Kemper Amps Forum

I'm an early Axe-FX user, and was impressed early on the customer support and Cliff's responses to people's questions. But over time, things started to change with him and Atomic:

• I asked the Atomic guy a long time ago to post the frequency response curves of their tube power amp/speaker unit. They are claiming FRFR, yet not posting any specs. This was rather suspect. I had a feeling based on the design that it was far from flat. Many users did comparisons also against other monitors (like the Verve), and it was clear that the Atomic stuff was not close to being FRFR. Atomic claimed I had an issue or beef with them, but I didn't. I thought it was a fair question to ask for those specs when all their competitors post such data. You can't claim FRFR unless you post *some* data.

• I never understood why Cliff decided to partner with Atomic. Those amps, though they can sound good, are the antithesis of the whole Axe-FX philosophy: solid-state reliability, creating the entire sound within the unit (no coloration and and relying on a good FRFR system to display that), and made in the USA. NONE of these characteristics are evident in Atomic.

• After Fractal started to get more popular and be the new "king of the hill," I perceived a shift in attitudes -- condescending towards any detractors, constantly defensive, etc. Cliff started to act like Steve Jobs.I remember once in his forum, when someone asked why the unit did something unusual (because the action itself was weird), his response was "don't do that." Similar to Steve Job's response about phone reception when holding the older iPhone a specific way. Simply arrogant.

• Cliff mentioned early on about thinking about using an idea similar to what Kemper is doing (I call it empirical behavioral modeling), but he dismissed it as not good enough, and he went the route which he is doing now (I call it device modeling, based on schematics and component modeling). Now he introduces "tone matching" which confuses users that he can do something like profiling. If the Kemper method wasn't as good, why introduce tone matching now? Sounds like a very defensive, desperate move to me. The fact that there is no waiting list time now may reflect lost sales to Kemper and his resorting to competitor bashing.

• His recent bashing as well as the Axe-Fx cultists out there against the KPA is ridiculous. One TGP moderator (who will go nameless but owns a Axe-FX) is *constantly* hyping the Axe-FX and any new monitor he happens to have. The guy went thru QSC, then Verve, now RCF. And his sheep followers continue to buy whatever he touts. Simply amazing. I've owned an RCF way before him, but didn't hype it like he does now. He'll also rag on anything that isn't what he's using. I happen to like the ELX112P. Great monitors for the price (half the RCF), and with much better serviceability.

Moral of the story: carefully read the forums and get to know the content. Read previous postings of a user to see if there are any biases. You'll see plenty, so be careful. Often, they'll tout what they are using as "the best," then 6 months later, move onto to something else and say the very same thing. They are hype machines. There's a guitarist on TGP who's famous for this. He'll hype up his current guitars, get endorsements, etc. Then 6 months later, these will be on sale and he'll be on to the next thing. Be wary of these people.

That said, I think both the Axe-FX and KPA are great. Each has its strengths. I am tending now towards the KPA because of the attitude issues of FAS as well as having too many options in the box to tweak. Personally, I'd rather have a few great tones and some good effects. So a few great profiles would cut it. I also like the simplicity and knobs to adjust things. This allows me to spend more of my time playing to get better and enjoy the music.

Well Said!

Quoted

Moral of the story: carefully read the forums and get to know the content. Read previous postings of a user to see if there are any biases. You'll see plenty, so be careful. Often, they'll tout what they are using as "the best," then 6 months later, move onto to something else and say the very same thing. They are hype machines.

Quoted from "ampjunkie"

Similar to Steve Job's response about phone reception when holding the older iPhone a specific way. Simply arrogant.

That Jobs response was a fake... blame him for whatever you want, but not for that answer...

Ampjunkie: welcome! Are you Javajunkie on the FAS forum?

Quoted from "guitarnet70"

Ampjunkie: welcome! Are you Javajunkie on the FAS forum?

Nope ...

As mentioned previously, it is pretty biased over -- but that is somewhat expected. The few times I asked questions, the fanboys attacked. me.

Quoted from "ballantine"

Quoted from "ampjunkie"

Similar to Steve Job's response about phone reception when holding the older iPhone a specific way. Simply arrogant.

That Jobs response was a fake... blame him for whatever you want, but not for that answer...

Yes, you may be right on that. Nonetheless, the arrogance displayed by Apple is very real, with condescension being a main attribute (i.e. I know what is good for you, I am the expert, you are all idiots). Unfortunately, that seems to be oozing from the FAS camp ... Don't get me wrong -- I love the products. Just lose the attitude please!

knowing how Cliff is and reacts and handles things, its no wonder that attitude trickles down with thickness to the FAS cult. honestly, I probably will never support that company again with a purchase, stuff like how cliff is acting irks me. I mean it just causes friction and that is what he wanted to do, trying to make his the superior product..

BTW, Anybody know when this new "Aliasing (block)" feature will be added to the Axe?

Sigh...

"It's almost trivial to match an amp (or another modeler). Matching a recording is far more difficult."

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showpos…1&postcount=466

I really like the Axe product, but the complete dismissal of all other products on the market by the owner really gets to me. Just offer what you have and stand behind it without the digs against everyone else.

Yup rediclous statement. What cliff is trying to do is downplay and make the Kemper seem inferior and the axe superior. I just wish he would stop talking on that site. Its a shame when the guy behind the product makes me not want to buy an otherwise good product because of their antics