Kemper Profiler - 12 Years Old - Is It Still Worth Buying?
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- čas přidán 12. 06. 2022
- I got a Kemper Profiler as soon as it came to the market 12 years ago and this is now my 3rd Kemper profiler. A few weeks ago I had a couple of gigs that came in for a silent stage and I really want to use my Matchless Independence 35 but as it is a silent stage this won't be possible, hence the Kemper.
In this video, I explore the features of the Kemper profiler that were missing in previous updates before I sold my last one.
Here is what Kemper says about the Kemper Profiler.
The KEMPER PROFILER™ is the leading-edge digital guitar amplifier and all-in-one effects processor.
Hailed as a game-changer by guitarists the world over, the PROFILER™ is the first digital guitar amp to really nail the full and dynamic sound of a guitar or bass amp. This is made possible by a radical, patented technology and concept that we call "PROFILING™".
For decades, the electric guitarist has been shackled to the tube amplifier as the only means of achieving "that sound". This magical combination is by no means ideal - the challenge to achieve a consistent sound from the practice room to the studio, and especially to the stage, continues to frustrate guitarists, just as it has since the early 1940s.
The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.
#kemperprofiler #kemper - Hudba
I've just bought my 2nd Kemper. My first one (which I've had for about 5-6 years) is a toaster but I've started gigging again and it feels a bit vulnerable TBH. The new one is a powered rack, but I'm aiming to stick it through a PA wherever possible. It's still literally the best bit of gear I've ever bought. Absolutely love it.
Nothing in the digital world beats it. And it matches my high end tube amps like a champ.
Looking forward to hearing those profiles. Thanks
what a great chord progression in the intro - thanks Paul
one of the Best demos of this product that I've seen on CZcams! straight forward to the point... thank you ;-)
I have been using a Kemper 80% of the time now for about 8 years to do my SOLO act and play in full bands. Though it is not exactly like a Real Tube amp rig, it sure gets the job done and much less to haul around, and I have had no problems with it at all in 8 years. (Just using about six M Britt) Profiles . Love all your CZcams videos !
I love Kemper Stage !!! Was my first digital unit . Playing tube/valve amps for many years.
For me this is a perfect solution, that cover studio and live shows. I love my kemper
I've got mine back in 2013 and I still have it despite all the additional items that I've got since then (FM3, new tube amps etc.,). I think it still deserves today full attention from guitar players ...
Nice one Paul. Inspiring as always. I've never owned a kemper but did have an Axe 2, sold that for a QC (very fizzy to my ears) and now I'm back using an Axe 3. Would love to hear you messing with an Axe 3. The only problem with ur vids is you make me want to buy everything you test 😃
I love my Kemper. The reverbs and delays are stunning and some profiles sound (and feel) better than anything from my Axe III. They got it so right with the Kemper.
A trick for mid to high gain is to find a good sounding profile with more gain than needed out of the gate. When you take a lower gain and add in the kempers onboard gain it feels way less real. Where if you have way too much gain profile and back down the distortion it's more natural sounding.
I FINALLY scored a great deal on a toaster rig and I gotta say....I was blown away. LONG TIME Line 6 fanboy...and Helix/Etc is great...BUT..Kemper is something else entirely. It is THE first bit of gear I purchased, plugged in and was able to get the tone I expected immediately.
For me...the Kemper is what I've been looking for for a very very long time. It checks the boxes for me and I love it.
I played alongside a buddies EVH iii Stealth and my Stealth patch sounded 99.7% on par with his. We couldn't believe it.
Having had drinks with Muse front of house sound engineer I was shocked to learn they use Kempers for all guitars including Bass. Now is probably a good time to get one as they have had time to improve and develop. I have a few classic amps ie Fender Marshall Vox vintage that I’ll keep until such time I’m convinced that Kemper can duplicate every aspect of real tube amps. Kemper has the edge in comparison to other digital tech simulators… I have yet to own one and looking forward to that journey. Thanks for posting! It really helps with buying decision
Matt Bellamy has just moved to Axe Fx III apparently
Another great video.
You are a great player, so you make everything sound great.
