I did the same! Had 2 Kempers before. Ordered the Player, but it has to much limitation as you mentioned. Just like you, I returned the Player and.... bought the Stage. It's just... the sounds I get with the Kemper are killer! Had Helix, Mooer, Headrush and even the Fender Tonemaster Pro. Sold my last Kemper 3 years ago, and now when I heard the Player... I'm back again.
I was just wondering about this unit, and BOOM here’s your review! Very timely. If nothing else you’ve sold me on the profiles. Looking forward to seeing NAMM content coming up!
I bought it thinking it was basically a mini full on kemper, and I was disappointed when I found out it had limited FX slots. I think these are super fair criticisms. HOWEVER! That disappeared when I heard what this thing is capable of. Personally, for me. In my home and in live environments the player+kab can just straight up replace my amps. I get to keep using pedals which I love, I make engineers happy because I just plug my main output into the mix board. The sound is incredible, as well. I think Kemper+Kone Kab as a replacement for an amp at home or in studio environment is where this thing is just wildly good.
This launch is a real head-scratcher, especially for Kemper. Bugs, weird limitations, unclear roadmap. Why didn't they wait a few more months and do a proper launch like they did with the Stage?
I think a lot of people are stuck between amp in the room and amp sims and this device is the best at bridging that gap. It's as close as you're going to get to a real tube amp with pedals, and with it's Kone speaker you can get that amp in the room sound.
Kemper Player is already expensive as is, for what it offers.. If you start paying for all the upgrades, it can easily reach a1k mark, or even more, who knows. That is a lot of money for such an old tech. There are better options for that amount of money, you can easily get a used Kemper toaster if you absolutely need to have a Kemper.
Love the Kemper player. I own the Profiler too. I don't understand why u are returning the unit. The player is best compact pedal on market. U don't need all features to play live. Sounds are superb. If u can't program sounds for live with player then you need to get back to practicing. I have 5 sounds for live and that all I need. Honestly it's the best pedal I ever owned and I can throw it in my carry on and travel with it.
I like Kemper amps and the format. I think I was disappointed when Chris Kemper said they may offer the full functionality as a paid update but I wasn’t able to do it from day 1. I think they should have done that. I would have gladly paid for it.
For me the sound and physical size matter the most. Just gigged with it for the first time and never had sounds this good. Maybe I will try a midi USB controller or 2-button switch for more control. Agree on the slight premature release of the product. However, not returning it!
I feel your pain. I went from the Kemper Stage to the QC, because the Stage was too heavy to take it to rehearsals, and the ancient screen sucks! Now, with the QC, im struggling to really connect with it. I find myself constantly creating new presets, because I'm not happy with anything. And as soon as I turn on my amp and my OX box, thsoe wipe the floor with the QC. Thus, I was pretty excited when Kemper relased the Profiler Player, but quickly turned off by how much they stripped it down. Just one XLR? Come one! They could have added two balanced TRS outputs instead! Also the limitations you brought up are a downer. They could have made something that would be wiping the floor with the QC, but it turns out, that it's even worse than the HX Stomp.
I agree the Kemper Stage is not that much more money than the Kemper Player AND has a lot more features! As a stand alone guitar unit, the Stage sounds great and is easy to transport. My only complaint with Kemper units are the endless options and parameters. I enjoy my tube amp--with only 5 knobs--much more!
Oh come on, “not that much more money” ??? 610€ versus “1.400€ , I call that a lot more. And everyone one has their own usecase, I can afford the stage but I bought the player as it’s perfect for my needs. People don’t seem to get who and what the player is aimed at.
@@Clive007 Good point, yes the Player is probably great for someone who wants to use their own pedals, or doesn't use many effects. I was thinking of it in the sense of buying a used Stage (you can't buy a used Player yet in the U.S.; and I think the pricing is different in the U.S.. It's close to a thousand dollars with tax and you can buy a used Stage here for the same price--is were I was coming from ... but great points. everyone will have a different need
Thank you! I haven’t seen any videos on the TD2. I will wait to see if people say it sounds better than the first one and if they release firmware updates first.
