Guys who've owned Kemper, AX8 & Amplifire...

[thiswaythatway]

The AX8 does soo much and for the price it's a bargain really. It can be your preamp, modeler, pedalboard, it's play well with tube amps. I think it's worth the extra coin compared to the Amplifier. If you just need a simple solution modeler then the Amplifier may be the ticket.

 

[Woodmeister]

Been using the AX8 for about 9 months. It's becoming a love/hate thing for me. I'm starting to hate it but each and every soundman continues to love it. I use an Atomic CLR and a regular 2x12 for a backline cab. I love all of its capabilities and ease of setup/tear down. But it's never going to have the 'feel' of a real amp...and that's really what's been bothering me

Does what is mentioned in the following link mean the Kemper can get the "feel" like a real amp?
He talks about "feel" between 4:00 and 4:15 or so...(I don't know what is meant by "feel." When people are talking about tube amps.)
https://youtu.be/EipIjSOOxjo

 

[squank]

Been using the AX8 for about 9 months. It's becoming a love/hate thing for me. I'm starting to hate it but each and every soundman continues to love it. I use an Atomic CLR and a regular 2x12 for a backline cab. I love all of its capabilities and ease of setup/tear down. But it's never going to have the 'feel' of a real amp...and that's really what's been bothering me

Does what is mentioned in the following link mean the Kemper can get the "feel" like a real amp?
He talks about "feel" between 4:00 and 4:15 or so...(I don't know what is meant by "feel." When people are talking about tube amps.)
https://youtu.be/EipIjSOOxjo

You misunderstood him. He said the opposite - he said he was adding low end to the Kemper patch so he could really feel it. Then he described how most modeling products lack the feel he is looking for.

"Feel" can have a little different meaning to each person, but for me, it means the sound is present with you in the room, the way an amp is. It has an organic quality vs the sterile tones that many early modelers are infamous for.

 

[Robotechnology]

I haven't had a Kemper but I had a Helix (sold) and currently have an AX8.

I sold the Helix because the AX8 just sounds better out of the box. I bought an ownhammer impulse pack but even with those, the AX8 sounds better - especially after recent updates.

Don't get me wrong... the Helix is a bad mofo. In reality, the AX8 can't hold a candle to the features and ease of use of the Helix... but I just couldn't get it to sound as good as the AX8 and someone offered me what I felt was a good trade plus cash deal for it and he wanted it badly. An H9 MAX, H9 Core and $600. Off she went.

I have to admit, I paid WAY TOO MUCH for my AX8. It was an impulse buy when nobody could get them because they were backordered. I paid $1600. NO REGRETS. It's a USA model so I think I can get my money back later.

Here is where I think some people on this board will laugh at me

Over the last 2 weeks, I have been really digging this Line 6 DT25 head I got in a trade. It was updated so there are 40 amps in it right now but I started using it with my G System (in a rack) and I love it. If you have never tried one, you had better keep your mouth shut lol. These amps are killer, IMHO, and you can get them cheap as shit.

Agreed! I bought a new Line 6 DT50 head myself from a clearance sale at GC. I think it sounds great and wouldn't hesitate to use it for anything!

No experience with the Atomic. I do know I prefer the AxeFX over the Kemper though.

 

[Chris O]

I've had the Axe Standard, Ultra, and the II twice. I now have the AX8.
I've had the Kemper twice.
I haven't had the Helix (yet), but I love the old school Pod 2.0 and Pod Pro.
I've had the Eleven Rack three times.
I really want to check out the Amplifire if I can find one used at the right time and price.

Of those, I still think Fractal sounds the best, although I don't set up presets without using the editor. I currently run it through a power amp and cab, but really considering doing an FRFR setup again. The Kemper was great too - lots of fun. I did not like it in a poweramp/cab setup, but FRFR really shined. I was really easy to use.

That said, I turn on my old Pod 2.0 every now and again, and I won't lie...I have a BLAST with it. Simple as heck to dial in good, usable tones. I'm giving the AX8 a break now and playing with the Pod in a poweramp/cab setup. I know if I were using it FRFR, it would be glaringly BAD. The Eleven Rack is pretty much summed up the same. I just wish they would have done something with it, as it was a great sounding unit as long as you didn't have to use the cab IR's.

Amplifire is on my radar, but I need a new job first. Even shelling out $500 on a new preamp puts me in financial stress.

 

[Shark Diver]

I've been gigging the Kemper for a while now. Profiles are key. I use Big Hairy Guitar profiles which I think are the best. Into a Friedman monitor. Honestly, what really put it over the top so the tubes stay at home is a Friedman pedal in the loop. Internal gain adjustment came all the way down, gain at 8 and a slight volume boost from the pedal - into a fairly clean, profile. Sounds amazing to me.

 

[JerEvil]

Forgot about this thread! LOL!

I now have a Helix LT and couldn't be happier! LOL!

Still amazed that I gave Line 6 another dime of my money but this thing is a stellar piece of gear!