Amplification for keyboards, synths and digital pianos

Let's examine the options you have for amplifying your keyboards, synthesizers and digital pianos. We'll discuss all the different categories, when you might use them, pros and cons plus price ranges.
We'll cover the following topics in this review and buying guide, built-in speakers, headphones, PC multimedia speakers, guitar amps, hi-fi, studio monitors, PA systems and powered speakers.
Thanks to SANJAY C, and BOBEATS for letting me have some b-roll footage.
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[@dougdixonhull]

Hi woody. Good video on a subject that seems to be overlooked for some reason. I am a gigging keyboard play and have a home studio and home keyboards so in a good position to comment. For many years I used a Peavey KB100 keyboard combo and still use it in my studio for bass guitar. I thought your comment on using a mono signal was interesting as I have have the complete opposite experience. I always run my synths in mono live as a stereo image would get lost in a public space and trying to get your audience to all sit in the middle of the venu would be unrealistic. I am now using a Yamaha Powered mixer and a set of whafdale 12” speaker for my own personal monitoring and sending a mono signal to front of house. It works a treat. I also think using a guitar amp can be a minefield and cause more problems. Maybe for that dirty Rhodes sound it would be ok but a guitar amp is designed to create the guitar sound and you don’t get the full range with lake of bass and no treble horn a piano sound would sound terrible, I know from experience, trust me. Studio monitors are great for home use. I would like to see more videos of this subject and interviews of keyboard players with what they use. Some good information in this video. Thanks again, Doug from the UK

[@jennytaylor3324]

Woody, just want to say this channel has been a Godsend for a tech novice like me. Just bought my first professional keyboard (Roland D50), largely thanks to your comprehensive review vids. Now I'm looking for an amp, and here you are helping me pick one. A big thank you from Chester, England!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

wow, d50, congrats, that's awesome! good luck with the amp, check out my vid "i bought the cheapest PA"...

[@SanjayC]

Wow! I learned a lot. That was so thorough and you explained everything so well.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

ah c'mon bro, you know more than me! thanks for checking it out and for the appearance :) ↑↑↑ this guy for awesome music production vids! ↑↑↑↑

[@stevelemur6113]

Very good introduction to the subject Woody. Before anyone goes out and actually throws their checkbook on the counter, I recommend that you contact your local college or university and through the music department hire a couple of hours of one of the keyboard students time to walk you through the business. Their is no substitute to actually twiddling the knobs and hefting the equipment. A student is usually in a position to tell you what you can get by with and what would be optimum and a lot of what is in between. The choice is not much available these days, but if you are hauling equipment from one venue to another, you want your speakers to be in PLYWOOD cabinets. Sadly almost all the manufacturers have switched over to particle board, which is acoustically better, but a single drop from clumsy fingers will destroy the cabinet. Plywood will bounce where particle board crumbles. Actually glass fiber filled concrete is the best thing acoustically from which to make speaker cabinets because they do not resonate with human hearing range, but they are way too heavy to drag around. I have bought particle board cabinets, torn the drivers (the actual loud speakers themselves - woofers and tweeters) out of the cabinets, and built replacement cabinets out of flooring plywood (1.25 inches thick). One has to maintain the interior volume and port sizes exactly, but you will have drop resistant cabinets which will not lose any sound volume in vibrating the cabinets. If you can tolerate lugging these monsters around, you will never lose a speaker to a four foot drop. If your foot is underneath it when it falls, it will involve several surgeries to rebuild the foot. I used to design loudspeaker systems (both drivers and cabinets) so that is why I am crazy enough to go to all this effort. You normal, sane, people probably will be happy with the equipment right out of the manufacturer's box. Best of luck.

[@MikeFloutier]

Many thanks for this Woody. I've come from a guitar background but have recently started brushing up on my keyboard playing and have been going out on the high street with a friend, with him on acoustic guitar and me on keys and sharing a mic. At first I was dubious as to whether his Fishman Loudbox mini acoustic instrument amp would be OK for keys but I was pleasantly surprised. The keyboard I've been using is a Roland Juno DS-61 which, like the Fishman, runs off rechargeable batteries and only weighs 5kg, so all in all its a very flexible rig. One of the plus points with the Fishman is that, as well as mono inputs for acoustic guitar and vocal, it also has an input in the back panel which accepts the keyboard output.

[@Luthiart]

Good video, Woody. I would just add one tip. I find synths sound better through a solid state bass amp than through a guitar amp. Bass amps can handle lower frequencies better without getting flubby, and they're more powerful than guitar amps. A tube amp can sound nice, but I think they add too much coloration to the sound. Also, a keyboard amp (with a large enough speaker) can be used as a bass amp. I used a Peavey KB100 as a bass practice amp for quite a while, and it sounded great.

[@howardmangrum5413]

My newest monitoring system is a Behringer B1200D subwoofer, feeding two Bose S-1 Pro. For the large gigs I use a pair of Bose L1S with B1 subs. I really like the Bose sound, nice and clear, easy to hear myself over guitars and what not. I find most full range power PA speakers get really directional at high volumes (beamy), where they sound good rather far away and just hurt up close. I really enjoy hearing my keyboards in stereo, mono just doesn't cut it anymore.