I bet you can make great sounding my solid state Randall amp, lol
I think digital technology is handling clean tones all right, but high gain is questionable.
All digital wants is to become analog.
Thank you very much for taking the time to create this video.
This is incredible I was actually going to ask you about this on another video! Seriously thinking of getting one
There’s another video coming today.
Kemper is a brilliant piece of hardware and software. However - it takes some time to find profiles that works. In that sense, I prefer modellers. But when you find those profiles, the Kemper is phenomenal.
Love the iOS editor for iPad & iPhone
Great sounds as always Paul, looking forward to seeing how you get on with profiling your amps - and as I own one, also looking forward to trying out your profiles :-)
Cheers Pod, Video coming today of the profiles.
Every rig or pedal sounds great when your fingers touch the fretboard. Like your presentation 's and your quit gentlemen like speech. Great informations with no self-loved attitudes.
Thank you and greeds from germany. And sorry for my bad english.
Cheers Zappa
Thank you for sharing made
I think you pretty much nailed it, Its still a hell of a tool despite being very long in the tooth. I know someone who bought one way back in 2011 for full RRP - he took some stick for it at the time too! But what a bloody good investment in kit that turned out to be.
it may have been early 2012 but I remember they were brand new at the time anyways
one thing that has been on my mind for the past couple months after i got a gt1000 was a kemper, the thing i want to know and hope kemper does this year is bring out a amp that simply loads profiles (no capturing) cause lets face it, loads of players dont actually have the amps to profile and just buy profiles. so why not open the market at a lower price thats more affordable entry point for people
i want one
Wow some more tweaks and you could have a JP IIC Mesa tone...I have wondered about the Kemper since they came out...one for trade local to me...might have to give it another look
awesome,i must have one of those!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best Gear I ever bought!
Kemper changed my whole game. ❤ I sold all my amps but one. To use as a power amp 😅
Get the right profile base, and it’s brilliant. You can turn up the Gain and scoop the mid out just like a real amp.
Now way more than before: better profiles, more effects, more experience.
That Dumble Profile you tweaked sounds incredible!
How do you improve that tone? ..you can't!
What song are you playing at the beginning of this video?
I've heard of it, but forgot the title. By the way, the sound of this thin line is wonderful.
I am an AxeFXIII owner…I used to have a Helix..Awhile back,a friend brought his Kemper over and I played with it for a couple of weeks….as far as pure amp tones,the Kemper sounds better to me than anything else I have tried…..Still not the same as a real amp….but it does sound very good….
Agreed.
This surprises me to read, as AxeFX III is many times more powerful and known for very exact modelling. Not to defend it, I’m just surprised. When I tried a Kemper it felt like a great live tool but not always right for the studio, at least not for every case.
@@lordgraga Just my opinion of course…but the Kemper,as far as pure amp tones,sounds better…much better..The FX are no contest..the AxeFXIII is worlds better…That’s really all I use the AxeFXIII for anyway…again,I have found NO digital device that sounds better than the real thing….
are your profiles available anywhere, there beautiful to hear
Hi Paul, New subscriber here - firstly what great playing and tones on this video. Next can you help with advising what equipment I’d need to use a Kempler at home. I have a 14”MBP so guess I’ll need some decent monitors and something like a Focusrite Scratlett? Do I need anything else (other than a Kemper non powered head obs)!
Hi Matt, cheers. You just need speakers or headphones, if you want to record you’ll need an interface as well.
The irony of saying that digital amps take a lot of work to capture good crunch tones, and then dialing up a profile of a Line6 DT25 combo and calling it fantastic is not lost on me.
Great video and great sounds! Howerver, I still hear cleans to be 'metallic' and 'clangy' sounding, in a digital kind of way. Overdriven sounds are pretty convincing.
You nailed it . Totally agree . Had it for 3 years . The distorted sounds were good enough but the clean sounds were generic metallic as you said and hi fi . Since then I only use tube amps.
Alot of variables when it comes to what each person hears, the great thing is this device has all the power to adjust to your ears, or you can just not like it. Thats the coolest part, you have choice.
