I would consider getting an external audio interface for recording. There not all that expensive these days. As far as hooking everything up, the S/PDIF is only one option. There are many other output choices on the Kemper. Be aware that there is a measurable amount of latency using S/PDIF, possibility of stutters and pops, glitches, and no difference in sound quality. There's never any pops or glitches with the other outputs, lower latency (pretty much none), and sound quality is the same. (I never use S/PDIF after trying it, latency messes up with my playing a little)
Still, get an audio interface with sufficient inputs and try for yourself what works best.
Potential revisit of S/PDIF vs analogue here:) Quick thoughts on interfaces...
It’s been pretty tricky, for me- depending on budget - to find a suitable interface with S/PDIF inputs. I’m currently on that mission.
The Focusrite 8i6 and Audio 6 interface have them and cost between £175-£200 but I’m not sure about the headphone output quality. Other interfaces above this price point have optical inputs which can accept S/PDIF via a converter. This option doesn’t appeal to me. I struggled to find something that suited my needs - I also wanted to use the interface with my iPad Pro at times.
Other interfaces with S/PDIF are complete overload for me. I think I’m gonna go with a Motu M4(£200 with amazing reviews/feedback)and forget the SPDIF.
I would consider getting an external audio interface for recording. There not all that expensive these days. As far as hooking everything up, the S/PDIF is only one option. There are many other output choices on the Kemper. Be aware that there is a measurable amount of latency using S/PDIF, possibility of stutters and pops, glitches, and no difference in sound quality. There's never any pops or glitches with the other outputs, lower latency (pretty much none), and sound quality is the same. (I never use S/PDIF after trying it, latency messes up with my playing a little)
Still, get an audio interface with sufficient inputs and try for yourself what works best.
Thanks for your response. In terms of the other outputs then, which would you prefer or consider first?
I never use S/PDIF. I run an inexpensive Presonus audio interface.
I send the Kemper main outputs to 2 channels as a stereo pair, plus the Monitor out with no effects to a separate mono channel.
I do this so I can use the Kemper reverbs and delays, but also make it as dry as I like in the mix.
The sound quality is the same though all of them, so it's up to you. I have many ins/outs on my interface, so use the 2 xlr main outs to record in stereo if I want (you can do the same with the 1/4" outs) usually mono though, the direct out runs the clean guitar signal for possible re-amping later.
Unusual part of my setup:
My unit is just used for recording (never leaves) so I also have one set of the outputs from the interface goes to the alternate input and return input on the Kemper. When recording I can have tons of plugins running in my DAW at max buffer size, and no issues with latency because it's all monitored on the Kemper, you can hear the DAW playback and your live guitar. (which can be panned in the rig menu).
Alternate approach would be to monitor direct from the audio interface. Pretty much every interface should have this ability in one form or another- either with driver software or onboard knob. Record monitoring in your DAW can be problematic if you're running many plugins (or have an old computer like me), you get glitches unless the buffer size is increased, which causes latency delay.
Unusual part of my setup:
My unit is just used for recording (never leaves) so I also have one set of the outputs from the interface goes to the alternate input and return input on the Kemper. When recording I can have tons of plugins running in my DAW at max buffer size, and no issues with latency because it's all monitored on the Kemper, you can hear the DAW playback and your live guitar. (which can be panned in the rig menu).
Very much appreciated! This is exactly what I’m going to do. Solves all my problems in one. I asked this question on the forum - possibly in the wrong manner - and was informed I needed to use the interface headphones. I’ll try and work out my outputs as I have a camplifier amp I’d like connected at the same time.
I’m thinking... mains l/r to interface - monitor to Kab and interface 2x outputs to 2x inputs on Kemper.
Display MoreThe sound quality is the same though all of them, so it's up to you. I have many ins/outs on my interface, so use the 2 xlr main outs to record in stereo if I want (you can do the same with the 1/4" outs) usually mono though, the direct out runs the clean guitar signal for possible re-amping later.
Unusual part of my setup:
My unit is just used for recording (never leaves) so I also have one set of the outputs from the interface goes to the alternate input and return input on the Kemper. When recording I can have tons of plugins running in my DAW at max buffer size, and no issues with latency because it's all monitored on the Kemper, you can hear the DAW playback and your live guitar. (which can be panned in the rig menu).
Alternate approach would be to monitor direct from the audio interface. Pretty much every interface should have this ability in one form or another- either with driver software or onboard knob. Record monitoring in your DAW can be problematic if you're running many plugins (or have an old computer like me), you get glitches unless the buffer size is increased, which causes latency delay.
Thanks for the response. In terms of recording through interface etc. I'm assuming I can still get the sound from the cab whilst I'm recording. (Very much a noob)!
Thanks for the response. In terms of recording through interface etc. I'm assuming I can still get the sound from the cab whilst I'm recording. (Very much a noob)!
Yes, sure. There are so many output options there, both in terms of physical jacks, and internally you can route/assign different things to them as well. Just try them until you like the setup....Once you get everything set up, definitely download and use the rig manager software.
Very much appreciated! This is exactly what I’m going to do. Solves all my problems in one. I asked this question on the forum - possibly in the wrong manner - and was informed I needed to use the interface headphones. I’ll try and work out my outputs as I have a camplifier amp I’d like connected at the same time.
I’m thinking... mains l/r to interface - monitor to Kab and interface 2x outputs to 2x inputs on Kemper.
Sounds good! If you have any problems, look in the output menu, you might have to change a setting to hear the DAW output correctly on the Kemper.
