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Top 10 Best Keyboard Amps For an Unparalleled Performance

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Introduction

As a keyboardist, you might own a high-quality keyboard that sounds amazing. But if you don’t use the best keyboard amp, then your instrument won’t be of much use. Investing in a good keyboard amp will enliven your live gigs and jamming sessions.

Although there are many amps available in the market, it becomes difficult to choose one that suits your needs as a musician as well as your budget. We found that our friends who were budding musicians needed keyboard amps that were starkly different from the requirements of professional keyboardists that perform at large venues. This is why we engaged in a thorough research to choose the 10 best keyboard amps that cater to a plethora of needs.

So go ahead and read our detailed analysis to find one that will make your performances incredible.

Related Article: Best 88 Keys Keyboards for 2020

Top 10 Keyboard Amps – Comparative table

Model	Weight	Wattage	Price
Roland KC-110	19.45 pounds	30W
BEHRINGER Ultratone KXD12	40.3 pounds	600W
Alto Professional Kick 12	39.2 pounds	400W peak power, 200W continuous
BEHRINGER Ultratone K900FX	39.9 pounds	90W
Coolmusic DK-35	31.7 pounds	35W
Peavey KB 1	16 pounds	20W
BEHRINGER Ultratone KT108	11.9 pounds	20W
Roland Mobile Cube	5.51 pounds	5W
Fender Frontman 10G	8.5 pounds	10W
Vox VX50KB	10.52 pounds	50W

Best Keyboard Amp under $500

1. Roland KC-110

Roland KC-110

[amazon fields=”B0035EHLZK” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Roland KC-110″ image_align=”center”]

Roland KC-110

Roland KC-110 two 6.5”speakers give a brilliant stereo chorus output with a wide mode. Easy to mount and use, this amp can handle both keyboard sounds and vocals.

Why we liked it?

Roland claims this model to be the first AA battery-powered stereo keyboard amp which runs on 8 AA batteries. Powered by 30W of electricity, this highly efficient stereo amp has two 6.5” speakers and two tweeters. The two speakers give a brilliant stereo chorus output with a wide mode. You experience a true stereo sound with a spatial projection which surrounds the entire room.

We liked the wide variety of built-in digital effects that Roland offers like reverb, chorus, wide chorus and EQ.  These effects are incorporated in three independent channels with volume control which lets you connect up to three instruments simultaneously. This makes the amp highly versatile in terms of connectivity. The channels along with the effects can be controlled with an optional foot-switch.

Other than this, you also get XLR mic/instrument input, 2 stereo inputs, stereo AUX input, stereo line outputs and headphone output for quiet practice. It’s easy to use as it mounts on a speaker stand which can be tilted back when needed during the performance. Capable of handling both keyboard sounds and vocals, this amp produces a sound that stays clean right around the volume dial.

Furthermore, this amp has been built to be used in smaller venues and for practice at home. Weighing 19.45 pounds, you won’t have much difficulty transporting it to the recording studio.

What can be improved?

We noticed that KC-110 doesn’t function well with deep bass sounds and in noisy environments. Also, you can apply the treble and bass to channels but if you drive it too hard, the sound becomes harsh. So it’s not possible to increase the volume to maximum without losing the clarity of sound.

Pros

• Brilliant stereo chorus output with a wide mode
• 3 independent channels with volume control

Cons

• KC-110 doesn’t function well with deep bass sounds and in noisy environments
• Increasing the volume interferes with clarity of sound

2. BEHRINGER Ultratone KXD12

BEHRINGER Ultratone KXD12

[amazon fields=”B00SXTN97Q” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”BEHRINGER Ultratone KXD12″ image_align=”center”]

BEHRINGER Ultratone KXD12

Featuring a high quality KLARK TEKNIK FX processor with 100 presets, KXD12 is an amp cum PA system that delivers a powerful sound. The amp has reliable 12” TURBOSOUND speakers which further adds to the amazing sound quality.

Why we liked it?

Featuring a bi-amping amplifier design, KXD12 delivers dedicated power for both low frequency and high-frequency drivers. Its 600W 4 channel PA system and revolutionary class-D amplifier technology gives humongous power and great sonic performance. The amp has British engineered 12” TURBOSOUND speaker and 1” driver. TURBOSOUND is known for building reliable speakers that produce amazing sound.