I’ve had a Kemper Stage for about 6 months now. I’ve noticed it comes down to the individual profiles and how you set the compression, and where you place it in the chain. It’s a pretty impressive device. It is however different from an amp in a room. Not better or worse, just different. Also, direct profiles vs. miced are entirely different.
It's worth trying it with a power amp, into a cabinet, with the cab sims off. Better still, to a Kabinet or PowerKabinet, where you can activate speaker imprints. It gets a lot closer to Amp in the Room.
it can be hard to find a profile that sounds just the way you want and learning how to tweak the profile can be a learning curve unto itself. I use a powered toaster with the cab sim disabled on the monitor/speaker out. it is an amp in the room for me. however, most profiles are captured with a mic within inches of the speaker, that's never going to sound like it does elsewhere in the room.
@@ChaddSullivan I found a pack that sounded like the amp 'in my head', that truly inspired me, and have hardly varied from it since.... minimal tweaking, except for the effects. I set up live Performances with different profiles of mostly the same amp on different channels and gain stages. I think that's the key, at least it was for me. Once the cab sims are off, there's no mic or speaker present as you say, but that works best with 'merged' profiles, where the amp is captured without cab or speaker, and the cab added later. 'Studio' profiles (as you imply) are the majority, and they will sometimes have the issue you describe as they were profiled with the complete chain, and the KPA uses an algorithm to 'subtract' them. But they are still good...
As an aside, I had a Helix and tweaked it till I bled, and was still never satisfied with the results. With the Kemper however, I found that it was more about auditioning until you find the sound and feel, then just a little tweaking. Much better for a guitar-and-amp guy like me! 🙂 But I am not a pro, I only play pubs and clubs!
@@iansimmons735 what pack did you buy?
@@timjoseph887 Bert Meulendijk's F-MAN (Friedman BE100). Lots of profiles of one amp with various settings on/off, and different channels. I'll probably never play a real BE100, so I can't vouch for its accuracy, but to me it is inspiring. Also his Bogner pack is good - but I mostly use the Friedman set up in various Performances (normal, one in E flat, one in D, one default double-tracked).
I would love to know what profiles you are using especially on that intro
I have all the Britt ones. Would be good to know which ones you used in this vid
I’d say most people don’t want the profiler... there’s so many profiles available; a small unit that does everything but profile would surely be popular. I don’t think they’ve done that yet, have they? I know there’s a floor unit
What happened to your quad cortex? I’ve had them all and even though I’m using the axe3 now (for integration with my tube amps) I still think the straight amp tones in the kemper are the best.
Hi Paul
I noticed during your video you briefly mentioned that the Quad cortex wasn’t really for you. If possible could you elaborate on this as I recently purchased a Quad cortex but have yet to feel the vibe from the unit.
Cheers
Still nothing beats the kemper IMO (tho I dont own one but based on what I hear from modellers/profilers. I own a helix)
Where's bluguitar amp1 mercury edition I love that amp you sound amazing out of thatli bought one I love it
I realize this is an old video but had a couple of questions. I just got a used kemper a week ago.
Do you think the kemper handles pedals well? I believe you used a Pedal in this demonstration.
I have found some profiles that I really like, but sometimes I want to add a slight bit more gain. I have heard that the gain nob on the kemper isn’t so great. Can you add stops that weren’t part of the initial profile chain? Sorry if that didn’t make sense, it’s all quite new to me.
Also once you get the rig manager can you change the cabinets for a profile or do you have to stick with how it was profiled originally.
Thanks
I had my Kemper from the early days and at first was disappointed but the software got better along with the profiles available .I love mine and use it all the time, although surely its time for a hardware update and better processor?
For what do you need a better processor and a hardware update?
That there was no hardware update and you still get software updates is best in the Kemper!
Oh no doggo, don't go away!
What reverb are you using on the first couple of pieces that you played? It sounds massive : ) Why can't I get my reverb to sound like that?!
Nice demo as usual - thank you...
Cheers Shaun, load up the Cirrus reverb
The one at the back is a Marshall SVC?
Did you ever do a blindfolded test between your favourite amp and this amp emulated in profiler? I ask because many people failed to tell the comparison. Each time someone claims that it sounds not the same, not so good etc. I wonder if this a psychoacoustic effect. Maybe not - but I'm not convinced that your personal optionion has objectivity in it.
