Selling my Kemper Profiler Rack (unpowered) w/ Kemper remote, and usb stick full of profiles I've purchased. Comes with original box, all the cables and user manual as well.
Excellent condition, only reason I'm selling is to get the Kemper Stage otherwise I wouldn't even think about getting rid of this.
$1800. No trades unless it's the kemper stage + cash.
Located in Los Angeles/SFV.
Display MoreI'm running Win 7 and haven't had any lockup problems. That said, I did have a related problem that might offer a possibility.
In my environment, if I shut down the Kemper before exiting Rig Manager, it would crash with an exception. I make a living as a Microsoft technologies developer, so I traced down the exception. It led me to believe that I had an older version of a system dll that was later patched. I keep automatic updates off until I'm ready to deal with it, so that wasn't a surprising scenario. Over the weekend I got it current with all patches. I forgot to test the RM problem but I'm willing to bet it's fixed.
The upshot of this is that if user A is crashing and user B isn't, and they're both running the same OS version, updates are at least one possible difference between the two, so @MikeSybrid, you might consider getting whatever OS you're running current on patches when time allows to see if that makes a difference. I read that you'd already updated the Kemper OS, so that would be the next thing I'd check.
I started out running my powered head through a Marshall 1960a 4x12 with V30s, cab simulation off. For the style of stuff I play (classic rock, e.g. Whitesnake, etc.) it sounded pretty good. However, when in the studio going through the reference monitors, it sounded really good - there was a lot more detail and high end articulation in the Friedman profiles, etc. So, I then purchased a Yamaha DXR-10, running from the unpowered mains. That got all the detail back and it sounds great.
I'm really happy with the Kemper, the speaker and the profiles I have (bought some packs from some of the well respected guys here). That said, particularly when moving to the Yamaha FRFR, I find there's some adjustment to be made in expectations. It's not exactly the same as running my Marshall through the 4x12. I find the differences mostly beneficial, but there are subtle differences nonetheless.
Ultimately you just have to season to taste and make a determination of whether or not this path "is for you." Nonetheless, as others have mentioned, while I find it all to be fairly intuitive, there's a lot of horsepower here and some stuff to learn. I hope you're able to give it enough time to give you a solid feel for the wheel before making the call one way or the other.
And as I joked earlier, there's just a shocking lack of the typical Internet negativity on this forum. It's a really nice bunch of folks and they go out of their way to help anyone who's struggling. I think you'll enjoy it here.
Hey Chris, I'm currently running the latest version of the rig manager with the latest update from kemper on macOS high sierra. I still have yet to plug the kemper in with a new usb instead of the older one I was using ( which we thought was the problem in previous posts ). I think that might be the contributing factor. If it doesnt stop, I'll contact support but so far, I've been pretty busy with the kemper on its own in rehearsal without that issue. 
Hi Mike,
For the Rig Manager, I had the same Issue as long as I was using Win 7, since I changed to Win 10, no more problems...
Don´t know if the Win version was the problem by itself, maybe some people here use Win 7 with success (please dime in...), but in the end (
) the Kemper was the best thing I ever bought and I wouldn`t miss it anymore. Don`t give up, it´s worth to make the learning curve...
The kemper keeps getting better as the days go on.
Does the Kemper ever lock up on its own (without a connection to the computer)?
It would be intresting to know if you hooked the KPA up to another computer running Rig Manager, and see if it acted the same.
It did lock up on its own once without being connected, I cant seem to remember what I did to cause that to happen though.
So far, i didn't have any troubles with the kemper or the remote when rig manager is on. Occasionally, rig manager seems to loose the connection to the profiler - so i have to restart the rig manager.
The KPA is a genius piece of gear - that can't be said from the rig manager. Mr. CKemper should really hire a seasoned company with some UX skills to get a replacement of this software.
Agree, I hope something is introduced at NAMM this year. I'll def be heading over to Kemper booth to see what the latest is.
Biggest piece of advice I took and will give is to give it time. This thing has a huge learning curve especially for someone like me that's very much a beginner with all of this. The more I tinker the more I learn and figure out to help make my own sound I've always wanted and then some! I've only had it for a month and I find new things every time I sit and practice. Just reading these comments I learned about the definition setting in the amp section! Hope you figure the rig exchange out. I would've suggested the updates but it seems you've done that. Welcome to the Kemper world!
I'm coming from axe fx and other high end high gain amps and this Kemper is a beast of it's own. It really is on another level, just comes down to having the patience to learn it.
I highly recommend checking out Tone Junkie TV on YouTube. He has several phenomenal videos on there that describe many of the configurations that everyone has mentioned (when, where and how to use them).
