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Thread: Which would make a better drum amp?

  1. #1

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    Default Which would make a better drum amp?

    I tried to post this earlier but must be having issues. Would a Roland keyboard amp (KC-550) or a Roland drum amp (PM-30) be better? They are about the same price (keybaord is a little cheaper) but the KC-550 has more power. I mostly play at home or at small parties, thanks.

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    Quote Originally Posted by ehc0720 View Post
    I tried to post this earlier but must be having issues. Would a Roland keyboard amp (KC-550) or a Roland drum amp (PM-30) be better? They are about the same price (keybaord is a little cheaper) but the KC-550 has more power. I mostly play at home or at small parties, thanks.
    I'd go with the Pm-30, because it is designed for drums. Or Do as i did and buy a slightly used bass amp. It works great because it gives you the thump of a real kit, but its cheaper when used.
    -Steven

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    How does that bass amp work with the cymbals and snare?

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    Don't mean to step on any toes but, IMHO Bass amps are not good for drums they don't cover the whole spectrum. They are for bass. I had a pm30 and did not like it at all the only thing it is good for is playing at very low volumes at home it is not even good enough for monitoring a small gig. The small speakers will blow out quickly. If you just want something cheap go for a key board amp. I have a crate KXB100 key board amp and it is OK for a monitor. I have not tried one but really want to and have heard good things about the B-52 matrix speaker systems. There is one for around $800 and then the one I want is $1500 both have 2 cabinets and a sub all powered they can be used on floor or on stands check em out ! Also JBL, EV,mackie ect have powered speakers get the 15" or larger speakers if you can. Lets us know what you get.

  5. #5

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    I've got a Fender KB-100 that works great for drum sounds, Keyboard amps are designed to cover the entire frequency range, and if the keyboard amp you're looking at has more power than the drum specific amp for the same money (or close to the same), I would go with the Keyboard amp.
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  6. #6

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    Cool Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    Bass Amps Are Great For Da Thump But A Keyboarde Amp Covers Da Whole Spectrum Like Church Said,,, If Ya Can Pick Up Da Rolnd Drum Amp Cheaper I Would Go There Only Cuz Thats Its Purpose But Keyboard Amp In General Is Cheaper.....
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  7. #7

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    I got a peavy kb4 75 watt keyboard amp and blew the tweeter already. so I stepped up to a powered 550 watt 12" and horn and a separate 200 watt powered sub. yummy. for foh even small parties a 75-100 watt keyboard amp is not really up to it. imho.

  8. #8

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    Quote Originally Posted by ratmycue View Post
    I got a peavy kb4 75 watt keyboard amp and blew the tweeter already. so I stepped up to a powered 550 watt 12" and horn and a separate 200 watt powered sub. yummy. for foh even small parties a 75-100 watt keyboard amp is not really up to it. imho.
    I would agree with Ratmycue regarding playing gigs 75 to 100 Watts on it's own probably wouldn't be enough, but keep in mind if you are playing with a band, you probably will have a PA system that you can line out your amp to. Then your amp becomes more of a stage monitor for the band the PA system puts the sound out to the room. I've played gigs with a 15 Watt guitar amp miked into a PA system.
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  9. #9

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    I found a 1200 watt powered mixer by Behringer and also some speakers made by them that have 15" main that are exactly 600 watts each. It's about $800.00 for the set up.


  10. #10

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    Thanks for all the feedback guys, I think I'll look for a 200 + watt keyboard amp, mayber the roland kc-550 (180 watts I think).

  11. #11

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    Post Simmons DA200S drum amp

    Hey...you might consider this. It is 200 watts for $300.00 and designed for electronic drums.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  12. #12

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    This DA200S doesn't look to bad on paper, anybody have any experience with it or know how it compares to other amps? On paper it is about equivalent to the Roland PM30 which is more than twice the price.

  13. #13

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    I called the Carvin company and actually got a guy who plays e-drums, this is the amp he recommended @ $429. https://www.carvinguitars.com/produc...oduct=LSX1502A

  14. #14

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    That carvin has some impressive specs, plenty of power, good protection on a nice size horn, nice frequency range too. looks impressive.

  15. #15

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    Well whatever you do, look into used amps, because you can usually get more power for cheaper that way. unless you find a really good deal.
    -Steven

  16. #16

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    I bought my top and sub used from a sound rental company in d city, works perfect and considerable cash savings. the keyboard amp I bought new and I blew the tweater!! $12 and 4 screws later and the new tweater is installed.
    not too sure where you are located but if you buy used make sure the equipment can be repaired easily. I bought Yorkville, the factory is in toronto and the elite series are solid, reliable and sound fantastic.

  17. #17

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    obviously a dum amp ould be better but i use an acoustic guitar amp. it gets a good snare and bass sound along with the toms, the only problem is that the cymblas sound pretty naf, but thts only for practice anyway

  18. #18

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    I use a Peavey KB-5. It's awkward and HEAVY, but it sounds better (and is louder) than any amp I've tried with my V-Drums.

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  19. #19

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    think thats the 100 watt amp scooter, I got the 75 watt kb4 , if ya drive another 8ohm speaker off it, you get the 100 watt output,

  20. #20

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    My amp is 150 watt, i set up my e-kit (after moving) just the other day and got it to sound real good, just the cymbals , but they sound pretty good
    -Steven

  21. #21

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    How loud are you planning on playing? The Kc550 and the pm30 have simular watts however, the PM30 is distributed between 3 speakers. The sub tends to distort once you get to about half way up especially on some of the deeper roland kits. The kc550 is decent (yes, I've tried both) but lack the bottom end and you sort of lose the "surround sound" effect you get with the pm30.

  22. #22

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    Quote Originally Posted by ehc0720 View Post
    This DA200S doesn't look to bad on paper, anybody have any experience with it or know how it compares to other amps? On paper it is about equivalent to the Roland PM30 which is more than twice the price.
    I played it in a GC and it sounded nice. I'm looking at a used bass amp though, simply because of economics. It's a Peavy TKO with a 15" speaker.
    The smaller 10" speakers break up the highs, like cymbals and such, even on "drum amps".
    Kevin
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    Drummers can be very tempomental.....

  23. #23

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    I've been using a Roland PM-3 for about three years now for home playing. I purchased a Simmons DA200S with the intent of using two for a stereo affect, but it didn't work out. The DA200S wasn't bad, but it didn't have the punch of the Roland PM-3, plus it arrived with a defective speaker and I returned it for a refund.

    If I had it to do all over again and required more punch on stage, I would probably go with the Roland KC-550 keyboard amp (or perhaps two of them)

  24. #24

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    Since I started this post I guess I should report what I ended up with, I went with this Carvin, light weight and sounds great, 350w for $379. https://www.carvinguitars.com/produc...?product=LM15A

  25. #25

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    Default Re: Which would make a better drum amp?

    Quote Originally Posted by ehc0720 View Post
    Since I started this post I guess I should report what I ended up with, I went with this Carvin, light weight and sounds great, 350w for $379. https://www.carvinguitars.com/produc...?product=LM15A
    Glad u like, enjoy it bud.



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