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So I think I will soon buy a Kawai or Clavinova etc., one upper-tier enough to have MIDI output in addition to USB outputs.

I actually had MIDI output on my Williams Allegro. I bought a connecting cable for it and would sporadically try the free version of Kontakt on my laptop with that, but some part of the connection eventually broke.

Now that I want a serious keyboard setup, is there something I should look for in picking a sufficient MIDI connector? Features, brands, speeds, number of voices? Should this even be much of an issue?

I think I am going to get the $300 version of Pianoteq (if you have comments there). Really, I might use my keyboard + headphones more than my keyboard + laptop + headphones....


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Meanwhile, what is the purpose of USB out? Is it similar/different?

Thank you!

Keyboard USB out is MIDI over USB. It’s useful for connecting directly to a device that has USB without needing a MIDI interface device.

I use mine for a sight reading training app on a Surface Pro tablet. Chrome supports browser pages that use MIDI in and there are apps like Playground Sessions that run on PC that use the USB MIDI from the keyboard.

Today USB MIDI out is a standard way to connect any keyboard, top-tier or bottom-tier, to a computer or another sounding device, e.g., another keyboard or a rack. Some keyboards also have old-style 5-pin MIDI connectors, which are rarely used today.

The vast majority of keyboards do NOT accept USB connections directly from another keyboard. You need the 5-pin connections for this. Professionals also often prefer the 5-pin connections because they are more rugged, and less prone to noise (they are ground isolated). You'll rarely find high end MIDI gear without 5-pin connections, unless maybe it's something designed specifically for computer integration.

If you're looking for a more serious keyboard setup, concentrate on getting the most realistic piano action. MIDI is a standard on any keyboard that's not a toy.

For Pianoteq, you only need a USB cable from your piano to your PC or laptop. The 5-pin MIDI in/out=through are usually used to connect your main keyboard to another keyboard, sound module, sequencer, drum machine... you may or may never need to use them.

You may also notice a USB port on the front of most newer pianos; that's usually so you can record your performance onto a USB stick.

Again, I would recommend concentrating on the "Kawai or Clavinova, etc" part if you're interested in getting to the next level.