What’s special in this amp is its high-quality KLARK TEKNIK FX processor with 100 presets which include reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and, other multi-effects. For precise signal integrity, each woofer and tweeter has been driven with a separate megaphone so you hear a highly refined sound. A class-D 80 megaphone packs a massive sound in a lightweight body that weighs 40.3 pounds. This class-D sound magnifier makes the amp highly efficient without causing any heat sinks.

This keyboard amp cum PA system produces a powerful sound without being too heavy on your pocket. So it’s ideal for beginners or  musicians who are venturing out into the field of music. Besides, the KXD12 has a 4 channel mixing capability with full stereo input and output which gives great onstage monitoring even if you perform with bandmates who play loud instruments like an electric guitar.

We believe BEHRINGER Ultratone KXD12 is the best keyboard amp under $500.

What can be improved?

We feel that a large variety of effects and reverb options is a bit of overkill and seems excessive.

Pros

• 12” TURBOSOUND speaker
• class-D 80 megaphone for powerful sound

Cons

• Excessive reverb options

Best Keyboard Amp above $500

3. Alto Professional Kick 12

Alto Professional Kick 12

[amazon fields=”B00DAMOB0U” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Alto Professional Kick 12″ image_align=”center”]

Alto Professional Kick 12

With special bi-amped design, Alto Professional Kick 12 is optimized for keyboards, electronic percussion and small PA use. Powered by Alesis effects, this amp has raw power which stems from its class D design.

Why we liked it?

Designed for professional musicians, this electronic instrument amp with 12” speaker is optimized for keyboards, electronic percussion and, small PA use. It has a 4 channel mixer with stereo line inputs on each channel and XLR input on channel 1. The effects and volume control operate on all 4 channels along with a footswitch that permits bypass of effects if necessary. In terms of power, the amp requires 200W of continuous power and 400W of peak power.

A special bi-amped design provides uninterrupted power to both high and low drivers. Alto has equipped this amp with 256 effects presets that have 16 Alesis effects with 16 variations each. So once you figure out how to customize the unit’s effects, you’ll get a pleasing sound out of this amp. Alesis is renowned for making quality effects and there are plenty of such effects on this amp across all channels. Also, the built-in Alesis DSP (digital signal processing) effects deliver 128 professional quality programs.

To get an ideal monitoring angle, you get an integrated folding steel kickstand. This helps to efficiently monitor the keyboard on stage and to adjust the angle of sound projection.  An excellent frequency response is provided by custom-tuned electronic crossovers. Along with this, the EQ and volume controls mounted on top of the amp gives easier access while performing on stage. We love its raw power that stems from its class D design.

Even though this amp is designed for keyboards, you can use this with drums too. So if you’re a musician who plays multiple instruments, this is the best keyboard amp for you. With a 400W potential, Kick 12 is ideal for small to mid-sized venues. All the connections on this amp are made on the rear panel which keeps on-stage clutter to a minimum and reduces cable strain.

What can be improved?

We were disappointed with the claims regarding Alto Professional Kick 12 in terms of its high-intensity power. Despite the high power rating, you won’t get that much power out of this amp even when you have all the inputs plugged in. The manufacturers over-promised on power. If you’re looking for a keyboard amp that has visual effects, an impressive sound and is ideal for larger venues, then this model is not for you.

Pros

• Bi-amped design provides supplies uninterrupted power
• High quality Alesis effects
• Connections on rear panel reduce cable strain

Cons

• Not very powerful
• Not ideal for large venues

Best Keyboard Amp under $300

4. BEHRINGER Ultratone K900FX

BEHRINGER Ultratone K900FX

[amazon fields=”B000LQ29XE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”BEHRINGER Ultratone K900FX” image_align=”center”]

BEHRINGER Ultratone K900FX

Featuring FBQ- Feedback Detection System, K900FX can reveal critical frequencies and clear feedback. K900FX has a full 3 channel operation and is a great budget buy.

Why we liked it?

Featuring powerful 12” BUGERA woofer and custom-made 1” driver, BEHRINGER Ultratone K900FX gives an ultimate sound production that makes it one of the best keyboard amps on our list. This model is an ultra-flexible 90W 3-channel PA system and a keyboard amplifier. With an integrated digital FX processor, this amp has 100 presets to choose from which includes reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter, and various multi-effects.

