Best Keyboard Amp 2023
An amp is a useful tool for practice, and gigs. You can record the output through a mic into your mixer or audio interface to produce some very cool results. As you will see, there is a wide variety of keyboard amp models, sizes, and form factors.
We’re used to seeing a great deal of information online to help users choose a guitar amp, but what about keyboard amps? The focus of this article is to help you choose the best small keyboard amp to suit your needs.
Behringer Ultratone K900fx
Behringer is extremely popular with keyboard players at the moment. This is thanks to their ever expanding synthesizer line that’s bringing back some classic keyboards. However, Behringer also makes a wide variety of music related products, and this includes some excellent keyboard amps. This product is an extremely flexible 90 watt unit with 3 separate input channels making it the best keyboard amp or speaker system model for the money.
Having access to 3 separate channels allows the user to connect three mono inputs or a mono and stereo pair. One of the inputs takes an XLR jack. So this may be the best lightweight portable keyboard amp for a duo or solo performer that uses a keyboard and a mic for singing. Speaking of performing, the 90 watt speakers are a pro grade 12” BUGERA woofer paired with a 1” twittter providing plenty of dynamic range. The Ultratone K900fx has a “Feedback Detection System” to clear any feedback issues automatically.
The built-in 24-bit digital processor has 100 very usable presets.
A useful 5 band graphic EQ adds some detail and polish to the sound.
This product comes with a 3 year warranty.
PROS
- The speakers are excellent, and they can easily perform as a mini PA system in smaller venues.
- The built-in 24-bit digital processor has 100 very usable presets.
- A useful 5 band graphic EQ adds some detail and polish to the sound.
- This product comes with a 3 year warranty.
CONS
- Some users have reported a “popping noise” when turning off this amp. This can be avoided by turning the volume down before powering the unit down.
Behringer Ultratone Kt108
We stick with Behringer for one of the best small keyboard amp models for practicing or very small rooms. This is a great entry level keyboard amp with a pair of input channels and a great sounding 8” BUGERA speaker that can pump out 15 watts. A key feature on this keyboard amp is the “VTC” or “Virtual Tube Circuit” technology. This can add a little more valve distortion to your performance. The output can be further tailored with a simple 3 band EQ to tame those low, mid and high range frequencies.
This is a very affordable amp for those with a smaller room or studio and a modest budget. However, this may be the best amp for keyboard users that want something different for their home studio. The VTC system sounds great, and micing up the BUGERA speaker will generate some very interesting tones. But, this is a small keyboard amp, and significant gain and/or post processing will be needed to get the most out of it for studio work. As a smaller unit, this keyboard amp doesn’t take up a lot of space, and it’s ideal for quick practice sessions.
PROS
- This is a very portable keyboard amp.
- The VTC system adds a unique tone to the output.
- The BUGERA speaker generates a larger sound than you might expect.
- An Aux input lets you play along with other sound sources.
- Behringer supply a 3 year warranty.
CONS
- This keyboard amp is too small for a live performance setting.
- The sound is serviceable, but it lacks pro quality outside practicing.
Roland KC-200
Keyboard players all over the world have relied on Roland keyboard amps for decades. The Roland KC-200 is a four channel amp that delivers up to 100 watts of power for small and medium sized rooms. The bass reproduction is especially good with lower notes that sound clear and powerful. This has to be one of the best lightweight portable keyboard amp models with a larger sound. The user can even connect a separate powered sub-woofer to further expand the power as needed.
The KC-200 is compact and portable. This makes it ideal for practice, rehearsal, and smaller live gigs. Despite its modest price and the smaller size, the K-200 is an extremely durable unit. The road ready case can protect the electronics from all but the hardest of hard knocks and drops.
PROS
- This is a very affordable keyboard amp.
- This amp is lightweight, compact, and easy to transport.
- You can supplement the 100 watts of power with a separate powered sub-woofer.
- This is a durable piece of gear.
CONS
- Some users have reported that the K-200 is less capable with vocal amplification.
Roland Mobile Cube
The Roland Cube series of keyboard amplifiers has been around for quite some time. They are a firm favorite with many street performers. This Mobile Cube amp is battery powered for ultimate flexibility and portability, and the sound is larger than you might imagine. This may be the best small keyboard amp on our list for the form factor alone, which is smaller than a standard briefcase!
The user charges the Roland Mobile Cube and then carries it to any live performance location. No power outlet is required, although a truly mobile rig would have to use a battery powered keyboard as well. This keyboard amplifier has a pair of high performance speakers that deliver a large sound. The unit runs on 6 AA batteries, an AC input can power the unit for longer gigs, and it even has a handy carrying strap.
Despite its modest size, the Roland Mobile Cube has plenty of connectivity for your computer, and MP3 files. It can even be the heart of a mini PA system. You can run any instrument through the Mobile Cube. Roland has included plenty of great built-in FX, such as overdrive, delay, chorus, and some stunning reverbs. Add a microphone, and your favorite audio streaming device and the Mobile Cube can transform into a mobile Karaoke machine.
PROS
- This may be the best amp for keyboard users on the move.
- The small briefcase form factor and 6 lb weight make this highly portable.
- The option to power the amp via batteries or an AC adaptor.
- The built-in FX sound fantastic.
CONS
- Some users reported that the noise floor is a little high.
- The batteries will drain quickly, so take spares!
Peavey KB 2
Peavey is well known for its amplifiers, but they generally have the same features in each and every price range. Every amp made by Peavey is well built, durable, and well suited to traveling to practices and gigs. A 10” coaxial speaker provides the output, and the power is bi-amped with 12 and 14 watts available. This setup gives the user a great deal of dynamic response across the entire frequency range.
There are four input channels, and three of them have their own dedicated equalizer to shape the tones to your own choosing. Channel 1, 2 and 3 have a ¼” input connection and the third channel can also accommodate an XLR jack. The XLR connector is ideal for low impedance microphones allowing the user to sing as they play. Channel 4 is a monitor input where you connect any line level devices such as mixers, FX units, send and return FX systems. The Peavey KB 2 has built-in FX to add a little extra to your practice sessions, and they are very usable in your own recordings.
The Peavey KB 2 is a versatile keyboard amp because it doubles as a stage monitor. The rugged build quality make it a perfect choice for on-stage monitoring in a smaller room. This amp sounds great with keyboards, but it also sounds fantastic with guitars, bass guitars, and drum machines.
PROS
- The frequency is dynamic.
- This keyboard amp is surprisingly loud for its size.
- The Peavey KB 2 works well with other instruments too.
- This is a sturdy amp that’s built for the road.
CONS
- Some users have reported a slight hiss prior to playing.
- The KB 2 is a little heavy compared to other units.
Conclution
There are a large number of portable keyboard amps on the market, and each has something different to offer. Choosing the best keyboard amp will differ depending on the needs of the musician. These types of amps are not designed to act as a full PA system, but some can deliver a surprisingly large sound. Users that want more inputs and power will find that the Roland 4 Channel Mixing Keyboard Amplifier KC-200 meets their needs. However, street musicians will love the portability and flexibility of the battery powered Mobile Cube. A good portable keyboard amp is more affordable than ever, the built-in FX often sound great, and they are a fun way to spice up your practice sessions.