[@Hey_you_guys]

I like your tips for home use. As a gigging keyboard player I do not recommend using a guitar amp. Most keyboard players require several sounds to come out of one keyboard and if through a tube guitar amp the piano, strings, brass, ect will sound like crap. If you are only running a single keyboard into the tube guitar amp that sounds good with a little tube crunch like a fender Rhodes then that would probably work for you. I highly recommend a bass amp that has a tweeter in addition to the woofer. Also a powered PA wedge is awesome. I currently use an in-ear monitors with a ls well as a powered Electro-Voice 12 inch wedge so there is some stage volume in my corner of the stage.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes, perhaps I wasn't clear enough about guit amps., only good for retro classic sounds, wurli, rhodes, clav, even organ, and those sounded superb through guitar amp, and were often played through guitar amps back in the day, that's why modern boards like the nord stage have guitar amp sims built-in, cheers!

[@Rich-on6fe]

Those amplifiers with the 'chimney' sticking up out the top (JBL?) sound incredible. Once you get over the fact that it looks like there's a log burner on the stage, the sound is just stunning.

[@ume1346]

for home use with a Yamaha digital piano i used Audio Engine 5 bamboo speakers with the sub. Sounded fantastic.

[@tonymason6686]

Using a pair of KC-350's here. Solves the L/R issue nicely! They kick ass.

[@iseeolly9959]

For gigs try a Turbosound Midas 10 £244: Loud, two inputs (inc mic)...one of the best small Active Speakers I have used...(I once worked for Celestion/Kef in quality control and was a PA engineer in a past life!)...get a pair for less than £500 and you will have a very good, professional PA it is more than enough for an audience of 200.....I have used them in my home as they also sound good at low volume. Cheers !

[@leopoldleoleo]

Wow what a comprehensive video! Just what I was looking for as I start to expand my keyboard game

[@WoodyPianoShack]

wish you best of luck and have fun!

[@peterconnolly2724]

If you gig alone - keys, plus a Mic, maybe, also consider the Bose L1 series. Great sound, very light. We have an EV system - 15" active speakers, 18" active subwoofer, Mackie mixer. With two extra active speakers chained into it, we can handle a 700 person room at dinner party levels. When not being used on gigs or conferences, it lives in the living room, and my wife uses it as a (very loud) home stereo by plugging a bluetooth adapter into it...

[@RewardsHunter]

Thanks! I hooked up some logitech speakers & subwoofer that I wasn't using for my computer and my synth sounds soo much better than with the mini amp I was using!

[@JoseVGavila]

I use amplified monitors: JBL 305, Yamaha HS5, Presonus Eris E5 and JBL 104 on my diferent locations. All of them are fine. The JBL 104 are surprissingly good for their size and price

[@zoomzoom3950]

OK, just ordered a pair of Alto TS315 powered PA cabs, while they're on sale. I have the prior version Alto, with a sub ( a pair of Alto TS210 and one Alto TS212S sub), but I wanted a more portable and dedicated system for my digital keyboards, primarily organ, and other instruments without needing a dedicated sub. I've had my current Alto rig for at least 4 years now, and I use it for everything from my computer rig, keys, guitar and bass. Sound great to me, at a great price. Worth a look.

[@meiwolfy]

Thanks Woody for all this great info. I just want to be sure before buying. I have a yamaha digital piano that doesn't come with speakers. I was using a pair of normal box speakers but would like to replace them for better quality sound. Will monitor speakers be appropriate? Do I have to buy a pair or just one? Thaks much,

[@ANKR_DJ]

Nic and useful information, thanks for the presentation. I'm using a studio monitor set-up for my synths, all connected to my USB interface, sadly it doesn´t have the ability to monitor directly a Stereo input (it combines the 2 inputs in to 1) so I have to route them via DAW mixer in order to have stereo sound

[@v3xman]

This video is timely as I was looking for a way to amplify my keyboard on quick gigs. I am currently looking into Vox Vx50kb keyboard amplifier because it's lightweight and the sound quality and loudness is satisfactory (I tested it with a Kross88 in a store). At home, I'm using an amp with 2 generic bookshelf speakers. I'm probably upgrading them to JBL Series 104 monitors soon because I need more accurate sound. I tried connecting to a guitar amp and for me it sounds horrible. Too tinny and it doesn't have too much dynamic range. I've tried connecting to a PA speaker and it's fine and loud, but it's too heavy for me so it's not an option.

[@dougdixonhull]

I’m using a Yamaha EMX powered mixer and a pair of Whalfdale Titon 12” speakers. It works great. I use the speakers for monitors and send a signal from the mixer to front of house so I have independent volume control. Nice and light too.

[@abrahammartinez9431]

Thank you very much for this greatly informative video. Yes, this has reinforced my predilection for PA speakers. My question to you folks, if had to choose between a QSC CP8 or a JBL IRX-108 - which would you choose?

[@midinut]

Great video Woody! I would also suggest the Aspen Pitman Designs Center Point Stereo SpaceStation v.3 which I currently use for live practicing. It has a front-firing speaker as well as a side-firing one and like magic it really fills up a room. It also has stereo inputs and maintains stereo separation. I am trying to get everyone on In-Ear Monitors ultimately. I have also had great results with a pair of Mackie SM-450s, JBL EONs, and believe it or not, pairs of Behringer B212a’s and B215d’s with B1200 subs; but, with a XR18 mixer that is really a PA system in its own right. Motion Sound also makes some high end stereo keyboard amps.

[@carlosperezbucio6628]

I just got a Bose Acoustimass passive set consisting of 2 speakers and 1 subwoofer. Maybe these could be suitable for my synths running through a powered mixer. I've tried typical keyboard amps but the sound has not been the best, though.

