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I think you'd have to approach the Kemper slightly differently in as much as a profile isn't really meant to be tweaked to the depths that an amp can be in the Fractal. In short, yes, tweaks can be made, quite in-depth tweaks at that. The secondary amp functions are absolutely superb in the Kemper and the amp compression algorithm and definition parameters are really great. However, if I want a different sound, I generally gravitate toward a different profile that's closer to what I want, then I make minor tweaks from there.
Took me less than a fortnight to find all 4/5 of my favourite profiles and I still use them now, 3-4 months later and haven't bothered to even look for others.
You mention you struggle with easy editing on the fly with the Fractal, I did too...Kemper has no such issues and I really like the way it's all easily accessible from the front panel, as I alluded to in the blog.
Same with how I mentioned loving the detail in tweaking on the Axe FX but I never could settle down and just play...I kept in tweaking. I no longer do that, because of the ethos behind profiles and just finding one that you like and dont need to tweak.
Feel and response. Yes. I love it and think it's superior, or at worst, on par. This is subjective though and my opinion.
You wouldn't need a list of modelled amps, many, many amps have been profiled. Many people here, I'm sure, would be willing to help you find the amps you're interested in and many will be in the Kemper as stock from factory, no doubt.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
I really related to what you said about spending hours just tweaking though - I don’t think I’ve used the same setup at two gigs on the AX8, as it’s kind of ‘too much’ in some ways.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
Here's my thoughts, as a twice owner of the Kemper, and a current very happy one second time around...
For me, NONE of the digital modelling stuff sounds as good in real life as my Carr Rambler and Redplate CDS2. But those are close to £5000 worth of amps sitting there. But the Kemper is very VERY close.
Thinking Of Buying A Kemper ? What You Should Know...
The Negatives:
A steep learning curve. The Kemper isn't 'real' and neither is some of the language and culture associated with it; profiles, clean sense, rigs, multiple volumes, headphone space etc etc
Also, you get into various rabbit holes very quickly - FRFR, profiles, Its, cab sims etc etc and these can sometimes be really confusing AND add cost.
And cost is a HUGE one. My Kemper PA cost £1700, Remote £350, DXR10 £500 - thats some money for a REALLY good amp/guitar set up maybe...
The Positives:
The amazing sound and options and variety. Really light to carry.
The remote is excellent, and the effects are getting really good now too.
The options to add, for example, reverse delay into an existing forward delay.
And then there's those profiles, as really good ones are literally in distinguishable from the amp its modelled on.
Incredibly versatile, creative and flexible system.
Awesome options in a two amp set-up with a real valve amp...
I will add that since Ive had the Kemper, I haven't touched a real pedal or pedal board. In fairness, I do have the excellent Helix HX, but the Kemper and its effects alone work superbly.
I read recently somewhere that the explosion of digital camera occurred when they stopped trying to be real 'film' cameras; the analogy is obvious and applies to ALL digital modelling.
Accept it for what it is, and make it work for you.
Just my personal thoughts. Like the Helix, there are as many options and ways to use it, as there are threads about it all
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
I’m often trying to ‘dial in’ tones from the likes fo Doug Aldrich, Slash, Gary Moore etc - maybe the Kemper is the way forward in that aspect...
I am jealous of your setup!
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
Got a few more questions as well I'm afraid... A guy has offered to swap his powered kemper and remote for my ax8....!
1. How does it work with switching fx on and off on the remote?
2. Are there 'scenes' on the remote?
3. I currently have a lot of pretty cool presets I made for specific songs - such as I Want to Break Free, Enter Sandman etc. I'm slightly concerned I wouldn't be able to create the specific scenes in the Kemper. Am I just being paranoid?
4. I assume it can take IRs and has a built in bank of them?
5. Can it be used with a secondary out to a mixer for IEM?
6. Can I use my existing Mission spring pedal for wah and the smaller Fractal EV-2 to control other parameters?
Thanks all!
1. FX can be assigned to 4 switches on the remote, two can be assigned to the same switch if you want.
2. Kemper call them performances and performances can have 5 slots for different rigs in each...this is the equivalent of 5 scenes in one preset (performance).
3. Scared you won't be able to recreate the tones or the specific scenes you use for those songs? What are you scared of specifically?
4. I don't use IRs any more now I have the Kemper and I don't miss them so don't know much about this. But my understanding is that it can take IRs and has a few loaded from the factory, but if you want to load your own then you can use Kemper Cab Maker to convert them. In reality though, it's worth adjusting your mindset and trying to find some good profiles, then you won't need IRs.
5. There's a few outputs you can use, yes. Take a look at some pics or the manual.
6. Yes to the Mission, and im fairly sure the Fractal will work too.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
I've been hearing a lot about people getting lost in the mix as well - a little concerning there's no control over an eq.....
Im still not sure what you mean that you're worried you won't have as much control of settings and scenes as you do now. FX settings are still all perfectly accessible and are there to tweak. And everything can be added to a rig slot in a performance just like you can scenes.
You have 4 FX slots before the amp. Then you have X, mod, delay and reverb after it. However, you're not limited to those FX in those blocks either. Plenty of room for plenty of FX in a particular rig.
Like I said, if you can articulate what your specific concerns are, I will try my best to help.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
I've seen the list of fx, seems fine to me.
I currently use the EV-2 to control the delay amount on the AX8 - is that possible on the Kemper?
I think that's possible, yes. I'll give it a go later. It'd utilise the pedal morph feature.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
Decided to rehearse with just the Kemper and DXR10 last night.
A bit of background. Covers band working on a small set up list (just for ourselves !)...
Songs include;
That's Entertainment - The Jam
I Cant Explain - The Who
In The Crowed - The Jam
Kids Are Alright - The Who
It's Still Rock n Roll To Me - Billy Joel
It's Only Natural - Crowded House
I Fought The Law - The Clash
Some variety needed at times there, and the Kemper was... well, incredible !
Dialled in some new sounds very quickly (I use the Remote), and was able to add volume and boost as required.
A few observations regarding the DXR10...
1.) Very full sounding - less 'beaming' than normal speaker cabs
2.) Slightly treble/digital feel to the DXR10. I own 2 of them, and we usually use them for our PA.
I know understand the need for a Full Range speaker, but Im wondering if another one may suit me more ?
3.) The DXR10 is plenty loud !!
I wonder if the new L6 Powercab might sound more 'amp/cab'-like/warmer than the DXR10 ?