When looking for the best speakers for your keyboard, you have a few options. This guide will help you find a great pair for your digital piano or keyboard. It’s important to understand the various features before you make your purchase.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks..
Do I Need External Speakers?
The keyboard that you have now has a set of internal speakers installed. It is fine to use this for practicing as they are loud enough. You’ll run into problems if you plan on playing live or want to do work in the studio. The ones on most keyboards are not all that good. You will find that you need an external pair for the best sound out of your musical instrument. This is why you should look to purchase a set is it going to prove your overall keyboard tone and give you more volume. some keyboards have decent speakers, but most of them will require an external option.
Types of Keyboard Speakers
There are several types that you need to know about. It all depends on what you want to use your keyboard for which will determine the speakers that you buy. This guide mainly focuses on regular sets, but there are other systems that you can use for your keyboard, such as the following.
Keyboard Amplifier
You can buy an amplifier dedicated to your keyboard. These are not the same as a regular guitar amplifier. You can’t take a regular amp and plug your keyboard into it because the frequencies of the keyboard are a lot different. Some guitar amplifiers will have settings for keyboards, but most of them do not. Keyboard amplifiers already come with the speaker system so you don’t have to buy an external set, although you can hook it up to a PA system or other set if you prefer. You can use your keyboard amplifier on stage for practicing if you want more volume.
One great thing about the keyboard amplifier is that you have all of your settings in one box. You don’t have to set anything else up if you don’t want unless you’re hooking into a PA system. Most amplifiers also have a wider range of settings such as equalizers and you may be able to hook them up to various effects. Buying a keyboard amplifier can be a great way to get started with keyboard playing. you may not necessarily need an amplifier because your keyboard and may already have a good speaker system built into it. Some lower-cost keyboards may need an amplifier or an external speaker for them to sound decent.
PA System
You may also decide to buy a PA system. This is usually a dedicated set of speakers and a mixer. This is used in a stage environment. You won’t use a PA system at home while you are practicing. The PA system may hook up to other instruments during your live performance and not just the keyboard. Other musical equipment such as amplifiers and microphones are also hooked up to the PA system.
Monitors
Speaker monitors re another way to hook up your keyboard to get external sound. You will often find them in the studio, but you can use them at home as this type of speaker gives an exceptional sound, which is perfect for playing back live musical instruments such as a keyboard. Then monitors that are part of the PA system are a bit different. These are the forward-facing monitors that you often find on a live stage. They help to project the sound out into the audience. You can also use monitors in the studio to record your keyboard.
Regular Speaker
When we think of a regular speaker, you will be using the powered type with your keyboard. Quality powered speakers are what you want to use with your keyboard system. They improve the audio of the keyboard. You will get a good sound when you use this type. You’ll get improved bass tones as well as middle and high frequencies. This guide mainly focuses on regular sets and not PA systems or keyboard amplifiers as a way to enhance the sound of your keyboard. You do not want to use a regular powered speaker set for a larger venue, and this is where the PA system will come in handy.
Keyboard Speaker Features
There are several features that you want to look for before you purchase a speaker set. Here is what you need to know.
Portability
You’ll want a set that is not too large, so you can take them with you. There are quite a few sets on the market that are portable. You want them to be lightweight and compact in case you take them to practice sessions or use them on the stage as part of a PA system or at another venue. This sort of speaker will be fine for a smaller venue, but you’ll need a larger set if the venue is quite large.
Equalizer or Mixer
Some sets will come with their own equalizer or a mixer. This can be ideal if you need this sort of setting. If you’re playing in a live environment, you probably want some sort of mixer or equalizer, as it makes it easier to set settings that are pleasing for the listener. Not every speaker system would have a mixer or equalizer, so you’ll have to shop around if you needed this for the future.
Wattage
Most sets have more than enough power for most settings. A good PA system can handle any extra power that you might need for a live performance where the venue is quite large. You won’t need that much power for practicing purposes or in the home environment. Most monitors and powered sets will give you more than enough volume and significantly more watts than your regular built-in keyboard system does with better sound clarity.
Should I Go Wireless?
