Kemper Amps Forum

My first post here, so hi to everyone!

I'm getting more and more convinced by some sound clips i am hearing from the KPA - seems to me like it's the first digital solution that gets the 3d-"shape", punch and depth of the attack of real tube amps. As i'm getting more interested, i'm wondering if ghosting will be copied along with other amp characteristics if present in the reference amp? By ghosting i mean the "ghost notes" (most appearant at the 12th fret and higher on the board) that can be heard on vintage amps (like old JTM Marshalls and AC30's) and which is a result of low filtering.
Actually i'd find it very good, as it is one of the typical "warts" of real tube amps that give them their character (and the KPA seems to be capable of capturing those too).

Thanks a lot in advance!

Regards,

VintageCharlie

Thanks for the reply, Jimmy!

Wow, i'm pleasantly surprized it catches even these things. If i will get the KPA, i'll profile my authentic marshall 45/100 clone (has all correct vintage components, down to the date codes) - it has some ghosting going on (which many hate), but that's a part of these amps soul.

Low filtering concerns the capacitance of caps in the power amp stage of a tube amp. The smaller the mains and screen filtering caps will be, the looser the feel of the amp, but also the more risk of ghosting, which occurs on single note runs, when the amp is dimed. Ghosting usually sounds like a lower pitched out of tune copy of the single note being played.
Afaik, the low filtering is not the cause for the ghosting - it is a problem of some AB push pull circuits, etc., etc., but i'm not technical enough to explain it in full detail. Higher filtering can remedy this issue to some extent though.
Here is a clip where i made it obvious or exaggerated. Normally it is hard to notice - only when you "hunt" for the ghosts you can make it REALLY easily audible. That's a JTM-45/100 clone running through a hot plate on load setting, the line out signal runs into cubase, where i added a redwirez IR of a 4x12. It is too thick/bassy/muddy, but enough for this purpose:

http://soundcloud.com/vintagecharlie/ghosts2

From the classic amps i usually hear complaints about ghosting in old marshalls and ac30's.