Great video - though I dont feel you should knock other brands in a video about something else. FWIW Ive played with a KPA for the last 10 days or so, but it went back. I couldnt afford the KPA and the AFX2 - I went for the AFX. why? well the FX/routing is much better - but that aside I felt the tones were better on the AFX. This was down to me not having any amps to profile so was stuck with the included profiles and the ones available for download. There good but I couldnt get them right.
@paulmapp8306 Good for you.But frankly, the Axe FX II was inferior and full of sounds most ordinary guys will never use. Thats why they sit there for days trying to get a sound. The kemper is full of excellent immediate use sounds in the box as delivered. I dont want to be a computer geek. I was not impressed by the owners complete lack of civility in breach of his own forum rules. I HATED the manual and it was three times the price it should have been. Now whaeres my kemper...
@tonymckenziecom Yeh I get that. Both are great products, and for those into this kind of tech its a great time to be a guitarist. Their aimed at different types of people. The KPA is plug and play - get "snapshot" sounds quickly that are grea and can be tuned slightly should you wish. The AFX is aimed at those who want to create their own tones. The sounds "in the box" are meant to show what can be done - not used by the user as stock tones. Both great though in their niches.
@paulmapp8306 I've never seen ANY manufacturer who would not want to show off their equipment and what it can do by loading up less than the best sounds it can produce. Those FX-II sounds were simply bad. The Kemper had ONE sound that I would not be happy with out of hundreds. I bought an FX-II, checked it out, sold it, bought a Kemper and saved half the money. Better kit all round IMHO and I was NOT biased - after all I bought both and Kemper was not even released at the time.
@tonymckenziecom Lastly, the Kemper companies ATTITUDE is right. It's very clear to me that the FX camp don't have a very professional team at the top, whereas Kemper certainly do. It matters to me about the style of company I buy from, the management, right back to warranty, the hardware quality and other aspects I won't bother to cover here. If you are happy to support that style of company thats fine. I absolutely am not - I'll never buy anything they make ever again.
I think that the only real Achilles heel of the Kemper is that it can only create a profile as good as the original sound going into it. I.E. Garbage in = garbage out. That said, I really want one but don't know if I should hold off for software/firmware revisions or just get it and enjoy it.
Regarding phantom power, is there anything stopping you from instead of running the mic into the kemper, running mics into a preamp then running the mic preamp into the kemper?
@FastRedPonyCar Maybe. But don't forget that you can enhance the 'profile' much further than the original profiled amp. Therefore you might just be able to turn lead in the gold :-). The phantom power can easily be worked around if you want to by using other external phantom power 'boxes' which can be bought cheaply. However since review I have found a simple SM57 does a really great job and don't really need phantom power at all. I can see why it was eventually left off the amp.
@tonymckenziecom I'm willing to bet the pro studios that use mics needing phantom would run them into high end mic preamps and interfaces before sending that into the kemper. That's what I would do. I prefer how my amps sound with 2, sometimes 3 different mics blended together vs just 1 mic.
@FastRedPonyCar I understand. And I'm sure the kemper will pickup 'different' voicings depending on the mic. But for me in real terms, I don't particularly like being an audiophile.. I can't really see that much difference, and I'm completely sure that the average guy in an audience listening can't either. Its like anything, brand of tubes, strings (really) and other stuff that can really distract from getting on with playing music. Its easy to do that but not with Kemper.
@FastRedPonyCar What I want to know is how physically can it figure out what the amp is on other settings (lower gain, different eq settings) as these arent fixed things that apply to all amps so would you have to profile 10 different useable settings with different mics etc. It sounds great for copping an exact tone but I'd like to see how it gets the whole spectrum of tones from an amp. In my head it doesn't seem like it would be possible by send noise through an amp on static settings.
@JimijaymesGuitarist The Kemper does do as it should. Yes if you want a clean you profile it, if you want a distorted sound you profile it. Honestly, I have loads of tube amps and will typically use about 3 sounds most of the time from a given amp sound. How it works does not really matter, except to say that the Kemper is unique in the world and while others make claims the Kemper is the only one worth having. Once tried forever smitten with this one.
