Buying the right amp is a challenge, especially if you’re new the world of musical electronics. Every amp comes with different features and its own unique sound. Certain brands are better than others, and it’s difficult to know how much money you should be spending on a good keyboard amp.
This list of the 7 Best Keyboard Amplifiers in 2024 was created to help you purchase the model that is absolutely perfect for your needs. It is meant to simplify your buying process by educating you on different features, sizes, uses, and prices. When you’ve finished with the reviews, you’ll go on to read about everything you’ll need to know to get started – including how to set up and work your amplifier.
Quick glance at the best keyboard amplifiers:
Contents
Key Features
Key Specifications
This Behringer Keyboard Amplifier, KXD12 is the perfect amp for band practice with friends. While this particular model isn’t the best for performing in large venues, it works great in smaller spaces. It’s lightweight at only 11 lbs., it’s sturdy enough to take a couple of hits, and it fits nicely right next to/behind your keyboard.
This model has two channels (two inputs with their own volume dials). If you wanted to plug in a smart phone or a computer, you could easily play along with a synthesized instrument or a basic drum beat. If you play with an electric drummer, they could also plug their unit into the amp so both sounds would resonate. That being said, the features are minimal, so you won’t be able to adjust the frequency range too much. There are frequency knobs, but they affect both instruments. Separate instruments will not be able to be modified separately.
Key Features
Key Specifications
Roland is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to keyboards and pianos. Their products are known for their clear frequencies and accurate sound reproduction. Most of their instruments and their amps are well-respected, this one included.
This Roland Mobile Cube Battery-Powered Stereo Keyboard Amp is one of the best portable keyboard amps available on the market. As its name suggests, it’s powered by 6 AAA batteries, so taking it from gig to gig is an extremely convenient feature. There will be no need to worry about the tangling of cords. The fact that a plug is not required has no effect on the sound quality of this model whatsoever.
A very large sound is produced from this amp, which is no small feat considering its compact size. It is perfect for small events and practice. While you can plug guitars and drums into this unit, the distortion can get a little off-balance because it isn’t exactly meant for tones of that nature. It works best with a keyboard and a microphone for vocals. Keep in mind that with many amps like this, the bass response isn’t going to ring out and you won’t be able to mix the sound to your exact specifications (unless you buy a mixer separately). It’s also great for recording because it’s a stereo amp.
Key Features
Key Specifications
With the Peavey KB5, you’ll be able to play in larger venues. It’s suggested again that this amp only be used for keyboard and vocals, because the distortion will get off track if used with instruments that require a fine-tuning EQ. This is a mono amp, so it’s not the best choice for recording an album with multiple instruments.
Equipped with two inputs and a headphone jack, this amp doesn’t just work for gigs. It’s also a great practice amp. An MP3 device, computer, or smart phone can be plugged in so that the keyboardist can practice along with other sounds. If you’re going to be using this with a device, make sure that the cable is compatible or that you buy an adaptor. The convenient headphone jack allows the user to play with privacy in mind, and the jacks work well for a simple dynamic microphone (should the user wish to add vocals).
Key Features
Key Specifications
With the Peavy KB1, you’ll be able to play in larger venues. It’s suggested again that this amp only be used for keyboard and vocals, because the distortion will get off track if used with instruments that require a fine-tuning EQ. This is a mono amp, so it’s not the best choice for recording an album with multiple instruments.
Equipped with two inputs and a headphone jack, this amp doesn’t just work for gigs. It’s also a great practice amp. An MP3 device, computer, or smart phone can be plugged in so that the keyboardist can practice along with other sounds. If you’re going to be using this with a device, make sure that the cable is compatible or that you buy an adaptor. The convenient headphone jack allows the user to play with privacy in mind, and the jacks work well for a simple dynamic microphone (should the user wish to add vocals).
Key Features
Key Specifications
The Behringer Microamp HA400 is a unique find. One of the best things about this unit is that it has an FBQ feedback detection system. If you’re playing your keyboard with other instruments, you’re not going to have many problems. The system will automatically detect when the frequencies get too high, which aids in avoiding distortion or feedback. This model is also capable of 90 watts of power.
Many keyboard amps don’t work well when other instruments are plugged in to the same amp. This is typically because of mono settings, or because the amp is meant to have one nice, even tones. This is amp is stereo, and it has options for reverb, chorus, flanger, and delay. While you’d still essentially be creating the same effects evenly across all instruments, it still gives you a bit of room to customize – especially because each channel has its own volume function.
Key Features
Key Specifications
When it comes to power, the Behringer KXD12 is superior to all of the options in our review. Not everyone needs or wants 600 watts of power, so it really depends on what you’d like to use the amp for. It’s incredible for gigs in larger venues, and it’s also adequate for multiple instruments. The keyboard is not the only instrument that works with this amp, but if you need your keyboard to be amplified at an incredible rate, this is your best option.