It’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to use a wireless system with your keyboard. Today’s Bluetooth technology has come a long way, and the systems out there are more than capable of doing a good job.
The main problem you will experience is incompatibility. You will need a newer keyboard that uses Bluetooth technology to be able to hook it up to a wireless speaker system. A lot of keyboards don’t offer Bluetooth connectivity and rely on regular connections. There is also the problem of signals being interrupted or not working as intended. In most cases, you should get a good connection, but getting that initial connection might pose a problem for you.
Make sure you read all of the documentation with your speaker system and your keyboard to ensure that both systems will work together. You shouldn’t have much of a problem, but you can refer to the manufacturer of your individual products if you happen to have an issue.
How to Connect a Keyboard to a Speaker
How you connect your speaker system to your keyboard will all depend upon the type of keyboard And speaker that you were using. Most will connect with regular inputs and outputs. Refer to the documentation that came with your individual products to make the connections. In terms of a wireless speaker, you will have to connect both devices via Bluetooth. On your keyboard, you probably have settings that allow you to hook up in this manner. The keyboard needs to recognize the speaker for it to work properly. All of this is outlined in documentation so you shouldn’t have much of a problem getting everything hooked up.
Speaker Care
it’s important to look after your speaker system so they last a long time. Here is a short guide to speaker maintenance.
Make Sure You Use the Right Ones
You should make sure that you’re using the right type of speaker for your keyboard. For example, you can’t use a Bluetooth speaker if your keyboard is not equipped with Bluetooth. For example, you may buy a system by accident and find out that you can’t use a wired connection because they only accept Bluetooth.
Dust
Try to keep your speaker system away from dusty areas. You should always remove dust from the top of your units and clean out the areas around any openings. Don’t use any liquids to do this. Make sure that you’re only using a clean cotton cloth to remove the dust. You could have damaged your system if you use liquids to try and clean them. Most systems have fragile audio equipment inside of them. So ensure that the vents on the back of the system are not blocked in any way. You should also keep them away from direct sunlight or in an area of your home where many may fall such as on a shelf that is not stable
Magnets
Always keep the units away from anything else that might conduct magnetism. If you keep any speaker next to a magnetic source date will be damaged and probably won’t work again. You might not think about this, but magnets we’re going to ruin your speaker.
Problems
If you run into any problems with your speaker system, always take it to a qualified technician. Make note of the warranty that you have with your system and send them back from repair if they’re still under warranty. Don’t try to do this yourself as the speaker itself contains sensitive equipment that you will probably ruin if you try to fix it on your own.
Plugins
Make sure you’re using the appropriate plugins according to the directions. You don’t want to try to plug your speaker system into an input that it can’t take. This can be easier to do than you may realize. You may plug your speaker into the appropriate jack on the back but then into the wrong jack on your keyboard. Make sure that you read the instructions from the keyboard itself and the speaker system to ensure that everything is plugged in correctly as you don’t want to damage the keyboard for the speaker.
The Best Keyboard Speakers
1. Alesis Elevate 5 MKII – Best Beginner Set
For those looking for a high powered speaker unit, you might want to look at the Alesis Elevate 5 MKII. It has everything you need for all of your music applications including keyboards.
This set has separate low and high-frequency drivers. It has 40 watts per channel so you get any walks in total. There are five in low-frequency drivers in enclosures that deliver a tight and rich bass sound. You also get a 1-inch silk dome tweeter. This helps improve the highs so everything is smooth and sounds great. The cabinets are made out of high-density wood so they remove unwanted resonance. Can easily pair the set with your computer, keyboard, smartphone, and other musical applications. it makes the perfect choice for any home studio.
You get a quick start guide to help you get set up right away with your purchase. Beset only weighs 12 pounds so it is portable to take with you to music lessons or to use on stage. Anyone looking for a basic set for their keyboard, the Alesis Elevate 5 MKII system is going to have you covered.
