For decades, the digital piano was designed for three primary environments: the living room, the studio, or the stage. If you wanted to stream a performance to social media or run a virtual open mic session, you were faced with acquiring and setting up various add-ons (microphone, mixer, driver software, cables, etc.)
Manufactures have now woken up to the fact that the internet has become the fourth environment for the modern musician. And the new Korg Liano LIVE! digital piano (an enhanced version of the Korg Liano L1) signals a move towards “all-in-one” instruments that treat livestreaming as an important performance space.
Traditionally, to go live, a pianist would need to route their instrument and microphone into an external interface then into a computer. The Korg Liano LIVE! simplifies matters by incorporating the interface and mixer within the instrument. It can thus control both audio and MIDI signals.
By connecting the piano to a smartphone or tablet with just a single cable, the player can go online (eg YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Live, Pococha) with ease, and send a perfectly clean, professional quality signal.
Korg have included a compatible microphone complete with stand as part of the Liano LIVE! package, so the system is instantly ready to go.
Performance Meets Production
What also makes the Liano LIVE! different from other “arranger keyboards” is its focus on the livestream environment. For example, a prominent “ON AIR” button acts as a master mute instantly silencing everything, and the mixer section allows for independent reverb settings for the keys and vocals.
There’s also a sounds effects section which provides 76 different one-touch sound effects (such as Applause, Laughter, Fireworks, Scream) which can be assigned to one of six buttons for punctuating a live performance.
This digital piano can be used for live-streaming, recording, video, or feeding directly into a digital audio workstation, or for just playing!
Korg’s Liano LIVE! Key Features:
- 88 note LS semi-weighted keyboard
- 120 note polyphony
- 8 preset sounds: Italian Concert Piano, Ballad Piano, Stage E. Piano, Electric Organ, Acoustic Guitar, Strings, A.Bass/Piano, Srum/SFX
- 10 rhythms
- 76 sound effects
- 8 watt x2 amplification
- Dynamic microphone
- AC adaptor / 6 x AA batteries power source
- 5 kg/13.0 lb weight (excl music stand).
- Included: adaptor, music stand, mic, mic stand, mic cable (XLR to stereo mini), pedal switch, protective sheets, USB cable (Type-C), user manuals, bundled software (iOS).
Being such a compact lightweight instrument, the piano is extremely portable and is also ideal for live work. Having a battery power option (up to 6 hours runtime), and integral, front-facing speakers further enhances the performance options.
Bundled software that expands the sounds and functionality of Liano LIVE! include: Korg’s Module, a sound module app offering additional tones; and Korg’s Gadget 2 Le, a streamlined DAW for iPad or iPhone.
Liano LIVE! Also comes with 3 months access to the SKOOVE Premium piano learning app.
As the lines between “performer” and “creator” continue to blur, instruments like the Liano LIVE! suggest that the future of the piano isn’t just about how it sounds in a room—it’s about how easily it can reach the rest of the world.
The new Korg Liano LIVE! digital piano retails in the U.S. for $599.99 (£549.00 UK). More information is available on the Korg website.