Hi guys,

Need a bit of advice. I am re-joining my old band (6 piece live setup - drums/bass/2xguitars/keyboards/vocals).

We are getting a HK Audio PA rig (3.5k output), but I am looking for a monitor setup for my keyboards. I don't fancy taking my Tyros2 out, so will probably buy a Yamaha P70 and maybe a PSR S500 (or S700). But not sure what to use for monitoring my keyboards on stage.

I have been looking at the Roland KC350 (I use to own one in the past), but does anyone have any better more cost effective alternatives?

Just fancy getting some opinions from others. I have another question about a speaker set up for the Tyros 2, but I'll leave that for another day......

Many thanks.

If I was buying a keyboard amp today I would first look at the Hartke KM200 and then the Barbetta Sona 32, and lastly a Peavey PR15P (powered speaker). I use a Kustom KMA 100x; it's a light & compact 3-channel amp with FX that is fine for monitoring or small stage work.
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=5267482

If you've got the muscles and balls, you can't beat the older Peavey KB300 - it's heavy but raw & solid. I traded the Peavey for a Roland KC500 and was unhappy. I just didn't care for the Roland's tone. After the Peavey, you'd think it would be an improvement, but far from it - for me. I couldn't get my Peavey back and couldn't find another with the XLR on Ch.1, so I've been settling for other setups since.

How about a Mackie SRM450 or a JBL Eon15?

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 04-12-2007).]

I don't think I'd shoot that big for just monitors. A ten and horn self powered (or better, a pair!) in pretty close might be all you need. Unless you are providing LH bass, a 15" is a bit overkill, especially as your sound-man (if he's any good!) is going to roll off quite a bit of your bottom end anyway (to not clash with the bass player).

In fact, a SMALL OMB rig (small self powered mixer, two small top cabs, forget the sub) might be perfect. And you probably already have THAT kind of rig.....

Oh, and I'm curious.... Why NOT take your T2 out....? Seems like a waste of money to go and get TWO more keyboards to do what your T2 already does BETTER.

Maybe an M-Audio 88-note controller if you GOT to have a secondary keyboard, but IMO, neither of your choices hold a candle to what the T2 already does. You don't HAVE to use the arranger features, you know!

Using ONE piece of kit for ANY situation is kind of my ideal (as long as that one piece sounds as good as possible), and saves you an enormous amount of time learning to program another keyboard, plus, if anyone doesn't turn up, you STILL have the arranger functions to fall back on.

Take two non-arrangers, and you are kind of stuck....

Traynor K4

Hi folks,

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated. I will have a look at all mentioned.

Diki, the reason behind my reluctance in taking out the T2 is due to me wanting to leave the band equipment in the hands of the roadie in storage, and basically only see the gear at gigs. Although, I am not convinced about exactly what keyboards to get as yet. The idea of the P70 may be shelved, and while the PSR S500 is a cracking keyboard for the ££, I don't know if it is ideal for what I want.

The T2 sounds certainly would be, but for the reasons mentioned above I am unsure how to proceed on that.

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to reply.

If you are playing with 6-piece live band don't bring arranger keyboard. It's very annoying that in a certain point in time you have a chance to accidentally hit the start/stop button. Yamaha MO8 is not bad. It has everything you need. If you need a second keyboard just buy a 49 or 61 keyboard controller. You can use MO8's sound engine. And you can tuck that little controller in one of the pockets of your MO's rolling case.

As far as monitoring on the stage I use Behringer ULTRATONE K3000FX. You don't need 15. 12 or 10 is fine. But I like I like my K3000FX so far.

Personally, I would never monitor keys with a 10" monitor; just not enough air movement. Haven't had a 10" yet that I liked.

I thought you wanted some type of on-stage amplification to act as a monitor for you - then send line out to mains, not just a monitor speaker with monitor feed of stage mix.

If you need to hear yourself, get at least a 12" speaker. You'll be glad you did.

The trick with smaller monitors is to get them in real close..... That's WHY you want small ones. Just like nearfield monitors, you don't need big speakers at moderately low volumes (a lot depends on how much of an 'Animal' your drummer is!) if you can get them REAL close. Raised up and at each end of your keyboard works well. Lovely stereo, very little bleed to the rest of the band (they can put you in THEIR monitors if they need to hear you) and not too much bottom end to muddy up your sound.

Alternatively, you want to save your hearing for a few more years, try a nice set of in-ear monitors. Ultimate Ears, Westone, Etymotic Research.... get some custom molds to fit your ears and enjoy going home without your head ringing....