@@aaronshortmusic There is a recent interview with Mr. May on Electric Strings Player channel on wich he explains it is in fact a different product, not compatible with gen 1 wavemaps and a brand new algorithm so looking forward to it if you do. ✌️
@@akispero7 That’s great. I didn’t love the original version but the new version looks like it is much improved. I am not in a position to buy one right now but maybe I’ll see if Sweetwater would want to work on a review.
It’s good. I’m still deciding between that and the Quad Cortex.
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If I want to use clean, drive and delay, would this suffice? My tuner is on wireless. I only use 2 effects, as said, delay and overdrive. Would this then be something for me?
I love my Kemper player actually ordered the hx stomp with it and thinking about returning the hx…I don’t think it was meant to be a mini Kemper stage, I get the impression it was meant to compete more with the UA dream and ruby and in that context it’s not even a fair comparison…I see why it wouldn’t work as an all in one but in ny case I was using it in conjunction with my strymon and analog drive pedals
Fair enough but Chris Kemper said their would be a (paid) way to unlock the full power of a Kemper. Why do these companies make these statements and then never follow through? It is not right.
@@aaronshortmusic How do you know what Christophe is doing or going to do? Do you know the Player released with its own software different from the other Kempers. In the last few months they've optimised the software so with the latest software update the Player now uses the same software as the Stage. Meaning updates can now be released for all Kemer models. That's a clue to the future of the Player.
I sold my Profile and, seeing the video, Kemper never do what it should do. It is an Engineer Tool, wonderful, bu the name on it is "player" ! I immaginbed to set the Player at home, and bringin it on stage. I Imagined 3 profiles : "Clean (jazz), Crunch (Bluesy) ans Solo. No way, the Kemper need a real "player" function whitch protect from accidental editing... In addition, an "antri-feedback" function never existed, right now...
@@aaronshortmusicI sold my first qc. Re bought it. It’s a top unit. The Kemper stuff is just rehashed old tech. It’s a joke and a terrible interface still
@@truthfactreality6814 Well it has an iPhone and iPad app for remote adjustments and the QC does not so I’m not sure I agree. I think Neural could be doing a lot more with their platform.
Its ok - you have big kemper and quad cortex, no reason to keep player. I dont need many effects and choosing player , as its small, have audio interface - seems very compact for travelling and recording. But for someone who needs it mainly on stage, well... kemper stage seems great for it.
@@THINJIMI I have the full version and I'd it has the functionality and features already then there is no reason other than gouging the customer. They aren't saving money on hardware or software.
This product is for people who already have the full versions…not for you. I don’t expect it to do what the products twice the price, and, neither should you. Helix Stomp now has 8 blocks, but you can’t use them all because of the computer can’t do that much!
Yes but the owner of the company made a statement that they will likely unlock the full power of the unit at some point a few days after it was released which is quite frankly, strange.
I did the same! Had 2 Kempers before. Ordered the Player, but it has to much limitation as you mentioned. Just like you, I returned the Player and.... bought the Stage. It's just... the sounds I get with the Kemper are killer! Had Helix, Mooer, Headrush and even the Fender Tonemaster Pro. Sold my last Kemper 3 years ago, and now when I heard the Player... I'm back again.
Thanks for sharing. That’s awesome and it is still a great unit!
Kemper is king of tone, and I pwn them all…of course this player doesn’t do what the products twice the price do…is that what people expect?
I was just wondering about this unit, and BOOM here’s your review! Very timely. If nothing else you’ve sold me on the profiles. Looking forward to seeing NAMM content coming up!
I bought it thinking it was basically a mini full on kemper, and I was disappointed when I found out it had limited FX slots. I think these are super fair criticisms.
HOWEVER! That disappeared when I heard what this thing is capable of. Personally, for me. In my home and in live environments the player+kab can just straight up replace my amps. I get to keep using pedals which I love, I make engineers happy because I just plug my main output into the mix board. The sound is incredible, as well.