[@Mercury4952]

Hi Woody. Thank's for a very informative walk through of this complex subject. I'm presently looking for a amp/speaker for my newly acquired Hammond XK-3c, but will also be using it for my Korg D1 digital piano. I'm looking for high quality sound, flexibility (like aux input for adding back ground music) and simplicity (i.e. not a pile of speakers, mixer boards, cables etc). 99% will be home use. I'm presently leaning towards the Roland KC-400 combo. I used to love the Roland Blues Cube during my (former) guitar era. But I got a bit concerned over your comment on using a single speaker amp for a stereo signal. Could you - or someone else with experience from this - please comment on my choice?

[@guilherme.teclas]

Great video, Woody! . I have a hi-fi system too, with Onkyo receiver/subwoofer and speakers Yamaha. For practice and lessons this is so good. For mix in the box and others professional purposes I have a pair of Yamaha HS monitors. Two options for each moment in the same room.

[@51MontyPython]

What is it about either option that makes them more suitable/ideal for each application?

[@brickmissing8295]

Great overview Woody. I use an ancient Yamaha subwoofer from an old PC multimedia set to supplement the built-in speakers on my Yamaha P515 piano. Fills out the low end really nicely. Plus the automatic turn on/off feature is really convenient : nothing extra to turn-on, just start playing.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that's a really interesting idea, i've been thinking along the same lines, thanks for the sharing!

[@kevinvandusen7094]

I have a Yamaha Dgx 530 and was very curious on how you wired in the subwoofer to work with your keyboard . Sorry for being ignorant… but I have zero experience with wiring and speakers .? Any direction would be really great! Tia !!

[@brickmissing8295]

@@kevinvandusen7094 My particular subwoofer takes a headphone level signal via a 3.5mm stereo jack (other types of subwoofers may require a line level signal via a phono-plug). So I just connect mine directly to the spare headphone output of the P515. By default the P515 internal speakers shut-off when headphones are plugged in, but there’s a menu setting that lets you have both headphones and speakers running simultaneously. So you need to set this. Then you can just play normally and adjust the subwoofer’s volume and cut-off controls to get a good sound. This then scales automatically with the P515 volume setting. My sub goes into automatic standby mode when the audio input is idle so I don’t even have to turn it on/off - just start playing the piano and it comes on automatically. Nice setup. Definitely improves the overall sound and makes you realise how tinny the P515 speakers sound on their own.

[@Zoco101]

I think I mentioned that I would try using my UMC404 as an interface for my monitors as well as for recording. So your idea works (thank you) and my small mixer is now freed up for other tasks. I really like reducing the clutter, and I like that now I can have my recording interface set up full-time. I did notice some distortion at first, but I cured this by pressing down the pad buttons. In the manual, Behringer says these just reduce the volume, but that's only half the story. I'd say they reduce the gain/signal. I crank the main output dial to almost max, and this compensates for the drop in volume, with no distortion now. I think that many dps give a rather strong lineout signal that can be punishing to speakers. Somehow, my recent mixer cured this automatically, but direct input to powered monitors was sometimes problematic, and the same through some PAs. This problem occured with both my old Yamaha P80 and now again with my Yamaha P-255. Anyway, the pad buttons have done the trick. I mention all this because there must be other viewers having similar issues. It's great having a working interface which is not dependent on proprietory drivers. I could write a book on the problems I had with Steinberg.

[@Victooriux]

Really nice video Woody. I´m just in the right moment for buying an amp that I can carry with me without using my hands. And in the era of all this bluetooth systems with brands like JBL and Bose; I´m considering the idea about going for the Bose Revolve+. It looks like it will do the light part of the job (It has a 3,5mm imput, fits in any backpack, you can use it with internal battery, it´s range seems to be very wide, is omni directional, is light weighted, etc). It costs 229 euros aprox.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

interesting choice, I've considered that option too, but like you say, with line connection. i don't think BT will be good since most keyboards don't have BT, and there are horrendous latencies in the transmission, so line out best! I'm guessing a decent BT speaker will sound similar to keyboards with built-in speakers.

[@ILovsKeys]

Hi, thanks for the useful video. I would like to connect a Korg D1 keyboard to a pair of Presonus Eris 4.5 monitors. Do I need to buy a pair of TS or TRS cables? Thank you.

[@Brendalo1]

Just needing an amp I have a eurorack modular synthesizer, specifically the correct amp that won't be damaged or damage.my system, & correct schematic is there specific amps that avoid using g a mixer ?

[@zoomzoom3950]

I'm primarily an organist, which makes portable amplification difficult; the lowest note (C1) on the Hammond pedals is 32.69Hz, many subs don't get there, and I don't want to schlep a sub. My current home setup has a 12" sub that gets down to 42 Hz. I want stereo separation. I'm currently looking at powered PA speaker cabs with a 15" woofer. A 3-way would be great, but they get expensive compared to a 2-way. Open to recommendations.

[@barneyrubble152]

I use a Nord Stage 3 plus a pair of good quality Yamaha powered PA speakers for live performances. However I'm sure I could improve my sound through correct positioning of the speakers - something I cannot find any advice on. Some suggestions here would be welcome.

