Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2017.09: Equal Highest Rated Keyboard Amp Under $1000

Gearank Recommendation

The KC-880 appeared on our recommended list for Keyboard Amps Under $1000 when we first published it in May 2016 and remained there until November 2018 when it had been superseded by the KC-990.

Overview

This was Roland's flagship stereo keyboard amp, before being superseded, producing 320 watts total power and sporting 5 stereo input channels.

It comes with built in stereo DSP effects which apart from the regular reverb, delay chorus etc., also includes a 'rotary' stereo effect which emulates a Leslie rotary speaker system.

Like the KC-550, it also comes with a stereo I/O link for chaining multiple amps together.

It does have a mic input so you can use it as a small PA system, however like most keyboard amps it doesn't have phantom power so you can only use it with dynamic mics unless you have a preamp to power a condenser mic.

It also comes with removable casters making easy to move around, which is important because this is a very heavy amp.

If you want a big, powerful, stereo amp for keyboards then this is a great option for a second hand keyboard amp.

Picture of the inputs and outputs

Specifications

• Output Power: 320 watts.
• Number of Channels: 5 stereo.
• Inputs: Channels 1 to 4 have 2x 1/4" with channel 1 having an additional XLR balanced mic input. Channel 5 is for auxiliary and has 2x 1/4" + 2 x RCA + a stereo 1/8". It also has an optional footswitch (sold separately) for controlling effect. See the picture below.
• Outputs: 2 x Balanced XLR, 2 x 1/4" and a 1/4" headphone out - see the picture below.
• Speakers: 2 x 12" woofers and 2 x tweeters.
• Tone Control: 3 band EQ.
• Size: With casters - 28.9375" x 17.5625" x 23.25"; Without casters - 28.9375" x 17.5625" x 21.125".
• Weight: 97 lbs. 1 oz.