Kemper / tube amp setup ?

Vincent Buuron · May 17th 2021

Hello all you Kemper girls and boys !!

I have been wondering (and searching!) if it's possible to do the following setup: (see drawing attached)

Guitar into Kemper
Signal through 'STOMP SECTION' (A in my little drawing)
Signal out to 'Guitar in' on my amp
Signal through preamp section of my amp
Signal out from the amp to the Kemper using 'FX SEND/RETURN'

thiq would allow me to use the preamp of my homebrew 5E3 (which can be cool), BUT with some boost or distortion in fromt of the amp AND use the delay/reverb section right behind the first gain stage (V1) of the amp, just before sending it through the rest of the amp.

I know the reverb should be inserted at this exact spot, I used the Rob Robinette mod to insert an effects loop,it works perfectly, and already allows me to use the Kemper with my tube amp without losing most of the character of the used profile:

https://robrobinette.com/5e3_Modifications.htm

I tried to find the way how to set this up but somehow haven't found it quite yet...anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

Kind regards, Vincent

JedMckenna · May 17th 2021

Maybe I'm not getting this right but you can only set up one fx loop on the KPA, so if you want to use the Kemper pre-stack stomps before your amp, bypass or disengage the stack section and use the Kemper post-stack effects in your effect loop, I don't see how that's possible. Again, I'm not sure I get this right. Mostly though, I don't see the point. Maybe what you want is a multi effect unit (like an Helix FX or something) to use with the amp using the 4-cables method?

Or you know, perhaps just use the Kemper as intended and profile your amp...

Vincent Buuron · May 17th 2021

That's actually a very good idea...profile my amp!

You know I was just wondering, but I realise there's not a big point doing such a thing; Mainly it started when I created an insert loop on my amp (I build it myself and modify it quite a bit).

Using it to amplify the Kemper really is a nice, but I wanted something more. Anyway thanks for the feedback, yes, the 4 cable method, used to do that with the G-System (years ago).

Wheresthedug · May 18th 2021

I am just thinking aloud here so I could be off on the details but I think the principle will work.

Set the Monitor Out to Stack and turn of the stack in the KPA. This should tap the signal path after all the Stomps. send this signal to the input of the combo.

Send the FX send from the combo to the Kemper return. Route the the FX send of the KPA to the combo return. Main out to Dly/Rev.

Vincent Buuron · May 19th 2021

Thank you Alan, I will try this tonight !!

I'll let you know if it worked (or not)

Vincent

Wheresthedug · May 19th 2021

I don't know whether it will on it but it seems logical so worth a try. However, if I was in your shoes I would honestly just profile my 5E3 and. Avoid all the hassle. ?

Vincent Buuron · May 19th 2021

Yeah that's what JedMckenna adviced me, too !!

Wheresthedug · May 19th 2021

Yes, Jed is a wise man indeed ?

Vincent Buuron · May 31st 2021

Hey you guys!

I tried the setup Wheresthedug proposed, and it actually works fine ! So thanks a lot Alan, much appreciated.

Now I can use the Kemper just for the effects when playing at home with some friends, while still using my own tube amp.

I also tried inserting a profile just after V1 (in the loop return) and that gave some interesting results aswell.

Endless Kemper fun !!

Wheresthedug · Jun 1st 2021

Glad to hear it actually worked I’m as surprised about that as anyone ?

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