Just got my new Kemper in yesterday

esizer · Feb 19th 2015

Hello all. Long time guitar forum guy...first time Kemper guy

I just got my Kemper in last night and got it all hooked up...although I am currently underwhelmed with the tones I'm getting. I know it is likely user error but all the profiles I've tried (stock, premium paid, sent by friends) all have that "digital" sound and feel to them. I am currently running though a Scarlett 8i6 interface into Mackie MR5 monitors. I've tried both the anolog and S/PDIF connections to no avail. However, I'm looking forward to learning the ins and outs of the Kemper because I've heard how great they can sound!

paults · Feb 19th 2015

Welcome!

You are having an unusual issue - new users rarely say the KPA sounds digital. If it sounds fizzy, one dimensional, with a lack of dynamics, you are either overdriving something, or maybe you have the cabinets switched off.

Check the input settings on the Kemper, and the output settings - are either of the LEDs turning red?

You may be overdriving the inputs of the Scarlett. Check those for clipping,

For that matter, take the Scarlett out of the signal change for a moment -

Turn the Master Output of the Kemper all the way down, and hook the Main Outputs directly to the MR5 monitors. Bring up the volume slowly, until it is a comfortable level.

londonjeepster · Feb 19th 2015

Hello and welcome. hope you get the sound sorted soon. although depending on what gear you were using before it may just be that your ears need time to adjust.
and really "digital"is not what you should be hearing.

Raoul23 · Feb 19th 2015

Welcome, I'm sure with help for folks on here we can sort your issue. The Kemper is far from sounding digital. I suggest doing the steps that Paul mentioned above

nightlight · Feb 19th 2015

Welcome to the forums, I'm not sure what to make of your problem, many of us think the Kemper feels like a tube amp and sounds like one too. In situations like this, I would recommend you connect your monitors directly to your Kemper and experiment with a few more tones before you write it off.

rothko61 · Feb 19th 2015

Welcome!

Ingolf · Feb 19th 2015

Welcome! Making any progress?

whippinpost91850 · Feb 19th 2015

welcome and ask aweay

esizer · Feb 20th 2015

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice everyone!

I kind of feel dumb...but new strings made a world of difference.

It just brought the life into profiles that sounded dull and harsh before.

Raoul23 · Feb 20th 2015

Quote from esizer

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice everyone!

I kind of feel dumb...but new strings made a world of difference.

It just brought the life into profiles that sounded dull and harsh before.

You just can't beat new strings

db9091 · Feb 20th 2015

Is it new or used? If used, do a global reset.

paults has key advice on the output settings, and also adjust your input settings. These often can make things sound quite harsh if not done right.

Best of luck, it can sometimes take a day or fiddling to get it right and then it's like "WOW" only that wow goes on for a few years!

Welcome, esizer!

Ingolf · Feb 20th 2015

New strings huh?
Ok now dig in!

smfelton · Feb 21st 2015

Welcome, glad you got it sorted.

Zappledan · Feb 24th 2015

Welcome to the forum!

viabcroce · Feb 25th 2015

Hello esizer, welcome here

It's never too late for learning new things... now I know that old strings sound digital

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