Pros:
- Easy operation
- Nice sound
- Good power
Cons:
- Sound isn’t professional
- Some users didn’t find the volume adequate
2. Edifier R980T 4 – Best Low-Cost Set
For those looking for a simple speaker set for their keyboard, you might want to look at the Edifier R980T set. This is a simple set it gives you everything you need to get started
You get to 24 watts of power output so it’s perfect for most applications at home. The cabinets are made out of wood and are 100% enclosed so acoustic resonance is minimized. The speakers themselves are shielded to improve sound quality. There is a flared bass reflex port on his set which improves the sound quality. Thye feature adjustable volume as well as bass level to improve the tone coming out of your system. You get a 3.5 mm cable and an RCA cable as well as a power supply with this system. There is an auxiliary input so you can connect to a device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or RCA output. For those that want a well-rounded and basic set for their musical instrument or other music products, you might want to pick up a set of Edifier R980Ts.
Pros:
- Good inputs
- Bass and volume controls
- Fits in most spaces
Cons:
- Lacks the volume of other sets
- Some experienced quality control issues
3. M-Audio AV42 – Best Shelf System
You will find a lot of speaker systems on the market for your musical instruments and other needs. The problem is that a lot of them are on the lower end of the spectrum and don’t provide you the performance that should be. The M-Audio AV42 is a nice set with a mid-range price.
you will get premium sound reproduction with this chat. They have four in polypropylene coated woofers which give you an accurate and a tight bass sound. You get great clear highs thanks to the ferrofluid-cooled silk cone tweeters. it’s easy to set up the system as the RCA inputs are conveniently located on the system. You can hook up to a computer via the 1/8 in Stereo auxiliary input. The front of the speakers has easy access to a headphone output so you can listen in private. You get 20 watts of power through the system. The set is easy to set up and you’ll be ready to go in no time at all. If you have your own personal home studio, this is an excellent set to buy.
Pros:
- Nice sound
- Front headphone output
- Fits easily on a shelf
Cons:
- Some experienced static with the inputs
- Some sound issues
4. JBL Control 1 Pro High Performance – Best High Powered Small Speaker
Those that don’t have a lot of room but are looking for high powered system, your options can be limited. One set you might want to consider is JBL Professional C1PRO. not only is this set small and compact, but you get 150 watts of power.
This set can be wall-mounted or put on the shelf. They come with variable angle wall brackets so you can set them at an angle that is right for you. You get excellent performance thanks to the professional drivers. They also feature overload protection so you won’t have volume issues. This system ensures distortion-free reproduction of music so your keyboard playing will sound excellent. They will produce a full range of sound from ultra-high frequencies to deep bass tones. They have a 4-inch woofer as well as a 1/2 inch titanium laminate tweeter foreign troops sounds. You will get expert performance even when the volume is turned up. Are those looking for a small compact system that puts out a lot of power, have a look at the JBL Professional C1PRO set as you won’t be disappointed.
Pros:
- High volume
- Small profile
- Wall mounts included
Cons:
- Some experienced quality control issues
- A bit expensive for what you get
5. Dual Electronics LU48BTS Wireless Portable Bluetooth – Best Low-Cost Portable Wireless
For those that play music on stage or are always on the go with her keyboard, you need a high-quality portable speaker system to take with you. This can be difficult as a lot of systems are not designed to be portable. You get great portability with the Dual Electronics LU48BTS set.
This set is perfect for both the outdoors and the indoors. You also get wireless Bluetooth so you can hook up this sent to all of your musical equipment that uses Bluetooth. They are easy to connect thanks to the true wireless stereo technology that this system uses. You will have no worries about wires and this can save you time when you are trying to perform on stage. The Bluetooth itself has a hundred-foot range so you can move around in freedom when using this system. Your speaker set is also protected from the elements as they have weather resistance so you don’t have to worry if there’s a bit of rain coming down. The battery life is extended and you get up to 12 hours of playing time before you need a new charge.
Each speaker has a carrying handle so they are easy to move around and they are not that heavy. They have a class D amplifier as well as a 4-inch parabolic poly injection woofer which sounds great no matter what music you are playing. For those that need a speaker system that is portable, you can’t go wrong with the Dual Electronics LU48BTS set.