@tonymckenziecom So it really is best for people who have access to lots of amps and such that they use and to replace them with a portable amp they can take anywhere. Great idea think it is a really cool product probably not for me yet in time but cool non the less.
@fenderoid1111 Well it is possible, I did it and it works, (I have used wah too) but there are a load of stomp boxes and wah in the amp as standard, and unless you really want something out of the way there really is little point.
Great review! Got a little question, does the Kemper profile the amps in such a way that you can change your gain/treble/mid/bass like you would on the real amp? Or is it much like impulse based machines where it takes a 'snapshot' of a setting that can't be changed without re-profiling? Very interested in this little device!!
@AdamDallas You can snapshot and change all those things SIMPLY. You will not be there for hours like some kit.... the manual is simple to use and you actually get to PLAY music... with other stuff... spend a week on the manual and lose yourself. Kemper - Smarter, Simpler, Stronger.
@helterskelter786 You have your opinion. Frankly though, I cluld not do with a forum where you go to get support and they ridicule you for your views. I sold the Axe-FX II in a flash and will never go back. By the way, I think the Kemper eats it for breakfast.
@tonymckenziecom I have a couple more ?'s. How do you feel about the quality of the effects in kemper compared to the eventide eclipse? What mic would be good to do profiling with to capture a good live (amp through 4x12) type sound? I am thinking about selling my snaxx II to get one of these and I was wondering if it would provide good effects for my heads. Thanks!
@millavanhalen Clearly the Eventide is good at what it does and I think its a very powerful effects unit (I have one). The Kemper is not intended to replace that really. I used an SM57 industry standard microphone and it all worked well. I dont have any real issues with the effects as provided by the kemper and they are quite adequate for most uses. Actually they are quite good.
@tonymckenziecom Love your reviews, I have a couple of questions about the Kemper. Does it react with the guitar like a real tube amp (often digital modelers decrease the tone difference between different sounding guitars)? Will it sound like a real tube amp through 4x12's in the room or only do recorded type sound? I am interested in buying one but I prefer the sound you get in the room from a stack and not recorded sound. Thanks!
@millavanhalen The Kemper does indeed 'feel' like a tube amp would. Its hard to tell the difference. For example I have a MB RK and the Kemper sounds the same right out of the box. I used a Behringer PA power amp streight in to a Vintage Modern 4x12. It sounds great. Use the clean and distorted tuning on the input for each sound and or guitar. So its far from just a recording unit.
@millavanhalen Ill be updating the review on my website to show this combination. Its not rocket science and the Behringer costs about £180 in the UK. I could have got a much cheaper 1u Behringer but chose this one because of the spare power. The cab is stereo. So you have a stereo rig setup like this. It really is the business. But Ill still be keeping my amps ;-)
I'm awaiting my Kemper from Sweetwater so never played it but IF it does what it says it does... then why couldn't it be for everyone? I mean what guitarist wouldn't want the potential of playing through whatever amp he so desires, whether modded or not?
@CrossHairSB Well because there are people who want tubes (no matter what - for example I'm keeping my amps) and there are complete purists who dont want ANY hassle at all and... well you get the idea. But Honestly, this unit really did whats in the video - you can check it and hear the comparison. Nigh on perfect and better in most ways compared to a recent product I bought and played on. You might well agree when you get yours.
Hi Mr. Mckenzie. It would be interesting to watch a video in which we could see the "Mr. Kemper" profiling YJM Marshall, Engl 670 and the Mesa Boogie Rectifier.
@FenderProBrazil Thanks for the comment. But basically they sound extremely near to the original. I did profile the Mesa Boogie Road King II channel 3 and it was nigh on impossible to tell the difference between the Kemper and the Mesa. regarding the procedure - its the same as this video.