Still the best. Nothing else sounds as warm and as close to a tube amp. Period.
I think you were playing through a line 6 DT25 :)
It’s worth it , get one if you can
Love mine :)
I didn’t realise you had one. I can send over a bundle of profiles if you need some?
can you explain how you hook it up to speakers to hear it ?
Paul, you get as good of sounds on your Boss Katana videos.
As with anything, one piece of gear being better than another is subjective and wildly dependent on the user.
The boss stuff is fantastic, but you can’t profile on boss products.
Where are your PRS DGT and Studio? Long time no see 😋
Both gone I’m afraid.
Do you listen to your guitar sound via studio monitors? Are they loud ? To get the feel. I can't get used to that "studio monitor " sound. Headphones sounds way better (more 3 D and dynamic on all the modelers) . Other question: what do you think of the universal audio dream 65 pedal and the ruby
I listen via studio monitors. They are never loud, I guess it’s what you get used to. I haven’t tried the UA amp pedals yet.
3rd time's a charm.
Lol.
I bought the Kemper 3 x as my wife reminds he but I prefer 1) amps and I’m a pedal addict 2) the quad cortex with my pedals as I switch them in and out and I prefer the quad’s drives and. I guess the helix is about the same as the Kemper.
Great review Paul. I need to listen back again with decent headphones as to me the kemper tones sounded as good or similar to the Boss Gt1000 and GX100 tones you reviewed the in the past.
It could be how you dial in your sounds or the tone in your figures.
What I like to know is how good is the kemper vs the neural plug-in imperial king or vs boss multi fx?
It seems they are all now pretty much on par
I look forward to the the matchless being profiled 👍
Btw what pickups do you have in the red strat and the tele?
Cheers Hollywood. I love the boss stuff but you can’t profile on them. Video coming out today where I profile one of my Matchless amps. The pickups in the red strat are Josephine Campos handwound fat 50’s. As far as I know they are only available on Masterbuilt guitars but you might find some used ones somewhere. I don’t know what’s in the Tele I’m afraid.
@@TheStudioRats thanks for the reply and information.
You have inspired me to look at getting a strat with the single coil in the bridge, as I have always had humbuckers.
I look forward to the new video on profiling the matchless
Paul, I know you really rated the Boss IR-200, aside from the fact that the Boss unit is shed load cheaper, how do the overall tones compare, or are they two completely different type of units?
They are really very different as you can’t profile on Boss products. Video coming today where I profile one of my Matchless amps.
John me happen jrbirthday and l
Depends if you have anything to profile, or the additional $ to pay for other profiles. The newer modelers have great models built in and numerous affects. Better on the wallet as well
IMO Kempers are fine, but in a live setting a Blues Junior is better for some reason. I cant not hear how 2d the modler sounds, the BJ is better in that $400 vs 2500
The unit itself still sounds great not sure there's much room for improvement but their form is way outdated. They need to update and modernize their UI, the digital display has aged like an old Casio watch and they need to intergrade a deep editor. If they redesigned it with these new things, maybe bluetooth and a flexible powerful deep edit for things like PC, tablet, or phone and an updated styling it would be a like a new unit. But as it is, sounds great but is functionally antiquated.
Hi Paul, at around the 3 minute mark, you stated that you didn't like the quad cortex. Can you tell me why and also why you think the Kemper is somehow better? I've watched alot of vids on both and I'd really like your take on this. Thanks! Cheers!
I didn’t like the disconnection that was apparent when you played through it. I’m sure they have fixed that by now.
@@TheStudioRats Oh, ok. So the cortex didn't have enough "real amp" feel compared to the Kemper. Can I ask what modeler you feel IS most realistic? I have a Pod Go and MX-5 currently. Thanks in advance. Happy happy..
I love my Kemper Stage. I was on the pre-order list for the Quad Cortex early on, but canceled. I wonder if you'd share what you didn't like about it, and how/why the Kemper amp tones are better (assuming that's what you were saying).
I loved the experience of the Quad cortex, the touch screen and the drag and drop functionality, the Quad (when I had it, there’s been some updates) had latency, that disconnected feel like they hadn’t optimised the processing. I’m sure it’s great now.
