What's your choice for a small combo amp?

I enjoyed the CM-30's but now it's time to move on. I'd like something a little bigger, say 50-75 watts, at leat an 8" speaker, multiple ins/outs, maybe even some effects. I have a Kustom KM100, similar to a Roland KC350, so something definitely smaller and easier to handle. Any thoughts? How about a KC150 or the newer KC Cube60? Crate, Behringer, what do you like? Also under $300 +/-
KC-60



[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 09-18-2008).]

For smaller one-nighters, I use a Roland Cube 60 (closer to $400.00), a Polytone Mini-Brute (over $400.00), A Carvin three channel ($449.00) or a Yamaha 200 watt 8 channel ($369) head and a selection of one or more small cabintes-usually 12".

Often, it's two jobs a night, so I mix and match as needed. No experience with Berringer.

Works for me.


Russ

Hey Russ,
How do you feel it works as a mono system? No issues?

This is not meant to lead to a stereo/mono debate (there's been enough of them!!) just curious..I have been using stereo system, but lugging 2 power amps is getting to be a bit of a pain. (I use one for the stereo tops, and the other in bridge to run the mono sub)

Dennis

I tend to find that self powered PA speakers handle the full range demands of the arranger better than most stage amps, which are often primarily designed to help a keyboardist hear himself through the clutter of a live band's stage sound, hence a bit middle-y and over-present to my ears.

If you want to hear your arranger at it's best, I would recommend a tiny mixer with FX (Behringer or Mackie make good enough ones of those) and hook it to a small Eon, Behringer or Mackie PA powered speaker to keep it cheap, Yorkville or FBT if you've more to spare...

A hair more wiring to do, but add a small powered sub later on, and you've got yourself a pretty decent small PA, there. Start with one speaker, add the other when stereo beckons!

Cass, I have one of these I bought for small jobs..I have always owned one for the last 20 years...

$150 delivered to your door...If interested email me..

I have been using a Yamaha MSR100 , little powered monitor for years. Works great as a monitor for my big rig on stage and as a main amp for things like when I'm playing in the pit for musicals and things like that.
http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,,CNTID%25253D15246%252526CTID%25253D229300,00.html

There's the link.

I don't know how to post pictures on here or I would do that.

Jeff

[This message has been edited by travlin'easy (edited 09-19-2008).]

Yamaha PAS300 system. Why not use stereo for a small room? Light and easy to set up and carry. and Stereo for $549.99

Dennis, I use the mono stuff with the old Solton MS 60's, and don't notice much of a problem. When I need stereo (like with the SD-5, and Midjay (when I start to use them), I'll use the Yamaha head, which is stereo. I used two channels on a mono head once, and pianos sounded better. I'm sure the stereo thing would be a bigger issue with different equipment. I also usually use the pianos from an old Yamaha tone generator and controller on top of the MS-60's into their own mono channel and that seems to work pretty well.

Russ

How do you post a picture here?

When you post a reply just to the left of the blank space you write in you'll see in small green print *UBB Code is ON click on that and it will show you how to.

Cass I have a KC 150 Roland keyboard amp. It's not too bad for what it is. I usually just use it at home for my Pa2xPro. A few years ago I used it on gigs, it's good for smaller gigs.

Thx m8

D

Sorry. I'm not understanding the posting procedure.
Do I type in [img] and then paste the picture and then type [img] again.

[This message has been edited by Musicman22 (edited 09-19-2008).]

[This message has been edited by Musicman22 (edited 09-19-2008).]

Find the link to a photo you want to post. You need to use a link where ever your photo is located. In the case of this photo and the Roland KC150 I found it at
http://medias.milongamusic.com/Photos/Zoom/100227Z.jpg

Next step is to place [img] before the http, then place [/img] after the .jpg extension in the example above. That's all there is to it. Hope that helps.



[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 09-19-2008).]

You should also check out the Groove Tubes Space Station Mk II.



This unit produces a stereo image from a single, small and lightweight (at just over 30 lbs.) cabinet. If you need more that the two 1/4" L/R stereo inputs you could always add a small Behringer or similar mixer. And there is a sub-woofer out if you require more bottom end punch.

I played through the first version of the Space Station and it was impressive. The Mk II has several improvements so it may be worth taking a look at.

Transport to the Groove Tubes Website

Dave

------------------
Wm. David McMahan
LearnMyKeyboard
JazzItUp Band

The new Traynor K1. A little more money but a "Hell-of-a Amp"
http://www.traynoramps.com/products.asp?type=9&cat=57&id=406



[This message has been edited by JCkeeys (edited 09-19-2008).]

