Axe-FX II or Kemper?

[polaris20]

If anything, out of the two I'd go for the Kemper, because I wouldn't actually be using it to replace amps, just supplement them. The idea of shooting a profile of my amp, and then being able to record any time of day or night is pretty sweet.

 

[stratotone]

One last thing about the Axe II that drives me crazy - every time they come up with a new firmware version, it's the game changing be-all end all perfect tone. And if you ever tried an axe II, the first thing they say is "Is it the new firmware?" because if you didn't try the newest one then you didn't harness all the axe fx II goodness you could have.

Kemper has been adding some fx and adding functionality, but the main thing - how it profiles and how they sound - hasn't changed since the first firmware version. They got it right the first time. Everything else is just bonus.

 

[Meathead]

One last thing about the Axe II that drives me crazy - every time they come up with a new firmware version, it's the game changing be-all end all perfect tone. And if you ever tried an axe II, the first thing they say is "Is it the new firmware?" because if you didn't try the newest one then you didn't harness all the axe fx II goodness you could have.

Kemper has been adding some fx and adding functionality, but the main thing - how it profiles and how they sound - hasn't changed since the first firmware version. They got it right the first time. Everything else is just bonus.

Just wait...the Kemper Deluxe will come out one day and replace the original Kemper. It will be more realer.

Isn't there software for the computer that does this Kemper tone matching yet? That would be cool and a lot cheaper than buying the whole stand alone unit.

 

[wizardy]

Heya
Like many guys said before
If you wanna use your digital processor for FRFR play, Kemper might be the easiest way to get good sound of your setup
On the other hand, the Axe-FX II is better in every other situations
Direct recording (direct USB in) , Play through good tube Power amp (fryette 2902) in a 412
Emulating acoustic guitar etc..
I own an Axe 2 and couldn't see my self use a Kemper for what I do with the Axe. I wanted to sell it a few years ago but since I got a Fryette 2-90-2 power amp, there's no way I'm going to sell it. For me , It's the prefect live-gig preamp processor setup (with the Fryette power-amp) and home playing-recording processor.

That being said, it's important to mention that I just can't get a good FRFR sound of my Axe 2.

But as a Digital preamp with my Fryette poweramp and a 4x12 or 2 or 3 or 4 it's INCREDIBLE.
I have made a special 2 guitarists through 1 axe patch for me and my buddy.
We're both plugged in my Axe and the Fryette feeds 4 x 412 in stereo
I can get an Acoustic guitar sound (tone matched), tight metal rhythm sound and good lead with delay (2290) , reverb and EQ and my buddy get the same options with SCENE selector. HE also has his own pedal switching which I feed from my MFC-101 additionnal switches output

I'm sorry for Kemper users but the Axe can feed 2 guitarists with independent footswitch and stereo playing through 4 4x12
For me that's the perfect digital processor .

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Just wait...the Kemper Deluxe will come out one day and replace the original Kemper. It will be more realer.

Yes when I bought my Kemper 2 years ago I have a friend who immediately said the same thing. Here we are 2 years later and his tone is flat out inferior while i continue to enjoy the new & free upgrades on Kemper. Yes, it will be replaced one day, but I just experienced 2 years of awesomeness with at least a few more years guaranteed tonal bliss. And the value has actually increased. Kemper doesn't outdate your hardware in 18 months like other companies (looking at you Avid & Fractal)

Isn't there software for the computer that does this Kemper tone matching yet? That would be cool and a lot cheaper than buying the whole stand alone unit.

There's ozone tone matching, but I think it's missing the magic element of Kemper- it feeds signals through your chain and captures the air moving from your amp/cabinet. I guess once that is attained- like the 1000s of available profiles, that file could then be placed into a cpu (in theory). No one has done that (yet). This box really is a higher level of genius technology

 

[crankyrayhanky]

When I chose KPA 2 years ago, I looked around and noticed more than a few people who dumped their Fractals to get a KPA- with happy results. I don't see anyone dumping KPA to get a Fractal- is there anyone in that category? If so, I'd like to hear their thoughts on the subject, it may give the AXE more validity.

