Best keyboard amplifiers for pumping up the volume of keyboard instruments. Here we have listed practice keyboard amps as well as more powerful options that are suited for performing in larger venues. These can be used with other instruments as well, and some models also allow you to connect a microphone.
Keyboard Amp: Buying Guide
The built-in speakers (or the ability to use headphones) on music keyboards and digital pianos are more than sufficient for home use.
However, if you wish to play for an audience, you will need something that can make your keyboard audible over a much bigger area. In that case, you will need to invest in a good keyboard amplifier.
Keyboard amplifiers are used to amplify a variety of digital piano keyboard instruments, including synths, arrangers, digital and electric pianos.
Since keyboard instruments cater to a wide frequency range, from very low bass notes to extremely high pitches, keyboard amplifiers usually have a woofer (for bass), a tweeter (for high-frequency sound) and a midrange speaker in one cabinet.
For stage performances or for warm-up sessions, you need a powerful amplifier that is capable of faithful sound reproduction.
Keyboard amps have multiple inputs so that you can plug in microphone, guitar or a mp3 player which makes them perfect even for your band practice session.
Can you use a Guitar amplifier for Keyboard?
Guitar amps are designed to cut bass response, boost the midrange, and on the high frequency side don’t go much beyond 10kHz.
So if you use a guitar amp for your digital keyboard, your digital keyboard sound will be squeezed into the guitar’s frequency range, which is much smaller than a keyboard’s sonic range.
The result will be less clarity and lower volumes.
Keyboard amplifiers, on the other hand, have very low distortion and give extended, flat frequency response for both, bass and treble clef notes.
How to avoid Feedback Problem
In certain cases, when you connect a microphone to the XLR input of a keyboard amp, you might experience feedback (On some amps, when feedback occurs, you can see LEDs light up).
To reduce/eliminate that, you need to place your equipment in the right manner:
- The easiest thing to do is to turn the amps away from your mic. Make sure they are as far away from the mics as possible.
Don’t point the speakers at the pickup of the mic. - When using the amp’s equalizer, avoid excessive boosts. So try to cut, rather than boost the frequencies.
- To increase the volume, it’s better to reduce the volume (on your synth or piano) and to turn up the channel or the master volume up.
Mystery of Wattage
As far as the wattage goes, you need to understand that most of the time it’s a marketing gimmick. Most manufacturers just use different terms to give an impression that the product has a higher power rating, whereas in reality it’s not exactly true.
So for example, if an amplifier has four 75W channels, most salesmen will market it as 300W of power(4 x 75W = 300W). Though mathematically it may sound right, it really won’t sound like 300 watts.
The important thing that you should note is that a single channel equals 75W of power. If you’re going to use just one channel (for playing the piano), and play with other musicians in a band, you’re only going to get 75W.
Having said that, a keyboard amp with 300W (75W per channel) will always be powerful compared to a 180W (45W per channel), and also more expensive.
Another good thing about amplifiers is that you can always chain them up for more power.
What to Buy?
Most keyboard players like to practice with other musicians. In that case a portable tiny amp (around 15-20 Watt) will suit well. You can even use them for a piano bar type setting. These small keyboard amps are not real loud, but fine if you need clear professional sound in a small space. These small keyboard amplifiers are perfect if you want an amplifier to balance your vocals with a loud piano.
If you need more power for a bigger audience, then you will need a powerful, clean sounding amplifier (150 to 200-watt is suited for larger venues). Such amps usually also tend be heavier by themselves. If you want your piano keyboard to be heard clearly and not get overpowered by the drummers and the other musicians in your band, you better get yourself a powerful keyboard amplifier (around 150-180 watts).
Best Keyboard Amps for Home Use
Here we take look at the best keyboard amplifiers for home use (for beginners). These are great options for beginners who are looking for an affordable and versatile amplifier, be it for personal practice, or to jam with friends.
Most beginner amplifiers have 8″ speaker, which actually is not large enough to reproduce very low bass frequencies with any power. So if you need your music to have powerful bass-heavy material, its better to buy a keyboard amp with 10″ or 12″ speakers.