[@Jordanchicity23]

I got one for cheap. A 550. does it have proper line outs to then connect to an interface for recording say my yamaha cs reface or Yamaha ew463b. Most my other syths are fine volumewise straight to my motu or ssl 20 hifiz interface but I even use a trick going line into a vintage emx 1 electribe which has 2 12 x7 tube amps I recently replaced. Thsnkd

[@oldschoolwaverider]

Howabout a pair of KrK 4th generation monitors? I am torn between them and a pair of JBL 305p to amplify an Electribe 2 (blue) I'd appreciate any recommendations or advice from folk who have experience with this equipment or any other. I would also plan to use them as monitors for mixing down and mastering music, and therefore I am prepared to make compromises in terms of the way whatever I will buy will perform in each area. Help! 😬

[@angelh1743]

Thank you for the great advice. I learned a lot.

[@1972myc]

What do I use if I am using Dexed with a Laptop and MIDI Keyboard, and how do I connect the laptop to the speakers?

[@eady911]

Thank you for your explanation, I learnt a great deal.

[@JupiterRexMusic]

One thing to consider are amp molders like the Line 6 Helix, AxeFX3, or Kemper (to name a few) and running those through a PA or monitors.

[@dwin4037]

Thanks for this! Great info!

[@xtrofilm]

WOW, very informative and helpful , thank you.

[@eduugr]

Hi woody, good video! What about stereo pre-amps? I was about to but two ART V3 budget pre-amps, would you recommend something else? Thanks so much!!

[@cindygroves5804]

I'm glad you addressed what speakers to use at home with synths. A lot of the recommendations online are aimed at players who gig. I recently got a set of PreSonus Eris 3.5" Bluetooth monitors to use with my synth, and they are good enough for me just playing at home. One monitor is active and the other is passive. The passive monitor connects to the active monitor with red/black wires. I haven't used the Bluetooth feature. Thanks, Woody!

[@theoliviaarchives4794]

Cool. Nice video. I’ve been using a Fender tube amp for my synths and also love it.

[@j-man4132]

Hey man I enjoyed your video. I was wondering if you could help me I’m having an issue with my Motif ES8 apparently for some reason no sound comes out of my amp every time I hook it to my amp it doesn’t work for my Roland and I recently got a Behringer nothing comes out is the issue there maybe something wrong with my board.

[@maxheadrom3088]

Very nice! A good solution is a pair of good speaker boxes (passive) with a D-Class amp (Dayton Audio, Nobsound, SMSL, Lepai) and an active subwoofer with power level sub-channel extractor. I'm looking into using soundbars - I already found 2 channel audio inserters into HDMI (since soundbars usually don't have RCA/TRS inputs) and now I have to find out if the soundbar will extract the subwoofer channel. Subwoofers are really important because the lowest piano key is close to 30Hz. When I have more information I'll come back and comment. I have a Dayton Audio DTA-100 (out of catalog) getting the signal from a Mackie Onyx 820i and sending directly into a pair of JBL LX200 I bought from a church sale for 10 dolars - and they sound great! The DTA used the old T-Class amp chip.

[@machiwoomiapoo]

Very interesting. Keep up the great work. Take care, Sam.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi sam, thanks!

[@photonspark]

Hi Woody, I want to get an older synth from the 90s and connect directly to my home theatre AV receiver. How can I safely do that, with what cables? I've read one needs to be careful as you can damage the amp/speakers. Thanks!

[@hammondvoodoo9555]

For home use, a pair of vintage Roland Cube amps (30 Watts) will do an amazing job for most keyboards. Roland amps get bashed a lot for a reason but the 30 Watts Cube is really an exception. Otherwise, a pair of decent two-way-PA-speakers is a necessity. The companies to look at are Yamaha, QSC and JBL. They deliver a great sound, high volume level and very good built quality for up to 1k $ à piece. High-end two-way-PAs go for around 3-4k $ à piece (Meyer Sound, KS Audio, Nexo, Seeburg, RCF, etc.). I'd go for a 2" horn and 12" or 15" woofer. With this, one should be able to amplify the entire frequency range of a keyboard. For real electric pianos (Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Vintage Vibe), clavinets and Hammond organs a guitar amp might be really great. In case of electric pianos and clavinets a Fender tube amp or Roland Jazz Chorus is spot on, for Hammonds a Marshall Plexi top with cabinet. Though, for Hammonds I'd prefer a tube-amp-driven Leslie speaker (122, 147, 251 or custom-built) any time.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i completely forgot to mention the rotary speaker category!!

[@uhoh007]

Good subject here, very pleasant overview. Speakers make such a difference. My old Denon AV reciever will take 5 speakers and a subwoofer and run them in stereo mode. It drives 2 pioneer sp-fs52 floor standing speakers, a big boston subwoofer, two bose 2-ways, and a Leslie 105. Boards plug into mackie fx8v2 mixer, gain stage with schitt mani. It sounds damn good in a room with a Leslie 760 and 22H and tonewheel as rivals. Speakers, man.

[@timweinheimer1]

I have a pair JBL self powered monitor speakers smaller one.It sounds great

[@JakeSavich]

Thanks cool video with lots of info

[@martindivall2251]

Hi Woody. What type of lead do you use to connect to the MODX to the Logitech Z623

[@daynalee7806]

That helps to clarify a few things. I've always used dedicated guitar amps for guitars and bass amps for bass. Then I started playing the Chapman Stick, which has two separate channels: one for bass and one for the melody. I tried using a mono output to a bass or guitar amp, but I found that the bass amp is not optimal for the melody output and the guitar amp couldn't really handle the bass. For the stick the solution is simple send the melody side to the guitar amp and the bass side to the bass amp. Problem solved!. Then I started playing synths which have a range even wider than the chapman stick. However, unlike the stick, the stereo output of the synth is simply a left and right output, not a bass and treble output. I do not understand why the synth output is stereo when the synth signal path is not. I am wondering if the stereo outputs could be sent through a stereo equalizer to separate the bass from the treble sounds, then feed them to two separate amps; one bass and one guitar. Is that possible and would it be useful? It certainly makes a difference with the Chapman Stick and the range of frequencies coming from a synth is even wider than the Stick.

