Your music keyboard allows your fingers to express what matters. From playing at a permanent station to setting up weekly at a portable venue, and whether you’re making loops, creating practice materials for the band, or simply pouring out your heart in a quiet moment, these unsung accessories allow your keyboard to shine.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- Direct Boxes
- Patch Cables
- Universal Volume & Sustain Pedals
- Keyboard Stands
- Keyboard Cases
- Audio Interfaces/MIDI
- Power Conditioners & Surge Protectors
Direct Boxes
If your keyboard is plugged into a sound console or another balanced input more than a dozen feet away, then you’ll need a direct injection (DI) box. A DI’s primary job is to match the impedance of the keyboard’s output to the console or interface input. Many DIs also offer extra features, such as attenuation (“padding”) to reduce an overly powerful signal, a ground lift to eliminate ground hum, and a polarity invert switch. A single-channel DI is perfect if you’re running a mono signal. For stereo, select a dual-channel DI — one channel for the keyboard’s right output and one for the left. While Sweetwater offers many great DIs, the following models are worthy of recommendation.
ART ARTcessories Passive Direct Boxes
Affordable passive DIs
The single-channel ART Zdirect passive instrument direct box and its dual-channel big brother, the ART DUALZDirect passive direct box, both offer a -20dB/-40dB pad, ground lift, polarity reverse, and a high-frequency filter to reduce noise from computer monitors or radio signals.
Radial ProDI, ProD2 & ProD8 Passive Instrument Direct Boxes
Rugged dependability
Radial’s popular ProDI 1-channel, ProD2 2-channel, and ProD8 8-channel passive instrument direct boxes are highly rated by Sweetwater customers for the -15dB pad, noise-eliminating isolation transformers with low phase distortion in the bass and mid frequencies, and reduced susceptibility to RF noise that they all offer. Plus, they’re built like tanks — perfect for on-the-go rigs.
Rupert Neve Designs RNDI Active Direct Boxes
“So that’s what my keyboard really sounds like!”
Rupert Neve Designs’ RNDI 1-channel active instrument direct box and RNDI-S stereo active transformer direct box are highly rated by Sweetwater customers for their sonic transparency, circuit isolation, and extended response. To capture the pure tonal accuracy of a pristine keyboard patch, consider a Neve.
Whirlwind MultiDirector 4-channel Passive Instrument Direct Box
Rackmountable with four channels
The 4-channel Whirlwind MultiDirector is a popular passive instrument DI with a -30dB pad, ground lift, and a switchable high-cut filter to eliminate amplifier noise. If you’re using two stereo keyboards, a stereo keyboard and a loop player, or an iPad/tablet, then this DI will give you the channels you need.
Behringer Ultra-DI Pro DI800 V2 8-channel Active Instrument Direct Box
Rackmountable with eight channels
The affordable Behringer Ultra-DI Pro DI800v2 active instrument direct box is rated highly by Sweetwater customers for handling eight channels — which is enough to handle four stereo signals or up to eight mono signals — with +20dB of gain, a -30dB pad on every channel, and ground lift.
Active vs. Passive DIs • Passive DIs require no power supply. • Active DIs require power via battery, phantom power, or power adapter. They often offer additional gain (helpful for nstruments and microphones with low-signal levels), increased headroom, and filtering and tonal features.
Patch Cables
In addition to getting a keyboard’s signal to wherever it needs to go, a cable can pick up interference caused by power sources, radio signals, lights, electrical grounding issues, wireless signal interference (like cellphones), movement, and more. Even a cable’s length can impact the sound. A single dual-channel cable helps with cable management if you’re running a stereo keyboard. Every option listed below carries a lifetime warranty.
Single-channel Cables
Great for reliably running a mono signal
If you’re running in mono, then plug into your DI or computer interface with a highly rated instrument cable, like this straight-to-straight, “lossless” Mogami Gold Instrument 06 cable, which features an oxygen-free copper core and comes in various lengths. Or try the popular dual-shielded Pro Co EG-5 Excellines straight-to-straight instrument cable, which is also available in various lengths.
Dual-channel Cables
Two cables in one
To run stereo, a dual cable is a great way to go. Hosa, for example, offers an affordable CPP-202 stereo interconnect cable in several lengths. Another extremely popular choice for Sweetwater customers is the Pro Co DK-5 Excellines dual instrument patch cable, which also runs in different lengths.