 

[stratotone]

I'm sorry for Kemper users but the Axe can feed 2 guitarists with independent footswitch and stereo playing through 4 4x12
For me that's the perfect digital processor .

That's cool. I'm in a band with another guitarist, we each have our own Kemper. I'm sorry for Axe II users who have to share gear.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Yes, that sort of sounds cool but I imagine can get real annoying real fast
I haven't shared a rig since 1984 when me and my cash starved buddy took a y cable into a 1x8 Gorilla
F that subletting your rig method

 

[Shiny_Surface]

Rig Talk seems to favor the Kemper, on TGP the bias seems towards the Peterson endorsed Axe-Fx II.

 

[Bob Savage]

I wouldn't even share my water with filthy band members. Forget sharing my rig.

 

[Spaceboy]

What surprises me is that it seems a lot of people go back to tube heads, but don't think to check out the Torpedo Live. It seems like it's a really great middle ground between a total digital rig, and keeping the tube head you love, but making recording easier. I could even see running it live (hence the name, I'm sure) with a cabinet, but instead of a mic, using that.

I think Axes and Kempers are both amazing devices, but when it comes down to it, I like maybe three amps, and 3-4 pedals, and that's it. Maybe it's a psychological barrier for me, but it just seems like a waste to have these insane boxes that do a million different things, if I'm never going to use even 10% of it.

I have the WoS plugin and it's a great tool. I've thought about the Torpedo Live many times but dropping 1k hasn't been in the cards. I would be all over one if I had the money.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

The axe fx 2 destroys the kemper in tone. Forget the rest of the arguments. Only tone matters.

The recent axe developments solved any feel issues discussed above. I agree a tube power amp is best, it's how I use it.


I'll say this? Did you like line 6 modeling? Any problems with the line 6 high end or did it sound fine to you?

If so you will hate the kemper. The only thing I hear when playing a kemper or listening to a recorded track is that damn aliasing. Ruins the entire experience for me.

That haze of high end hash that cannot be dialed out. All unrelated to the fundamentals. Yuck.

Axe fx 2 has none.

Even the digi design 11 rack doesn't alias.

I couldn't disagree more with your position on the Kemper and this "aliasing"...

Steve

There is nothing to disgree on about the aliasing, it is there .

Personally i hate the way it sounds. kemper admits it is there, peruse their forum or better yet do some testing.

If you like the way it sounds good for you, play it and be happy.

It aliases, aliasing is harmonic content unrelated to the fundamental not being played.

If you like harmonics from random unrelated frequencies present when you are playing OR cannot hear the difference i would agree youll probalby liike the resulting tone.


The worst/best thing that ever happened to me was training my ears with acoustiticians. I hear whats really happening which has lead to a career guitar teching , i also am alsmost NEVER Satisifed.

Sorry for the typos on my phone.

 

[shred-o-holic]

I wouldn't even share my water with filthy band members. Forget sharing my rig.

My band mates shower (in each other's saliva) before they touch my rig........wait.......wut?

 

[stratotone]

Boy, I sure heard the lack of aliasing on the Metallica Axe-FX II powered Antarctica show and the Grammys.

There are a lot of threads about aliasing on the Kemper board. It's not an issue past I believe 1.6 firmware and it wasn't happening for all profiles.

The axe fx 2 destroys the kemper in tone. Forget the rest of the arguments. Only tone matters.

The recent axe developments solved any feel issues discussed above. I agree a tube power amp is best, it's how I use it.


I'll say this? Did you like line 6 modeling? Any problems with the line 6 high end or did it sound fine to you?

If so you will hate the kemper. The only thing I hear when playing a kemper or listening to a recorded track is that damn aliasing. Ruins the entire experience for me.

That haze of high end hash that cannot be dialed out. All unrelated to the fundamentals. Yuck.

Axe fx 2 has none.

Even the digi design 11 rack doesn't alias.

I couldn't disagree more with your position on the Kemper and this "aliasing"...

Steve

There is nothing to disgree on about the aliasing, it is there .

Personally i hate the way it sounds. kemper admits it is there, peruse their forum or better yet do some testing.