[@MinimalUnbox]

What’s your thought on Roland KC110. You showed it on your video but I was confused whether you liked it or not? Does it pass your stereo concern?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i saw it runs on batteries, or on a external wall-wart style power supply, for me that indicates it's a toy and not a serious amp, but might be ok for some applications!

[@MickolaustheWonder]

Learned a lot so thanks but I really was looking for info on using a bass amp. I just stepped up into a Korg SV2 and a lot of guys told me just to use my bass amp since I already play bass and have two amps. Your thoughts?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

probably would sound great, you have the amps, give it a try! i'm currently playing my keyboard L/R outputs through two different guitar amps, it sounds fabulous.

[@tasleemadmani3738]

Hi I have a clavanova and I want to add speakers for more stereo sound which speakers should I buy pls advice

[@BigbossJesse1]

Roland kc 550

[@urosz.8455]

what about room acoustic treatment? I is quite important for sound quality

[@nikwax]

Hi Woody, thanks for the video! I do think your comments about stereo sounds canceling each other out is incorrect. First, many keyboards have a summed output (L+R) available, which is a mono output. Second, what you may be thinking about is phase cancellation, and there isn’t any reason why the L and R signals would be out of phase; if they were going to cancel each other when combined electronically, they would also cancel when reproduced via speakers. Technically, you could have a summed signal (L+R), and a differences signal (L-R). The summed signal is monophonic. Combining the summed signal with the differences signal gives you each discrete channel (e.g., L+R+L-R=L).

[@jml7916]

Tight budget so for home I use a thrift store Sony stereo amp and 2 paradigm bookshelf speakers. For gigging I have a pair of Alto TS312 powered PA speakers and they are great. I often place them with the guitarists amps and I can usually balance the sound very nicely. I have to reduce the bass using my mixer. Not the worst problem to have. Why don’t I plug into front of house? I can’t mix it myself that way. Either everyone into the main board and have a sound guy or play like the guitarists do and place my amp with theirs.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

good call on the alto's, i used to use a pair. myself too, i prefer to have my own back-line for my rig, and line-out to front of house when necessary.

[@Esrikon]

@woody piano shack, awesome video and easy to understand. I just bought a Roland Juno88 with a single powered PA speaker over the weekend. Im new to digital setups. I connect the keyboard directly to the powered speakers with an instrument cable, but I've found mixed opinions online about that. Should I use speaker cables connecting my keyboard directly to the powered PA speaker? Thank you so much, in advance! :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi, you don't want speaker cables if you have powered speakers, just a regular instrument cable will do the trick, usually 1/4" jack to jack. some guys might place a mixing desk in between, if you want to connect microphones or more keyboards.

[@Esrikon]

@@WoodyPianoShack thank you!! if I decide to put a mixer between instrument and powered speakers, what type of cable should I run from mixer into speakers?

[@pantelispp]

I once had a Roland Cm30 as a floor monitor, it was great...now I am searching for something portable for the rehearsals only

[@petrus7977]

Are those Wharfedale fit to a lounge/cocktail fancy piano solo gig?

[@StephenRead444]

Hi Woody, I’m interested in buying a Hammond SKX or a Nord C2D , cannot seems to find a good comparison between these. What would you suggest .(if you have any experience of either please )

[@WoodyPianoShack]

sorry stephen, haven't played either

[@magnonfontana7483]

What about connecting a synth to a jbl charge 5? Would it sound good for home use?

[@MrFlint51]

At home I put my Kawai MP6 through a pair of Behringer MS16 monitors. At venues I use stereo DI into the house PA, which will have fold back through good sized monitors. The last place I played had an Allen & Heath digital desk with personal monitoring through phones. I have also used a bass amp for the left channel and a Line 6 modeling amp for the right channel

[@51MontyPython]

Aren't guitar amps designed specifically for instrument-level as opposed to line-level outputs?

[@MrFlint51]

@@51MontyPython Yes, but the MP6 does not have actual line level outputs. It is hard to find out what the level actually is, as Kawai won't say, but when I play it into my Tascam recording interface I set the level knob most of the way round to MIC to get a good strong signal

[@leeBoB4257]

Hi Woody I've just bought logitech z623 on the back of the sub it has a red and white socket, my Novation ultra nova has a red socket, plus all the other sockets of course, so after plugging into the red to red I have no sound, could you please help me. Regards Lee.

[@procta2343]

Hi woody, what mixer do you use? I am looking at connecting my two other keyboards up, to my PC speakers, that I have my Kurzweil connected to, and it would be nice to rock the 3 through a set of head phones, if i want to do some late night practice, when i come home, from work, after been on the late shift.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i don't have any speakers at the moment, phones only. use a small mixer to combine many synths into your phones.

[@jpdenk]

A wonderful video! Any suggestions for specific PC multimedia speakers? I'm particularly interested in the Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 THX system.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi, thanks! you can't get klipsch in my area, but I've had quite good results with the higher-end logitechs.

[@jpdenk]

@@WoodyPianoShack Thanks, Woody, I really appreciate you answering, and so quickly too.

