking the keyboard up to the microphone jack isn't the best idea. The headphone jack is generally running at a bit above line level and the mic jack is expecting a much quieter signal. I'm sure your computer has a line in jack, so use that instead of the mic jack.
mrresearchman
2007-02-17 20:44:26 UTC
*IF* your keyboard has STERO Output to Headphones, the MIC INPUT on your computer is MONO ONLY. So you would need a Stereo male plug (from your Keyboard) to a 1\8" MONO male plug cable



*IF* you computer has an INPUT Jack, then you need a MALE STEREO Plug to 1/8" MALE STEREO Plug cable
2016-03-16 01:10:20 UTC
You can certainly learn to read music and make up a board with notes so you can learn where the music you've learned to read are on the keyboard. Better yet Doll, I have a piano you can have. Email me and we can try to get it to you, nothing wrong with it.
rob u
2007-02-17 20:39:04 UTC
You can just about put any thing with a headphone out to the computer mike but the input jack is better.

If you are lucky just an mini-mini (computer speaker wire) will be all you will need.

You may also need an adapter.
Picture in question
2007-02-17 20:46:57 UTC
you should be able to do that. I have connected old tape rec via headphone to mic port. it is easy to you need to have 2.5in(size of the plug) plug wire at both ends ( well depends on the size of the keyboard jack but most PC jacks are 2.5in) this same type of wire that used in cars to plug in MP3 players. If have regular home PC don't expect super quality. but it you adjust the volume on the keyboard and PC you should get a nice quality. oh yea make sure on the volume control have the PC speaker up and un-muted.
disgruntledpostal
2007-02-17 20:36:52 UTC
You should be able to find a phone jack to phone jack extension cord. If your keyboard uses a larger jack, they have adapters to step it down. Check with local music store or electronics store for the cord.



G


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
Loading...