I have tried most “amp modelling” units, from the 1999 kidney bean to modern derivatives … these were fine in certain situations but not in others, especially lacking in the quality of the cleaner and just clipped tones, and importantly they generally lacked the feel and response of a valve amp under the fingers in the live context, and I kept reverting to my valve amps.
Kemper Stage looked irresistible and I took a punt on it, and after 14 days (being the return date deadline) I can say that this is the closest I have encountered to a decent valve amp, and given its ‘live’ intuitiveness and sheer flexibility it is definitely tonally and tactilely a leader in its space.
No, i’m not going to be one of those people who say they have got rid of all their valve amps just yet, but yes.. this is a serious bit of kit that sounds great, is easy and swift to operate in battle, and leaves you feeling happy, rather like a good amp does. I can think of many bands I have been in where this would have been a life saver. Well done Kemper!