We liked its unique FBQ- Feedback Detection System which is crucial in revealing critical frequencies. The FBQ clears the feedback on its own so you can solely concentrate on your performance. Besides, K900FX has a full 3 channel operation along with separate volume controls and FX channels. Having 3 channels means that you can connect up to 3 different instruments and get separate controls for volume and FX send.

The CD input incorporated in this model allows you to play recorded music during performance breaks. Not only is this amp capable of playing music via CD’s but also for quiet practicing using its headphone output. K900FX is a great choice if you’re looking for keyboard amps under $300.

What can be improved?

If you’re looking for a highly powerful sound, then the sound from K900FX is a bit weak for a 90W amplifier.

Pros

• 12”BUGERA woofer for exceptional sound quality
• FBQ- Feedback Detection System crucial in revealing critical frequencies

Cons

• Produced sound is not very powerful

5. Coolmusic DK-35

Coolmusic DK-35

[amazon fields=”B0140INT4Q” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Coolmusic DK-35″ image_align=”center”]

Coolmusic DK-35

Being a versatile and portable PA workstation combo, Coolmusic DK-35 is power packed in terms of sound. It features a main EQ, bass/treble controls and a built in reverb with level control.

Why we liked it?

With a simple yet elegant design, coaxial speakers and cabinet configuration in 2 channels, Coolmusic DK-35 produces a powerful sound. This is a personal monitor amp with the main EQ, bass/treble controls and a built-in reverb with level control. Along with this, you also get a headphone socket for the times when you want to listen to your music privately and DI output to connect to a PA or recording.

DK-35 is a versatile and portable PA workstation combo, weighing 31.7 pounds in an irregular shape styled cabinet which ensures drop resistance. While the EQ is responsible for adjusting sound quality, a bass and treble frequency of 60 Hz and 10 Hz respectively guarantees crystal-clear sound. This sound is produced through a 10” loudspeaker that operates at 50W.

In terms of connectivity, you can connect this amp to play CDs or MP3 music through the IN jack. Feel free to connect multiple instruments to this amp like guitars, keyboards, among others. This model is a multi-purpose system that is designed to work in most environments. But it will perform to the best of its capabilities at home or in small venues. Overall, you get plenty of sound effects, ports, and inputs to play around with. If you’re just starting your career in music, then this amp is ideal for you.

What can be improved?

This amp has an effects platform that is limited for keyboard use. Since the effects are limited, the amp may not produce sounds accurately.

Pros

• Versatile and portable PA workstation combo
• Irregular shape styled cabinet for drop resistance

Cons

• Limited effects amp

6. Peavey KB 1

Peavey KB 1

[amazon fields=”B004LRP56W” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Peavey KB 1″ image_align=”center”]

Peavey KB 1

Designed primarily for keyboards, Peavey KB 1 is a powerful and lightweight amp. With 2 separate channels and 2 band EQ, this amp operates on 20W of clean Peavey power to deliver extraordinary sound.

Why we liked it?

Peavey is one of the largest manufacturers of musical instruments in the world. We’ve selected KB 1 to be on our list as it is an ideal choice for all the bass lovers who want a full-range speaker. Its 8” extended-range speaker gives immense depth and impact to sound. With 2 separate channels and 2 band EQ, this amp operates on 20W of clean Peavey power to deliver extraordinary sound. The equalizer is basic but functional and the sound is balanced when not too much volume is required. You also get a headphone socket and the sound quality is crisp when used with headphones.

Furthermore, KB 1 is designed primarily for keyboards and will not perform to its best capability when used on drums. This tidy, well-constructed amp is not just powerful but also lightweight, weighing only 16 pounds. It’s compact and can be easily transported. Also, its tough black covering with heavy-duty corners makes this amp highly durable. The metal grille gives protection to the speakers while enabling it to produce loud and clear sound.

There are multiple versions available of this amp ranging from 20W to 100W, with each level of wattage having similar features. We liked a specific feature of this amp in which when the headphones are plugged in the front panel, the internal speakers get automatically disabled. This adds to your convenience when you want to engage in quiet practice. KB 1 is ideal for band practices  at home or in small venues.