This model has a bi-amped system and a 1” high frequency driver. Unlike others in our review, it is a 4 channel keyboard amp with a stereo mixer. It also has a mic cable input, which can be handy if you’re a vocalist. The amp is meant to function more as a PA system because of all of the EQ graphics. Just like the Roland, this Behringer also has the enviable feedback detection system and works well with any dynamic microphone.
The effects processor has 100 presets – a staggering number. You won’t be getting the standard chorus, reverb, flanger, and delay. There are more options available to optimize your sound. This is also a good choice for recording, because it will allow anyone listening with headphones to get a true immersion experience.
Key Features
Key Specifications
If you’re looking for a unit that is fully customizable and able to handle multiple instruments, the Laney AH300 could be the right choice for you. This amp is a recording artist’s dream with 5 channels – each with their own effect options. This unit is essentially a PA system in the form of an amplifier. Each effect level can be customized individually per channel.
This one is slightly different when it comes to aesthetics. It is a carpet covered, dual position, kickback cabinet. This means the amp is durable and versatile – it is one that is going to last.
Capable of 300 watts of power, this is a combo amp, meaning it’s great for all instruments. An electric drum kit, guitar, microphone, and bass can easily be plugged in along with the keyboard. With its stereo option, a full and robust sound is capable, especially through headphones.
All of the amps in our review are great for different purposes. Some are wonderful for recording, others for performing, and others are great for simple band practice or at-home practice. Keyboard amps are not a “one-size-fits-all” venture; they’re all very unique. The ones in our keyboard amplifier reviews are all different – none are exactly the same. They’re used for different purposes and they have different features.
If you’re a professional pianist who wants to record simple albums or demos, you may not need all of the EQ features. A standard volume control might work just fine for you. A mono speaker system would be a good choice if this is what you’re looking for. If you’d like to be able to customize things like the reverb and echo, make sure you buy an amplifier that can accommodate you.
Binaural sound is essentially the ability to hear two different frequencies when you’re listening to music through headphones. One ear relays a higher frequency while the other relays a lower. This can make for an optimal listening experience. If your amp is mono, this is not the kind of thing you’ll have. You’ll need a stereo amp for that. One of the most important steps in buying is to know whether or not you’ll need a stereo or mono unit, so this is something we highly recommend considering before buying. Having one channel vs. 5 channels makes a huge difference depending on what you’ll be using it for.
The difference between mono amps and stereo amps quite expansive, and it’s extremely important to know which one you’re buying.
When you have an amp with mono-only settings, you’re getting one channel. This works well for some recording artists, or for performers who would like one even tone throughout the entire room. For example: If you’re performing at a venue and you decide to hook 3 speakers up to your amplifier, it makes sense to have a mono amp if you’re playing only one instrument. You want all three speakers to sound exactly the same, wherever they’re placed throughout the room. You don’t want one half of the room to hear a different frequency than the other half.
If you’re connecting a vocal microphone to your amp, however, you’re going to want a stereo amplifier. Multiple channels typically mean that each channel will at least have its own volume control. If your singing voice is quieter than your keyboard, you’re going to want to turn up the volume on your voice so that it can be heard over the keyboard. It’s the same thing if you’re playing with someone else who is playing a different instrument (like an electric guitar). Electric guitars will require a different volume control. Many instruments require EQ settings to avoid distortion and feedback, so it’s important to get an amp with those features if you’re playing with another instrument.
In our amp keyboard amplifiers reviews, you will notice a drastic change in dimensions and weights between the amps. Some, like the Roland Cube, are quite small. The Cube is considered a mini keyboard amp at only 5.9 lbs. The smaller amps are great for portability, while the larger ones are useful when you’re looking for a powerful sound. Some models can be as small as 6 inches and 3lbs, while others can get as large as 30 inches and weigh over 100 lbs.
The size of the amp is an important thing to consider when you’re looking to buy. This is why knowing your purpose for purchase is crucial. If you’re a club owner and you want a unit that is going to stay on stage and be used by multiple performers throughout the week, you may want to go for something like the Laney in our review. Its size makes it the perfect choice for durability and immobility. It also packs a powerful sound punch for your larger venue.
On the other hand, if you’re a solo artist who plays gigs in smaller areas like coffeehouses or local bars, a smaller amp is a much better option. The one you choose to buy depends on your needs as far as power and portability are concerned.
It’s also important to remember that a small keyboard amplifier doesn’t always mean a small sound. The thing to look for is the number of watts the amp is capable of. 20 watts will certainly be more than adequate for smaller spaces, and the 20-watt models are typically what you want for recording. If you’re looking for something that is going to sound out through a larger venue like a restaurant, even 30 watts is generally acceptable. You don’t necessarily need a 600-watt amp to make an impression or to be heard. When you’re looking at wattages of 300-600, you’re probably going to be using that amp for an impressively large space – even a concert hall. Another thing to realize is that the wattage will have an effect on the bass notes. The larger the wattage, the deeper and more prominent the bass is. And while there isn’t really a bass amp for keyboards, you can have nice bass notes with a 20-watt amp.