Shielded vs. Unshielded TS Cable Types 1. Unshielded cables are speaker cables that pick up unwanted noise when used. They're easy to identify if you unscrew the jack at the end because there won't be any shielding. 2. Cables with wraparound shielding are signal cables that are good for instruments that are not moved a lot. The shielding reduces unwanted signal noise and interference. 3. Cables with braided shielding are high-end instrument cables that tolerate greater movement without reducing the shielding capability to prevent unwanted noise. They also handle greater lengths without as much signal degradation as wraparound cables. These cables often are thicker and have larger plugs.
Universal Volume & Sustain Pedals
If your keyboard does not include a volume or sustain pedal, or if you need additional pedals to take advantage of your keyboard’s features, then please consider the following options.
Volume Pedals
Control volume or expression
Nektar’s affordable NX-P universal expression pedal includes a polarity switch, sensitivity control, and a 6-foot cable. Sweetwater customers highly rate the Moog EP-3 universal polarity expression pedal for its “giggable” build quality, level-adjustment control, included 6-foot cable, and smooth cam mechanism.
Sustain Pedals
Control sustain
Nektar’s affordable NP-2 universal sustain pedal includes a polarity switch and a 6-foot cable. Similarly, the On-Stage KSP100 universal keyboard sustain pedal is another popular option that is rated slightly higher by Sweetwater customers. And the Alesis ASP-1 MKII universal sustain pedal offers an affordable, low-profile square design, a hard-wired 5-foot cable, and a polarity switch.
Keyboard Stands
Selecting a keyboard stand is not a one-size-fits-all decision — consider your needs regarding keyboard height, weight, ease of setup, weight capacity, storage size, and expandability.
X-stands
Convenient storage footprint and easy to transport
The Yamaha PKBX2 X-style keyboard stand stores away flat and supports up to 64 pounds while only weighing 10 pounds itself. And the robust Hercules Stands KS120B EZ-LOK double X keyboard stand supports up to 220 pounds.
Z-stands
Sturdy and adjustable
The adjustable On-Stage KS7350 Folding-Z keyboard stand is popular for its versatility and supports up to 375 pounds. The Hercules Stands KS400B AutoLock Z-keyboard stand supports up to 286 pounds and garners high praise for its fast and easy locking setup and tear-down features.
2-tier Stands
Support two keyboards
The Gator Frameworks GFW-KEY-5100X Deluxe 2-tier X-style keyboard stand folds into a small footprint and supports 175 pounds on the main tier and 75 pounds on the top tier. The entirely welded construction of the heavy-duty On-Stage KS7365-EJ Folding-Z keyboard stand supports 60 pounds on the second tier and a whopping 375 pounds on the tilt-adjustable first tier.
Table Stands
Heavy-duty platform table
The easy-to-store and easy-to-transport heavy-duty Gator Frameworks GFW-UTILITY-TBL keyboard table boasts collapsibility, leveling feet, and the capability to support up to 132 pounds.
Expandable Systems
Room to grow and accessorize
In addition to the black finish of the K&M 18860 Spider Pro keyboard stand, this column-style product also comes in red and anodized aluminum. It also quickly tears down into a single unit and offers optional expansions to incorporate a microphone boom, a laptop, a keyboard tray, or even a third keyboard. And the extendable support arms can hold loads up to 77 pounds per tier.
Keyboard Cases
Sweetwater Case Finder
Quickly find the right case options for you
From light covers to heavy-duty flight cases — all from more than 50 manufacturers — use the online Sweetwater Case Finder to assist you in finding the right case to fit your needs. For keyboard cases, simply select your keyboard’s manufacturer/model or enter your keyboard’s dimensions, and you’ll discover all the options right at your fingertips.
Audio Interfaces/MIDI
An audio interface converts the analog output of your keyboard into a digital signal that goes to your computer or mobile device. Audio interfaces also provide features and controls that are helpful when recording or performing music. If you plan on recording in a DAW, then consider all the included plug-ins and apps to maximize your productivity and expand your capability.
