Cant decide - Kemper or Axe FXII? Please help

[Audioholic]

Originally Posted by aleclee

Has the KPA addressed the issue of its inability to accurately profile a rig with more than one source of OD (e.g., dirt box in front of amp)?

There are many great profiles that have pedals in front. Some of my favs are from Andy's pack.

Both units are very capable and equally great at getting usable to stellar sounds . Despite what some think you can totally change things up in Kemper to alter sound. Want a different cab? Easy. Change eq? Yup. Lots of tweak ability resulting in the ability to get a good sound pretty much out of anything. It's easy.

Given the needs of the op the axe seems like the better choice. Out of curiosity, wondering how you plan on listening a mixing in your computer if you have no interface?

[Elric]

OP answer is simple: used AxeFx Standard. Just saw one go for approx 900 on ebay today. Smokes almost anything and costs half the price of Kemper.

Just over a year ago you would have seen people here willing to defend to the death the idea that it was nearly indistinguishable from the finest tube gear and all their GAS had been "cured" (when properly tweaked and loaded with the latest firmware, of course!).

And it is still quite a decent unit. LOL.

[Deaj]

Originally Posted by Elric

OP answer is simple: used AxeFx Standard. Just saw one go for approx 900 on ebay today. Smokes almost anything and costs half the price of Kemper.

Just over a year ago you would have seen people here willing to defend to the death the idea that it was nearly indistinguishable from the finest tube gear and all their GAS had been "cured" (when properly tweaked and loaded with the latest firmware, of course!).

And it is still quite a decent unit. LOL.

The gen1 Axe FX units are the best bang for the buck going in modeling right now IMO. The introduction of the Axe FX II shaved some resale value off both the Standard and the Ultra making both far more accessible to folks looking for great modeling and effects at a reasonable price. The effects alone are worth more than the going rate by far, and the modeling in firmware v11.0 is fantastic!

[stratzrus]

Originally Posted by Elric

OP answer is simple: used AxeFx Standard. Just saw one go for approx 900 on ebay today. Smokes almost anything and costs half the price of Kemper.

I think with all of the hubbub about the Axe II and the KPA that the Standard is now greatly underrated and to a large degree, flying under the radar.

In fact, it's one terrific piece of gear and would be my choice above anything else in it's price range. I love my Axe II but I still kept my Ultra.

There's something about the Gen 1 units; they are bulletproof, completely made in the USA, the amp tones in the Standard are exactly the same as the Ultra, and some actually prefer them to the Axe II.


Good call Elric.

[Neoshred]

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[tgp100]

Originally Posted by Muzz

The process is much simpler. That's why.

I have experience profiling some of my favorite AXE FX II patches. It is really simple and the results are great. You don't need to know anything about mic positioning techniques or previous experience with real amps recording. You just need two cables. One that comes from your KPA to your modeler and another one from the output of your modeler to the return of the KPA. The only thing you need to be careful about is the KPA output level and the modeler output level to avoid clipping. That's all.

Profiling modelers is a simpler process as you mentioned and the kemper profiles I've played from the Axe-fx II work great when compared.
There are profiles uploaded of both new modeling gear and some very old nostalgic fun stuff.

Buying used gear is bang for the buck, though a used standard or Ultra are still very expensive outside USA.
In Europe Ultras often cost more and standards about equal the price of a new Kemper.
Perhaps the market for used kempers will land just under 1000 Euro.

[Guitartrue]

In Europe Ultras are around 1300-1400 and Standards around 1000 euros. Last one on ebay was less than 1000.

[Neoshred]

Hi Everyone,

Well I thought I would let you know I have made my choice and I have ordered the Axe FX II!

It was a very close call between the Kemper and the Axe FXII. For awhile I was seriously considering the PODHD500 as well. In the end the Axe won the day and had everything I was looking for and more.

I was very impressed with what I heard from the Kemper and I believe its a great unit and will go far. Even though I thought the tones were outstanding I was held back by the fact that the patch navigation is not the best it could be at this time and there is no computer software for browsing, editing, configuring patches etc. The Kemper is still in its early stages and I know it will keep improving just as the Axe did in its early days and at some point it will more than likely get some type of computer integration. I like being able to click on a preset and it loads. With the kemper it can store hundreds and even upwards of a thousand patches! That would make for alot of scrolling on the dial to find and select patches and IMHO a pain in the ass.

With the AxeFXII it just had everything I am looking for. Direct USB connection, software to control and edit your patches, lots of awesome effects, constant free updates, Maximum control over your presets, etc. The new 6.0 firmware also had a big factor in my decision. Its been said that it is a major leap forward by the Ax community and I really look forward to trying it out! The Tone matching was an added bonus as well. I'm really liking what Im hearing and now people are starting to match amps, just like the Kemper and they are turning out great! I think I'm getting in at the right time with all the awesome advancements with the AxeII. I've wanted one for so long and its great to finally be getting one!

Yes!

Thanks for everyones help! I really appreciated all of your comments and suggestions.

[MoreK]

Originally Posted by Neoshred

Hi Everyone,

Well I thought I would let you know I have made my choice and I have ordered the Axe FX II!.

I'm sure it's a great choice, you can't go much wrong with either KPA or Axe. Axe II is a great device, I had it before I switched to KPA. For me there has always been one factor over all others: the sound. With my guitars and ears KPA is the best modelling gear in the market. Thought I haven't tried Axe with version 6 upgrade.

Have fun with Axe!