What can be improved?

While using this amp, we figured that increasing the volume too much distorts the bottom end that lies below 250 Hz. Also, the equalizer options are not highly varied. We also felt that the speaker size could be improved to 10” for  louder volume.

Pros

• Lightweight, compact and portable
• Tough black covering for durability

Cons

• Increasing the volume too much distorts the bottom end
• Small speaker

7. BEHRINGER Ultratone KT108

BEHRINGER Ultratone KT108

[amazon fields=”B0010KGD4Q” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”BEHRINGER Ultratone KT108″ image_align=”center”]

BEHRINGER Ultratone KT108

BEHRINGER Ultratone KT108 stands outs with its Virtual Tube Circuitry and 8”dual-cone BUGERA speaker for an outstanding performance. Weighing merely 12 pounds, it is highly portable for musicians who travel quite a lot.

Why we liked it?

Featuring a unique Virtual Tube Circuitry for tube-like sound, KT108 allows you to add aggressiveness to the output with the perfect match of grind. This is a versatile 2 channel keyboard amp operating on 20W. It features 8”dual-cone BUGERA speaker for a wide frequency response.

Furthermore, this keyboard amp has a 3-band EQ for ultimate sound shaping which makes it great for beginners. 2 instrument inputs in this amp have separate volume controls for each channel. These inputs can be used to plug in guitars, drum kits, and even microphones. The 2 channel amp means that you can plug in 2 instruments at the same time with both channels being ¼” TS mono connectors. If you plug in a stereo keyboard, you’ll have to use both the channels. There are volume knobs in each channel and the 3-band EQ affects both channels.

Weighing merely 12 pounds, it is highly portable for musicians who travel quite a lot. You can even plug in your laptop or MP3 player in this amp. KT108 comes with a 3-year warranty and is great for beginners as it is highly customizable. Also, it is perfect for solo gigs, small venues and to use at home.

What can be improved?

Improvements could be made in terms of connectivity. There are no XLR inputs or built-in effects. You can’t chain KT108 to another amp or connect to a subwoofer. Also, you might hear rumbling tones if you try to push the bass too hard.

Pros

• Virtual Tube Circuitry for tube-like sound
• 8”dual-cone BUGERA speaker for a wide frequency response
• Lightweight and portable

Cons

• No XLR inputs or built-in effects
• Rumbling tones heard if bass is increased too much

8. Roland Mobile Cube

Roland Mobile Cube

[amazon fields=”B001CQ8VJS” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Roland Mobile Cube” image_align=”center”]

Roland Mobile Cube

Flaunting a powerful FX engine, Roland Mobile Cube has high-quality stereo reverbs, sweet vocals and a richer sound. What sets this amp apart is its Center Cancel feature that can be used for karaoke.

Why we liked it?

Roland Mobile Cube is a highly portable amp which fits in a briefcase and runs on batteries. This amp gives great instrument and vocal tones with stereo sound and built-in effects like overdrive, chorus, delay and reverb. What sets this amp apart is its Center Cancel feature that can be used for karaoke. So this keyboard amp can be used not just during your performances but also to keep everyone entertained during house parties.

Roland Mobile Cube has an all-purpose portable speaker which is small but gives a powerful sound. The amp is packed with 2 such powerful speakers.

Roland’s phenomenal FX engine produces high-quality stereo reverbs, sweet vocals and a richer sound. Also, the unit is highly durable due to the metal grille on the front. Weighing only 11 pounds, this model is the best lightweight keyboard amp on our list.

Other than functioning well with keyboards, this amp excels when used to amplify piano sounds by permitting a strong bottom to end resonation. Since it is battery powered, you can jam for up to 15 hours with this amp without having to charge it. This makes it perfect to be taken to concerts. In addition to this, you can use this amp to minimize vocals in prerecorded music.

What can be improved?

Roland Mobile Cube lacks a tilt facility to provide an angle of position and its low power output is not suitable for performing in a huge area.

Pros

• Lightweight, portable and durable
• Battery powered
• FX engine produces high-quality stereo reverbs, sweet vocals and a richer sound

Cons

• Lacks a tilt facility to provide an angle of position
• Low power output

9. Fender Frontman 10G

Fender Frontman 10G

[amazon fields=”B001L8PIFW” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Fender Frontman 10G” image_align=”center”]

Fender Frontman 10G

Fender Frontman 10G has an overdrive switch to increase distortion in sound. It also has also has 5 other inputs both for input and output along with a 2-band EQ.