USB
The reliable standard
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB audio interface has one microphone input and one instrument input (mono). Plus, it comes with Antares Auto-Tune, virtual keyboards, a software bundle with Ableton Live Lite, and more. The Audient EVO 4 USB audio interface incorporates dual instrument/mic inputs and a unique Smartgain volume feature for easily automated level control for podcasting and recording. Simple onboard controls expand using a MacOS- and Windows-compatible app, and the software bundle includes Cubase LE and sampled instruments.
USB & MIDI
Augment your recording capabilities with external devices
If you’re looking for a large recording software bundle, then consider going with the dual-input PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 audio interface package. It includes Studio One Artist recording software and a wide range of plug-ins!
The dual-input Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD USB audio interface includes all the individual channel controls, ground lifts, clipping indicators, and controls you’d expect — all packaged in a practical, no-nonsense design. The Solid State Logic SSL2+ USB audio interface comes with four line outs, two headphone jacks, SSL 4000-series console emulation, and a software package that includes SSL Native, Celemony Melodyne Essential, Ableton Live Lite, samples, and more.
USB-C
The standard gets an upgrade
One of Sweetwater’s customer favorites, the dual-channel Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB audio interface, can flip from direct monitoring with zero latency to low-latency monitoring at the touch of a button. It also includes a software package with Ableton Live Lite, Antares Auto-Tune, virtual keyboards, and more.
USB-C & MIDI
Powerful recording potential with room for expansion
The Universal Audio Volt 2 USB-C audio interface gives you dual UA-quality inputs, a selectable Vintage preamp mode, and a software bundle that includes Melodyne Essential, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments, and more.
The MOTU M2 2×2 USB-C audio interface features front-panel metering and more than 6GB of free loops, samples, and one-shots from industry-leading libraries.
Thunderbolt
Desktop recording supercharged
Thunderbolt looks like a USB-C port and can operate USB-C devices, but it’s twice as fast. If you want to utilize the near-zero latency speed of a Thunderbolt connection, then choose the popular Universal Audio Apollo Solo Heritage Edition Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with UAD DSP, which gives you inputs for a stereo instrument or two mono instruments/mics, UAD award-winning plug-ins, and UA’s LUNA Mac-only recording software.
Power Conditioners & Surge Protectors
Typical power from a wall outlet can vary significantly in ways that simple power strips cannot address. The resulting variations in power can shorten the life of your gear, and power spikes may even destroy it. Protect your gear and address unwanted ground and RF noise with these surge suppressors, conditioners, and regulators.
Surge Suppressors
Protect your investments from power spikes and surges common to public venues
In addition to protecting your keyboard from a catastrophic electrical spike or surge, the Furman SS-6B 6-outlet surge suppressor strip gives you excellent EMI and RFI noise reduction — all packed in a heavy-duty floor unit that’s equipped with a 15-foot cord. Step up to the Furman SS-6B-PRO 6-outlet surge suppressor strip with EVS for additional protection and extreme voltage shutdown — a feature that doesn’t yield a self-sacrificial result.
Power Conditioners
The next stage in power protection
Surge protectors are a good first step to take, but consider a power conditioner for even more protection against electrical spikes and voltage irregularities (like sags, brownouts, and overvoltages) that could harm your keyboard. The Black Lion Audio PG-2 rackmount power conditioner shows you the power status and gives you 14 switched outlets with a 2-stage power up / power down sequencer to protect your speakers and power amplifiers from unwanted popping when turning on your gear. The Furman P-1800 AR voltage regulator / power conditioner provides 15-amp voltage regulation to filter and condition your power.
Power Regulators
The ultimate in pure, stable power
For the ultimate in clean power and shutdown protection, consider a power regulator. Use the Furman P-3600 AR G global voltage regulator / power conditioner for 10 outlets with 30 amps of even power anywhere in the world. The Furman F1500-UPS uninterruptible power supply and voltage regulator provides an uninterruptible 12-amp battery backup power supply, so you have time to save your work even if the power goes out. And the Furman M-8X AR 15A voltage regulator gives you eight outlets with 15 amps of regulated power.
Pro tip: Turn dusty old gear into new gear! Use Gear Exchange to sell your used gear and get your hands on some sweet new gear at Sweetwater. Right now, you can get 100% of your sale price — no seller fees — on Gear Exchange when you choose the Sweetwater Gift Card as payout.
Any Questions? Call Sweetwater Today!
Questions? Reach out to one of our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700 and receive their valuable expertise today!