[@elmehdioubouhouch]

what i can use with the nord stage 3 I'm thinking about studio monitor i don't like amplifiers

[@billstotts2346]

Great video. I love my JBL 710. But my all time favorite was my vintage Leslie cabinet rotary speaker. Nothing else is close. You'll need an amp tech to set it up for 1/4" Jack's.

[@nookcyan]

I'm very happy with my Matica 500 and a pair of Alesis Monitor Two!

[@MatthewFant]

For better or worse, I’ve always liked built in speakers. Then I fell for the korg sv1, and had to dive into the wonderful world of monitors. Luckily, with the latest version, the sv2, they have a version that now comes with really good speakers built in. 🤷‍♂️ultimately, great video bro. Love it.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

another thing about built--ins that I forgot to mention is that they make the keys vibrate when you play, it's very nice form of tactile feedback!

[@MatthewFant]

Woody Piano Shack yes sir! 🤘

[@WarrenPostma]

Woody Piano Shack I have noticed some pro keys players would act like playing a keyboard with builtin speakers is unprofessional. They would feel sheepish around their peers. Like someone is judging you. I am now officially too old to care if anyone judged me and I would buy a nice sounding keyboard with a good builtin speaker set. Speakers in 2020 dont have to be huge to have surprising bass response and crystal clear mids and nice high end. Dude with high end nord = cool guy. Dude with low end or midmarket PSR = uncool guy. Lets end this fashion show thing. Do what works. Play your heart out on whatever you have.

[@MatthewFant]

Warren Postma what did people say when Hendrix turned the guitar the way he did? Do you. Who cares what people think. We, as musicians, spend so much time trying to be cool and trendy. It’s about the music. You hear music. You feel it. 🤘

[@heusker]

Can you plug a synth or a vintage analog synth like the SH-101 directly into studio monitors? I have Presonus Eris E3.5 monitors which do not have their own driver in each speaker, so I'm hoping if I just plug into the left speaker with the inputs and amp that it will send the signal to the right speaker too. I have an audio interface, but it is 500 miles away at the moment, and I'm thinking about buying an SH-101.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

normally you would plug that synth into an input on a mixing desk, pan it to center and send to both speakers.

[@williampahlson8106]

do I have to have a set of active pa speakers instead of just one if i plan to only plug in my stage piano?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yeah, the higher-end pc speakers should be ok, you'll need power and bass for the low end.

[@Bartislartfast]

I use a pair of Behringer Eurolive B205D active speakers with my Roland VR-09 and Arturia KeyLab/AnalogLab setup. Mixed through a Behringer 1002FX. I have the monitor speakers mounted on Hercules MS-300B short microphone stands positioned left and right of my keys giving me a personal stereo monitoring solution - competes very well with the other musicians (and bassist) in the band and saves them from 'death by synth' as I still send to the main PA but just don't need so much volume to hear myself.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that's a killer setup, exactly the kind of thing I'd do if I was gigging. I've heard the behringers are solid.

[@isaacsworld9269]

Great timely video. I am looking for such a system for digital piano. I’ve played resident for 30 yrs in the working men’s clubs in UK on `hammonds and synths’ my drummer was the PA whizz and now I am alone I need an idiot proof self contained system. Can anyone suggest a cheaper alternative to the Bose L1?

[@penponds]

Gary Brown hi Gary - I wonder if you’re sorted out yet? When I had money about 7 years ago I bought a pair of KRK Rokit 6’s. At the time I had a Hammond XK1 and lots of virtual analog synths that I used with an Arturia midi keyboard. Absolutely fantastic sound from the Rokits for anything “electric”. I later acquired a Kurzweil SP4-8 to get the most realistic piano sound without a real piano, but the Rokits weren’t so convincing for that purpose. But they’re overall a hard act to improve on. I wondering could I take the output of my Kurzweil into an old A/V amp which might offer me more “sound colouring” opportunity. No idea about that side of things!

[@klangdownab910]

Lucas nano 600 series

[@paulwheeler1199]

I use two Alto TS-12 's and an Alto mixer. Best keyboard amps iv ever had. Been playing in bands for 30 years. Iv had so nanyvsmps but they ne er seem to " cut the mustard "

[@jpdj2715]

Headphones - I bought Sennheiser HD 660S because in ear and closed over-ear worn long hours causes sweat and infection. There seems to be a slightly cheaper HD6XX, btw. These are really neutral to my ears and had I been disappointed in the past about the lower octaves of open end, this time I was surprised by how good the lower end of these is. You keep contact with your environment through them and it is easier to hear how loud you play.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

I totally agree, I should pick up a pair of nice over-the-ear cans myself.

[@fuckup5555]

The best arrangement is a powered mixer driving a pair of home stereo speakers. This gives excellent sound at a reasonable cost and the ability to add other instruments or record.

[@EliteAgent2323]

So if I understand correctly, it's possible to connect external studio monitors/speakers straight to the keyboard, without an audio interface? The reason I ask this is due to the fact that I don't do much music production, but rather just play to enjoy and also because I play at a home congregation/"mini"-church. I recently bought a Yamaha MODX7 keyboard, which I'm very impressed with and satisfied with the quality it has. However, it has no built-in speakers, which means that I need external speakers. I've been deciding whether to choose from the Yamaha HS5 White Studio monitors or the KRK Rokit 5 G4 studio monitors, and if it turns out to be true that I don't need an audio interface, and can just plug in the monitors/speakers into my keyboard and just play, that would be fantastic.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes, a pair of active studio monitors will plug direct into your synth/keyboard. the audio interface is needed to get sounds out of your PC. you'll need a mixer if you want to connect multiple keyboards. have fun!

