Kemper Amps Forum

Mmmm, where to start.
Firstly, I will post a reply here, not at TGP. There is a lot of good info on that forum and I am a member there, but saying anything which can be considered even slightly derogatory about the axefx without first apologising profusely and prostrating oneself will result in immediate hissy fits and flamewars. Doesn't bother me personally, but it does cloud the issue and doesn't help the op. in getting reasoned responses.
If you compare your miced amp, monitored in the control room to a profile you do of that miced amp, I very much doubt if you will be able to tell the difference between the two in sound, feel or anything else for that matter.
If you then take that profile and play it through an FRFR system, it will still feel and sound like it did in the control room (dependent on how good your FRFR system is)
I owned an axefx standards and ultra for a number of years. I received an axefx 2 about the same time as the kemper.
In short I sent the axefx back and kept the kemper.
A few others on this forum did the same. I don't know of anyone who has done it the other way around, although to be fair the kemper is the new kid on the block.
For what it's worth, the kemper is the first unit I've ever been happy with using FRFR with a band.

Quoted from "Songwritersoul"

I own an AxefxII and feel that there are a few percentage points still missing, though it sounds excellent.

Also, have you done any critical listening tests of tube amp tracks compared to KPA profiled tracks?
What did you discover?

I really don't care if the profile sound exactly the same as the original amp. I'm much more concerned if it's able to capture and replicate every aspect of the sound and feel of a tube amp to a degree that I can't tell a difference.

I'm going to post this at TGP too since this place is a bit of a ghost town.

thanks,

Steve

As long as you're not looking for 120%, I think you'll find those few missing percentage points with the Kemper.

When we did this track in Peter Hanmers Foxglove Studio we thought it sounded as good as tracks he's recorded miking tube amps...it's hard to impress Peter, he was VERY impressed.
http://soundcloud.com/temper59/kemper-profiling-amp-foxglove

Same with this track by Robin Gallagher.
When I gave him the Kemper to demo he had never heard of it...after he recorded with it (almost zero tweaking),he described it as unbelievable, one of the most amazing guitar products he's ever used...will record his next album with the Kemper.
http://soundcloud.com/temper59/robin-gallagher-the-kemper

Andy Innes also wanted to check out the Kemper.
Andy's the musical director and guitarist in the Johnny Clegg band.
He took it to the studio he's recording his current solo album in...Robin Walsh's studio, Undahaus Recording studios, Johannesburg.
He descibed it as 'unbelievable'.
Andy bought one and he loves it, and plans to use it 'live' on their upcoming international tours.
If you ever get the opportunity to watch the Johnny Clegg band and Andy Innes live, DO NOT MISS IT.

So what do I think of the Kemper having owned one for a few months.
I think the same as the Pro's above that demoed/recorded with it.

Quoted from "Guitartone"

As long as you're not looking for 120%, I think you'll find those few missing percentage points with the Kemper.

My honest opinion: this is the most impressive piece of gear I had in my life (30+ years playing, not a pro...but still), including tube amps and analog gear in this statement.

I have yet to see anybody (with one exception) trying the KPA and not being seriously impressed, and I'm talking about hardcore tube guys, not a digital head like me

Quoted from "Songwritersoul"

I'm going to post this at TGP too since this place is a bit of a ghost town.



thanks,

Steve

Good luck, Steve

Quoted from "guitarnet70"

My honest opinion: this is the most impressive piece of gear I had in my life (30+ years playing, not a pro...but still), including tube amps and analog gear in this statement.

I have yet to see anybody (with one exception) trying the KPA and not being seriously impressed, and I'm talking about hardcore tube guys, not a digital head like me

Im one of those hardcore tube guys (axefx standard,ultra and 2 failed) and Im seriously impressed.

Grunt, fire, delicacy, fidelity, soul.

The kinds of things missing in everything else I've used and which bring out the above in me and my playing.

It's a very serious box of magic for sure. Sometimes being a fanboi is entirely justified.

Quoted from "Songwritersoul"

The only way to know for sure is to get one myself and that's what I plan to do. As convincing as your feedback is, I still remember people saying similar things about the first Axefx. I hope when I get one, if they ever show up in the US, I have the same experience as you with it.



thanks much,

Steve

Yes I remember that too. And after every firmware update lol.