On top of that, he has pulled out some of the best tones I've ever heard on a Kemper. His Mesa, Orange, and recent Plexi profiles might be right up your alley. He has videos of every profile pack and the tones he's been able to get. Check 'em out.
Will check, thanks
Advice for OP:
Profile an amp yourself and AB with the real amp (mic'd signal, of course) and see what the profiler is truly capable of. Once you experience that, you can move on to profiles created by other people.
This is something I will do for sure. Gonna start with profiling a 5153, jp2c and dual rec.
Display MoreWelcome to the forum.
There is an unofficial MIDI editor availble called Toastme. I use it with Rig Manger open without any problem (PC user here).
It helps in the learning phase to take confidence with the KPA and helps you to create/mod/refine your rigs( even though I do not find the KPA interface so bad..).
It is worth a try.
Be sure to use FRFR monitors for the best sonic experience
My 2 cents.
Using FRFR monitors as we speak, sounds much better.
Play with the Definition control in the Amp Module.
This is the first thing I try on almost every profile.
Will try, thanks 
Hey Mike
I had this effect several times, when my MacBook Pro went to „sleep“ (energy saving mode). Now I turn this mode off, before using the RM. Since then I never had such an issue.
Maybe you could check this?
Dirk
I have a feeling it might be a faulty usb cable, but the Kemper just froze up on me again when I inserted the usb stick to import some new profiles. I'll give it some more time before I contact support.
Display MoreA guy posts that he's unhappy with the product.
On every Internet forum I've seen (regardless of topic), he would be treated to a barrage of snarky comments telling him why he's wrong for feeling that way.
On the Kemper forum, he's greeted by a host of friendly people offering helpful ideas and trying to make things better for him. And this is a normal, everyday occurrence here.
You guys do realize that you're an oddity in the animal kingdom, right?
I expected to be bombarded with hate comments from at least some people but I've been pleasantly surprised.
A classy product begets a classy user base.
Indeed
Same thing happens over in the "I heard a rumor" thread. Not that long ago, several - specific- members of the Atomic forum were quite hostile. A few even got banned from the forum - because it had been a while since a firmware update. Folks here are awesome. Civil and encouraging.
I'm hoping OP ends up loving his Kemper.
I'm getting there, becoming a little more impressed with it as time goes on. I still have to play this thing through some FRFR monitors which will happen later today though. Just made the 2nd performance patch.
MikeSybrid Open a ticket up for that... if you can reproduce it, don't wait.
I did have the Kemper lock up twice on me when I first got her, but only one was similar- and it was a shoddy usb cable. (the other time was a midi-feedback loop)
Ya, I have a feeling it might be the usb cable. I'm going to get a new one before I contact support.
Update: I've finally put together the first performance patch and managed to get some good tones for the slots I needed.
I'm still having an issue with rig manager and the kemper communicating. It seems that after I listen to about 5 or so previews of different profiles in the rig manager, the kemper freezes up on that last profile and I can't do anything else until I turn off and on the kemper / unplug the usb from my computer. Anyone else had this problem? If it persists, I will contact support.
Display MoreWelcome to the forum.
I agree with the comments that, just like every other piece of gear, the Kemper isn't perfect for everyone. We all have different tastes and workflows. For me personally, one of the best things about the KPA is the navigation and physical knob editing. Once you get a basic orientation it is so intuitive and easy to edit on the fly that I feel an iPad or Computer editor is not only unnecessary but actually gets in the way. However, as others have also said, I agree that Rig Manager need updated and this should include much better preset management. However, I have a strong suspicion that this will be addressed with the next OS update (hopefully at NAMM this month).
The method of saving slots/patches and accessing from the remote is done from the KPA itself rather than the remote. There is information about it in the full Reference Manual which you download from the website. However, the best place to start orientating yourself with the Kemper is through the series of official videos on the Kemper website (also available on youtube). They are easy to follow and short enough to cover what you need to know without being boring or overwhelming. There is a good one about performance mode and the remote if I recall correctly.