Thanks for this review! I was looking around for an 11 Rack but the Kemper sure is tempting. A question for you: Obviously, the USB A port on the rear is used for transferring user rigs to and from USB sticks. But, I was wondering, what is the purpose of the USB B port? Is it for direct recording to a computer? I was hoping you could clear this up for me. Thanks
@bluze86 There is no reference to that aspect of the port in the manuals. I also had the first version of OS on the unit where some features and benefits of the amp were/are not implimented. My own view is that it is likely that Kemper will use that port for audio streaming to a PC but that is pure conjecture at this time. In any case this unit was great and it can only get even better as they update the OS accordingly. We shall see in time...
IMHO it's at least a ten out of ten! That other product, what was it's name Ffff..something, will have to get a lot realerer and cheperer and easierer to catch up with this product. And I mean it!
@nicolasrivera Its different things to different guys (see Randall Rocker below). But I was impressed completely by this. When you try it you might like it too. But Imm keeping my Tube Amps :-).. PS the full review is on my site right now - just completed.
@tonymckenziecom Thanks Tom. I always watch all your great review, your honesty is very much appreciated. So when i see you exited about a digital modeling unit i can trust it is because you find it that it has something special, i didn't see this on your Axe FX reviews or the POD HD ones. The appealing point is the physical profiling, i see it as a great attraction point, but for some it may be a hassle to bother someone to copy its amp! Will read the review ASAP, Thanks again Tony.
@nicolasrivera Yes I think it could be come a massive thing swapping profiles with others on this device. Maybe users will have other amps. Seems on their forum they are swaping profiles alredy and this thing has only been out a short while. It does need an OS update to make everything work but I suspect that won't be too far away either. Tks for your kind words.
Well I do not seem the purpose of this thing... profiling reminds me of an EQ using a pink noise generator. If this is not surely overly complex than I don't know what is? Reminds me of a fancy 300 dollalr stump box OD peal with a contour control... I really see not need for this thing at all all this grumble and noise to make a profile. It reminds me of some cheap boom box... This is surely not worth the price I could by an 11 Rack by Avid and even get Protools. Tony why so hipt on this thing?
@RandallRocker It looks like geek handbag thats true ;-) but I can tell you, put those profiles in there and they sound absolutely awesome in a box that frankly weighs like a biscuit tin. The noise is strange I also agree. But Honestly - try one. Im a Tube guy but I can tell you its hard to ignore when there are hundreds of profiles and just ONE you would not use. Its not for everyone I also agree but it really does sing. Tks for comments appreciated.
@tonymckenziecom Thanks tony for replying. Understand I was not bashing your review nor was I making any assumptions I just based what I saw on your review.. I would love to try one then get my feel for it.. I surely will now follow the "Kemper Profiling Amp" ideology now... thanx
@RandallRocker Hey I have no problems either with your comments because they are as valid as mine. The easiest thing is try one if you can. If you want lots of amps that really sound the same as the real deal then its a useful bit of kit. Studios will love it - as we did - it worked great.. so please feel free to post your views - they all matter and I want alternate views of the technology on here.
Great video - though I dont feel you should knock other brands in a video about something else. FWIW Ive played with a KPA for the last 10 days or so, but it went back. I couldnt afford the KPA and the AFX2 - I went for the AFX. why? well the FX/routing is much better - but that aside I felt the tones were better on the AFX. This was down to me not having any amps to profile so was stuck with the included profiles and the ones available for download. There good but I couldnt get them right.
paulmapp8306 3 weeks ago
@paulmapp8306 Good for you.But frankly, the Axe FX II was inferior and full of sounds most ordinary guys will never use. Thats why they sit there for days trying to get a sound. The kemper is full of excellent immediate use sounds in the box as delivered. I dont want to be a computer geek. I was not impressed by the owners complete lack of civility in breach of his own forum rules. I HATED the manual and it was three times the price it should have been. Now whaeres my kemper...
tonymckenziecom 3 weeks ago
@tonymckenziecom Yeh I get that. Both are great products, and for those into this kind of tech its a great time to be a guitarist. Their aimed at different types of people. The KPA is plug and play - get "snapshot" sounds quickly that are grea and can be tuned slightly should you wish. The AFX is aimed at those who want to create their own tones. The sounds "in the box" are meant to show what can be done - not used by the user as stock tones. Both great though in their niches.
