KB 1 20-Watt 1x8 Keyboard Amp

I've had a ton of amps in my day, but nothing matches Peavy for versatility, price, and simplicity. This one is no exception. Great range, the bass is as deep as you could hope for a speaker of this size (KB2), and there is absolutely zero buzz/fuzz background hiss. 4 inputs is great (3 "channels" and one "monitor"). Peavy is the carhartt pants or ford tucks of amps or whatever you want to use as your classic go-to standard euphemism. I play bass, keyboard, drum machine, and sometimes run vocals through this, with 100% satisfaction. Two of them in stereo would be sick, or pair this as your floor speaker with a couple Kali LP6 monitors, and you're set for life.

I bought one of these used several years ago, and was sad that I had to give it up. It's basically a one man PA system for someone like me, since I used the two Instrument inputs for my bass guitar and backing audio from my iPod as a drum machine of sorts. If needed, I could always use the mic line for added vocals, though I've only had need to do it a few times. Still, I love that it's always an option if I want it. The biggest selling point for me was being able to individually adjust the volume and tone options for each input on the unit itself, rather than having to adjust them separately with pedals or mixers. The adjustments are pretty basic, just affecting the low/high range outputs, but that's enough for me to be honest. The volume output is pretty impressive too, I could easily take this thing to a large show and I don't think anyone would have a problem hearing me turned up, not even at max volume. Never actually used it for keyboard stuff though, even though it's technically a keyboard amp. Still, great for bass playing. Would recommend this thing any day.

I purchased this keyboard amp for our church youth group. We were setting up a sound system with separate amp, mixer, power and speakers, but it was more complicated than what we needed. This amp is super easy to roll around and has multiple inputs for instruments, mics, and other audio. The sound is excellent. With a guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and a couple of mics this amp works great for our needs. I also love the way it sounds with an acoustic guitar. Very clear crisp highs and rich lows. Overall, it has been money well spent.

Before I explain why I've rated this four stars as opposed to five, let me begin by saying this amp sounds AMAZING. There is absolutely no buzz and only has a barely distinguishable white noise when listening in a quiet space. Both bass and treble are super clear; I've never heard my keyboard sound so good out of an amplifier. Is it as good as a full PA system? No, but for practicing, performing in space with no sound system or even using it as a monitor, this amp is fantastic. There are four channels, all with stereo inputs and high and low EQ do not impede on each other's signals at all, allowing you to have four different line level instruments plugged in at once! One channel also has an XLR input for a microphone. Yes, you can play and sing and have it all amplified, along with a couple buddies to back you up. A fifth channel exists that can allow for a monitor input that plays a pre-recorded track or click track. Better yet, this channel can have output sent just to a separate headphone mix, so that you can play with a metronome in your headphones without it coming out the amp speakers. The amp also features send/returns for effects and pedal boards to either one particular channel or to all combined inputs or both. You can also connect the amp to another external speaker to create a real stereo sound if performing in a wide space or if you just need another monitor speaker. As if that wasn't enough, all inputs to the amp can additionally be sent via XLR outs to a mixing board and from there to a PA system, all with no discernible degradation of signal, allowing you to do volume and basic EQ mixing for a four-piece band right from the amp itself! I just completed a theater gig that lasted for three weekends, having my keyboard and an acoustic guitar plugged into the amp and the signal sent to a mixing board and out to the house speakers. It worked great, and we were able to use the amp as a monitor. I will certainly do a similar setup again. All right, so what's the problem? The amp is very heavy, which for the quality is kind of expected. However, the outer casing is in many places composed of a hard, dense foam material underneath the leather skin that seems to dent a little too easy. It is hard to set the amp down gently, even after rolling it (yes, it has wheels, but just two), and one of the stubs it sits on has already been dented into the foam shell and now it won't sit perfectly flat on a smooth surface. None of this has affected the amp's performance. The other issue is that I had problems with the sound crackling at times and even briefly cutting out entirely (not affecting the signal sent through the XLR outs). Peavey customer support can be slow and was quite unhelpful, asking that they or an authorized specialist take a look, which there was no time for, since the theater gig was underway. A friend looked inside and tightened the colored wires going to the 10-inch speakers simply by pushing them in a bit snugger. The remainder of the theater run went without a hitch and it appears the amp is working perfectly now. Perhaps things got loosened a bit in transport and shipping. I am bothered by Peavey not knowing of this ridiculously easy fix despite how detailed I described the problem to them. If the problem returns, I will update this review. The bottom line is that I love this amp, but have had a couple aggravating things happen regarding the denting, crackling and Peavey customer support. Really, this is a 5 star amp in so many capacities, but I would feel amiss to not share these stories in case anyone experiences similar issues.

Powerful sound in a small package. Good range for keyboards.

Speaker died after 5 months. Amp still turns on and headphone jack works but the speaker is dead and silent. Unfortunately outside of 30 return policy so will have to get an amp from another company. While it worked it sounded good though so still recommended - just for people who only need an amp for a single performance or short tour.

home use

Llegó en tan sólo 2 días (mas el domingo que no lo cuento). Empaque adecuado para el peso del amplificador, muy bien protegido. El sonido es muy bueno. Conecté dos teclados y una guitarra y no se vicia. Lo usaremos mi hijo y yo para tocar en casa y tal vez sea suficiente para sonorizar un café pequeño. Muy buena adquisición, lo recomiendo.

Perfect for electronic drums. Great sound for a small amp. I use my drums mostly is the house and this amp is perfect for that.

Se oye bien

Great, small amp. Perfect for practise, and loud enough for gigs in small venues.