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Thread: Kemper Question

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    Default Kemper Question

    Anyone have or used a Kemper amplifier? Is it worth the $$?

    Seems pretty expensive, but I am really curious about these.

    I see them advertised as non powered, what power source doe it need? How do you set it up with a cab?

    Any details you can share are greatly appreciated.


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    You can get a powered or non-powered version. The powered version can be used with any cab. The non-powered one will need to go into something that is powered, like an active FRFR speaker, etc.

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    Quote Originally Posted by danielleesale View Post
    You can get a powered or non-powered version. The powered version can be used with any cab. The non-powered one will need to go into something that is powered, like an active FRFR speaker, etc.
    Have you used one? Is it worth the investment?

    Thanks

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    Quote Originally Posted by ScottyBHarris View Post
    Have you used one? Is it worth the investment?

    Thanks
    No, I'm sorry, but I've never used one. I've gone back and forth on whether I would like this or that amp modeler (Kemper or Axe FX mostly) but I'm pretty much happy with the tube amp sound I've got going. I also have a feeling that if I got one of those, I'd just be trying to emulate tones I've already got. I tend to dial in everything the same way, lol.

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    I had a powered one with a German cab; forgot the brand but it was a good one. Sounded interesting and yes you could dial in a gazillion sounds but.....SO complicated and complex to use and I am an Electrical Engineer with a Master's just for reference. I don't know I just did not dig it....sold it and went back to a pedal board with a nice (at the time pre-flood) EVH EL34 50W with a 2x12.

    Just missing the power and push of air behind it that a real tube amp has and so expensive....I would start with a Headrush or one of the other simple modelers first to really give something like that a go.
    It's 5150 time!

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    I had one for a while. Cranks out some killer tones but man, if you're not a settings tweaker, it can get overwhelming fast. I tend to just want to plug and play so I never really used it to its full potential. Traded it for a 5150 guitar and a Pod Go, which works better in my church's worship band setting.

    I've always been tempted by the Axe FX stuff but from what I hear it's even more daunting than the Kemper is if you're not into tweaking your sound to infinite levels. I don't want the labor pains--just gimme the BABY!

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    Quote Originally Posted by jaybird View Post
    I had one for a while. Cranks out some killer tones but man, if you're not a settings tweaker, it can get overwhelming fast. I tend to just want to plug and play so I never really used it to its full potential. Traded it for a 5150 guitar and a Pod Go, which works better in my church's worship band setting.

    I've always been tempted by the Axe FX stuff but from what I hear it's even more daunting than the Kemper is if you're not into tweaking your sound to infinite levels. I don't want the labor pains--just gimme the BABY!
    I hear you on that tweaking point. I’m like you, I just want to plug in and play.

    Does the Kemper sound good once it’s dialed in?

    I’ve heard you can buy and download pre set patches that are already dialed in. Did you try any of those?

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    Hey Scotty,

    I think I can guide you in the right direction. While I have never owned a Kemper, I have owned EVH amps of some form for five years now, I owned a helix for a year, and I have primarily used an AxeFx III for a year and a half now.

    What is your end goal? Replace amps you have, have something more portable?

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    Quote Originally Posted by ScottyBHarris View Post
    I hear you on that tweaking point. I’m like you, I just want to plug in and play.

    Does the Kemper sound good once it’s dialed in?

    I’ve heard you can buy and download pre set patches that are already dialed in. Did you try any of those?
    I did. Typical of any patches you buy--some of them were spot on, some were crap. Always interesting how people can hear a standard tone (EVH, Slash, etc) so differently.

    I would say that, once dialed in, you'll have a great sound that many will swear is the "real thing". It's just the dialing in part that takes time.

    I'd give it a go. These things are hot and always easy to sell if it doesn't work out.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave not David View Post
    Hey Scotty,

    I think I can guide you in the right direction. While I have never owned a Kemper, I have owned EVH amps of some form for five years now, I owned a helix for a year, and I have primarily used an AxeFx III for a year and a half now.

    What is your end goal? Replace amps you have, have something more portable?
    Mostly curiosity about the Kemper, seems interesting for sure. If I could find a great classic Van Halen brown sound with the Kemper I’d be stoked to get one. I am also interested in the portability of the Kemper, but I wouldn’t get rid of my current amps and pedals.

    What is your opinion of the Helix and AxeFx?

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    Quote Originally Posted by ScottyBHarris View Post
    Mostly curiosity about the Kemper, seems interesting for sure. If I could find a great classic Van Halen brown sound with the Kemper I’d be stoked to get one. I am also interested in the portability of the Kemper, but I wouldn’t get rid of my current amps and pedals.

    What is your opinion of the Helix and AxeFx?
    The Helix can get a good brown sound. The AxeFx however, has much more power and potential for complex signal chains. The axeFx is in a different league between other modellers actual tube amps (after the Cygnus update, in particular). I often use my AxeFx with actual cabs and a clean PA poweramp to feed them, but I also send a 57/121 virtual cab mix direct to board, instead of putting a mic on the cab. It sounds great, and I love the ability to adjust things on my virtual 5150 amp that I can't easily do on my physical 5150 next to it. \

    You can definitely get option paralysis, but you can mitigate that by just picking one of your favorite tube models and picking a cab similar to something you use (or ideally to a poweramp to a real cab, you can't fake a cabinet in room sound with headphones or a small monitor.

    I personally have the rack model, but for portability, the FM3 and FM9 are incredible pieces of equipment- https://www.fractalaudio.com/fm9/

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    I didn't know Fractal had different models including a smaller floor unit like the FM3.

    Reminds me of a new age Digitech RP80.

    I'm gonna look into the FM3 for my condo. Have just been using Boss Waza-Airs to play through the past year and a half. Might be in for a change soon.
    My man, when you are fantasizing, don't go for attainable, you can get attainable at the local Applebee's. - Dave's Dreidel

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    if you like messing with a computer it’s great. if you want to turn knobs and have it “just sound good” it’s awful.

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    Quote Originally Posted by ScottyBHarris View Post
    Mostly curiosity about the Kemper, seems interesting for sure. If I could find a great classic Van Halen brown sound with the Kemper I’d be stoked to get one.
    This demo is as plug & play as it gets, provided you purchase the “Top Jimmy” sound pack. It targets the Marshall tones ONLY. We actually discussed this here 2-3 years ago:


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    Midori Tatematsu, of the female power/speed metal band Lovebites, has been using a Kemper for years, and she absolutely slays it;


 

 

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