Posts by Finally

I'd go passive and put a stereo power amp in your rack so you can put the speakers wherever you want and not have to run power cables to them (especially for outdoor gigs).

For me stereo effects are a huge part of my sound, so a pair of FRFR speakers is critical if I'm not running into a PA.

When I bought the powered KPA I assumed that the power amp was stereo and that I'd be able to drive a pair of guitar speakers (which I already have) but it's only mono so actually doubt I'll use the internal amp.

To be fair I think JM uses the Kemper as a travelling practice rig, not onstage. He also said it's "spooky close" to his amps, but there's a tiny bit of something missing. I think that's fair given the pedigree of what he's comparing it to.

Not sure, but that could be a Dumble Steel String Singer amp. That would explain the incredible SRV tone.

I think the guitar is also in the room with the amp turned up loud, so there's probably the additional effect of the amp driving the strings a bit.

Check for a profile of a Two-Rock amp, which he also uses.

Quote from drog

Not entirely true. You can create merged profiles with your cabs and then either use it with FRFR and FOH or into a guitar cab with cab turned off for monitor out and merged profile out to FOH on main outs ( full FRFR).

Thanks - I thought he was just talking about direct profiles without creating studio profiles.

If you create a direct profile using the Kemper DI method it's "tapping" into the signal before the speaker, so there's no cab. Great if you're going to run the profile into a guitar cab to add the speaker impulse response, but not straight into a PA or FRFR speakers.

I think the volume level restriction in your space is the single biggest factor.

No matter what your rig is doing, you need that volume to make it sound and feel right. Even with a Kemper, if you play it at low volume that punch will be lacking.

I use good headphones for this, but also have a 2x12 cabinet with Celestion V30's for the amp in the room sound when I need it.

Add me to this list! I'd love a bunch more configuration options for the compressor.

Are you definitely getting a stereo image to the speakers? (ie: Panning the KPA output Left/Right)

Hi and welcome to the forum!

I'd also look at a Klon + Fender Vibro-King.

As mentioned, he could hand his guitar to most players in the middle of a song and they wouldn't sound anything like him.

I'm scared to touch mine now. Tempted to duct tape it in place and just coil the cable on top. This is a critical path thing that can ruin a gig. Plus I live on the other side of the world, so I could be without my rig for weeks.
When I was making my purchase decision the cable for the remote looked really pro, with the XLR looking end. I just assumed that the jacks were robust and that strain relief was part of the whole design. Can't fault the KPA in any other way though.

Thanks a lot folks! I'll grab the speaker wire from storage and make up some leads. The stuff I have is really thick by my limited standards - the actual core is about 2.5mm in diameter. We used to use it power our 1000 watt PA speakers with no problems.

I assume that the solder connections need to be really good to prevent heat as well. I might get my brother to do them actually, since he's good like that.

Grant

I've still got a Line 6 AxSys 212, which was the first ever modelling amp AFAIK. Once I get my Kemper dialed in I'll try to make time to do a comparison. The first vs the latest and greatest.

What type of cable is needed to carry the higher current signals like between the amp>DI>speaker and the speaker out from the powered KPA?

• I assume a guitar cable is the wrong option, but do these need to be shielded?
• Is there a significant advantage to using really thick wire as the volume goes up?

I have an old part roll of monster speaker cable, but before I go to town soldering up phone plugs I want to be sure.

Thanks!

Those guys are salesmen that also play guitar well. Nothing wrong with that, but you should assume that they're trying to influence your thinking rather than making you fundamentally better informed. Funny guys too, but all good salesmen are.

Hi and that's awesome that you've uncovered the root cause!
Maybe change the thread title to prevent scaring people off?

I think it's probably a good idea to be more specific about your musical style here too. I've been in a few threads with people unhappy about this frequency or low end muddiness etc, but it's usually heavy distorted stuff which is alien to me and to be honest all sounds the same to me. I bow out of those conversations as soon as I realise I'm in someone else's world, but it would be good to know up front.

Quote from Tritium

Go to ANY major digital amp manufacturer's sponsored web forum, and you will find the following:

A) A group of satisfied owner's, typically representing the majority of the community, who discuss technical and creative aspects of their musical device, and share helpful information, tips and solutions to both new users as well as to the experienced veterans.

B) A small group of users who may have specific issues or areas of personal dissatisfaction, yet make positive contributions to the community by personally reproducing specific examples (highlighting their perceived complaints) and submitting their work to the attention of the community -- and most importantly the manufacturer.
This entails personal effort, work and due diligence.

C) A handful of personalities and detractors who seem to have some sort of agenda, and spend their time making negative comments and posts. This can be readily seen by reviewing their post history. Rarely, if ever, will you see these individuals involved in threads helping or answering questions for new users. Nor, do they seem to ever have any constructive advice to offer -- just a steady stream of deconstructive rhetoric. Make no mistake, it is wonderful that this manufacturer-sponsored forum allows the free exchange of ideas and opinions. Nevertheless, one still has to question why anyone would so stubbornly continue ownership of a product they so vocally dislike...especially when there exist worthy alternatives and solutions in the digital amp category (not to mention tube amps). In the sphere of human relationships -- this would be considered an abusive relationship.

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There will definitely be people affiliated with other equipment and/or software companies that "work" their opposition forums. While I agree that it's important to have a balanced view of what the Kemper does, the hidden agendas can take the joy out of a forum if you let them.

Welcome from a fellow new member!

In the OP you make a point about everyone with the same profile sounding exactly the same, but that's the opposite of what you've now got. You can take that Marshall profile and carefully EQ and shape it to your taste in a way that your real amp with the random tubes won't allow.

I couldn't hear any of the bad stuff you described through my Sennheiser headphones. Sounded just like my Anderson through great amps. I had a play with the real Shiva to recalibrate my ears and the Kemper still sounds great.

Spent a couple of hours with it so far. Loving it!

I backed up the factory profiles and removed most of them, then loaded it up with MB BoC and 65 Ace30 packs. Both excellent, but the AC30 sounds especially good. I've heard so many bad modelling copies of that amp over the years!

Realised I don't have a TRS cable, so haven't used the expression pedal yet. Doh.

Next step is to get some great mics on my Shiva in a great room so I can have my sounds in there as well (without springing for the Sweet 16 pack yet).

I'll be thankful when it becomes second nature to drive it. Like anything complex it just takes practice.