need an amp!

Well, this is the not-so-fun part of getting ready to gig after a very long time off...I was hoping to avoid getting an amp but it looks like I'm going to need one for practice and for smaller gigs.

I know this will be a tough question to answer from afar, but: what wattage/size would be adequate for practice with acoustic drums? Way back in the day I had a Peavey KB-300 and that was *more* than enough (never turned that thing past 3 let alone 11). I would love to avoid something of that weight if possible; my back would thank me.

Effects are not necessary on the amp. Mic inputs could possibly find use but they are not a priority. Reliability, good sound, good headroom/no noise, and cost...the four horsemen of the purchasing apocalypse....I realize that "cost" doesn't go with the other ones

I'm also considering some kind of powered monitor(s)...I have unpowered studio monitors or otherwise this option would be more appealing.

Any and all suggestions welcome!

Consider the Roland KC60

That does look pretty good...will 40 watts be enough for practice/small gigs? My (prospective) bandmates thought 50-100, but honestly the wattage seems to be all over the map on some of these, or at least just one of the factors...One of the Behringers I saw in Guitar Center was 300W but after the salesman cranked it there was no way it was even half the volume of my old KB 300.

Thanks for the info.

mackie srm450 + a small mixer(my mixer cost 30$ new)

this is the loudest cleanest most bang 4 the buck

JBL eon or two as first choice. Eden nemesis bass combos as a more hifi rig thats very capable with keyboards as well as bass and guitar. Their compression driver tweeters are very good with the treble range. Light weight combos even for their 1x15 with tweeter. Around 35 pounds if memory serves me right when was useing them years ago.

If it's a band situation just use the PA and skip a kybd. amp - it's not necessary. At every band rehearsal I've ever been to we did that - bringing a kybd. amp is redundant. If you have no band PA, invest in a decent mixer and a good pair of powered spkrs. & you're all set for rehearsal - for kybd. amplification and for the main PA spkrs.

On stage, however - that's a different story: you'll want a kybd. amp or powered PA speaker or speakrs near you to monitor your own sound, while sending the signal from your amp or mixer over the FOH PA (Front Of House), which is what is heard "out front" by the audience.

Some good choices for kybd. amps are:

Motion Sound KP200S or the newest, more powerful KP500SN

The KC60 sucks so bad, it's really hard to describe the full suckiness.

The only KC's that are even close to competing with drums are the KC-350 and the KC-550 (or older KC500). Unfortunately, they also don't sound very good for a wide range of sounds (very peaky/unbalanced performance) and are very expensive for what they are, unless you find a good deal on a used model. The KC-5x0 has wheels that are useful, partly because they weigh a ton.

Powered PA speakers are now a much better way to go than keyboard amps, unless you spend some serious bucks for a Traynor K4.

Take a look at the Behringer B212A/B215A, Tapco Thump TH15A, Mackie SRM450, Samson DB300A/DB500A, JBL PRX512M, or the Mackie SA series. Those are ordered from lowest to highest price. The B212A are as good or better than most keyboard amps, at a much cheaper price. The rest are much better, at higher prices but still reasonable vs. keyboard amps.

If it's a band situation just use the PA and skip a kybd. amp - it's not necessary. At every band rehearsal I've ever been to we did that - bringing a kybd. amp is redundant. If you have no band PA, invest in a decent mixer and a good pair of powered spkrs. & you're all set for rehearsal - for kybd. amplification and for the main PA spkrs.

 

On stage, however - that's a different story: you'll want a kybd. amp or powered PA speaker or speakrs near you to monitor your own sound, while sending the signal from your amp or mixer over the FOH PA (Front Of House), which is what is heard "out front" by the audience.

 

Some good choices for kybd. amps are:

 

Motion Sound KP200S or the newest, more powerful KP500SN

 

Whats the best DI to use if you're running straight into the PA mix?

So far a lot of different suggestions ranging from the not so expensive to the "I wish I could afford that". You have to decide what your budget is and then look at the options in that price range I don't think it's necessary to invest 1500 bucks or more on boutique cabinets and a powered mixer if you are playing in the basement with some friends or gigging occasionally. A single powered monitor, even a low end one like the Behringers, would be fine for that kind of appllication. But if you have the $$ to spend, by all means, go high end. High end gear makes everyone happy!

The best DI is no DI, since you often don't need one for a keyboard running under 40' to the mixer. The second best is a good stereo active DI that runs off phantom power, when running through a snake or more than 40', if there's a ground loop occurring, or if a pad switch is needed to prevent overloading a mixer input (like if only mic inputs are available, not line inputs).

Some of your suggestions cost more than the K4. Once you start hitting the $750 range, you're probably better off with the Traynor.

Wow, thanks for the suggestions everyone. One thing is clear, I'll check into powered monitors a bit more. A friend has a pair of Mackies (the 450 ones mentioned I think) in his PA and he really likes them.

Unfortunately I crossed lines and bought two guitars recently (fyi, those are stringed instruments that plug in, no power cables or anything ) so the better half breathes fire at the thought of music purchases right now. However, I do need an amp so I'm probably looking at "used, cheap, and not-so-good" for right now.

The Motion Sound stereo keyboard amps have their own lo-z direct line out - just run two mic cables to the PA.

BTW/FYI: there are some threads in the "other forum" concerning problems with the new JBL EON 515's... some are apparently defective and people are having problems with them delivering the same volume as the older EON's. Word is that people are buying and returning them.

I suggested the small Roland KC 60 as a practice/small venue amp. If that's all you anticipate you'll need, then go for it.

That being said, I'd invest in amps or powered speakers with the future in mind. I own two Roland KC 350s, and they are plenty loud for all of my gigs. They also have a cool stereo line out feature, meaning you can run to the PA if you're playing a larger venue and need more volume. They're bassy, too, so be prepared to roll off the low end.

I have not had good luck with the Behringer 215As. They crapped out before I could get them to a gig. YMMV.

Haven't heard the Mackies, but have heard a Triton through a pair of JBL Eons - sounds fantastic.

Bottom line: Before you invest some cash on amps or speakers, do the test drive thing. Take your board to the store and run it through the ones you are considering, regardless of price. Let your ears be your guide. We can only offer you our opinions based on our experiences (and, let's face it, biases). Just remember that whether you pick powered monitors or amps, they are just as much of an instrument as your board.

Good luck in your search.

One SRM450 is what I use. I like that solution a lot more than my previous Roland KC amp.