@@TheStudioRats Thank you, sir. Yeah, the design of the QC is quite nice. But, the touch screen and capacitance switches would be wasted on me. I only use the Kemper's Rig Manager editor, and never touch the hardware-unless i kept the QC on the desk instead of the floor, the QC UI benefits would be moot. I did tell myself i would revisit the QC after a year of its teething, but frankly, i'm really happy with the Kemper. Rig Manager could be better still-so much better-but at some point, i'll have all my amps/profiles settled and won't even need to do much with that.
Hi Paul.
I have the non-powered head and while I can get great tones through headphones I am trying to replicate them without success through a couple of amps and a p.a. that I have.
What do you play through on the video or are you going through the computer? Finally, what would/did you play through at your gigs?
Hi Mike the kemper is going into an interface in the studio and for live I go straight into the desk and use in ears.
Thanks Paul.
I keep searching for the solution and I look at the various FRFR speakers, the Powered Kemper etc and each time I think I’ll get one or the other I read the negatives about them so I search again😂
Keep up the great work, I’m sure everyone, like me appreciates your videos.
No, the Fractal Axe FX III is better option with newer hardware and color OLED screen. Only if you need to profile a bunch of tube amps then good to have on hand.
nope
Have a powerhead for almost 3 years. Best piece of guitar hardware i ever bought! LOVE it! I found the tone i had on my head!
Would love to know the reverb and delays on the first 2 clean pieces please!
I was using the Cirrus reverb and the basic kemper delay.
I don't have any profiler, not a Kemper, No Cortex, no Helix, no ToneX, no Neural.... However I do know I do not want to profile my quitar amp!! ( I have the amp already!) . I just want a gear that has a lot of amp profiles (including my own guitar Amp) but has also A lot of (multiple) PRE amp and (multiple) POST amp effects. So what do I need?
Is doggo getting an appearance fee? 😉
Do you think the amps sound better than the boss 200?
Not necessarily, but you can’t profile on boss products.
for me , i think not because of line 6 helix and bluguitar amp x
Fuck Yeah. Either if their service is really poor. But the machine saves lives, literally
Here comes the Em9! lol
It’s the only chord I know.
@@TheStudioRats always sounds killer too!
Sold mine. A lot more happy with the FM3.
It`s like you don`t go to concerts no more cause you got it all on your smart phone.
The Kemper is great, but not $2,500 great. Even though I can’t profile my home amps, for less than $1,000, I prefer using my Boss GX100 with a Two Notes Cab M+ with a few real pedals (ie, Tumnus, Eco, Equator, etc). I can usually get it close enough that I don’t miss my home amps when playing away from home.
Nice one!
To me, 12 years doesnt really apply when the software is brand new everytime you update it. I dont have to buy a whole new unit like with other companies (whoch sucks) to me this is superior to other products rather than "12 years old"
Great reverbs...but another sounds are not so good. Quality is low
Lol. 9.15 "that's a really usable crunch tone........". Loads a profile of a line 6 amp model.
Use Katana amps
dont need to spend a fortune get :
Tone junkie free profiles are great
for rock everybody likes the Top Jimi- brown profile
ive been working as a backliner on live gigs in the last ten years with real tube amps and kempers with the same guitar players and venues, real tube amps have a presence and warmth that no modeler can match even though they became much better these days,great for backing and cleans but that compression is the last thing you want on a solo when you play live. it also makes young players waste hours in the rabbit hole of presets...then again it was created by a keyboard player .keep waiting for the next update.
If you need a screen protector check it out here: bit.ly/3LcEzHG
Not really worth today imo. Wait for the bluguitar amp x, or get one of the new UAFX pedals if you want to sound like a real amp.
I don'y normally pay attention to the guy who comments in opposition to the gear I have my heart set on but man am I glad I read this one! Just discovered the UAFX thanks to your comment. Saved me a ton of money and it sounds WAY better!
Can it be That you let it Go because you needed to make some Money!!??
No I wanted a different guitar so I sold them to fund another guitar.
Fractal Fm9 or Axe FX 3 is much more better than Kemper
nope