Kemper vs. Axe FX questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stumplegriltskin
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Stumplegriltskin

Stumplegriltskin

Well-known member
I saw the other thread, but did not want to derail it.
I have my MKV dialed in pretty good and use a boost on some passive pickup guitars. Just a slight TS boost, no additional drive.
Anyhow I'm looking at some of the modeling stuff. Buddy has a Kemper, sounds cool, but didn't really play with it much one on one.


I have a couple of questions. I'm semi-familiar with the Kemper and AXE-FX

1. People seem to use the AXE-FX live and not the Kemper. Does the kemper have limits as far as live ability?
2. I'm assuming that the setup would be somewhat like this. Kemper or AXEFX > Torpedo live > powered cab

I'm assuming the Torpedo live is like an IR for the Kemper or the AXEFX which provides the preamp or tone signal?

What if you use the powered version of the Kemper into a 2x12 or something, then the torpedo live would not be necessary correct?
 
IRs are loaded directly into the AxeFx.......no need for the Torpedo.

Kemper has the Amp/Cab baked into the profile, so no need for Torpedo either.
 
I use my Kemper live all the time. I've also used the Axe live. It really depends on what you're looking for. The Axe has more effects options and routing.

I have the powered Kemper and run it through a guitar cab but I run the mains out to FOH with the cab IR. The guitar cab on stage doesn't get the IR.
 
So why are some guys using torpedo with the AXEFX? Do they find the torpedo IR's mimic tube response a little better?

I'm just trying to educate myself at this point. This setup would be most likely for home use. I play metal by myself mostly, my band does a whole different type of music that I wouldn't be using this setup for.
 
SkyhighRocks":1rvrxhxh said:
I use my Kemper live all the time. I've also used the Axe live. It really depends on what you're looking for. The Axe has more effects options and routing.

I have the powered Kemper and run it through a guitar cab but I run the mains out to FOH with the cab IR. The guitar cab on stage doesn't get the IR.
Click to expand...

Makes sense, that was my understanding of how the setup works. I've just been doing some research and my confusion is

1. Why folks are using Torpedo equipment when the Kemper already has IR's
2. Why I've been hearing that the Kemper is better suited for studio use.
 
I have an axe fx II myself and with the recent firmware update it's pretty much changed my thinking about the axe fx. I've always thought it sounded good but had something missing. With fw 18 it really gained what it was missing and sounds incredible.
I don't think I've seen anyone using the torpedo stuff for either, it wouldn't make sense? There's a lot of routing options for either unit
Axe fx>studio monitors
Axe fx>powered monitor
Axe fx>power amp>guitar cab
Etc etc
 
billsbigego":1ia7bu3a said:
SkyhighRocks":1ia7bu3a said:
I use my Kemper live all the time. I've also used the Axe live. It really depends on what you're looking for. The Axe has more effects options and routing.

I have the powered Kemper and run it through a guitar cab but I run the mains out to FOH with the cab IR. The guitar cab on stage doesn't get the IR.
Click to expand...

Makes sense, that was my understanding of how the setup works. I've just been doing some research and my confusion is

1. Why folks are using Torpedo equipment when the Kemper already has IR's
2. Why I've been hearing that the Kemper is better suited for studio use.
Click to expand...

1. Not sure...I guess they prefer it? I think the Kemper cabs are fine.

2. I don't find that at all. Is that coming from Axe users, people that own neither or kemper users that don't really know how to use it?
 
billsbigego":2rwjz172 said:
So why are some guys using torpedo with the AXEFX? Do they find the torpedo IR's mimic tube response a little better?

I'm just trying to educate myself at this point. This setup would be most likely for home use. I play metal by myself mostly, my band does a whole different type of music that I wouldn't be using this setup for.
Click to expand...

One scenario would be if they are using the Axe-Fx only for effects with a tube head. The Torpedo is a load box and then the Axe-Fx would provide effects. Another possibility is people like the Torpedo IRs better (you can't load their IRs on anything but their products as they are encrypted). However a better solution would be to simply capture the Torpedo's IRs using the Axe-Fx's integrated IR capture utility. Then you don't need to lug around both pieces.
 
And I have no idea what I'm talking about. Blows my mind how you guys know all this shit. Depresses me at the same time.
 
Just research, dude. Using the stuff. For what it's worth, the guy that posted above me invented the AxeFx. Ask him whatever, or hit up the Fractal forum and ask. Nice guys over there.
 
I'm not sure where you get that most people don't use the Kemper live. I know I do and have read where many other guys do as well.
 
Yup, just start reading about how people use these units!


I love my Axe-FX II. It isn't just an amp modeler. It is a rig-replacer. It replaces everything you have and need.
 
If you have your amp dialed in and love the tone, get the Two-Notes Live! I made the mistake of selling mine last year. Won't make that mistake again. The new cabs they have available are outstanding!

I've been through the Kemper road several times and I've never been satisfied for the sounds I was getting through a cab or FRFR for that matter. In the studio, great....but I needed a bit more than that. Both Axe and Kemper are superb products, just wasn't working for me live at all.
 
I run my Kemper through a cabinet on stage and direct to FOH. Coming from playing tube amps for the last 35 years, it took a loooong time for me to get this thing tweeked and sounding like I thought it should.
 
So if you run your Axe or Kemper through a tube poweramp onto a 4x12 that of course won't have any cabinet sim. Then run a line to the sound board for the house PA system and that feed will have your path with a cab sim. What if you're 4x12 on stage has V30's and you're running a Greenback cab sim from your Axe or Kemper for the house mix. At what point does the tone get.....wierd? Or does it work well such as mixing speakers in a cab.
 
danyeo":3si21w9h said:
So if you run your Axe or Kemper through a tube poweramp onto a 4x12 that of course won't have any cabinet sim. Then run a line to the sound board for the house PA system and that feed will have your path with a cab sim. What if you're 4x12 on stage has V30's and you're running a Greenback cab sim from your Axe or Kemper for the house mix. At what point does the tone get.....wierd? Or does it work well such as mixing speakers in a cab.
Click to expand...

This is one of the reasons I was never 100% satisfied with the Eleven Rack for example... and eventually ditched my 4x12 in favor of a powered monitor.

I gigged an iPad with BIAS/JamUP setup for about a year, roughly 30 gigs. Last December I got me a Kemper, have played half a dozen shows with that now. Easy, consistent, good tones. Simple as it gets.
 
i think they have different uses, one makes coffee and the other one toasted bread.
 
eco70777":1yyqdgbp said:
i think they have different uses, one makes coffee and the other one toasted bread.
Click to expand...

Granted, I haven't tried either with mine, but I highly doubt the outcome.
 
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