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.
Keyboard amplifiers are used to amplify a variety of digital keyboard instruments, including synths, arrangers, and digital 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.
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.
Related: More piano keyboard accessories
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.
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.
The smaller sized amps may not have lot of built-in effects, and may not loud enough, but they are convenient, suitable for practice. These are perfect for smaller spaces as the bass sound tends to distort at high volumes.
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).
If you want an amplifier for home use, or for a small space/venue, go in for the entry level amps. If you have started gigging and getting paid for your work, it makes sense to upgrade to the best that you can afford.
Best Keyboard Amps for Home Use
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.
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 guitar for solos, then you may not get the best results.
These are best used as practice amps.
Peavey KB-1 Keyboard Amp
The Peavy KB 1 practice keyboard amp generates 20-watts of power through its 8-inches speakers. It 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. Battery 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.
Peavey KB5 Keyboard Amplifier
The Peavey KB5 (150 Watts, 2×10″) generates incredibly high volumes. It comes with 5-inputs 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, 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. 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.
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.
Roland Keyboard Amps
Roland produces a wide range of powerful and versatile instrument amplifiers. Roland keyboard amps, especially the KC-series, is quite popular among musicians. Roland’s KC series amplifiers are designed for keyboards/synths, though you may use Roland’s Cube monitors as well for practice sessions.
All Roland Keyboard amplifiers are sturdy, almost built like a rock, and are extremely durable.
Roland KC-990 Keyboard Amplifier
The new flagship of the KC amp series is packed with high-performance features.
With four stereo input channels, a stereo aux input, support for an XLR vocal mic, and Roland’s famous DSP effects built in, the KC-990 is a portable powerhouse (comes with casters) for keyboards, vocals, and more. Full-range stereo with two 12″ woofers, two tweeters and 320 watts of power. It looks huge but has wheels at the bottom, so moving is easy. Buy on zZounds
- Roland KC-600: Pro amp with 200 watts of power, a 15″ woofer, 1/4″ and XLR line outs.
- Roland KC-400: Ideal for medium-sized gigs. 150-watt amplifier through a 12″ woofer, plus a Subwoofer output for extra low end. Four stereo inputs plus an XLR input. New Output Select and Shape switch, can be connected to mixing consoles via their stereo Line outputs.
- Roland KC-220: 30W, 3-channel stereo amplifier with 2×6.5″ speakers. Full stereo keyboard amp can be powered by AA batteries.
- Roland KC80: 3 channels include an XLR Microphone input and stereo Auxiliary input. Features a subwoofer output for enhanced low end. Cosmetically appealing, affordable, and suitable only for small venues.
Peavey Keyboard Amps
Peavey has a varied range of keyboard amps, and one of the best amplifiers when it comes to usage for a big audience.
- Peavey KB4: The KB 4 keyboard amp (75 Watts, 1×15 in.) 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 system, the KB series amps are perfect for voice, keyboards, and other instruments.
- 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. Perfect for performing in a small space.
Related: Piano Keyboards buying guide
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