I think Kemper+Kone Kab as a replacement for an amp at home or in studio environment is where this thing is just wildly good.
I agree I just wish it had more functionality. They have said they may come down the line…
LOVE MINE!! my main source for a month solid. 2 drives before and a GFI Spec Temp after.
Great review man. Love seeing your videos pop up!
Thanks for watching!
Aaron always good to learn the truth about gear.Thanks
This launch is a real head-scratcher, especially for Kemper. Bugs, weird limitations, unclear roadmap. Why didn't they wait a few more months and do a proper launch like they did with the Stage?
I agree. Why not wait and offer it will all of the features, paid and otherwise
I think a lot of people are stuck between amp in the room and amp sims and this device is the best at bridging that gap. It's as close as you're going to get to a real tube amp with pedals, and with it's Kone speaker you can get that amp in the room sound.
@@JakeSkillman Yea I have the Kemper Kab and I really like it.
Kemper Player is already expensive as is, for what it offers.. If you start paying for all the upgrades, it can easily reach a1k mark, or even more, who knows. That is a lot of money for such an old tech. There are better options for that amount of money, you can easily get a used Kemper toaster if you absolutely need to have a Kemper.
It still sounds great and is one of the few units that has an app!
Love the Kemper player. I own the Profiler too. I don't understand why u are returning the unit. The player is best compact pedal on market. U don't need all features to play live. Sounds are superb. If u can't program sounds for live with player then you need to get back to practicing. I have 5 sounds for live and that all I need. Honestly it's the best pedal I ever owned and I can throw it in my carry on and travel with it.
I like Kemper amps and the format. I think I was disappointed when Chris Kemper said they may offer the full functionality as a paid update but I wasn’t able to do it from day 1. I think they should have done that. I would have gladly paid for it.
Apparently they put old stock Freescale DSP inside it 😂 (Freescale branded dps aren’t produced anymore since… 2015…)
So I hear but I would like to hear the full story from Kemper before I comment on that.
For me the sound and physical size matter the most. Just gigged with it for the first time and never had sounds this good. Maybe I will try a midi USB controller or 2-button switch for more control. Agree on the slight premature release of the product. However, not returning it!
It’s a cool product. I just wanted a little more (which is often the case).
I feel your pain. I went from the Kemper Stage to the QC, because the Stage was too heavy to take it to rehearsals, and the ancient screen sucks! Now, with the QC, im struggling to really connect with it. I find myself constantly creating new presets, because I'm not happy with anything. And as soon as I turn on my amp and my OX box, thsoe wipe the floor with the QC. Thus, I was pretty excited when Kemper relased the Profiler Player, but quickly turned off by how much they stripped it down. Just one XLR? Come one! They could have added two balanced TRS outputs instead! Also the limitations you brought up are a downer. They could have made something that would be wiping the floor with the QC, but it turns out, that it's even worse than the HX Stomp.
I agree the Kemper Stage is not that much more money than the Kemper Player AND has a lot more features!
As a stand alone guitar unit, the Stage sounds great and is easy to transport. My only complaint with Kemper units are the endless options and parameters. I enjoy my tube amp--with only 5 knobs--much more!
That will always be the argument for analog vs digital. Simplicity vs options.
Oh come on, “not that much more money” ??? 610€ versus “1.400€ , I call that a lot more. And everyone one has their own usecase, I can afford the stage but I bought the player as it’s perfect for my needs. People don’t seem to get who and what the player is aimed at.
@@Clive007 Good point, yes the Player is probably great for someone who wants to use their own pedals, or doesn't use many effects. I was thinking of it in the sense of buying a used Stage (you can't buy a used Player yet in the U.S.; and I think the pricing is different in the U.S.. It's close to a thousand dollars with tax and you can buy a used Stage here for the same price--is were I was coming from ... but great points. everyone will have a different need
Aaron will you review the Tonedexter II? Also very informative on the Kemper.
Thank you! I haven’t seen any videos on the TD2. I will wait to see if people say it sounds better than the first one and if they release firmware updates first.