If you like the way it sounds good for you, play it and be happy.

It aliases, aliasing is harmonic content unrelated to the fundamental not being played.

If you like harmonics from random unrelated frequencies present when you are playing OR cannot hear the difference i would agree youll probalby liike the resulting tone.


The worst/best thing that ever happened to me was training my ears with acoustiticians. I hear whats really happening which has lead to a career guitar teching , i also am alsmost NEVER Satisifed.

Sorry for the typos on my phone.

 

[Kanekutter]

So with everything I'm reading in this thread, and correct me if I am wrong, it boils down to this:

The best tone is Kemper
The easiest unit to use is the Kemper
The easiest one to record on is a tie
The one that sounds the best into a cab is the Axe

Basically if you like to tweak, go Axe. If you like to plug and play, go Kemper?

 

[Rogue]

I still have tube heads so I won't need to go back to them, they'll remain tools in my toolbox.

There's really little if any difference between someone spending $2k+ on an amp that does a thousand things and using only 5 or so sounds and someone spending the same on a 1, 2 or 3 channel amp. Not sure why someone would need to use every possible feature and tone in an amp for it to make sense. I certainly don't use every possible variation on the tube amps I own.

If your amps cover all the ground you want to cover, grab a two notes. Cheaper option and sounds great. Just weigh your needs for Live or Reload. Reload for recording for the greater options (unless your computer has latency issues), Live for live use (although a Reload and CAB would work in this application).

If you need other amp flavors, then a Kemper or AxeFX will work just fine. Kemper for ease of use and simpler effects, AxeFX if you are looking for a greater number of effects (but perhaps more tweaking time).

EDIT: One plus for the AxeFX you don't get with the others is every version update will be like this...

 

[Anonymous]

So with everything I'm reading in this thread, and correct me if I am wrong, it boils down to this:

The best tone is Kemper
The easiest unit to use is the Kemper
The easiest one to record on is the Axe
The one that sounds the best into a cab is the Axe

Basically if you like to tweak, go Axe. If you like to plug and play, go Kemper?

The Kemper and the Axe are completely equal in terms of ease of recording…

Steve

 

[Anonymous]

The axe fx 2 destroys the kemper in tone. Forget the rest of the arguments. Only tone matters.

The recent axe developments solved any feel issues discussed above. I agree a tube power amp is best, it's how I use it.


I'll say this? Did you like line 6 modeling? Any problems with the line 6 high end or did it sound fine to you?

If so you will hate the kemper. The only thing I hear when playing a kemper or listening to a recorded track is that damn aliasing. Ruins the entire experience for me.

That haze of high end hash that cannot be dialed out. All unrelated to the fundamentals. Yuck.

Axe fx 2 has none.

Even the digi design 11 rack doesn't alias.

I couldn't disagree more with your position on the Kemper and this "aliasing"...

Steve

There is nothing to disgree on about the aliasing, it is there .

Personally i hate the way it sounds. kemper admits it is there, peruse their forum or better yet do some testing.

If you like the way it sounds good for you, play it and be happy.

It aliases, aliasing is harmonic content unrelated to the fundamental not being played.

If you like harmonics from random unrelated frequencies present when you are playing OR cannot hear the difference i would agree youll probalby liike the resulting tone.


The worst/best thing that ever happened to me was training my ears with acoustiticians. I hear whats really happening which has lead to a career guitar teching , i also am alsmost NEVER Satisifed.

Sorry for the typos on my phone.

Your golden ears aside, there certainly is something to disagree on. There is no aliasing, the Kemper sounds great and if aliasing was ever an issue, it was resolved well before I owned one.

Steve

 

[Bob Savage]

Lance at Wildwood just hooked me up. Kemper PowerRack is on the way.


BRING ON THE ALIASING! Maybe it will cancel out the loud tinitus in my left ear.

 

[Moshaholic]

Lance at Wildwood just hooked me up. Kemper PowerRack is on the way.


BRING ON THE ALIASING! Maybe it will cancel out the loud tinitus in my left ear.

Hey Bob...

I have not been keeping up with current events to the exact nano-second lately...

Did you end up selling the Paisely???