Pros:
- Portable system
- Carrying handles
- Bluetooth technology
Cons:
- Bluetooth can be hard to set up with some keyboard systems
- Weather resistance could be better
6. Edifier R2000DB – Best Midrange Wireless
If you’re looking for a great set you may be looking for a bookshelf style wireless speaker system the Edifier R2000DB wireless system has you covered.
It is easy to connect your device through Bluetooth. You have multiple different outputs for all of your devices including musical instruments. there is also a 3.5 mm headphone output as well as RCA outputs. You receive a remote control so everything is easy to use. You can switch your input sources whenever you want as well as control the volume. The system is enclosed in wood so it looks attractive and this also improves the acoustic resonance. The units themselves are quite small so they’re perfect for small areas such as an apartment.
Sound is enhanced with 25 mm eagle-eye tweeters so you’ll experience superior sound for whatever you are doing. Distortion is minimized with digital signal processing and dynamic range control settings. this speaker system would be perfect for your home workstation or in the studio. For those that want a reliable wireless speaker system, you will be pleasantly surprised with the Edifier R2000DB set.
Pros:
- Fits in a bookshelf
- Great sound
- Remote control
Cons:
- Audio playback may cut out due to Bluetooth
- Need the remote for operation
- A bit expensive
7. Klipsch R-51PM – Best Professional Wireless
There are plenty of wireless systems on the market, but a lot of them don’t have good sound and they are not suitable for professional settings. You’ll experience exceptional sound when you use the Klipsch R-51PM system.
You don’t need a receiver when you use this speaker system as it has a built-in amplifier that is designed for high performance, great sound, and maximum output. They are easy to pair with your device via Bluetooth wireless technology. You have both USB and RCA inputs. They come with Linear Travel Suspension aluminum tweeters which help to minimize distortion. These are exclusive to Klipsch so you have the best sound possible. The woofer cones are made with injection-molded graphite and they are quite lightweight which provides an exceptional low-frequency response. The texture wood grain vinyl gives to this bookshelf set a modern appeal. Perfect for any professional setting switches in your studio or in your home. The system comes with a remote and all the cables necessary for easy setup.
Pros:
- Attractive design
- remote control
- Great sound performance
Cons:
- Need the remote to operate Bluetooth
- Poor customer support
8. Hercules DJ MONITOR – Best Low-Cost Monitors
For those that want a low-cost monitor for their musical equipment, and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Hercules DJ 42 Is a good bargain
This set comes with a 4-inch woofer. Thye have shifted vents and the tweeters provide excellent sound. You’ll experience 20 watts of power per speaker and 80 watts of total power. The set is made with high-end components so the audio sounds great and is of exceptional quality. There is an EQ on the front for volume, bass, and treble controls. Other controls include an aux-in and headphone in. This set was designed by audio professionals so you will receive the best sound performance that you need for recording or listening to yourself play your keyboard. For those that want an exceptional speaker, but don’t have a lot of money to spend, have a look at the Hercules DJ 42 as it is a bargain at this price.
Pros:
- Good price
- Easy to use
- EQ on front
Cons:
- Might not be enough for some players
- Some users had quality control problems
9. Earthquake Sound MPower Series – Best Mid-Range Monitor
For those looking for an exceptional monitor for the musical equipment, you might want to look at the Earthquake Sound MPower Series. You may pay a little more when compared to other monitors, but you ‘ll experience exceptional sound which is perfect for any professional or someone that wants a high-quality audio experience.
Comes complete with a 2-inch ultra-fast ribbon tweeter. The woofer is aramid glass fiber and uses a rear-ported design. You have inputs for RCA, TRS, and XLR so there are plenty of inputs on this system. There is a magnetically attached grill and the unit looks great as it features a sleek matte black finish. Of the Inputs are conveniently located on the back of the unit including the power button. The speaker system is available in both 6.5-inches or 8-inches so a product will meet your needs. Earthquake Sound is well known in the audio industry and the MPower Series is a great set for today’s musicians looking for superior sound no matter what they’re doing in their musical career.