Also, most beginner keyboard amps do not have a line-out (they do have a headphone out jack) and no built-in effects. But at this price point, it’s not reasonable to expect these features.
If you’ve never used an amplifier for your keyboard, you will love playing with one as your keyboard will sound a lot better through amps than with the internal speakers.
These can be used for multiple purposes (can also be used with guitar, bass, band, etc), and come with multiple channels (to connect another instrument and/or mic), and headphone port.
But if you are planning to use these beginner amps in a small social club, want to connect a Shure mike for vocals and saxophone or guitar for solos, then you may not get the best results.
These are best used as practice amps.
Peavey KB-1 Keyboard Amp
Another nice, portable, practice keyboard amp is the Peavy KB 1 generates 20-watts of power through its 8-inches speakers.
Peavey is a popular brand that makes a wide range of music equipment, the KB series in particular includes amps for keyboards.
KB-1 is a 20-watt amp, features 2 channels (connect keyboards, drum machines, backing machines, or use as a PA); lets you connect two instruments at one go. Two-band EQ per channel and Headphone out port (in case you want to practice quietly).
Roland Mobile Cube Stereo
Roland Mobile Cube Stereo is an excellent general purpose amplifier that has multiple uses various.
It can be used with electric and acoustic guitar, keyboards, computer audio, MP3 playback, mini-PA, field recorder playback and much more.
Batter operated and portable (Weight 6.9 pounds). It’s great for practice sessions, but not suited for performances (not very powerful). Connects to computers easily.
Best Keyboard Amps for Professionals
These keyboard amplifiers are much more powerful and suited for performing at bigger venues. When performing, you need a dedicated, powerful amplifier that allows your keyboards sound to be heard when playing alongside other instrument players.
You may connect to the PA system available at the venue, but having a keyboard amplifier gives you some control over how your keyboard should sound (rather than leave it completely at the hands of the guy managing the PA at the venue).
These keyboard amplifiers can also be used as a standalone pa system at smaller venues.
Peavey KB5 Keyboard Amplifier
The Peavey KB5 (150 Watts, 2×10″) is more like a personal PA system built in a keyboard amp.
5-inputs allows it to handle microphones, other instruments and equipment. Additional features include stereo effects loop, ground lift, master level, XLR balanced stereo line out, DDT defeat switch and the capability to drive an external speaker.
Weight: 95.4 pounds, ruggedly built, and its speakers generate incredibly high volumes. It comes with wheels and a tall handle for easy moving.
Roland KC-600
Roland KC-600 comes with 200 watts of power, a 15″ woofer, 1/4″ and XLR line outs. One of the best amps that professionals can buy. Big sound for the big gigs.
Weight: 78.5 pounds, 15-inch speaker with a horn tweeter, Four-channels, includes EQShape switch for quick tonal adjustments. Convenient carrying handle and casters for easy moving.
You can connect a variety of keyboards and instruments, plus an XLR vocal mic. XLR line out for connecting to mixing consoles, a 1/4″ out for connecting to recording devices. The Stereo Link function allows you to connect a second KC-600 amp for more inputs and true stereo amplification on stage.
Roland Keyboard Amps
Roland produces a wide range of powerful and versatile instrument amplifiers and portable PA systems, including keyboard amps. Roland keyboard amps, especially the KC-series, is quite popular among musicians looking for a gig and studio worthy keyboard amplifier.
Roland’s KC series amplifiers are designed for keyboards/synths, though you may use Roland’s Cube monitors as well for practice sessions.
These amplifiers come with multi-channel capability, including several built-in effects, and auxiliary and Microphone inputs. You can also expand these with an optional sub-woofer for a powerful low-end boost, or chain it up to another amplifier for more power
The smaller sized amps may not have lot of built-in effects, and may not loud enough. But they are convenient, suitable for practice and the smaller sized amps are a convenient way to add punchy low end to sub-out equipped KC amps, or to standard amplifiers via the stereo thru output.
All Roland Keyboard amplifiers are sturdy, almost built like a rock, and are extremely durable.