[@WarrenPostma]

Another category of solution is the FRFR cab. Basically A stereo full range powered speaker cabinet meant for guitarists to use with their modelling rigs and also a very capable full range high quality amp. Maybe if full stereo separation is wanted then pas are a better choice but if you play keys plus guitar try FRFR. I use a pair of studio monitors at home and use house PA when out.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks for the suggest, was not aware this category existed, interesting!

[@WarrenPostma]

Woody Piano Shack as a guitarist learning keys what I wonder is if FRFR is a case of selling a PA in a cabinet made to look like what guitarists are expected to haul to a gig. Guitarists like most humanoids are fashion conscious. Does my gear look “professional”? Anyways keyboard players probably would benefit from a PA stereo pair on poles over FRFR for most live or home settings.

[@mac651000]

I'm a home keyboarder, I have a Roland FA 07. I am thinking of purchasing a pair of Adam's. The 3AX, which will fit nicely on my desk without too much intrusion. I currently use headphones or my PC speakers, a pair of Monitor Audio WS 100's, which are great sounding when listening to music or dialogue through mu computer, however, they are limited when used as an amplifier for the FA 07. They don't have enough base, which I knew at the time I bought them, as I only intended to use them as PC speakers. Any thoughts please, Woody?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i haven't tried any of those, so really hard to advise. a decent 2.1 system perhaps would be adequate at home?

[@mac651000]

@@WoodyPianoShack Thank you

[@adrianmarquez8345]

How would like say, some EAW speakers work as far as keyboard amplification?

[@ShotecMusic]

Amazing video!!! Thank you! ... I personally don't like using headphones if I don't have to since the sound is vibrations of the air/the particles around you, you can feel the sound with your whole body since the skin is great mechanical receptor. I feel great listening to the sound not only with my ears :))

[@ShotecMusic]

I'm not talking about blasting speaker cones out of the cabinets. I still prefer loudspeakers even on low volume than using headphones.

[@redbyrd9241]

have a Roland KC500 and a KC550. big but awesome sound

[@DaraM73]

Good man, great topic and much needed for folks. My issue, how to amp a Rhodes Mkii Stage, Nords, Korgs etc

[@WoodyPianoShack]

nice problem to own that one!

[@DaraM73]

Woody Piano Shack thinking Roland JC129 or 40, which is stereo.

[@troypol343]

I had two Roland amps (KC-350 and smaller KC-150) and I did not like them. They are covered with that crappy carpet/cloth and they did not sound good to me. I guess I will look into a stereo PA next.

[@artyarts-sake4420]

Hi there, I have a Kawai CA59 and whilst I love the piano the sound from the built in speakers just seems to a fall a bit short. They are technically 50w each speaker. My question is, would you recommend that I get external speakers and if so any makes recommended? Also what is the minimum Watt per speaker should I go for. Thankyou.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

wow, i would love a ca50! most people using active monitor loudspeakers, don't worry the watts will be enough for home use. get 2, and at least with 5" woofers for the bass.

[@artyarts-sake4420]

@@WoodyPianoShack Thanks for getting back so quickly. Any specific model you could link me to. When it comes to speakers and such I am totally clueless tbh :)

[@artyarts-sake4420]

@@WoodyPianoShack Saw on Amazon a studio monitor called Adams T5V. Would 2 of them be good?

[@MatthewHarrold]

I've been pondering what to do with my pair of JBL EON 15" (circa mid-90's) since I only play synths (these retired days) via a Logitech PC <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="121">2:1</a> left-over system or headphones. The steel mesh is rusting, the pots are noisy, but they belt out a bucket of sound. I once had a Roland amp, but it sucked. The EON's did around 700 gigs before being perched precariously on a ledge under my house. Covered in cobwebs ... they deserve better. $0.02 ... I think you're on the ball with this video.

[@jerrysherron3553]

Take off the mesh and spray paint it ...works wonders ....pots can be easily replaced

[@PhotoTrekr]

I recently purchased an electronic drum kit to add to a growing list of instruments that I cannot play. It's sometimes suggested that an amp for a drum kit will also be suitable for keyboards. Having a Yamaha MODX8 I was able to test this theory. I should say that I was looking for amps for home and not for gigging. I first tried a Yamaha MS45DR which is a 2.1 system marketed for drums. I found the set lacking for drums but happened upon a video of an identical set being used at a NAMM convention with a Yamaha keyboard. So I tried it with my Yamaha keyboard and thought it sounded great. But, I still needed an amp for my drums. My next purchase was a Simmons DA2012B amp for drums. And I'm glad to say that it works great with my drum kit. But, it doesn't sound so great with my keyboard. So, that's been my experience looking for amps for keyboard and drums. Previously I was using a pair of Yamaha HS5 monitors with my keyboard. But, since they lack bass, I've ordered a HS8S to go with the HS5 speakers.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i would think drum amps would sound good for keys, both require full range, lots of punch and power.

[@PhotoTrekr]

@@WoodyPianoShack From my limited experience, I would say, if possible, try before you buy or at least research the particular model in which you are interested. As an example, I found another video with the small 2.1 Yamaha speakers and subwoofer being sold with a Yamaha keyboard from several years ago. I guess it wasn't a big seller. So, they remarketed the speakers for drums. To me, they are under powered for drums. But, work great for their original purpose, keyboards for home use. Love your channel, Woody.

