Since I started messing around with hardware synths, I've always run them through a mixer and into studio monitors. For the last few years though, I've started to have an urge to get a proper amplification system. Unfortunately, there's next to no information out there about using an amp with a synth.

I won't be playing live, it's really just for screwing around in the house. But I have some questions, perhaps some of you guys can help answer them:

a.) Is there an advantage to using a standalone synth/speaker system over my studio monitors? What would the advantage be?
b.) What kind of amp/speaker combo would be best suited to my needs? I'm looking at the little desktop Yamaha amps. Something like the THR10? Would this make sense? Or would a more traditional guitar amp/speaker set-up be a better bet?
c.) Should I be looking at PR systems rather than guitar amps?
d.) Are there other things I should be thinking about?

 

there are a few advantages, should you go this route. There is no latency introduced by the audio interface/computer. You also do not need to turn anything else on but your amp and synthesizer so you can play. Also, remember that your studio reference monitors are designed to sound "flat", where this will not be. The focus is more Loud, and then "good" sound; not "flat" first and above all else...

A guitar amp or bass amp are not what you want to use, ideally. A PA style amp and speaker(s) are what you would want. I really prefer Crown amps for durability, build quality, and at decent prices. Something like a Crown Microtech works great.

Do I suggest this over using your monitors? Not really. I do not think for your situation, that you will get a benefit that will be worth the costs.


What I really suggest, is to RENT a setup for a weekend or whatever. Most stores will rent out sound reinforcement equipment like PA systems. This way you could put together your setup for minimal investment and see if it really will work for you, in practice. The quality of the gear won't matter much; but you will get to see if this type of workflow is something you even want to pursue. You will most likely find out it is not, but at least that way it is on the cheap.

hth

 

Last edited: Mar 5, 2022

The advantage of using a PC with monitors is that you have 2 speakers = stereo, one left and one right.
A spatial sound. You can add effects to improve the sound. In addition, you can immediately record.

At thomann the music store there are "keyboard amplifiers", you should make sure that you use at least 80 watts, otherwise it's too quiet.. You should place the amplifier at ear level, placing it on a chair is a good idea,

Laney AH80 - 265 €
www.laney.co.uk/amps/keyboard/audiohub/ah80
www.thomann.de/de/laney_ah80.htm

 

In my mind, the benefit of using speakers with a synth is to create a sense of space when you record. Mic placement will give you additional palette choices such as adding some room vibe that can tie together other instruments in your mix. Depending on the mics you choose they can additionally lend color choices in tone due to proximity effect.

 

It's REALLY hard for me to find any kind of PA system for keys short of a really $$ high end system that makes me not want to kill myself. And that includes those excrement BOSE stick things. Use only because you must.

 

I wouldn't consider a guitar amp "proper amplification" for a synth, but more of a colouring thing, which is pretty awesome by the way. If you want to hear the synth as it is i guess you could go PA but you could also stick to your studio speakers and call it a day. Hi-fi could also have some options that could work with your synth while at the same time solving some problems studio and PA stuff usually has, but the Hi-Fi market is a disaster so...yeah.

So i don't know. I use a hardware synth through a guitar amp every now and then, pretty cool stuff, definetively something good to have, but not really something to use all the time.

Let me just record some takes and see what's what.

 

you get all the re-amping type options too if you are recording, but now you are talking about a board and mics, etc. The amount of work can even be worth it, but now there is just more required stuff. I'd almost rather record it clean through the board and use something like Amplitube or Guitar rig on the clean recording either way, but all this stuff can be great for creative purposes. I think when you put together a realistic and fair list of pros vs. cons, the cons will win out in number for most people; and the difference in price and amount of added work will not make it worthwhile to them.

 

Last edited: Mar 6, 2022

OK, thanks for all the input guys. I guess I'm sticking with what I have.

 

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I don't know that I could say anyone gave a best answer because all of the input was valuable to me. I've spent ages trying to find these answers on my own and got nowhere, so I'm grateful for all of the comments.