If you want an amplifier for home use, or for a small space/venue, go in for the entry level amp from Roland. If you have started gigging and getting paid for your work, it makes sense to upgrade to the best that you can afford.
Roland KC-990 Keyboard Amplifier
The new flagship of the KC amp series is packed with high-performance features.
Roland KC-600 Keyboard Amplifier
You may use it for keyboards, guitar, singing. It can be used for gigs, or as a personal monitor.
Roland KC-400 Keyboard Amplifier
The perfect combination of power and value, the new KC-400 is ideal for medium-sized gigs.
It features a 150-watt amplifier through a 12″ woofer, new Output Select and Shape switch features, plus a Subwoofer output for extra low end. Four stereo inputs plus an XLR input.
These Roland keyboard amps are small in size but pack in a lot of power. They can also be connected to mixing consoles via their stereo Line outputs.
Roland KC-220
Roland KC-220 is a compact, 30W, 3-channel stereo amplifier with 2×6.5″ speakers. This is a full stereo, pro-quality keyboard amp that can be powered by AA batteries. Take this amp anywhere, plug in, and experience the rich, spatial sound that has become a Roland trademark.
Roland KC80
The Roland KC80 is an attempt from Roland to bring their popular KC-series sound quality at a lower price and make it affordable.
The KC-80 is one of the most flexible amps around, is cosmetically appealing and comes at a low price. It is suitable only for small venues, since the bass sound distorts heavily when the volume is raised high.
Peavey Keyboard Amps
Peavey has a varied range of keyboard amps with different watts and prices. In fact they have one of the best amplifiers when it comes to usage for a big audience.
Here are the various amplifier models of Peavey keyboard amps.
Peavey KB4 Keyboard Amplifier (75 Watts, 1×15 in.)
The KB 4 is designed as a personal PA system in a keyboard amp. It features separate inputs on each channel and can easily handle voice, microphones and other instruments.
Peavey KB3 2-Channnel Keyboard Amplifier (50 Watts, 1×12 in.)
Whether you need clean, pro-quality compact amp for your rehearsal room or a full-featured powerhouse that doubles as a portable PA, Peavey’s got you covered.
Peavey KB2 3-Channel Keyboard Amplifier (40 Watts, 1×10 in.)
Self-contained, compact sound systems, the KB series amps are perfect for voice, keyboards, and other instruments. Not especially recommended for for electronic/new age music but for general playing its great.
Peavey KB1 2-Channel Keyboard Amplifier (20 Watts, 1×8 in.)
Compact, small portable 1-speaker PA system with just a few mono inputs. No reverb, no effects, no EQ. However the thing sounds so great you’ll hardly miss those features. If you are going to perform in a small space, choose this one.
Best Behringer Keyboard Combo Amps
Behringer offers amps ranging from the ones that offer just basic amplification to the ones that come with pro-features.
Behringer makes excellent, value-for-money keyboard amplifiers that also work well as general purpose PA System.
Behringer Ultratone K900FX
Armed with 90 watts of power, you’ll never run out of horse power. This 3-channel PA/keyboard amplifier enclosed in a bass reflex cabinet has a special, beefed up 12 in. Bugera woofer and a custom-made 1 in. tweeter, delivering clear, clean sound that’s ideal for larger gigs. It is very easy to use as well.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
Are you sure a good home system will sound better than ALL keyboard amps?
No, if you use your keyboard mainly at home, then instead of listening through the on-board speakers, you could route it through your home entertainment system and it will sound good. If you’re going to perform you will need a good keyboard amp, and it should sound pretty good.
Alesis sumo 300 keyboard amplifier Review.
I think this amp is a steal at this price. The only other amp that can be compared to this is probably the Peavey KB4 but then it is just 75-watt compared to 300W of the Alesis sumo amp.
One downsize probably to this amp is its weight. It is the heaviest keyboard amp that I have seen, but then that could be because of the better and powerful built-in speakers. Besides, the castors make it much easier to move around.
The Alesis sumo 300 keyboard amp is a solid amplifier perfect for gigging musicians. You also get the Alesis sumo 100 amp in case you want a toned down version of the Alesis sumo 300 keyboard amp.