As for sound quality, again that is very much personal taste. To my ears the cleans and edge of breakup sounds are stellar and that is the thing that most digital amps seem to struggle to get right IMHO. I think high gain lead sounds and crunch rhythm sounds are fantastic with no hint of fizz but maybe the high end of my hearing is just knackered from all those years standing next to loud drummers and in front of a Dual Rectifier
I actually find it funny (not funny haha, funny strange) that so many people talk about the really high gain sounds not being truly amp like; particularly in metal genres. Why? because so much of modern metal doesn't sound like tube amps to me. Much of the super tight, but mega high gain stuff is so heavily processed that it is much better suited to digital systems like Axe FX and Helix than a real tube amp. Again, that's just my opinion and maybe it's me that's missing something but I am sure a lot of bands that are endorsed by valve amp manufacturers are actually tracking albums with digital amps these days but not saying so because of their endorsement deals. Call me an old cynic or conspiracy theorist but if you need to find me you'll get me just behind the grassy knoll
Don't give up on the Kemper it is a truly amazing piece of kit that sounds and feels almost exactly like my Boogies when I want it to but also gives me access to loads of amps and tones that I wouldn't otherwise have experienced. If you are using commercial profiles just remember that every profiler has their own sound so maybe you need to try a few different vendors of the same amp profile to find the ones whose sound matches your taste.
But, if in the end, it turns out the Kemper just isn't the one for you the good news is there are lots of other options available. It is a great time to be a guitarist as far as gear is concerned.
Thx Alan, I still have not given up on getting there with the tones.
Turn off Purecab.
Did before this thread
And are you plugging the headphones into the Kemper, or an interface of some sort? Same question for the JBL
Tried both ways with headphones. JBLs are through interface.
Mike, what are you listening to the profiles/tones with?
Headphones, monitors, guitar cab, FRFR?
beyerdynamic DT770 cans, JBL monitors, I have some FRFR monitors on the way.... Should be here tomorrow.
Welcome OP, please post sounds you're after and you'll get plenty suggestions what profiles to achieve them with.
Amps I am using are 5150III and a Mesa jp2c. I have pre made profiles from 3rd party developers but have been somewhat disappointed with them so far. I will continue to try to work with them.
Display MoreSorry to hear of your dissatisfaction. Just for the record the I was disappointed with the KPA initially too, I now see it as the best gear purchase ever.
The Kemper is a professional tool, it’s deep and as a plug and play device you will be disappointed.
Buggy connection with rig manager is not normal, I would seek support.
A proper editor is a probably the the #1 issue for a lot of people, there is a third party option available but I have not personally used it, maybe someone else here will chime in.
Fizzy hi gain tones?, well the KPA profiles the whole signal chain, amp -cabinet -mic.
It is most probable the the cab or mic are not pleasant to your ears. I suggest you adjust the cabinet parameters to your liking or swap the cabinet completely. I almost always reduce the high shift on the cab settings, just a touch a little goes a long way here. Just like the real world it’s all about the cab!
Navigating the KPA is breeze, just got to learn how to use your tools, there may be better out there these days but there is plenty of dedicated knobs and buttons to assist you. The exception here is effects preset management which is my personal #1 issue but it is promised to be addressed by the KPA team in the next update.
The remote was designed primarily for live performance and as such The KPA team wanted to avoid the tap dance for effects switching and introduced a different paradigm. Instead of the 1 footswitch = 1 effect you can add multiple on/off commands to multiple effects. For example with the tap of one switch you could add a boost, turn off a compressor and swap out a long delay to a slap back. It’s incredibly easy to apply this, just hold the foot switch and press the corresponding effect button and they are connected, do the same with the next.
USB cable, well ok.
Tones not cutting it?, you have an absolute wealth of profiles at your disposal, I assure you there is no other machine that can cop the tone and real amp tactile feedback of an amp like the Kemper, it just takes some searching, time and a little no how to personalise it to your taste and ears.
Bottom line the Kemper is not a plug and play solution but will reward in spades in time, read the manual, watch the how to videos on there site, a good place to start.
Peace.
Thank you for your help. I will try your advice out.
Hi Mike and welcome
Have you updated to newest software version
Updating as we speak.
Thank you.
Welcome to the forum! I've had mine for 6 years and still love it, but no piece of gear is perfect for everyone. We all have different ears and requirements. However, I would spend a little time getting to know it before moving on. Sometimes it's just a matter of familiarity.
edit: Make that 7 years ...
I am, I have not given up yet. Still trying.
Thanks.
My issues with this unit:
-Buggy when communicating with rig manager / plugged via usb into the computer. The unit tends to freeze up when plugged in to the computer after a couple mins and I have to completely shut unit off / turn on unit to get it back to normal working mode
-No straight forward explanation in remote manual about how to save slots/patches ( just want a clean, rhythm and lead on 1,2, and 3) on kemper pedal.
-Outdated LED screen, navigating it isn't the easiest
-No official midi control interface software from kemper via computer (something like axe-edit)
-Frizzy high gain sounds
-Kemper didn't bother to include a usb cable in package with the purchase of this very expensive piece of gear
I wanted to love this unit esp after all the praise it gets. Clean tones are good, and I've managed to get a pretty decent lead tone as well but when it comes to high gain rhythm tones, it's just not cutting it.
