Kemper does Amp In The Room (video clip)

  • I think I really made a good move when I upgraded from the unpowered Kemper to the powered version.


    Playing through my EVM12L-equipped Thiele cabinet, it just seems that the sound is so present and full. Definitely an in-the-room sound, though a bit more high definition than a traditional amp. That still comes across beautifully and hangs well with just about any 4x12 I can think of (given that it's a 200-watt speaker).


    Comparing the sound to my studio monitors, I feel that FRFR seems to add a certain brittleness to the profiles given that it reproduces all frequencies. Or maybe brittleness is the wrong word: it just seems that the high frequencies seem to add a harshness to the tone.


    A guitar speaker on the other hand only reproduces a certain range of frequencies before sharply dropping off in the high end and low end. That makes it sound remarkably warm and full-bodied.


    It really makes me have high hopes for the Kemper Kabinet. I would really love to be able to see what a full-range guitar-oriented speaker would sound like.


    The EVM12L is great, if only a bit more limiting in terms of profile differentiation since it adds its own colour. I can definitely say that I wouldn't mind sticking with it if the Kabinet turns out to be extremely expensive.


    EDIT: Here's a video.

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  • Comparing the sound to my studio monitors, I feel that FRFR seems to add a certain brittleness to the profiles given that it reproduces all frequencies. Or maybe brittleness is the wrong word: it just seems that the high frequencies seem to add a harshness to the tone.


    A guitar speaker on the other hand only reproduces a certain range of frequencies before sharply dropping off in the high end and low end. That makes it sound remarkably warm and full-bodied.

    I've never even heard an FRFR cab up-close, AJ, but harsher highs, at least, more-brittle than studio monitors, is exactly what I'd expect. There are many reasons for this, amongst them being the FRFR-design's focus on delivering SPL's as a higher(!) priority than when it comes to their studio counterparts, where a flattish response is paramount and consideration #1.


    The tech and designs used for studio monitors would have to be more precision-oriented, you'd think. Also, the engineering considerations and design that go into dispersion might come into play, as well as more-precise-and-linear crossovers, better slew rates for the built-in amps, more-accurate transient handling of the drivers and so on.


    I agree that the more band-limited response of conventional guitar speakers is a blessing in disguise in this regard too.

  • The only downside I found with Guitar cabs is it makes the profiles similar.


    As I've mentioned many times, I started with guitar cab that I would mike up. When I tried to go direct it sounded horrible.

    Turned out that my cab was smoothing things out so much, it was hiding duff profiles. I had to get an FRFR cab to get the direct sound first before I could go direct FOH.


    In other words, for live use FRFR is the closest to what is FOH, so I prefer it. I do miss my 4x12 though :)

  • I love running powerhead throught my 412 still. Although I do use an FRFR as a monitor at times. But from low home practicing volumes to gig volumes, I prefer my cabinet. It just feels and sounds right to me.

  • Playing through my EVM12L-equipped Thiele cabinet, it just seems that the sound is so present and full. Definitely an in-the-room sound, though a bit more high definition than a traditional amp. That still comes across beautifully and hangs well with just about any 4x12 I can think of (given that it's a 200-watt speaker)

    I'd like to be able to check out such a cab. :)

  • Here's a demo of the Kemper through the EVM12L with a clean, high gain and crunch profile.


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    Really is Amp In The Room, I'm thrilled!