paulmapp8306 3 weeks ago
@paulmapp8306 I've never seen ANY manufacturer who would not want to show off their equipment and what it can do by loading up less than the best sounds it can produce. Those FX-II sounds were simply bad. The Kemper had ONE sound that I would not be happy with out of hundreds. I bought an FX-II, checked it out, sold it, bought a Kemper and saved half the money. Better kit all round IMHO and I was NOT biased - after all I bought both and Kemper was not even released at the time.
tonymckenziecom 3 weeks ago
@tonymckenziecom Lastly, the Kemper companies ATTITUDE is right. It's very clear to me that the FX camp don't have a very professional team at the top, whereas Kemper certainly do. It matters to me about the style of company I buy from, the management, right back to warranty, the hardware quality and other aspects I won't bother to cover here. If you are happy to support that style of company thats fine. I absolutely am not - I'll never buy anything they make ever again.
tonymckenziecom 3 weeks ago
I think that the only real Achilles heel of the Kemper is that it can only create a profile as good as the original sound going into it. I.E. Garbage in = garbage out. That said, I really want one but don't know if I should hold off for software/firmware revisions or just get it and enjoy it.
Regarding phantom power, is there anything stopping you from instead of running the mic into the kemper, running mics into a preamp then running the mic preamp into the kemper?
FastRedPonyCar 3 weeks ago
@FastRedPonyCar Maybe. But don't forget that you can enhance the 'profile' much further than the original profiled amp. Therefore you might just be able to turn lead in the gold :-). The phantom power can easily be worked around if you want to by using other external phantom power 'boxes' which can be bought cheaply. However since review I have found a simple SM57 does a really great job and don't really need phantom power at all. I can see why it was eventually left off the amp.
tonymckenziecom 3 weeks ago
@tonymckenziecom I'm willing to bet the pro studios that use mics needing phantom would run them into high end mic preamps and interfaces before sending that into the kemper. That's what I would do. I prefer how my amps sound with 2, sometimes 3 different mics blended together vs just 1 mic.
FastRedPonyCar 3 weeks ago
@FastRedPonyCar I understand. And I'm sure the kemper will pickup 'different' voicings depending on the mic. But for me in real terms, I don't particularly like being an audiophile.. I can't really see that much difference, and I'm completely sure that the average guy in an audience listening can't either. Its like anything, brand of tubes, strings (really) and other stuff that can really distract from getting on with playing music. Its easy to do that but not with Kemper.
tonymckenziecom 3 weeks ago
@FastRedPonyCar What I want to know is how physically can it figure out what the amp is on other settings (lower gain, different eq settings) as these arent fixed things that apply to all amps so would you have to profile 10 different useable settings with different mics etc. It sounds great for copping an exact tone but I'd like to see how it gets the whole spectrum of tones from an amp. In my head it doesn't seem like it would be possible by send noise through an amp on static settings.
JimijaymesGuitarist 4 days ago
@JimijaymesGuitarist The Kemper does do as it should. Yes if you want a clean you profile it, if you want a distorted sound you profile it. Honestly, I have loads of tube amps and will typically use about 3 sounds most of the time from a given amp sound. How it works does not really matter, except to say that the Kemper is unique in the world and while others make claims the Kemper is the only one worth having. Once tried forever smitten with this one.
tonymckenziecom 4 days ago
@tonymckenziecom So it really is best for people who have access to lots of amps and such that they use and to replace them with a portable amp they can take anywhere. Great idea think it is a really cool product probably not for me yet in time but cool non the less.
