How XR Apps Work

Is My Digital Piano Compatible with XR Piano Apps? MIDI Connection Requirements and the Cables You’ll Need

Tomo

“Can I use an XR piano app with the digital piano I already own?”

For those wondering this, in this article we’ll clearly explain the compatibility requirements between the XR piano app “Sigure” and digital pianos, along with how to connect them.

How an XR Piano App Connects to a Digital Piano

Sigure and the Meta Quest 3 / 3s receive performance data from your digital piano using a standard called “MIDI.” MIDI is a standard for digitally sending and receiving performance information — which key was pressed, when, and at what intensity.

In other words, as long as your digital piano supports MIDI output, it can connect to Sigure regardless of brand or model. Whether it’s Casio, Yamaha, or Roland, as long as it has MIDI output, you’re good to go.

Key Point

The compatibility criterion is simple. If your digital piano has a “MIDI OUT” or “USB to HOST” port, it can connect to Sigure. The cable you’ll need depends on the type of port.

Requirements for a Compatible Digital Piano

Here are the requirements your digital piano needs to meet to connect to Sigure.

CONDITION 01

It must support MIDI output

Any model equipped with a “MIDI OUT” port or a “USB to HOST” port can be connected. Check your model’s specifications or the ports on the unit itself.

CONDITION 02

61 or more keys recommended

We recommend a model with 61 or more keys to cover the note range of the songs you’ll practice. Some songs may require 76 or 88 keys. An 88-key model covers every song.

Types of Connection Ports and the Cables You’ll Need

The cable you’ll need depends on the type of port your digital piano has. Check the port on your digital piano and prepare the appropriate cable.

Digital Piano Port Meta Quest 3 / 3s Port Common Models
USB Type-B USB Type-C Standard type used by Yamaha, Roland, etc.
USB Type-C USB Type-C Common on relatively newer models
USB Micro-B USB Type-C Some Casio models, among others
Round (5-pin DIN) USB Type-C Common on many Yamaha models
Hands-On Advice from the Sigure Development Team

Most recent digital pianos use a USB-B port (the trapezoid-shaped one) for MIDI. If your model has a 5-pin DIN (round) MIDI port, watch out — it’s easy to accidentally swap the IN and OUT connections.

How to Connect

Check the port on your digital piano

Check the port located on the back or side of your digital piano. If it has either “USB to HOST” or “MIDI OUT,” it can connect to Sigure.

Prepare the right cable

Get a MIDI cable that matches your port type, and connect it to the Meta Quest 3 / 3s’s USB-C port.

Connect your digital piano and the Meta Quest 3 / 3s with the cable

Plug the cable in firmly all the way, and secure it so it doesn’t come loose while you play. If the connection is unstable, keystroke data won’t be sent correctly.

Launch Sigure and calibrate

Install Sigure from the Meta Quest Store and launch it. Once you’ve performed calibration (aligning the keyboard’s position) after launching the app, you’re ready to start practicing. You’ll need to redo this every time you restart the app.

What to Do If You Can’t Connect or It’s Not Recognized

  • Unplug and reconnect the cable: The most common cause is a poor connection. Try unplugging it completely, then plugging it back in firmly all the way.
  • Check your digital piano’s MIDI settings: Depending on the model, you may need to enable a setting for MIDI transmission. Check the MIDI settings in your owner’s manual.
  • Try a different cable: A cable compatibility issue can sometimes be the cause. Try a different cable.
  • Restart the Sigure app: Fully closing and restarting the app can sometimes resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q
Q. Can I use Casio or Yamaha digital pianos?

A. Any model that supports MIDI output can generally be used, regardless of brand. Check the type of port it has and prepare the appropriate cable.

Q
Q. Can I use a model with fewer keys?

A. You can use it, but depending on the song, you may run short on range. We recommend a model with 61 or more keys, ideally 88, to cover the range of notes in the songs you practice.

Q
Q. Can I use an acoustic piano?

A. A standard acoustic piano has no MIDI output, so it can’t be connected as-is. A hybrid piano fitted with MIDI sensors, or a model that’s been modified for MIDI, may be connectable in some cases.

Q
Q. Does Sigure recognize the sustain pedal?

A. The pedal is not currently recognized.

If you want to start XR piano with the digital piano you already own, check out the details on Sigure first.

A Message from the Sigure Development Team

“Will this work with the digital piano I already have?” is one of the first things people consider when starting XR piano.

As long as it has MIDI output, both a model from 10 years ago and the latest model can be connected. Start by checking the ports on the digital piano you already have.

ABOUT ME
Tomo
Tomo
大人からピアノ再開組 / 楽譜が苦手でXRピアノゲーム作りました
子どもの頃に挫折したピアノを大人になってから再開したとき、最初にぶつかったのが「楽譜が読めない」という壁でした。 「もっと気軽に、楽しく練習できる方法はないか」と考え続けた結果、XRピアノゲーム『Sigure』を作ることになりました。

このブログでは、同じように大人からピアノを始めた方・再開した方に向けて、XR・ARを使った新しい練習スタイルを発信しています。難しい音楽理論よりも「まず1曲弾ける」を大切に。一緒に楽しみながら上達しましょう。
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