Kemper Amp

Paolo_M

Anyone else looking at these?
They're the next evolution beyond the AxeFXII.
I've not been able to tell the difference in the Kemper and the amp it's profiling in any of the on-line clips.
It looks like a piece of medical equipment but sound amazing.

Kemper Amps

There's one in my Thomann shopping basket but I haven't hit complete yet....:D
I've got a JCM800, JMP50, Vox AC50, custom built twin channel and ReValver but I definitely think I neeeeeeeeeed this.

Squidgy Black

I think these were launched at NAMM last year, but they haven't really seemed to take off.

I think the Axe-fx is still great though, especially with the newer version being able to create your own cab IR's. And the fact that you have all the amp sims loaded in.

This would be great in a studio etc, or someone who had access to a lot of amps but not to own them.

Paolo_M

stetyrrell wrote: »

I think these were launched at NAMM last year, but they haven't really seemed to take off.

I think the Axe-fx is still great though, especially with the newer version being able to create your own cab IR's. And the fact that you have all the amp sims loaded in.

This would be great in a studio etc, or someone who had access to a lot of amps but not to own them.

They're only on sale in Europe since last week.
They're already the 5th highest selling preamp in Thomann after one week, jumping ahead of the ToneLab and Pocket POD in the process.

It sounds far better than the AxeFX to me, and I've heard a number of very convincing clips of it profiling the AxeFX.

il gatto

Paolo_M wrote: »

Anyone else looking at these?
They're the next evolution beyond the AxeFXII.
I've not been able to tell the difference in the Kemper and the amp it's profiling in any of the on-line clips.
It looks like a piece of medical equipment but sound amazing.

Kemper Amps

There's one in my Thomann shopping basket but I haven't hit complete yet....:D
I've got a JCM800, JMP50, Vox AC50, custom built twin channel and ReValver but I definitely think I neeeeeeeeeed this.

You don't, you know .

Squidgy Black

Paolo_M wrote: »

They're only on sale in Europe since last week.
They're already the 5th highest selling preamp in Thomann after one week, jumping ahead of the ToneLab and Pocket POD in the process.

It sounds far better than the AxeFX to me, and I've heard a number of very convincing clips of it profiling the AxeFX.

Ah I didn't know that, I just remember it being released at last years NAMM and never heard of it again.

Do you not feel it's very limited though? Like fair enough if you have a great collection of amps that you can profile, and you need a portable solution. Like the AxeFX comes with the amps preloaded, so unless you have a chance to model loads of great amps it's a bit useless.

Elysian

stetyrrell wrote: »

Ah I didn't know that, I just remember it being released at last years NAMM and never heard of it again.

Do you not feel it's very limited though? Like fair enough if you have a great collection of amps that you can profile, and you need a portable solution. Like the AxeFX comes with the amps preloaded, so unless you have a chance to model loads of great amps it's a bit useless.

You can share amp profiles on their forum.

Edit: Here's someone from the forum playing through a 5150 III profile http://soundcloud.com/mdaniel/kemper-kpa-5150-profile-from . I'm feeling quite tempted.

Paolo_M

stetyrrell wrote: »

Ah I didn't know that, I just remember it being released at last years NAMM and never heard of it again.

Do you not feel it's very limited though? Like fair enough if you have a great collection of amps that you can profile, and you need a portable solution. Like the AxeFX comes with the amps preloaded, so unless you have a chance to model loads of great amps it's a bit useless.

It comes preloaded with a **** load of professionally profiled amps.

Here's the latest list, and it's rapidly growing and there's also a community of people making their own profiles and freely sharing on-line.

As far as I can tell the amps from the modeller are profiles from the AxeFX cheekily added!!

AC30 (several different models with several different Mics)
Mesa Roadking
Marshall TLS60
Mesa Mark IV
Few amps from a modeler (coded as Fan....)
Marshall JMP
Marshall JCM2000
Ampeg VT40
Marshall JMC2550
Mesa Mark II
Bad Cat
Blackface Bass
JCM 800
Deluxe
Rocket (???)
Mesa Dual
Goldie (???) Pentode and triode
77 JMP
Jazz Chorus
Little Prince
Little Rebel (I assume Orange)
London
Matchless
Mr. Jack
Silverface clone
Twin
Soldano
Chieftain
Train (wreck???)
Sansamp
Vibrolux
RainHeart (???)
Fuchs ODS30
CAE OD100
JMP100
Bogner XTC
KH ES 2002
JTM45

Squidgy Black

Wow, this could definitely be an AxeFX killer then, kinda wish they made a rack mount version though. They're some quality amps, I'd say if somebody could get their hands on a Dumble this yoke could be the next big tone quest!

Elysian

Holy crap that amp list is impressive. I think I might pick one of these up, worst comes to worse I can just return it.

Paolo_M

Eventually pulled the trigger.

Will posting results soon.

I've HS80 powered reference monitors, I've also got a Samson Servo 300 power amp and some 2X12 (one with V30s, the other with a G12H and a greenback).