JimijaymesGuitarist 4 days ago
Great review.Definitely the best Kemper review.I got one question though.Is it possible to use stomp boxes on fornt of the 'amp'?
fenderoid1111 3 weeks ago
@fenderoid1111 Well it is possible, I did it and it works, (I have used wah too) but there are a load of stomp boxes and wah in the amp as standard, and unless you really want something out of the way there really is little point.
tonymckenziecom 3 weeks ago
Great review as always Tony. A beautiful amp for sure - John
Ajohn13 3 weeks ago in playlist Uploaded videos
@Ajohn13 If you get a chance go try one....
tonymckenziecom 3 weeks ago
Great review! Got a little question, does the Kemper profile the amps in such a way that you can change your gain/treble/mid/bass like you would on the real amp? Or is it much like impulse based machines where it takes a 'snapshot' of a setting that can't be changed without re-profiling? Very interested in this little device!!
AdamDallas 1 month ago
@AdamDallas You can snapshot and change all those things SIMPLY. You will not be there for hours like some kit.... the manual is simple to use and you actually get to PLAY music... with other stuff... spend a week on the manual and lose yourself. Kemper - Smarter, Simpler, Stronger.
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
I think the Kemper sounds satisfactory like an Eleven Rack, but it can't hold a candle to the Axe-fx II.
helterskelter786 1 month ago
@helterskelter786 You have your opinion. Frankly though, I cluld not do with a forum where you go to get support and they ridicule you for your views. I sold the Axe-FX II in a flash and will never go back. By the way, I think the Kemper eats it for breakfast.
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
What would happen if you were to have this amp "profile" someone singing into a mic or something like a mic'd piano? LOL...I guess nothing?
gwugluud 1 month ago
@gwugluud Highly unlikely it would be good .... think angry birds :-/
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
@tonymckenziecom I have a couple more ?'s. How do you feel about the quality of the effects in kemper compared to the eventide eclipse? What mic would be good to do profiling with to capture a good live (amp through 4x12) type sound? I am thinking about selling my snaxx II to get one of these and I was wondering if it would provide good effects for my heads. Thanks!
millavanhalen 1 month ago
@millavanhalen Clearly the Eventide is good at what it does and I think its a very powerful effects unit (I have one). The Kemper is not intended to replace that really. I used an SM57 industry standard microphone and it all worked well. I dont have any real issues with the effects as provided by the kemper and they are quite adequate for most uses. Actually they are quite good.
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
@tonymckenziecom Love your reviews, I have a couple of questions about the Kemper. Does it react with the guitar like a real tube amp (often digital modelers decrease the tone difference between different sounding guitars)? Will it sound like a real tube amp through 4x12's in the room or only do recorded type sound? I am interested in buying one but I prefer the sound you get in the room from a stack and not recorded sound. Thanks!
millavanhalen 1 month ago
@millavanhalen The Kemper does indeed 'feel' like a tube amp would. Its hard to tell the difference. For example I have a MB RK and the Kemper sounds the same right out of the box. I used a Behringer PA power amp streight in to a Vintage Modern 4x12. It sounds great. Use the clean and distorted tuning on the input for each sound and or guitar. So its far from just a recording unit.
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
@millavanhalen Ill be updating the review on my website to show this combination. Its not rocket science and the Behringer costs about £180 in the UK. I could have got a much cheaper 1u Behringer but chose this one because of the spare power. The cab is stereo. So you have a stereo rig setup like this. It really is the business. But Ill still be keeping my amps ;-)
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
hey man, great review. can you throw some light about its effects.
thanks :)
ryurookie 1 month ago
@ryurookie check the review on my site... thanks
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
I'm awaiting my Kemper from Sweetwater so never played it but IF it does what it says it does... then why couldn't it be for everyone? I mean what guitarist wouldn't want the potential of playing through whatever amp he so desires, whether modded or not?
CrossHairSB 1 month ago
@CrossHairSB Well because there are people who want tubes (no matter what - for example I'm keeping my amps) and there are complete purists who dont want ANY hassle at all and... well you get the idea. But Honestly, this unit really did whats in the video - you can check it and hear the comparison. Nigh on perfect and better in most ways compared to a recent product I bought and played on. You might well agree when you get yours.
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
Hi Mr. Mckenzie. It would be interesting to watch a video in which we could see the "Mr. Kemper" profiling YJM Marshall, Engl 670 and the Mesa Boogie Rectifier.