Why we liked it?

Fender is a popular brand name in crafting amplification equipment or instruments. Frontman 10G has 1 channel with an over-drive switch which helps you play with a clean tone and dials up the gain to give a powerful crunch to the sound. You can hit the overdrive switch if you want more distortion in sound. This amp features a 1-6” Fender special design speaker and operates on 10W of power which is enough to practice alone or with a buddy.

A plethora of controls like Gain, Over-Drive Select Switch, Volume, Treble, and Bass are incorporated in this amp. One of the most lightweight amps on our list, Frontman 10G weighs only 8.5 pounds. This compact system has a closed back which consequently makes your bass sounds heavier. Other than this, 10G also has 5 other inputs both for input and output that lets you produce and listen to music.

In terms of its construction, the amp has a silver grille cloth, skirted dials and knobs, a traditional ‘blackface’ color design that most Fender amps have. You’d be amazed at how loud the tiny speaker of this amp can get without having any feedback, distortion or interference.

A 2-band EQ (treble and bass) lets you alter the tone, making it either dampened or brighter depending on the instrument. If you play rock and metal styles, then the overdrive button in this amp will give a distortion that will enhance your performances.

What can be improved?

When we cranked up the volume, the small speaker and its casing caused a loss of bass and depth in the tone.

Pros

• Lightweight and compact
• Powerful speaker
• Overdrive button gives distortion to enhance sound

Cons

• Loss of bass and depth when the volume is increased

10. Vox VX50KB

Vox VX50KB

[amazon fields=”B075QKK2N6″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Vox VX50KB” image_align=”center”]

Vox VX50KB

Featuring Nutube circuitry technology, Vox VX50KB has vacuum tubes for a louder and crisp sound. Its 2-way coaxial speakers distribute sound in a balanced manner and are also portable.

Why we liked it?

Vox VX50KB has a unique Nutube circuitry technology with internal vacuum tubes which help to enhance the overall sound while making sure that the sound stays natural. The vacuum helps to balance the compression processes of the sounds and keeps them clear and crisp. Thanks to these vacuum tubes, the sound is louder than other amps and has a warmer and sweeter tone.

With a 50W power intake, this amp has a speaker system that is enclosed in a bass-reflex cabinet that amplifies bass sounds without producing any interference, distortions or any other disruptions. Its special 2-way coaxial speakers have the bass cone as the centerpiece with the tweeter being placed in the middle.These speakers ensure balanced sound distribution along with being small and portable. In terms of connectivity, there are multiple input and output ports in this amp. In addition to this, there’s a 3-band EQ and a 3-channel LINE/MIC input and a line out where you can connect VX50KB to the PA system.

The ABS chassis design is another feature that makes this amp stand out. This keeps the amp intact even if it gets slightly knocked over while traveling.

In terms of appearance, the amp has an attractive black and white color scheme with white knobs mounted on the surface.The labels are black and go well with the inputs while the panel is surrounded by black leather. Weighing 10.52 pounds, Vox VX50KB is portable and does not need heavy bracing.

What can be improved?

There have been complains about the sound at low volumes. Also, the tube amp tends to color the tone and distort it. In terms of the equalizer, the shared EQ between channels lacks the accuracy that is desired.

Pros

• Nutube circuitry technology enhances overall sound
• Bass reflex cabinet eliminates distortions and vibrations
• Coaxial speakers for balanced sound distribution
• ABS chassis design keeps the amp intact

Cons

• Tube amp distorts tone
• Shared EQ between channels lacks accuracy

Other Sound Magnifier vs Keyboard Amplifier

A guitar or microphone sound magnifier is intended to hold one guitar/microphone at a time while a keyboard amplifier can hold around 2 to 3.. A megaphone on the keyboard is fitted with a mixer that has two to three inputs to connect multiple instruments and each channel has its preamp to turn the signals on.

A megaphone keyboard is designed to sound wide on stage, specifically providing low-frequency sound output for deep baselines. Besides, these amps can play high frequency crisp for high notes. Similarly, these amps guarantee low distortion and flat sound.