Keep an eye out for some demo clips, photos etc.

Miklos

Jesus! Looks like a HAM radio.

Demeyes

I remember seeing this a while ago, good to see it's released and out in the public now. It's also a nice bit cheaper than I expected it to be, I was thinking closer to 2k. I think they'll need to come out with a rack mountable version though.

Alanstrainor

Can't wait to hear some clips man! Best of luck with it!

Paolo_M

NickWray wrote: »

Jesus! Looks like a HAM radio.

, I was in the maternity hospital the other day with my girlfriend for the scan and the unit beside the bed look exactly like the Kemper. I was gonna take photos but I thought I'd be best not to!!

Demeyes wrote: »

I remember seeing this a while ago, good to see it's released and out in the public now. It's also a nice bit cheaper than I expected it to be, I was thinking closer to 2k. I think they'll need to come out with a rack mountable version though.

Rack-mountable would be great. If they developed a 2U integrated Kemper and full range, clean power amp it would be a real winner.
As it stands the existing unit has room at the back for a future planned power amp.
I'm just guessing, but I'd say it's price point was selected to be deliberately cheaper than a certain other high level amp modeller.

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Can't wait to hear some clips man! Best of luck with it!

Yeah, I'm getting excited, got the text from Thomann this morning to say it's shipped.
I'll eventually make some proper miked up clips of my home built amp and even make a profile of it to test it out.
I'll also be interested in doing a comparison between my own JCM800 and the profile, I think there's a JMP and couple of Voxes too.
Fun times!

Paolo_M

Guess what arrived to today? :pac:










Busy night ahead tonight, will report back tomorrow!!

Squidgy Black

Awesome. I'll take all those crappy amps off your hands once you have them profiled then?

Ravelleman

This is unbelievably cool, although perhaps ´Pandora´s Box´ might have been a more appropriate name.

Grolschevik

Ravelleman wrote: »

This is unbelievably cool, although perhaps ´Pandora´s Box´ might have been a more appropriate name.

I think Korg have the Pandora name all sewn up.

Looking forward to hearing the results and reading the opinions...

Ravelleman

Ah rats, I forgot that a company could own a cultural expression.

Grolschevik

Ravelleman wrote: »

Ah rats, I forgot that a company could own a cultural expression.

"Where do you want to go today"...

slavetothegrind

C'mon Paulo!

The clips! The clips!

Orderly queue at paulos door please ....:pac:

Really curious to hear your opinion

Paolo_M

stetyrrell wrote: »

Awesome. I'll take all those crappy amps off your hands once you have them profiled then?

eh no!!

Ravelleman wrote: »

This is unbelievably cool, although perhaps ´Pandora´s Box´ might have been a more appropriate name.

It is.

slavetothegrind wrote: »

C'mon Paulo!

The clips! The clips!

Orderly queue at paulos door please ....:pac:

Really curious to hear your opinion

Relax.
I've promised myself a spending spree for a while and I bought a G12M for my 2 X 12 and also ProTools 10, I'm on 8.05 at the mo.
I'm rebuilding my MacBook to give 10 a flying start, it's due a rebuild this long time. Once that's done you'll get your clips!!
There's no point in posting a digi cam pic as it wont do it any justice, though I will if you're really desperate.

For now let's just say that the Bogner XTC, Diezel VH4, Soldano SLO100, JCM800, JTM45, JMP, Vox AC30 and the couple of Fender Deluxe Reverbs are my favourites.
This thing is freekin awesome.

Here's a few pics to keep you going, 'till the Mac is ready to roll!!

That's my G12H and G12M loaded 2 X 12, I've a V30 loaded oversized 2 X 12 at the rehearsal room. That's the Behringer MIDI controller which I haven't even turned on yet!!
At the bottom is my Mac gittin rebuilt. That black is a Korg MIDI DAW controller and for €50 in Thomann it's probably about the best value item anyone that's into recording could buy.

Elysian

How much control do you have over each amps snapshots in comparison to a regular amp? Are there any sort of bass/mid/treb/gain controls?

Edit: Also, is there any sort of PC Editor for it or is all editing done on the hardware itself?

Grolschevik

That looks like my old 2x12"! You didn't get it off an Italian fella, did you?:)

Paolo_M

Elysian wrote: »

How much control do you have over each amps snapshots in comparison to a regular amp? Are there any sort of bass/mid/treb/gain controls?

Edit: Also, is there any sort of PC Editor for it or is all editing done on the hardware itself?

You have gain, bass, mid, treb, pres for each amp. You also can put an EQ into the FX Loop.
Each amp also includes secondary parameters that you can adjust.
These include:
Definition - To my ears it's adjusting intermodulation distortion. Vintage amps tend to have a lot of it. You'd hear it when you crank them. It's kind of a blurred attack that's not quite compression. You can get vintage amps to sound more modern and visa versa.
Power sagging - It profiles the actual power sag of the amp. You can then reduce or increase it as you please.
There's others but I'd be here all day!!