While I'm at it, I would like to mention the Traynor K4 as a very, very nice stereo amp.



I owned another popular stereo keyboard amp and was under-impressed with it. I just received the K4 and it is absolutely great!

Transport to the Traynor Website

Dave

------------------
Wm. David McMahan
LearnMyKeyboard
JazzItUp Band

I use 2 roland kc60 and 2 peavey kb2 each costing about $250 and very light. Paula

http://www.barbetta.com/html/Live/live.html

sorry

[This message has been edited by Musicman22 (edited 09-20-2008).]

I refrained from mentioning the Barbetta Sona 31 because cassp noted that he was interested in staying under $300. Like many of us, I do music for a living, and I want to be certain that my tools are the best quality I can afford. I use the Sona 31 for my small restaurant gig and I chain a Sona 32 and the 31 for a larger restaurant that I do weekly. Of all the small combos that I've had over the years, Barbetta - IMHO - has the best range, and power per pound. I know that Donny didn't like the fact that the Barbettas are fan cooled. I've never noticed any fan noise and I paid close attention since Donny mentioned it in one of his posts. I only use the Barbettas for my regular small gigs - my main system is still the Bose stick
Ciao,
Jerry

Dave-just picked up the little Groove Tubes unit yesterday. I'll use it tonight. Didn't know they made a sub. I'll check it out. this thing is pretty cool.


R.

Hi Russ,

Please do let us know what you think of the Space Station Mk II. To clarify, Groove Tubes does not sell a powered sup specific to the Space Station. Any powered sub should do the trick. I have a Motion Sound SW-15, which is probably way overkill for the Space Station, but with the Traynor K4, my amp rig is great sounding.

Best Regards,

Dave


------------------
Wm. David McMahan
LearnMyKeyboard
JazzItUp Band

[This message has been edited by WDMcM (edited 09-22-2008).]

Dave, this little unit will work fine for a house job I've been on for more than 2 years. Piano in the MS-60 sounds better, actually. Plenty of volume. Not for every job, but relatively portable. I'm going to try it with a small mixer (an old mixpad 9) for use with a nylon guitar and two keyboards. Might even use an ARP effects unit to see how it sounds with a vocal mike.

I like it!


Russ

I too, am a fan of the K4, which I purchased on Fran's recommendation. The unit had a small electronic problem which resulted from poor packaging for shipping (this is a common complaint of Traynor) but was easily repaired. When properly set up (channel 1) it makes my Nord C1 organ scream and more than enough volume to compete with acoustic drums and (jazz) guitar in a medium sized club setting. Although there IS a mic imput, I don't use it for vocals (seperate system). Modules, such as a Sonicell, sound good with it as well, with good seperation from the organ channel. A little klunky to carry but a great choice if you don't mind spending a few extra bucks.

chas

PS: Dave, really liked the band video with the "B". Good to see someone playing pedals for a change (I use the Roland PK7a with the Nord which works very well).

Thanks Chas,

I have retired my big organ for the far more portable XK Pro System (seen in some of the other videos). I had purchased the Hammond XPK200 but just can't get used to the short pedals. So I am in the process of building a set of MIDI bass pedals from an old set of original B3 pedals. The woodwork is complete and now I just have to install the electronics. Can't wait 'till I'm finished.

Dave

------------------
Wm. David McMahan
LearnMyKeyboard
JazzItUp Band

[This message has been edited by WDMcM (edited 09-24-2008).]

The cooling fan in the Barbetta Sona 32C is a 120-mm computer fan that is very quiet and suspended on bungee cord so there is no vibration to the case and other components. The earlier 32s didn't have a cooling fan and sometimes overheated and cut out at higher volumes. A couple vents and an inexpensive fan from Dollar Store solved the problem.

Gary

I hear you with the short pedals. I'm still not completely comfortable with the PK7a, not to mention that they tend to "creep" (finally had to 'tie' it to the stand). Your midi-converted "B3" pedals sounds like an 'adventurous' project but at $2000 for the Pro XK pedalboard (plus expression pedal), I can see looking at an alternative solution. Good luck, and if you have the time, post a picture of the finished project (maybe with an explanation of how you use the tabs to trigger the midi notes). BTW, with me it's the weight, with both the organ and the pedals. I even resent the 34lbs that comes with the pk7a. That's 1 lb. more than the organ . For the record, I'm half-heartedly looking for a mint B3/122 for my home (for < 15k). I'm still working on getting Capt. Russ to adopt me .

chas