Thanks a lot for your review.
FenderProBrazil 1 month ago
@FenderProBrazil Thanks for the comment. But basically they sound extremely near to the original. I did profile the Mesa Boogie Road King II channel 3 and it was nigh on impossible to tell the difference between the Kemper and the Mesa. regarding the procedure - its the same as this video.
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
Thanks for this review! I was looking around for an 11 Rack but the Kemper sure is tempting. A question for you: Obviously, the USB A port on the rear is used for transferring user rigs to and from USB sticks. But, I was wondering, what is the purpose of the USB B port? Is it for direct recording to a computer? I was hoping you could clear this up for me. Thanks
bluze86 1 month ago
@bluze86 There is no reference to that aspect of the port in the manuals. I also had the first version of OS on the unit where some features and benefits of the amp were/are not implimented. My own view is that it is likely that Kemper will use that port for audio streaming to a PC but that is pure conjecture at this time. In any case this unit was great and it can only get even better as they update the OS accordingly. We shall see in time...
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
IMHO it's at least a ten out of ten! That other product, what was it's name Ffff..something, will have to get a lot realerer and cheperer and easierer to catch up with this product. And I mean it!
wwwYecom 1 month ago
@wwwYecom Me too!
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
Man what an awesome review THANKS Tony!
CrossHairSB 1 month ago
@CrossHairSB Thanks for that. Glad you liked it.
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
Excellent review, enjoyed that !
JonGUK 1 month ago
@JonGUK Thanks....
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
tony, thank you so much for this review what an amazing thing!
nicolasrivera 1 month ago
@nicolasrivera Its different things to different guys (see Randall Rocker below). But I was impressed completely by this. When you try it you might like it too. But Imm keeping my Tube Amps :-).. PS the full review is on my site right now - just completed.
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
@tonymckenziecom Thanks Tom. I always watch all your great review, your honesty is very much appreciated. So when i see you exited about a digital modeling unit i can trust it is because you find it that it has something special, i didn't see this on your Axe FX reviews or the POD HD ones. The appealing point is the physical profiling, i see it as a great attraction point, but for some it may be a hassle to bother someone to copy its amp! Will read the review ASAP, Thanks again Tony.
nicolasrivera 1 month ago
@nicolasrivera Yes I think it could be come a massive thing swapping profiles with others on this device. Maybe users will have other amps. Seems on their forum they are swaping profiles alredy and this thing has only been out a short while. It does need an OS update to make everything work but I suspect that won't be too far away either. Tks for your kind words.
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
great!
yamahabmxer1 1 month ago
Well I do not seem the purpose of this thing... profiling reminds me of an EQ using a pink noise generator. If this is not surely overly complex than I don't know what is? Reminds me of a fancy 300 dollalr stump box OD peal with a contour control... I really see not need for this thing at all all this grumble and noise to make a profile. It reminds me of some cheap boom box... This is surely not worth the price I could by an 11 Rack by Avid and even get Protools. Tony why so hipt on this thing?
RandallRocker 1 month ago
@RandallRocker It looks like geek handbag thats true ;-) but I can tell you, put those profiles in there and they sound absolutely awesome in a box that frankly weighs like a biscuit tin. The noise is strange I also agree. But Honestly - try one. Im a Tube guy but I can tell you its hard to ignore when there are hundreds of profiles and just ONE you would not use. Its not for everyone I also agree but it really does sing. Tks for comments appreciated.
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago
@tonymckenziecom Thanks tony for replying. Understand I was not bashing your review nor was I making any assumptions I just based what I saw on your review.. I would love to try one then get my feel for it.. I surely will now follow the "Kemper Profiling Amp" ideology now... thanx
RandallRocker 1 month ago
@RandallRocker Hey I have no problems either with your comments because they are as valid as mine. The easiest thing is try one if you can. If you want lots of amps that really sound the same as the real deal then its a useful bit of kit. Studios will love it - as we did - it worked great.. so please feel free to post your views - they all matter and I want alternate views of the technology on here.
tonymckenziecom 1 month ago