
Peavey
Peavey 573180 KB 3 60-Watt 1x12 Keyboard Amplifier
★★★★★
The Peavey KB 3 delivers 60 watts through a 12-inch speaker with four independent channels for versatile keyboard amplification.
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Overview
Key Features
60 watts of clean Peavey power
Extension cab capability extends power rating out to 80 watts
Channels 1 & 2 have 2 band EQ - Channel 3 has 3 band EQ -
Channel 3 has 3 band EQ
12 inch speaker with tweeter - Effects send/return - Balanced XLR main out
Specifications
Brand
Peavey
Model
KB 3 (573180)
Power Output
60 Watts (80 Watts with extension cab)
Speaker
1 x 12 inch
Channels
4
Channels 1 & 2 EQ
2-Band
Channel 3 EQ
3-Band
Channels 1 & 2 Inputs
1/4" jack
Extension Cabinet
Yes (increases to 80W)
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Four separate input channels allow you to run multiple keyboards or sources through a single amplifier
- Four independent channels allow multiple instruments or sources to be mixed in a single amp
- Extension cabinet output boosts power from 60 watts to 80 watts when more volume is needed
- Extension cabinet output increases power from 60 watts to 80 watts for larger performance spaces
- Dedicated 3-band EQ on Channel 3 provides detailed tone control for your primary instrument
- 12-inch speaker provides full, even frequency response suited to keyboard reproduction
- Channel 3's 3-band EQ offers detailed tone control for your primary instrument
- The 1x12 speaker delivers full-range sound that handles the wide frequency spectrum of keyboards well
- Compact combo format keeps your stage setup simple with amplifier and speaker in one unit
- Compact combo format keeps the setup portable for rehearsals and smaller gigs
👎 Cons
- At 60 watts, the base power output may not be sufficient for loud stage environments without the extension cab
- 60-watt base power may be underpowered for loud stage environments without an extension cab
- No built-in effects such as reverb or chorus, which some competing keyboard amps include
- Channels 1 and 2 are limited to 2-band EQ, offering less tonal flexibility than Channel 3
- The single 12-inch speaker may not reproduce the deepest bass frequencies of weighted 88-key keyboards as fully as a larger speaker configuration
- Weight of a 1x12 combo can be cumbersome for frequent transport
- Limited information on Channel 4 input type and EQ may require consulting the manual
- No built-in effects such as reverb or chorus, which some competing keyboard amps include
Frequently Asked Questions
How many instruments or sources can I connect to the KB 3 at once?
The KB 3 has 4 separate channels, allowing you to connect multiple keyboards, a microphone, drum machine, or other line-level sources simultaneously.
How many channels does the Peavey KB 3 have?
The KB 3 has four separate channels, allowing you to connect multiple instruments or audio sources simultaneously.
Can the KB 3 power an extension cabinet?
Yes, connecting an extension cabinet increases the power output from 60 watts to 80 watts, giving you additional volume and projection.
What is the difference between the EQ controls on the channels?
Channels 1 and 2 each have a 2-band EQ for basic tone shaping, while Channel 3 features a 3-band EQ that gives you more detailed control over bass, midrange, and treble frequencies.
Can I increase the power output beyond 60 watts?
Yes, by connecting an extension cabinet to the KB 3, you can extend the power rating to 80 watts, which provides additional headroom and volume for larger venues.
What EQ options are available on each channel?
Channels 1 and 2 feature 2-band EQ, while Channel 3 offers a 3-band EQ for more detailed tone shaping.
What type of inputs do Channels 1 and 2 use?
Channels 1 and 2 use standard 1/4-inch inputs, which accept keyboards, guitars, and other line-level instruments.
What type of speaker does the KB 3 use?
The KB 3 features a single 12-inch speaker, which provides a full-range sound suitable for keyboards and other electronic instruments.
What types of input connections do the channels accept?
Channels 1 and 2 accept standard 1/4-inch instrument or line-level inputs. The remaining channels provide additional connectivity options for versatile source routing.
Is the KB 3 suitable for use beyond keyboards?
Yes, the multi-channel design with separate EQ controls makes it useful for acoustic instruments, drum machines, and even as a small PA for vocals when needed.