Please help - weird Shhh white noise sound behind audio

Hi there,
 
I'm using Sonar X1 Essential and I've started to record live piano from my Roland FP 50 via my focusrite 6i6 interface into my DAW. Unfortunately there is this Shh white noise sound behind the audio which is not really noticeable until I normalise the audio and then it becomes deafening. When I record into Sonar the signal is very weak and the waves are tiny which is why I have to normalise to make things look semi normal! Any thoughts on how to sort this out wold be greatly appreciated! ( PS I would like to include some screenshots of my audio settings but when I want to attach an image it wants a URL?.....)

Hi thanks so much for your swift reply! I'm a novice so I don't understand what you mean by analogue recording chain? Is that the signal into my daw? The gain volume is half way up on my interface - so does that need to be all the way up?

I'm connecting it via jacks. The output volume control from the piano is also set half way. So I'll put it on max as well as the gain on the interface?

whats the piano model and interface ??
 

okay will do! It's a Roland FP 50 and a focusrite 6i6 interface 

another question - do I still 'normalise' all my audio by 100 %?

Hi - I do have the scarlett mix software - how do I need to set it? I don't have the setting to change the input from "Line" level to "Instr" level. There are two little lights next to gain 1 and gain 2 button saying inst and pad but I can't seem to alter them. I thought the gain buttons were just for the microphone inputs actually. There's also a large normalise button on the front too.. 

BTW the term "Pad" usually refers to ANOTHER type of input gain adjustment. I don't have that option on my interface but I think it generally means a boost of 10db (or maybe the opposite or a totally different level... lol... I'd have to look it up).
 
So it sounds like you might have multiple input options. As in "Line", "Pad" and "Inst". I'm pretty sure "Pad" is another option commonly used with analog keyboard outputs and may suit your needs better than Line or Inst.
 
Check your interface manual and experiement (without blowing out your ears or gear... always turn things WAY down then slowly turn them up when playing with this stuff).
 
Cheers.

Not sure if you figured it out yet, but being the proud owner of a 6i6 and having plugged just about everything into it might be I can help. 
 
The roland probably plays a demo tune.. use this to set your level
 
First , with digital keyboards setting the level at around 3/4 is sort of close to what we call unity gain. 
The output should be a good match for your rear panel 3/4 inputs. This is the first place I'd plug in as then you can leave it set up and use your front jacks for mikes and guitar. 
Open mix control and play the piano. The level meters for 3/4 should be showing a good level. 
If not try choosing the Hi Gain or the Low gain down at the bottom and see which gives you close to unity level. 
 
If this doesn't work then try the front combi jacks.
Try the mix control input 1 on line first, if low then try inst,, 
You'll see the levels for 1/2 and hopefully they are OK. 
 1/2 input Line is for mikes and is a lower level
 1/2 input inst is for guitars and the level will jump up. 
 3/4 input Hi Gain gives you a hotter signal than Lo Gain. 
 The pad is only needed when a signal is abnormally hot. 
 
Note ,, the level controls in mix control do not change the level going into Sonar. They are for setting your monitor mix. 
You can only set the level going into Sonar with the input 1/2 Gain controls on the front panel.
3/4 inputs can only be adjusted by changing the Hi Gain, Lo Gain or using the output control of the instrument or pre amp your using. 
 
 

Hi Everyone
 
Sooo...it turns out my Roland FP50 has an unbalanced output which is why the levels are so low. I tested another keyboard and everything was fine - so it's definitely the keyboard:-( I tried recording switching levels from low gain to high gain in my focusrite mixer which improved things, except there is now a ringing sound! I then opted to insert the jacks into the front of the interface and switch from line to instrument on my mixer, and the levels were great in my focusrite mixer. However, I couldn't see the levels in sonar, and when I played the audio back there's no sound! why is that? Also, in order to record my keyboard in stereo and vocals at the same time, I'm going to have to upgrade to an 18i6 I think ??

Hey Everyone - thanks so much for all your invaluable advice. I'm happy to report that the High Gain option is now successfully working without any further audio issues. YAY!!