Urgent Advice Sought: Kemper Profiling Amp

Big Daddy B

Big Daddy B

Well-Known Member
So unexpectedly due to a combination of in store credit and cyber monday discounts I am thinking about picking up a Kemper profiling amp but am in a cattywumpus whether or not I should get the powered version or not. From my research, I believe I have identified some pros and cons to each but don't feel I have done enough research yet to make a fully informed decision by the end of the day. Thus I am turning to the Tone Rooms for guidance......

1. Unpowered - Pro: this was my initial plan to pair it with a couple of powered FRFR speakers for a nice stereo effect. Con: Will a powered FRFR have enough power to compete with a drummer, bass, and 2 half stacks (and several small solid state practice amps dimed) in a small 20 x 10 space? And also will the weight of loud enough powered speakers make the rig less portable than I am hoping (ie. no piece >~35 pounds).

2. Powered - Pro: Now concerns over power and would pair with unpowered speakers. Con: heard powered only has a mono output so if I wanted to run stereo, would need a second power amp.

Cost wise it is probably a wash because if I spend less on the KPA, I will spend more on powered speakers and vice versa.

My main purpose is a replacement for my Roland VGA 5. I need a small portable system that can cover a wide variety of amps and effects that I can save in patches to pull up instantly. I visited Sweetwater in Oct. and tried both the Kemper and the Line6 Helix footboard. I preferred the knob based controls of the Kemper which is very similar to the Roland I use now. I will NOT be using this for any studio or recording work and don't want to spend a ton of time programming.

So in summary I feel confident in my decision to get a Kemper, just need some help deciding which one.

As a bonus if anyone has speaker recommendations either way, I will take them but probably not looking to get any until Jan or Feb.
 
Big Daddy B said:
2. Powered - Pro: Now concerns over power and would pair with unpowered speakers. Con: heard powered only has a mono output so if I wanted to run stereo, would need a second power amp.
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You might want to contact Kemper and verify the output. I see stereo, or 2 channel, outputs on the powered version.
 
Thanks I will do more research on that. I hadn't actually looked on their website so maybe the stereo output is a new edition.
 
I just took a look at the back of the powered one on Sweetwater.
There is 1 speaker output rated at 600w into 8 ohms or 300 w into 16.

I find it amazing that they have all that stuff in there and a mono output.
 
hmm I just checked it out at Sweetwater aswell and thought I saw 2 speaker outputs. Were you looking at the Powerhead?
 
Wow. Good questions.

I went with the AX8, which is unpowered, because I knew I was going to need powered monitors. I know you can get passive monitors, but the powered ones seem more prevalent and reasonably affordable. The powered monitors can also be used for additional purposes. Same goes for a power amp like a Matrix or Fryette Power station; the Power Station, in particular, is a very versatile option should you decide you need a power amp down the road.

My current setup includes a XiTone powered wedge had a 12" driver + 1" tweeter and a Matrix power amp. It is the best sounding solution I have found yet, including QSC K8 and a an Alto solution I tried.

I am all about good tone at low volume for home, so I haven't tried a live setting (other than quiet jamming with friends at home).

I think you will love the Kemper. At the time I made my purchase, the Kemper was probably #1 on my list for tone. The AX8 was cheaper, more complicated, and, ultimately, may be the best solution, tone wise. No regrets, but I would have bought the Kemper if budget had not been a concern.

One thing to think about with monitoring/profiling: volume should not be an ultimate concern since you can go direct to PA or FOH in a live setting. The QSC K8 I have is 1000 watts! The Alto TS212 is 1100 watts for like $250!

I would encourage you to look at solutions like XiTone and Mission Engineering Gemini. The sound quality worth the extra $$$.
 
mdubya said:
Wow. Good questions.
One thing to think about with monitoring/profiling: volume should not be an ultimate concern since you can go direct to PA or FOH in a live setting
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I don't know that this is the case. In the past typically only the vocalist has run thru the PA. All instruments had separate amps. This is not like a normal gig. It is a band camp thing with a bunch of students jamming on songs. Unfortunately it is a small space, probably like 10x15 or 10x10 and we have drums, PA, bass, 2 guys playing half stacks and then a bunch of students with their small combos cranked up so I need to push a lot of volume for leads/solos etc so I can both hear myself and others can hear my. My old Roland VGA-5 just can't keep up.
 
Tony M. said:
Correct.
I just went to the Kemper site and looked at the user manual to verify.
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Thanks for doing that. THat's why I came here. I am a combo guy and have never had to worry about such things in the past!

So if that is the case, seems like I am still leaning unpowered Kemper into a pair on powered FRFRs for a right that is both very portable and in Stereo. Hopefully can also pump enough volume with the right powered speaker(s).
 
The 8-16ohm output is for a traditional speaker cab. The XLR and 1/4 Main Outputs would go to monitors. As many as 4, here, if you want. Stereo would be no problem.
 
Also from what I read online (maybe taken with a grain of salt), some FR power amp mfgs like Matrix and Mission have commented that the onboard Kemper poweramp is not as flat response so in theory you get better cab monitoring using an outboard power amp or powered speaker. I guess that is just a bonus in my scenario.
 
dudes, I totally missed the obvious "speaker output" in the upper left. That's what was confusing me. Sorry working on a small laptop and didnt scroll the pic far enough lol. Thinks are starting to make sense now.
 
Big Daddy B said:
I don't know that this is the case. In the past typically only the vocalist has run thru the PA. All instruments had separate amps. This is not like a normal gig. It is a band camp thing with a bunch of students jamming on songs. Unfortunately it is a small space, probably like 10x15 or 10x10 and we have drums, PA, bass, 2 guys playing half stacks and then a bunch of students with their small combos cranked up so I need to push a lot of volume for leads/solos etc so I can both hear myself and others can hear my. My old Roland VGA-5 just can't keep up.
Click to expand...

You could do a pair of monitors on sticks; one for you and one for the rest of the band. A pair of Altos or QSC's would be more than enough to take care of business IMHO. I would also rely on powered monitors in this case for power considerations.
 
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