[@AnomieDomine]

I went with the $99 Donner drum amp and it's pretty good for synth and e drums. No issue with stereo instruments if you wire it correctly

[@patrickmccolloster6328]

Great video and very funny as well!

[@synthplayer1563]

Very good and practical overview. For home synth and media use my recommendation would be a 2.1 system Concept C by Teufel or the fabulous IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors.

[@yeeho.nathan2929]

This was so helpful! Thanks so much for this great overview :D

[@davegill7614]

Wish I had watched your video first woody...have just purchased a roland kc350 amp for home..I play piano and my niece likes to sing....I have a roland fp30 keyboard...I have no idea how to connect it to the amp...will the amp be ok to play and sing thru for home use? Cheers

[@WoodyPianoShack]

bit late to be asking if you've already bought! but it's got mic and line inputs so it'll work out fine! just connect keys with instrument jack cable

[@davegill7614]

@@WoodyPianoShack easy in hindsight woody....wish I had seen your video...wondering if I should go for a stereo amp...I could probably get most of my money back on the kc350 on ebay

[@michaelleggieri7135]

This is a big issue with me I bought these qsc speakers for my digital piano for playing out . They just don't come close to my home monitor speakers .

[@michaelcarr4139]

Same.

[@ChristofRoeyaert]

Interesting video. I have a Kawai MP11SE, which I mostly use for playing acoustic piano in a home environment. I bought it with a Roland KC-220 stereo keyboard amp, and I must say it sounded pretty good. However, I believe it's safe to say I let myself getting carried away with all the hype surrounding studio monitors that I sent back the KC220 (which gets destroyed in about every review I can find) and bought a pair of iLoud Micro Monitors instead. Now, these actually sound good and are good value for money, but I have a feeling they sound less realistic than the KC220. By realistic I mean less than a real acoustic piano would sound, with the sound resonating from the soundboard, basically surrounding you. For this reason I think I might replace the Micro Monitors with a pair of Roland CM30s connected in stereo mode. Maybe this is an idea for a future video, sort of like a spin-off of this video : how to make your digital piano sound like a real one (or at least, as close as you can get). Been looking at the iLoud MTM speakers, which you can calibrate to the room you're in, but I think those will be too flat as well in the end. In any case, love the channel, keep up the good work !

[@51MontyPython]

Wouldn't a flat frequency response be theoretically ideal for faithfully reproducing the original sound of the DP, as opposed to an amplification choice which colors the sound? I would assume that this is the reason so many prefer studio monitors over keyboard amps. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@sorinoprea5365]

I got a Roland 220 which is just perfect, I love it and everything I heard so far is under kc 220, many of haters said that is not loud enough but is simply not true, I tried it in normal reharsel room and a medium church and no problem as well.

[@jamesbondaygee]

I tried plugging in my niece Marley Bluetooth speaker to my synthesizer and it could not handle the sound, it was distorting and not working at all. Well it would work but I just could not handle the depth of sound. I'm surprised because the Marley speakers produce excellent sound. So what's wrong with that set-up.

[@matthewrowles6881]

Ive been playing guitar for 30 years and have wanted to get into synths, drum machines, and so on and my main concern is volume, I want something that can be heard when going toe to toe with my 4x12 100watt guitar stack. Looks like a PA is the way to go

[@sunnysuman1255]

I have the same headphones. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Ohms, They're great sounding.

[@penponds]

Sunny Suman same here. Have had mine for over 5 years now - they’re fantastic.

[@TIffSunbacon]

Thanks Woody, very interesting and informative. But in your bit on the Roland KC rangge you commented that for some reason they get rather a bad press online and then you would come back to that. I don’t think you did! Would you like to expand? In my research for gigging it seems to be a two horse race between the Roland KCs and Behringer.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

Ah, ok, the reason people bash the KCs might be because 1) they are the most popular brand of keyboard combos, 2) most are mono and we know what happens when we run a stereo keyboard in mono

[@TIffSunbacon]

@@WoodyPianoShack Gotcha. Could I be cheeky and ask just one supplementary?: do you have a view on the Behringer KXD15?

[@TheIvoryman]

I will address this question from the angle of keyboard sound systems for live performance situations. I have played keyboards in bands for near 50 years. And, to some of you, I know, that means I’m probably an old fart that couldn’t know much. LOL!!! But, to this day I still play live and have continued to stay at the front edge of technology. I have played in various sized venues. But, the average sized rooms I’ve mainly worked in, seating capacities ranged from 150 to mostly under 500 people. On a couple of occasions, I have played through and heard other keyboard players using ‘Keyboard Amps’ from Roland, Peavey, etc. These boxes are usually heavy, awkward, expensive and mostly pathetic sounding. The truest and most pleasing sound production will come through the use of a decent quality pair of powered PA speakers. I have found that a system with a high frequency horn loaded driver and a 12” subwoofer work quite well for rooms of the above size. There are many companies making similar units like EV, JBL, Behringer and the like. Obviously, large venues will require a bump up in size and wattage. But, my advice is to go the powered PA speaker route. You need a wide frequency response with absolute minimum distortion or coloration.

[@volksbahn]

Thanks. I am planning to get amplification for my Yamaha CP88 stage piano. For studio and a very small setting of maybe 20 seats. I like the QSC K10.2 but can afford only one and not a pair. I could settle for a pair of QSC CP12 if that’s what makes the difference. Your thoughts?

[@jaygascoigne]

Agreed, I use Yamaha DBR12 two for stereo and love the sound they produce. Also use just one on the side for a monitor angled up to me. Good price too