@@aaronshortmusic There is a recent interview with Mr. May on Electric Strings Player channel on wich he explains it is in fact a different product, not compatible with gen 1 wavemaps and a brand new algorithm so looking forward to it if you do. ✌️
@@akispero7 That’s great. I didn’t love the original version but the new version looks like it is much improved. I am not in a position to buy one right now but maybe I’ll see if Sweetwater would want to work on a review.
Sounds great. Hope the Kemper Stage works out great. used $1000.
It’s good. I’m still deciding between that and the Quad Cortex.
If I want to use clean, drive and delay, would this suffice? My tuner is on wireless. I only use 2 effects, as said, delay and overdrive. Would this then be something for me?
For three amp tones only then yes it will work.
@@aaronshortmusic Awesome. Just what I needed then. You're a lifesaver. Thank you.
I love my Kemper player actually ordered the hx stomp with it and thinking about returning the hx…I don’t think it was meant to be a mini Kemper stage, I get the impression it was meant to compete more with the UA dream and ruby and in that context it’s not even a fair comparison…I see why it wouldn’t work as an all in one but in ny case I was using it in conjunction with my strymon and analog drive pedals
Fair enough but Chris Kemper said their would be a (paid) way to unlock the full power of a Kemper. Why do these companies make these statements and then never follow through? It is not right.
@@aaronshortmusic
How do you know what Christophe is doing or going to do?
Do you know the Player released with its own software different from the other Kempers.
In the last few months they've optimised the software so with the latest software update the Player now uses the same software as the Stage.
Meaning updates can now be released for all Kemer models.
That's a clue to the future of the Player.
@@guitartoneSA He talked about it on a forum. I hope they do allow full functionality.
That was a “Short” time you spent with it 😂 (pun intended)
Yes it was very SHORT!
I sold my Profile and, seeing the video, Kemper never do what it should do. It is an Engineer Tool, wonderful, bu the name on it is "player" !
I immaginbed to set the Player at home, and bringin it on stage. I Imagined 3 profiles : "Clean (jazz), Crunch (Bluesy) ans Solo. No way, the Kemper need a real "player" function whitch protect from accidental editing... In addition, an "antri-feedback" function never existed, right now...
Go with fractal with 3 buttons
It’s too big.
Just use your quad cortex
Might sell it. We shall see.
@@aaronshortmusicI sold my first qc. Re bought it. It’s a top unit. The Kemper stuff is just rehashed old tech. It’s a joke and a terrible interface still
@@truthfactreality6814 Well it has an iPhone and iPad app for remote adjustments and the QC does not so I’m not sure I agree. I think Neural could be doing a lot more with their platform.
They have to limit the features on the Player or else they wouldn’t be able sell anymore of the Head
I know but right after release Chris stated that they would unlock the full feature set for a fee and that hasn’t happened.
Its ok - you have big kemper and quad cortex, no reason to keep player.
I dont need many effects and choosing player , as its small, have audio interface - seems very compact for travelling and recording. But for someone who needs it mainly on stage, well... kemper stage seems great for it.
I wanted something very small that was still as powerful as the Stage. I hope they add those features in a future update.
Giving consumers a disabled product is super lame. You are paying a premium price for a partial product.
At least it should have had even a small LCD display for the price of this unit!
Pmsl
You're clueless mate
This product is for people who already have the full versions…not for you. I don’t expect it to do what the products twice the price!
@@THINJIMI I have the full version and I'd it has the functionality and features already then there is no reason other than gouging the customer. They aren't saving money on hardware or software.
So you returned it because it doesn’t do all of this stuff you hoped it would do without looking up if it would before buying it? What?
They didn’t say there would be features that are grayed out in software and not available yet.
This product is for people who already have the full versions…not for you. I don’t expect it to do what the products twice the price, and, neither should you. Helix Stomp now has 8 blocks, but you can’t use them all because of the computer can’t do that much!
Yes but the owner of the company made a statement that they will likely unlock the full power of the unit at some point a few days after it was released which is quite frankly, strange.