From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Wed Mar 08 07:54:59 2006
Subject:Re: Amplifiers versus Monitors?

Hi,

>(dumb question - dissertion) Why do some players call their keyboard
>amplifiers "amplifiers" and (a minority of?) others call their
>keybord amplifiers "monitors"?

In pro PA circles, a "stage monitor" is any amp that allows the player(s) to hear the parts, but is not the primary way to get sound to the audience.

In times past, "real men" bought enough stage gear to get the sound to the audience. In keyboard terms, that was often a lot of gear! Today, most pro setups use a moderate-sized amp for stage volume, and mic or DI the sound into the main PA. In many cases, the system is turned sideways or back around, to make it easier for the band to hear everything. Thus, a keyboard amp is legitimately a "stage monitor." Weekend warriors often have less PA to start with (and less grandiose volume needs), and so the keyboard amp is also the audience's means of hearing the keyboards; thus, it's a "keyboard amplifier."

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Design Consultant
Ashby Solutions™ http://consult.ashbysolutions.com
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com

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