Lightweight keyboard amps are anywhere from 3 lbs. to 20 lbs. Even a 30 lb. amp could be considered small by certain standards. Think of 30 lbs. as a small child around 3 years old – not incredibly easy to pick up, but easy enough to lug around without too much pressure on your arm and shoulder. Many amps have handles as well, making it even easier to move them.
When you’re looking at portability, one of the biggest things you want to consider is the shape of the amplifier. When you think of something portable, the first thing that comes to mind is “will it fit?” Will it fit in the car, will it fit in the trunk, will it fit next to your keyboard etc.? A large part of this depends on what the amp looks like, not just the weight. If you look at the Laney in our review, this is a kickback amp. A kickback actually has interchangeable positions, because it can lay slightly back. The shape of it (not to mention the size of 24 inches) is incredibly tricky to fit anywhere – let alone a backseat. A square or curved amp is typically easy to fit into a backseat or a small apartment.
That being said, the weight and height needs to be taken into consideration as well. A 90 lb. square amp is not portable. You can’t move it or fit it into smaller spaces because it is typically over 24 inches tall. You’re not going to find a 6-12 inch amp that is over 40 lbs.
By far the best (and the highest quality) portable unit in our review is the Roland Cube. There is no question about lightweight portability with that amp; it’s only 14 inches tall. The second Roland in our review, the KC-110, is also an excellent option. At only 19 inches and 20 lbs., it’s small enough to be considered portable. 20 lbs. is not much to carry, either. This is an amp that has a 30-watt capability and extremely smooth bass notes, so you can’t go wrong with it. It can work for smaller spaces at a lower volume, but it’s great for events as well. On top of that, it’s something that will easily fit in your backseat or the trunk of your car. It’s also ideal for home use, as it will slide right underneath your keyboard or against the wall (because of its square shape).
The average cost of a top keyboard amplifier heavily relies on what you will be using it for. We have discussed different wattages and whether or not certain amps are equipped with EQ settings. Those things need to be taken into account when considering a “top” amplifier.
There are unbelievably superior amplifiers that are equipped with only one channel because that’s what some people need or want. These amps are cheaper than others because they have fewer settings, but this doesn’t make them lower on the quality scale. In order to properly assess the costs of top amps, you must first decide if you are looking for a mono or stereo option.
There is something all great units have in common that can’t be overlooked, and that is the signal-to-noise ratio. In quick terms, you want your amplifier to cut out background noise. If you’re playing in a crowded bar and people are talking over you (which happens more often than not), you want your music to sound out without any of that interference. A great model is one that will cut out the noise of people talking, electrical hums, interference from your microphone or instrument, and any unwanted feedback. All of our keyboard amplifiers reviews have excellent signal-to-noise ratios, even the tiny Roland. Any time you’re looking into buying an amp, check for that.
For a fantastic mono amp, you’re looking at spending $150 and up. For a high-quality stereo unit, plan on spending over $300. When it comes to sound equipment, you really do get what you pay for. The cheap keyboard amps are going to leave you feeling pretty disappointed.
Wattage varies considerably with all amps, not just the ones for a keyboard specifically. But what wattage do you need if you’re looking for an amplifier specifically for your electric piano?
This depends on your need and your desired venues. In most cases, a 30-watt amplifier is more than enough to blast the roof off of a small club or bar. A 20-watt works great for at-home or recording. When you start getting into 100-watt keyboard amplifiers, 200-watt keyboard amplifiers, or 300-watt keyboard amplifiers, you’re looking at buying for a large space. A couple of the models in our review go past 300 watts, and that’s great if you’re looking for a huge sound. That being said, it is not needed in any venue if you’re playing only the keyboard.
The larger watt options are better for multiple instruments. Some of the amps in our review are combo-amplifiers and can be connected to guitars and drum sets along with your keyboard. It’s better to have a large amount of power when you’re utilizing multiple instruments, because you want all of the instruments to sound out. But if you’re just using one instrument, or even if you’re just using your keyboard and a microphone for your voice, the high wattage is not needed.
Most amps typically come with one cord. It is attached to the back of the amplifier and plugs directly into the wall. All that is needed is to plug in the cord and turn it on.
When you start looking into connecting your keyboard into the amp, the biggest thing to keep in mind is the cable. You need to make sure that your keyboard has a cable that is compatible with the unit. 1/4-inch cables are the standard, but some amps have different sizes depending on the brand. Make sure you check the cable size on the amp before you buy the cord for your keyboard. The same goes for any other instruments (including microphones). The cables need to match, and if they don’t, you’ll need to purchase adaptors.
When you first turn your amp on, make sure the volume is all the way down before plugging anything in. Neglecting to do so could result in screeching feedback. Slowly turn the volume up on the correct channel until you find a volume you’re comfortable with. You can then start to experiment with the different effects available on your amplifier. When you’re ready to turn it off, make sure you unplug your cords after it’s switched off. It’s okay to leave the cords connected when you’re done, but it’s not recommended. The best thing to do is properly wrap and store your cord/s when you’re done with your session.
Copyright © 2024 MSpot. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy & Cookie Disclaimer.
mspot.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