Pros:
- Exceptional audio quality
- good inputs
Cons:
- No headphone jack
- Could use EQ
- A bit expensive
10. Swans X3 2.0 Professional – Best Professional Monitor
The Swans Speaker X3 will set you back a few dollars, but these monitors will give you the sound you need to make your music sound its best.
These two-way active monitors are perfect for the studio or for the home environment. They have a small compact size so they will fit almost anywhere. It is easy to change the treble,, mid-range, bass controls via switches on the back of the system. On the side of the unit is a convenient volume knob. Each speaker contains a power amplifier and a professional active filter. It has good acoustic properties thanks to the egg-shaped cabinet that the speaker system comes in. This cabinet is made with die-cast aluminum so it’s strong and you receive excellent volume out of the unit. It has a 20 mm metal dome tweeter and a three-inch woofer. You have accurate and smooth frequency responses so all of your music is going to sound authentic.
These can be mounted on a desktop or wall-mounted as it comes with a mounting rack so you can adjust them to whatever angle that you want for Better Sound. You can connect the system with whatever devices that you want for exceptional audio quality. If you have a little bit of money to spend in 1 professional system, have a look at the Swans Speaker X3.
Pros:
- EQ settings
- Solid case
- Great sound
Cons:
- EQ on the back can be hard to reach
- Could use a few more inputs
11. Tribit XSound Surf – Best Small Wireless Speaker
If you are pressed for space, but need a high-quality speaker that is portable, the Tribit XSound Go is the one for you.
This system gives rich bass, crisp mids, and clear highs. It is a small and compact unit so you can take it with you wherever you go. You receive12 watts of power so it is suitable for many different applications. It has curved edges, matte finish and a modern design. You can take it with you wherever you and your musical instruments go. You’ll experience around 24 hours of continuous use before you need a recharge.
It uses modern Bluetooth technology, so you can connect any Bluetooth enabled device and the range is around 66 feet. You can also access voice input for Google Now and Siri. The system is waterproof and has a tough shell so it can resist small falls. Are The USB input is covered with a rubber coating so the inputs will be secure from damage. The Tribit XSound Go is the ultimate portable system for all of your devices including musical instruments that support Bluetooth technology.
Pros:
- Small unit
- Bluetooth support
- Good battery life
Cons:
- May not connect with all devices
- Battery life may not be what you expect
- Water-resistance varies
12. Marshall Tufton – Best Professional Portable Speaker
Marshall Amplification is well known in the music world for their exceptional amplifiers. Professionals looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that sounds excellent and is easy to you, you can’t go wrong with the Marshall Tufton.
This Bluetooth speaker is very easy to use. There’s one button on the top of it to connect to Bluetooth so you can easily set up your device to work with it. You’ll receive around 20 hours of portable Play Time on one charge with perfect to take with you anywhere you want to play music. There is a battery indicator on the front so you can see how much time you have left. It uses modern Bluetooth 5.0 technology so it will work with modern devices. Ther is a range of around 30 feet from the speaker. It is water-resistant so it will resist some spills or light rain.
The unit has excellent sound, and you can connect to two Bluetooth devices if you prefer. You can also tweak the EQ settings as there is volume, bass, and treble controls on the top of the unit. You will experience crisp eyes, good mid-range, and a nice low base end. This is the perfect unit for anyone that wants something simplistic yet provides great sound.
Pros:
- Classic Marshall look
- Easy operation
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Needs headphone jack
- No other connection inputs
Conclusion
You have a wide range of speaker systems to choose from for your keyboard. You can go with regular wired connections or modern Bluetooth technology. What you decide is up to you. There are a ton of great models on the market that will improve the sound of your keyboard.
For beginners try the Alesis Elevate 5 MKII. It costs a little more, but it’s a great unit with superior sound. It is perfect for any home studio or when you’re practicing. At the mid-range price try the M-Audio AV42 as it’s small and will fit on a bookshelf, yet has good sound for recording or playback. The Dual Electronics LU48BTS is perfect if you need wireless Bluetooth speakers. Professionals will love the Swans X3 2.0 Professional Speaker System which has exceptional audio quality. Your keyboard will sound even better with a good speaker system, so give these a try and have fun making music.
