RS Recommends
The Best Keyboard Amplifiers
Having a reliable amplifier makes a huge difference in proper and powerful sound reproduction
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Like the name suggests, a keyboard amplifier helps to amplify the sound of an electronic piano or keyboard. The best keyboard amplifiers are used by musicians both on-stage and in the studio to help them be heard alongside all the other instruments in the band. A good keyboard amplifier should not only boost the volume, but also be able to retain the precise tone of your instrument, for a more accurate and consistent reproduction of sound.
Why specify keyboard amplifier versus, say, a guitar amplifier? Well the simple answer is range capabilities. Different amplifiers are better suited for different instruments due to the instrument’s range and dynamics.
Let’s compare a guitar to a keyboard for a moment, in order to see the difference between these two instruments when it comes to sound amplification. A guitar has a limited acoustic range, when compared to a keyboard, and therefore guitar amps are built to bolster the native guitar sound. A keyboard, on the other hand, has significantly greater range than a guitar, especially when you consider it can produce basic piano tones, as well as synthesizer and other potential instrument kits. Connecting an instrument with the tonal variety of a keyboard to the sonic singularity of a guitar amplifier would drastically limit the available acoustic range.
Using the proper amplifier for each specific instrument will help promote clarity, depth, and power for all band members. Plus, with a keyboard amplifier’s versatility, other instruments can easily be connected to the same amp (for example, a guitar will work on a keyboard amplifier – think a square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not a square).
We have put together a shortlist of the best keyboard amplifiers to pick up right now. They are all easy to use, plug and play options that are great for smaller gigs, or home and studio practice. What you get: focused, clear audio and a wider amplification range, so the sound of your tickled ivories fill the space you’re in.
1. Roland Cube Monitor
Roland’s Cube Monitor is the steadfast option for traveling musicians. The rugged design mixed with premium components make this highly=portable powerhouse an easy purchase decision. Multiple input connections increase this tiny package’s output potential – a real one-man band amplifier.
PROS: Portability, durability and quality.
CONS: Best suited for home or studio practice, or smaller venues, and best used live as a monitor.
2. Peavey Vypyr VIP 1
Peavey’s more than 55-year history of premium audio equipment engineering is on display with the VYPYR VIP 1. Peavey’s “Variable Instrument Performance” (VIP) means that this small but mighty amplifier can handle the range of a keyboard, or add color to a guitar, be it acoustic, bass, or electric. Multiple onboard mixing features help make the VYPYR VIP 1 a multi-faceted operator.
PROS: Instrument variability make this amplifier a great addition to any starting band.
CONS: Some have remarked the lows are quite low.
3. Pyle-Pro PVAMP60
As the most powerful amplifier on the list, the Pyle-Pro PVAMP60 hits hard with 60 watts of power and purity. Great for rocking out in the garage or studio, and perfect for a beginner with a propensity for the loud, Pyle’s components produce rich and well rounded sound and boost the phonics of any keyboardist.
PROS: Big premium power in a portable package.
CONS: Simple and straightforward; great for volume, less on versatility.
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