PA System vs Keyboard Amp

If you’re using stereo sounds or if the guys on the other side of the stage need to hear you better, a small PA could come in handy. This is because it allows you to have speakers on each side of the stage. Also, a PA could potentially give you more inputs-which at some point in time may or may not be helpful. It can be a nice benefit to be able to provide the PA for certain pick-up gigs and often you can ask for a larger cut (for providing the PA).

The Keyboard Amp seems to have a specially designed speaker/cabinet combination for keys (which can produce the highest and lowest lows). Since you usually go through the mains, the use of the PA limits the background noises. Therefore, using a PA (as opposed to the keyboard amp) is not an important sound compromise. Only you can decide how important it is to you to have the sound quality of the keyboard amp – which may be somewhat better for keys than a PA (in particular if it is only to monitor your performance – vs. the room sound).

Most keyboard amps look like pretty big units – which could make moving it a challenge. While a PA may also be quite heavy, perhaps having 3 pieces (a powered amp/mixer and 2 speaker cabs) could be easier to move/pack. For the price of a suitable keyboard amp, you could likely find a pretty decent sounding PA system.

Stereo vs. Mono Keyboard Amps

The difference between mono amps and stereo amps is quite substantial, so understanding which one you are buying is extremely important. You get one channel when you have a mono-only settings amp. It works well for some recording artists or performers who want one sound throughout the hall. But, when you attach a voice microphone to your amp, you will want a stereo amplifier. Usually, multiple channels mean that each channel has its volume control at least. If your voice is louder than your keyboard, you’ll want to sing louder so you can hear it over the keyboard.

Buyers Guide

1. Types of Keyboard Amplifiers

There are two types of keyboard amplifiers based on the function they perform.

Low-budget amps have basic equalization controls and are less expensive.

High-end amps have higher output and separate controls for equalization.

2. Design

Keyboard amplifiers often have an onboard three or four-channel mixer, so that multiple keyboards (e.g., a stage piano, synthesizer, and clonewheel organ) can be plugged into one amplifier. This also means that keyboardists can control the tone and level of several keyboards. In some genres, such as progressive rock, for example, keyboardists may perform with several synthesizers, electric pianos, and electromechanical keyboards. Keyboard amplifiers often have onboard reverb effects.

3. Amplifier

An amplifier can either be a separate piece of equipment or an electrical circuit contained within another device. Amplification is fundamental to modern electronics, and amplifiers are widely used in almost all electronic equipment. Amplifiers can be categorized in different ways. One is by the frequency of the electronic signal being amplified.

Amplifiers are characterized by the properties of their inputs, their outputs, and how they relate. All amplifiers have gain, a multiplication factor that relates the magnitude of some of the output signal’s properties to the input signal’s properties. The gain can be defined as the ratio of voltage output to voltage input (voltage gain), power output to input power (power gain), or some combination of current, voltage, and energy.

4. Connecting Subwoofers

Most Amps have a sub-out jack that allows users to connect a subwoofer with external power to add extra bass.

5. Multiple Channels

There are many two-channel models available, and four-channel models among higher-powered amps are popular. Multi-channel keyboard amps typically include some mixer-like functionality. Most include a line-level adjustment per channel, and some also include channel-specific EQ controls for boosting or cutting different frequencies. Some also have channel-specific effects such as reverb and chorus, which can be particularly useful if you are plugging in your keyboard to a microphone.

6. Speaker Size And Power

Peak watts refer to the absolute maximum energy at momentary periods that an amplifier will carry out. This level will not be reached continuously as it will put the amp at risk. Continuous or RMS watts (sometimes called program watts) are measured using a continuous sine wave or other signal at the specified distortion point to determine the Root Mean Square (RMS) voltage.

There is no hard-and-fast rule on a keyboard amplifier to determine required wattage, but generally speaking, the higher the watts, the louder you can play without distorting. You’ll probably need less wattage if you’re playing solo or with a small ensemble. You will need more volume for larger ensembles that include a loud drum kit unless your amplifier is miked via the PA system.

A common speaker setup is a 12” woofer coupled with a smaller tweeter (often 1”), a combination that’s well-suited for balanced response across a wide frequency range.

