Power Amp -> cabinet VS FRFR Speaker

Thomasyoung · May 12th 2015

Hi Guys,

Just wanted to start this because last week I went into 2 stores and tried Several FRFR speaker (Yamaha DBR 12" DSR 10" and 12", DXR 10" and 12", RCF 10", Alto TS112 12", Peavey 12", JBL Eon 15")

Now what can I say is that I didn´t like the sound of any FRFR speaker very Digital to my ears, now I need to try some Power Amps, but I cannot find in my country what I need, so I would like to have your feedback and advise, don´t know if anyone here have the same feeling that I have on FRFR speakers.

These are the ones that I have in mind to buy: but only one

Matrix GT800
Harley Benton GPA-400
Rocktron Velocity 100 LTD
ISP Technologies Stealth Pro Power Amp
Koch Amps ART-4502 Rackmount Poweramp
Tube Works Mosvalve 2100 - R

I have a Harley Benton 2x12 with Vintage 30 Speakers

Thank you for your inputs and tips on this, I want to have a good tone and save money as well....

viabcroce · May 12th 2015

I use both a linear active cab and a guitar cab through a retrofit power amp. I don't feel the Profiler sounds "digital" through the active one. There's just more high frequencies.
Keep in mind that your favourite guitar player's records sound digital too!

Have you checked the cab profile being on on the Profiler when you tried the monitors?

TheLightspeeder · May 13th 2015

There's a different feel to running a power amp with guitar cab vs a FRFR speaker.

I have the Atomic CLR powered wedge and also (sometimes) run the Los with my Bogner 2x12 extended cab with a Rocktron Velocity 100 (cab simulation off). I like both but prefer the CLR. I don't really know why tho.

Ingolf · May 14th 2015

Quote from TheLightspeeder

There's a different feel to running a power amp with guitar cab vs a FRFR speaker.

I have the Atomic CLR powered wedge and also (sometimes) run the Los with my Bogner 2x12 extended cab with a Rocktron Velocity 100 (cab simulation off). I like both but prefer the CLR. I don't really know why tho.

This. It's a matter of preference and quite a bit of paradigm shift, too.
I have become accustomed to going FRFR nowadays and like it better (its sound and constant wide dispersion) than the conventional guitar cab setup which is either sweet spot / off axis or icepick / beam.

MattCline · May 17th 2015

I've tried both setups, and at this point prefer using my tube power amp into a 1x12 guitar cabinet (cab sims off, monitor output) for my on stage monitoring solution. Not that there was anything wrong with the FRFR setup (an Alto TS112 powered monitor), but I didn't hear a big enough difference between the two setups to justify keeping the Alto (I already owned the power amp/ cab). Mind you I primarily use crunchy/ dirty overdriven profiles, so that may make a difference.

I'm going to do some more A/B comparisons today, but will probably be returning the Alto and sticking with my "old school" setup.

Your milage may vary, of course!

Thomasyoung · May 24th 2015

Hi Guys,

I already decided, I bought this ENGL Screamer 50 Combo for 400€ amazing Deal, almost new with Groove Tubes Gold Series on Pre and Output, the Kemper now have AMAZING sounds I never hear a sound so pure and intense with lots os presence.

ONE question: how can I turn OFF the Cabinet for all my presets now ?

[Blocked Image: http://i57.tinypic.com/34g9cuo.jpg]

Ingolf · May 24th 2015

Tick CAB OFF in the monitor output menu.

Thomasyoung · May 24th 2015

Thanks Ingolf, but doesn't work for me, Page 3 on output section o tick CAB OFF but when I change to other preset the cab comes again.
Already restart the kemper and is the same thing

Latest firmware installed.

Ingolf · May 24th 2015

Quote from Thomasyoung

Thanks Ingolf, but doesn't work for me, Page 3 on output section o tick CAB OFF but when I change to other preset the cab comes again.
Already restart the kemper and is the same thing
Latest firmware installed.

Cab off on monitor out definitely is a global setting.
Don't confuse this with the cab buttons.

sambrox · May 25th 2015

Ignore me, haha. Half asleep

Thomasyoung · May 25th 2015

I really don´t know where you are telling me to go ?

Output -> page 3 -> Tick cab OFF ?

Ingolf · May 25th 2015

Yes, it's a global setting.

Thomasyoung · May 25th 2015

Doesn't work, like I said when I change the preset the cabinet comes again

Ingolf · May 25th 2015

Are you sure you're monitoring via monitor out?

Thomasyoung · May 25th 2015

Yes.

Steps:
Click Kemper Output -> Page 1 Monitor output (Master Mono) -> Page 3 Click Monitor CAB Off

Guitar -> Kemper input -> Kemper Monitor Output -> ENGL FX return - Speaker sound

Changing the preset the cabinet turn on again.

Ingolf · May 25th 2015

Not here, I just checked this.
I'm on 3.0.2.

In this case you should open a support ticket incl. a backup.

Desiato · May 25th 2015

Nice score on the Screamer! That's a great price.

Kempermaniac · May 26th 2015

Cab off on Monitor Out is not reflected by the Cab light on the front of the KPA. So don't get confused about the light, if that's the case. It only indicates that cabs are still on for the Main Outs.

Thomasyoung · May 26th 2015

Ohh that's a good advise, I will try today.

Many thanks Kempermaniac

Ingolf · May 26th 2015

Quote from Thomasyoung

Ohh that's a good advise, I will try today.

Many thanks Kempermaniac

I was assuming you actually HEARD the cab coming on again?
Are you saying you can't hear a difference but only see the cab light on?
Then there's no failure for sure, because a cab that's superimposed on a rig always has a very noticeable effect.

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