AXEFXII and KEMPER - One player's honest head to head

[mix2much]

Originally Posted by Rod

I am waiting for the Kemper to be available with the built in power amp. Has anybody heard of a release time?

I don't understand why anyone would be waiting for that before they purchase but to each their own. From what I've heard the amp won't even be very powerful- just for bedroom volumes. Hope that's bad info but I think I read it on the Kemper forum. Anyway, it's not like the KPA will be any different with or without it. I kinda wish I had that much patience.....

[shasha]

Originally Posted by mix2much

I don't understand why anyone would be waiting for that before they purchase but to each their own. From what I've heard the amp won't even be very powerful- just for bedroom volumes. Hope that's bad info but I think I read it on the Kemper forum. Anyway, it's not like the KPA will be any different with or without it. I kinda wish I had that much patience.....

I'm with you on this. If you look at that little slot in there it ain't going to be a powerhouse and what if it's not on par with offerings like those from Matrix or whatever? I can see it being a neat or even very practical, but far from a deal breaker if I was in the market.

There's something to be said for integration, but there's also a lot more to be said for flexibility and choice IMHO. I'd probably opt for my own power amp of destruction.

[Audioholic]

I think most who are holding out are holding out for the rack version... yeah I don't think holding out for the integrated power amp would be the best use of stall tactics

[Willowdale]

How could a modern profiler/modeler not have USB audio?? And an editor/library with sections for amps, cabs, set lists etc....

I know a lot of the profiles are good but these are no brainer features here in 2012!!

[zentman]

Originally Posted by Audioholic

I think most who are holding out are holding out for the rack version...

That would be me. Probably have to wait a couple of years though but I'll bet it's coming.

[shasha]

Originally Posted by Willowdale

How could a modern profiler/modeler not have USB audio?? And an editor/library with sections for amps, cabs, set lists etc....

I know a lot of the profiles are good but these are no brainer features here in 2012!!

I don't know, USB audio is absolutely not a selling feature for me. I think that it works great in the AxeFXII most of the time, but I don't use it for anything other than having AxeEdit running through the USB port.

I do have my questions about the USB port only being for storage though and whether it can be used for connectivity to a computer (I honestly haven't followed this up at all). Don't forget that the AxeFX first gen stuff didn't have USB connectivity and a lot of other bells and whistles that the community begged Cliff for that were introduced in the AxeFXII. The KPA is a first gen device as well....and there's been some rumors of a rackmount version.

Which brings the question....what is in store for the future for guitarists? It's already borderline ridiculous. I find myself being curious about everything that's out and what is coming out, but I've stopped chasing my tone for a while now. Figures that as soon as I get to a point in my life where I have the disposable income to buy all the toys I'm totally happy and GAS free.

[Muzz]

Originally Posted by shasha

I don't know, USB audio is absolutely not a selling feature for me. I think that it works great in the AxeFXII most of the time, but I don't use it for anything other than having AxeEdit running through the USB port.

I do have my questions about the USB port only being for storage though and whether it can be used for connectivity to a computer (I honestly haven't followed this up at all). Don't forget that the AxeFX first gen stuff didn't have USB connectivity and a lot of other bells and whistles that the community begged Cliff for that were introduced in the AxeFXII. The KPA is a first gen device as well....and there's been some rumors of a rackmount version.

Which brings the question....what is in store for the future for guitarists? It's already borderline ridiculous. I find myself being curious about everything that's out and what is coming out, but I've stopped chasing my tone for a while now. Figures that as soon as I get to a point in my life where I have the disposable income to buy all the toys I'm totally happy and GAS free.

USB audio is a nice feature when it is well implemented, meaning 4x4 for proper reamping and not at the expense of having to sacrifice processing power. I only use the Axe Fx II USB for the editor as well for those 2 reasons.

[splatt]

Originally Posted by Audioholic

I think most who are holding out are holding out for the rack version... yeah I don't think holding out for the integrated power amp would be the best use of stall tactics

me?
i like the current form-factor of the KPA, myself.....
..... i'm not too interested in it as a rack-mount, so far.

i'll be testing my KPA (& other modelers), soon
--- i hope ---
with a new prototype of a 1-rack space, all-tube, 50w-per-side power amp.
soon, i hope.

[toneboy]

Originally Posted by brianr0131

same here

give calistro music a call if you are looking for a kemper.
you will be glad you did.

[toneboy]

Originally Posted by zentman

That would be me. Probably have to wait a couple of years though but I'll bet it's coming.

i decided there is no reason to wait for a power amp.
i will be running mine into the power amp in on my combo.
or,you can just purchase a power amp.

as far as the winner between the two units?
here is the way i see it.
at this point in my guitar playing,35 years.
i have tried so many amps and such looking for the right sound.
tone is all that matters to me.
we all know that feeling when you plug into something and it just
sounds and feels amazing.
my kemper will be here by the end of the day.
i am really hoping it does it for me.
i dont care if it has more or less effects,or it does this or that better.
i want it to put a smile on my face as i rip through my favorite riffs.

[zentman]

I'm not waiting for the power amp. I am waiting for a rack unit.

[toneboy]

got it.
i should have looked before i typed.

[toneboy]

i really dont know what to expect with this kemper.
i have been through all the hype so many times only to be let down.

[zentman]

Originally Posted by toneboy

i really dont know what to expect with this kemper.
i have been through all the hype so many times only to be let down.

I don't own one but I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. Very few that have purchased one have been and most of those loved the sound but had other issues with it or so I've read.

[toneboy]

thanks for that.
as you know they aint cheap.
i was about to ask you what some of the issues others have had as
you had said.
its too late for me now anyway,it should be here in 15 hrs.
but whos counting!