MIDI & Devices

Compatible Keyboards

Crescendo works with any USB class-compliant MIDI keyboard. No special drivers needed. Here's how to know if your keyboard is compatible—plus recommendations at every price point.

The Simple Answer

If your keyboard works with an iPad without installing apps or drivers, it will work with Crescendo. This includes most USB MIDI keyboards made after 2015.

What Keyboards Work?

Crescendo is compatible with any USB class-compliant MIDI keyboard. This is the standard for modern MIDI keyboards, and it means:

No drivers needed — Works out of the box on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows
Plug and play — Connect via USB or Bluetooth and start practicing
Universal standard — Most keyboards made after 2015 support this

What is "class-compliant"?

It means the keyboard uses the standard USB audio class protocol built into every operating system. The keyboard identifies itself as a generic MIDI device, so your device already knows how to communicate with it—no manufacturer software required.

Quick Compatibility Test

The easiest way to know if your keyboard will work:

"If it works with an iPad without installing any apps or drivers, it will work with Crescendo."

Supported Brands

Crescendo has been tested with keyboards from all major manufacturers:

Roland Yamaha Korg Casio Kawai Native Instruments M-Audio Akai Arturia Novation Alesis Nektar

Roland Keyboards: USB Mode Setting

Some Roland keyboards have a USB mode setting. Make sure it's set to "Generic" (not "Vendor"). Check your Roland's menu under USB settings.

Budget-Friendly Options

Don't have a keyboard yet? Here are solid options at every price point, all confirmed to work with Crescendo:

Under $100 Starter Options

Nektar SE25

~$49

25 mini keys. Ultra-portable, fits in a laptop bag. Great for travel or testing the waters.

25 keys Mini keys USB powered

Akai MPK Mini MK3

~$99

25 mini keys with 8 velocity-sensitive pads. Very popular for its build quality. Includes software bundle.

25 keys Mini keys Velocity pads

M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3

Recommended

~$99

49 full-size keys. No frills, just a quality keybed for piano practice. Great balance of price and playability.

49 keys Full-size keys USB powered

$100-250 Better Range

M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3

Recommended

~$170

61 full-size keys. Covers most piano repertoire. Our most recommended option for serious practice without spending a lot.

61 keys Full-size keys USB powered

M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3

~$199

Full 88-key range. Essential for classical repertoire. Semi-weighted action (not fully weighted like a piano).

88 keys Full-size keys Semi-weighted

How many keys do you need?

• 25-49 keys: Good for beginners and simple pieces
• 61 keys: Covers most pop, jazz, and intermediate classical
• 88 keys: Required for advanced classical (Chopin, Liszt, etc.)

Full-Size Digital Pianos

For the most realistic playing experience, consider a digital piano with 88 weighted keys. These feel like an acoustic piano and are better for developing proper technique.

$300-1000 Weighted 88-Key Options

M-Audio Hammer 88

~$380

88 fully-weighted hammer-action keys. The most affordable option with a piano-like feel. Class-compliant USB (no drivers). Includes sustain pedal inputs.

88 keys Weighted Class-compliant

Roland FP-10

~$500

Roland's entry-level digital piano with their PHA-4 Standard keybed. Built-in speakers and Bluetooth MIDI. Great sound quality.

88 keys Weighted Bluetooth MIDI Built-in speakers

Roland FP-30X

~$700

Popular choice for intermediate players. Better keybed and speakers than the FP-10. USB and Bluetooth MIDI. Excellent piano sounds.

88 keys Weighted USB + Bluetooth Premium speakers

Kawai ES120

~$950

Kawai's Responsive Hammer Compact action. Known for excellent touch response. Built-in Bluetooth MIDI. Premium sound engine.

88 keys Weighted Bluetooth MIDI Premium action

Weighted vs. Semi-weighted

Weighted keys (hammer action) simulate the resistance of acoustic piano hammers. Essential for classical technique. Semi-weighted keys have some resistance but feel lighter—fine for pop, jazz, and casual practice.