7. Weight

Try to get the lightest amp that has all the features you need and your back will thank you in the long run if you’re going to be transporting it frequently to gigs or rehearsals. If you’re just going to be using it at home then you don’t need to worry too much about how heavy your amp is.

8. EQ Settings

An EQ has two components: middle frequency and bandwidth. Center frequency can sound complicated, but you only need to pick the particular frequency you want to modify. Bandwidth, also known as Q, refers to how narrow the selection is for the adjustments you want to make.

9. Footswitch Compatibility

Amps with built-in effects are also sometimes compatible with footswitch, making them truly pleasant to hear. Footswitches allow you to toggle between different effects and settings without fiddling with the knobs, and often this is the differentiating factor between professional and amateur sound quality.

10. Multiple Outputs

Most low-end amps have only a headphone output that is sufficient for practical purposes, but higher-end versions often have several outputs. It allows additional amplification at bigger gigs and can be used in a system of recording. These are a must-have for artists who are serious about gigging in bigger venues with their guitar and don’t want their other equipment to be mixed up with their microphones.

FAQs

1. How Much Power Do I Need?

Simply put, the higher the wattage of the amplifier, the louder you can perform without distortions. The number of speakers and the cabinet length in which they are will also play an important role. If you want the cleanest sound possible, higher power amps are what you should opt for.

You have two possible options if you are in a band that likes to play loud and you have trouble being heard. To suit the volumes of the other players, use one of the larger combo amps or even several amps, or simply opt for a smaller amp for use as a personal monitor.

2. Do keyboards need amps?

A single-player may perform with a stage piano, a keytar, and a synthesizer keyboard. Each channel input typically has its pre-amplifier and volume knob. Keyboards amps in the lower cost range and power output range may only provide equalization controls (for modifying the bass and treble response) for the overall mix. Higher-priced, higher power output keyboard amps designed for professionals may have equalizer controls for each channel.

3. Can a guitar amp be used for a keyboard?

Keys through a bass amp are not a problem. Don’t use keyboard through a guitar amp, though, for the same reasons you wouldn’t play a bass through a guitar amp. Guitar amps aren’t built to handle those frequencies, and you will blow it up unless you’re either lucky or careful.

The good news is that, if you have a keyboard amp, you can use it for bass or vocals if you ever find yourself in a fix.

5. Can you plug a guitar into a keyboard amp?

Typically a keyboard amp has minimal EQ because tone-shaping takes place at the instrument itself. It also has some kind of full-range speaker system (with the tweeter in the center, a lot of the newer Peaveys I’ve seen have a concentric speaker). This arrangement should work fine if you use a digital modeler or multi-FX unit. Sometimes clean electric guitar can be fun through full-range speakers; with guitar played fingerstyle, for instance, the tweeter can put across a lot of fingertips-and-nails-on-strings detail.

6. How do I choose a keyboard amp?

You should look at the following factors when choosing a keyboard amp-

• Watts- You’ll probably need less wattage if you’re playing solo or with a small ensemble. You will need more volume for larger ensembles that include a loud drum kit unless your amplifier is miced or output via the PA system.
• Speakers- A common speaker setup is a 12” woofer coupled with a smaller tweeter (often 1”), a combination that’s well-suited for balanced response across a wide frequency range.
• Inputs, outputs, and stereo operation- Commonly, multi-channel amplifiers will have multiple stereo ¼” inputs for keyboards. In some cases, a channel may have a combination ¼” XLR input adding to its versatility.
• Portability- Keyboard amps are fairly portable, as they most often use lighter, solid-state components and come in compact cabinets that include both the amp and speaker.

Conclusion

Amplifiers, for any instrument, are a must-have if you want your audience to have an enthralling experience with the music you play. Right from performing at small venues to huge concerts, we’ve mentioned amplifiers that can be used in varied ambiences.

We personally recommend BEHRINGER Ultratone KXD12 which is a keyboard amp cum PA system that uses TURBOSOUND speakers. Not only is it great in terms of its sound quality, but also light on your pocket and great for beginners. If you’re always on the move and need an amp that’s easy to carry around, then we recommend Roland Mobile Cube which weighs only 11 pounds.

We hope our reviews helped you choose a keyboard amp that will accentuate your performance.

 

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