Grolschevik wrote: »

That looks like my old 2x12"! You didn't get it off an Itallian fella, did you?:)

No, but interestingly I did buy it unloaded from a German!

Squidgy Black

What kind of power amp are you using to play it through the cab?

Paolo_M

stetyrrell wrote: »

What kind of power amp are you using to play it through the cab?

I'm using a Samson Servo 300.
It's very linear and perfectly suited for this.
It will need a very linear, HiFi power amp as the power amp of the profiled amp is an inseparable (at the moment) part of the profile.

Grolschevik

Paolo_M wrote: »

No, but interestingly I did buy it unloaded from a German!

Is the speaker cloth on a frame attached with velcro?

Ravelleman

Somehow I get the impression that this is one of those pieces of kit that people who like to fiddle will absolutely love and many others would absolutely hate. Now I know that this probably isn´t a valid comparison, but when I was younger, I bought a Line 6 Pod XT Live, thinking that it would be amazing to have so many possibilities available to me. Then I realised that I really prefer to keep things simple - a clean amp, some reverb, a little delay, maybe some OD when necessary. If I play another amp, I like to think of it as being a separate entity, one that needs to be explored and appreciated more, rather than just being one of the infinite facets of the same amp. I just find it easier to deal with things when they are separate and easier to distinguish - more tangible. Perhaps that makes them more real to me.

I´m sure this is what Walter Benjamin was talking about in the 1930s.

Grolschevik

Ravelleman wrote: »

I´m sure this is what Walter Benjamin was talking about in the 1930s.

Art in the age of mechanical reproduction? Never thought I'd come across that here...

Ravelleman

You knows it. Philosophisin´on Boards.

Squidgy Black

Ravelleman wrote: »

Somehow I get the impression that this is one of those pieces of kit that people who like to fiddle will absolutely love and many others would absolutely hate. Now I know that this probably isn´t a valid comparison, but when I was younger, I bought a Line 6 Pod XT Live, thinking that it would be amazing to have so many possibilities available to me. Then I realised that I really prefer to keep things simple - a clean amp, some reverb, a little delay, maybe some OD when necessary. If I play another amp, I like to think of it as being a separate entity, one that needs to be explored and appreciated more, rather than just being one of the infinite facets of the same amp. I just find it easier to deal with things when they are separate and easier to distinguish - more tangible. Perhaps that makes them more real to me.

I´m sure this is what Walter Benjamin was talking about in the 1930s.

I have to say, I completely agree with this. I've had many multi-channel amps and modellers which hundreds of different presets, but I've always preferred a single channel amp, and a guitar with pickups that clean up nicely with the volume knob. Same thing happened with my pedals, I went from quite a large board (10-12 pedals) to eventually just dropping everything, and only bringing a tuner and maybe a delay/reverb.

Paolo_M

Got a chance this morning to put together some clips yawl.

The Kemper is run into a Samson Servo 300 and onto my 2X12 loaded with a G12H and G12M.
To make these clips I've miked up the cab using a SM57 straight into my Fast Track.
The no editing, or post EQ/effects of any description here.

The clip you're about hear is a Strat and the G12M speaker miked.
It starts with a Fender Silverface Deluxe with a touch of slapback delay and reverb from the Kemper. That's my attempt at country.
It then goes to a BlackFace Fender Deluxe Reverb for Yellow Leadbetter.
Then the strat is played through the Diezel Herbert (channel 2) through various pick up positions.
Finally it finishes with my Les Paul played through the Lead channel of the EVH 5153. This one is with the G12H miked.
Ignore the playing, it's all first take, no metronome and the last two examples were just the first thing that came into my head as I hit record. I was trying to demonstrate rhythm and lead sounds.

It's exported from ProTools @ 320bps with the highest quality encoding used.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10813900/Kemper%20First%20Test.mp3

Squidgy Black

Very impressed, especially by the cleaner tones. Felt that the high gain tones were a bit fizzy but then again that's probably what the amps themselves sound like.

slavetothegrind

loved the sound. Clean tones were really nice, that diezel sounded good too


Thanks for posting the clips, so any regrets?

Paolo_M

stetyrrell wrote: »

Very impressed, especially by the cleaner tones. Felt that the high gain tones were a bit fizzy but then again that's probably what the amps themselves sound like.

There's a lot of fizz on the 5153 especially but that's exactly what a raw 5150 sounds like on the red channel and the gain cranked.
I'd be compressing the lows and high shelving the highs if I was using it but I wanted to leave these clips raw.

I'm most impressed by the feel. Notes get that chewyness when you dig in with the pick, ReValver doesn't do that really.

slavetothegrind wrote: »

loved the sound. Clean tones were really nice, that diezel sounded good too


Thanks for posting the clips, so any regrets?

Not about the Kemper, I regret buying a house in 2007 though.


I'll do more clips of the amps in a proper mix and playing something proper in time as that might be a better context to judge.
I'm also gonna have a go at profile my JMP50 and then comparing the two through the same cab/mike position.