Kemper.
I had been looking to find some way of playing at home, but actual silent practice with headphones, with good amp modelling and FX, and because of this considered the Helix. Put down a deposit on one. However, I didn't want to give up all my pedals, was always going to keep a few of them.
Then, as the shop I was pottering about in had one, I tried a Kemper. I was completely sold. I played the Deluxe Reverb model, and I could barely tell the difference from my own. I loved the Marshall models, the Mesas...and it sounds great through headphones, and has an effects loop, even though the effects on this sound tremendous.
As I was going to spend £1k+ on a Helix, getting a KPA feels like a no-brainer now. It's happening. I'll just get my deposit refunded for the Helix and get the KPA.
I was looking at getting the "Toaster" head version of this (I'll think on the footswitch board another time). Am I better getting the powered version or the cheaper one without the 600W power amp. I presume I could use the unpowered version straight into a PA?
So yes. Talk Kemper to me. Tips, upsides, downsides, good things, bad things.
I have been seduced by Kemper completely.
Comments
I'm assuming the one in the shop just had the stock factory profiles. They are good (some better than others) but I think there are better ones out there. I've bought some Amp Factory ones but the best ones I've found are the Michael Britt ones. There are also thousands on the rig exchange for free so if you are willing to browse through them you will be able to find some good ones there as well. It's very easy to audition them with the Rig Manager software.
If you are keeping some pedals it responds well to drive pedals in front of it as well.
There are tons of profiles available from Kemper, on the Rig Exchange and from commercial sellers. If you're buying profiles, Michael Britt and The Amp Factory are good places to start. Andy at TAF does tend to drown some of his in effects but that's easily remedied. The core profiles are very good.
There are criticisms of the Kemper effects - I.e. They're basic compared to other units from L6, Boss, etc. They're not as good as the Axe FX. There's some truth in this but the core FX in the Kemper are very good and there's enough variety for the vast majority of players to be perfectly happy. There is an FX loop if you feel the need to add external FX and the front end takes pedals very well.
the Rig Manager software is excellent and allows you to access all the profiles on the unit, your computer and the Rig Exchange for quick and easy auditioning. An editor would be really good but Kemper seem to have no interest in producing one.
the unit does take a while to boot up and the more rigs on it, the longer it takes. Ask yourself, do you really need 1,000 rigs? I use mine into a power amp and guitar cabs (monitor out with cabs off) and main outputs direct to the desk with cabs on. Works great for me and sound men love it. Lots of users prefer FRFR for onstage monitoring so go with whatever sounds best to you.
Have fun!
Have you had a KPA before?
Nothing bought yet, though.
Jeezo!
Would you you recommend the unpowered over the powered?
The Kemper really is amazing. It continues to impress me every time I play through it. The space function is fantastic for headphone playing too. I suspect you will be pretty chuffed with it.
"You don't know what you've got till the whole thing's gone. The days are dark and the road is long."
I play guitar and take photos of stuff. I also like beans on toast.
Ah this is all too complicated, Ross. The choice is now
Kemper
Helix
THR100
Blackstar 1W combo
Blues Cube
Although at least I'm undecided BEFORE spending a wedge of cash on anything
I can't help you make up your mind I'm afraid. Naturally I would love you to go for the THR or Helix (kids to feed etc). Ultimately it's abut what you need the thing to do. If you just need something to put your pedalboard through and into headphones, you may as well save a bunch and grab a THR5. If you need something that can also gig or be a backup to your existing rig, thats something else entirely.
I play guitar and take photos of stuff. I also like beans on toast.
in programming terms it seems like you need to bottom out your requirements