Bluetooth MIDI Keyboards

Want to go wireless? These keyboards have built-in Bluetooth MIDI (not just Bluetooth audio):

Korg microKEY Air

~$100-200

Available in 25, 37, 49, or 61 keys. Battery-powered (30+ hour life). Very stable Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI connection.

Bluetooth MIDI Battery powered Multiple sizes

Akai LPK25 Wireless

~$70

25 mini keys. Bluetooth MIDI and USB-C. 72-hour battery life. Very portable for practice anywhere.

Bluetooth MIDI USB-C 72hr battery

Bluetooth MIDI ≠ Bluetooth Audio

Bluetooth MIDI sends note data (which keys you press). Bluetooth Audio only streams sound (like a speaker). For Crescendo, you need Bluetooth MIDI. Check your keyboard's specs carefully.

Not on the List? Testing Guide

Have a keyboard not mentioned above? Here's how to check if it works:

Step-by-Step Compatibility Test

Check for USB or MIDI ports

Look for a USB-B port (square shape) or 5-pin MIDI jacks on the back of your keyboard. If it only has a headphone jack, it won't work with MIDI apps.

Check the manual for "class-compliant"

Look for phrases like "class-compliant," "no drivers required," or "works with iPad." If it says "requires driver installation," it may not work on mobile.

Try the iPad test (if possible)

Connect your keyboard to an iPad with a USB adapter. Open GarageBand. If you can play notes without installing anything, it's class-compliant.

Test with Crescendo

Connect your keyboard and open Crescendo. Tap the MIDI button. If your keyboard appears in the list, you're good to go.

Keyboard not showing up in Crescendo?

USB connection:

Make sure the keyboard is powered on
Check your adapter (iOS needs Apple's adapter, Android needs OTG)
Try a different USB cable
For Roland: Set USB mode to "Generic"

Bluetooth connection:

Pair within Crescendo, not in device Settings
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your device
Put keyboard in pairing mode (check its manual)

Keyboard shows up but notes don't register?

Tap your keyboard in Crescendo's device list to connect
Try calibrating the keyboard (Settings → MIDI → Calibrate)
Check if the keyboard has a "Local Control" setting (should be ON)
Some keyboards have MIDI channel settings—set to channel 1 or "All"

My keyboard is old (pre-2010)

Older keyboards often only have 5-pin MIDI jacks (not USB). You have two options:

MIDI-to-USB adapter: Connect the 5-pin MIDI jacks to USB. Get a quality one (Roland UM-ONE mk2 is reliable).
Bluetooth MIDI adapter: Devices like Yamaha MD-BT01 add wireless MIDI to any keyboard with 5-pin jacks.

Avoid cheap generic adapters—they often cause timing issues.

What to Avoid

Cheap USB-to-MIDI adapters

Generic $5-10 adapters are the #1 cause of MIDI problems. They have timing issues and often drop notes. Invest in a quality adapter if you need one.

Keyboards without USB or MIDI ports

Some toy keyboards and very old instruments only have audio outputs (headphone jack). These cannot send MIDI data and won't work with any app.

Third-party Lightning adapters (iOS)

For iPhone/iPad with Lightning ports, use Apple's official adapters. Third-party adapters often don't work due to Apple's authentication chip.

Summary

Compatibility	Any USB class-compliant MIDI keyboard
Quick test	Works with iPad = Works with Crescendo
Budget pick	M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 (~$170)
Best value digital piano	Roland FP-30X (~$700)
Wireless option	Korg microKEY Air (various sizes)

Still Need Help?

Not sure if your keyboard will work? Send us your keyboard model and we'll check.

support@crescendopiano.app

Include your keyboard's brand and model name (e.g., "Yamaha P-125" or "Roland FP-30X").

Response time: 2-3 business days