Roland KC-220 Battery Powered Stereo Keyboard Amplifier

Portable amps can lack in power and sound; this one does not.Unlike a guitar amp this amp beautifully covers the whole spectrum of frequencies while being loud enough to perform a small-group professional gig without a PA system.I use it because of the aux input has it's own gain/volume knob; if your playing backing tracks through it, like I do, you'll never have a problem making sure the gain is sufficient.You can also run an xlr to your wireless set-up and run effects through that as well, as I do, making this a butt-kicking speaker for any wind instrumentalist, although its technically a keyboard amp.I was thinking to use a portable Boise consumer grade speaker, about $350, but those are not powerful enough to play professional gigs.

I moved on from my trusty micro cube to this monster and was pleasantly surprised. I packs a huge punch in a small package, and it is stereo! The batteries last around six hours under normal conditions. The battery box is a little clunky to removed and reinstall. I wish Roland offered a rechargeable battery pack option. The included A/C adapter works fine, but like a laptop computer the transformer is external, so it is not just a cord that you plug in. It is a cord that plugs into the wall, then into the power adapter, and then into the amp.All in all, it is a great amp, that I am sure will last years to come. It is very well build with a solid feel.

This is my first keyboard amp and only had it a few days, so far I believe I made the right choice, as others said it’s not particularly loud volume wise but seems to sound good as is ideal for at home use (which is what I purchased it for) and fits perfectly for my two Yamaha Reface YC (organ) and CP (electric piano) and all three have the option of both running on batteries (when required) and in stereo, although I’ve yet to try that. Furthermore it has the option to mount onto a speaker floor stand and optional foot pedal to operate the effects “chorus and reverb” and with those I’m hoping it will double as an electro acoustic guitar amp. Thanks GAK for suggesting this over the KC80 I believe you were right to direct me to this model. Also it’s smaller than I ... MoreThis is my first keyboard amp and only had it a few days, so far I believe I made the right choice, as others said it’s not particularly loud volume wise but seems to sound good as is ideal for at home use (which is what I purchased it for) and fits perfectly for my two Yamaha Reface YC (organ) and CP (electric piano) and all three have the option of both running on batteries (when required) and in stereo, although I’ve yet to try that. Furthermore it has the option to mount onto a speaker floor stand and optional foot pedal to operate the effects “chorus and reverb” and with those I’m hoping it will double as an electro acoustic guitar amp. Thanks GAK for suggesting this over the KC80 I believe you were right to direct me to this model. Also it’s smaller than I thoughtbso doesn’t take up loads of space.

Small & light, battery powered when needed, it's perfect for busking, practice, recording and acoustic-based jamming. I just received mine, plugged in and was TRULY GLAD that I bought it. I had been using the Micro Cube - which I also love - and got this one because it's stereo, more powerful and still maintains that crystal clear Roland sound, which I like for my acoustic. It's called a "keyboard" amp, but it works GREAT for both acoustic and jazz guitar. Being a Roland product, my expectations were high. I was not disappointed - this little box fills the bill!

Big sound from small, easy to tote, ready to play unit

While playing live piano, I also feature other duet/combo instrumentals from a digital recorder, playing thru my Roland KC-220. Guests at the piano bar, and at tables in the restaurant enjoy the realism of Sax, viola, trumpet, and other keyboard "back-ups." They can also still converse. The Roland KC-220 is ideal for such applications, needing good stereo-audio quality--but not overwhelming volume. The tonal reproductions are awesome--sound like the instrumentalists are there with the piano.

Convenient combination keyboard amp/PA system

Having looked at the KC-350/550 keyboard amplifiers for my Fantom-X6, I couldn't be much happier with the KC-110. The combination stereo keyboard amplifier/PA system is lightweight, transportable, sounds good, and is reasonably priced (got mine new for $300 including warranty). Includes 3 channels for multiple instruments plus a separate channel for miking (keyboard) vocals; I am amazed at the KC-110's ability to project keyboard/synthesizer sounds AND live vocals simultaneously. I especially enjoy adding a little reverb to my live vocals and having additional built-in effects. While the amp is a little lacking in projection power and low end with just 30 watts and a pair of 6.5 inch speakers, it is able to reproduce, more or less, specific synthesizer sounds from ... MoreHaving looked at the KC-350/550 keyboard amplifiers for my Fantom-X6, I couldn't be much happier with the KC-110. The combination stereo keyboard amplifier/PA system is lightweight, transportable, sounds good, and is reasonably priced (got mine new for $300 including warranty). Includes 3 channels for multiple instruments plus a separate channel for miking (keyboard) vocals; I am amazed at the KC-110's ability to project keyboard/synthesizer sounds AND live vocals simultaneously. I especially enjoy adding a little reverb to my live vocals and having additional built-in effects. While the amp is a little lacking in projection power and low end with just 30 watts and a pair of 6.5 inch speakers, it is able to reproduce, more or less, specific synthesizer sounds from the Fantom-X (i.e. Jupiter 2004/JP-8 Phase) without losing a whole lot of tonal quality. And while the KC-100 might not be ideal for a loud band, it has plenty of volume to cut through loud over-driven electric guitar and adds rich sonic textures to a live guitar/vocal performance. Options include battery power, kickstand, and separate speaker stand (not included).

Great for practice

I mainly use the amp for practice, but it also works well in a medium sized hall. The sound production is very good and the range of the keyboard comes through very clearly. I am very pleased with the purchase and it is good value for money.

My solution

Some Reviewers of the Roland KC-220 have rightly stated that the volume required in some circumstances is less than optimal, particularly during battery operation. My solution was to buy two KC-220s. The additional benefit of wider stereo separation is achieved using each as a monaural output. And BTW a firm in Japan sells the 8 AA BATTERY cases, for the KC-110 which I found works with the KC-220.

Works well for intended use

Overall:Very nice little amp. I got it for home practice and weddings where I have to play out in the middle of a field with no AC, as this amp can run on batteries which it does well. It’s stereo, and sounds pretty darn good for how small it is. Pianos and organs sound plenty full. The Chorus and reverb are usable. I play in a cover band and this amp would never work as a stage monitor- it’s not loud enough, but perfect for other use like small duo type venues. I'll probably see if I can come up with a gig bag for it. Overall very pleased. And it’s cute!