KSR Gemini vs Orthos 2

[itsgoodnow]

Hey All,

Just wanted to see if anyone had experience with both amps and could compare them. I previously owned an Artemis and was unsure if anyone could elborate on it vs that. Thanks!

 

[Apex1Rg7X]

Had the Ares, Orthos 2 and Gemini. The basic core tone is fairly similar as the Crunch and Lead tones are basically the same. The biggest difference is the Gemini having way more modes and switches to coax a wider variety of tones than the other 2 amps. The Ares is a basic 50 watt dual Master amp with both the Crunch and Lead and the Orthos basically takes that amp and adds a dedicated clean channel, plus the option of 100 watts. The "Feel" knobs are cool to adjust the overall tightness and tone of the amp. They do more than just loosen or tighten the amp so it helps to experiment with those. The Gemini was a super cool amp but I felt like I was fucking with switches too often and it didn't offer me much more than the Orthos could. I also don't need Midi so that was another downside to that amp. Give me a simple 2-3 channel amp with a basic foot switch.

 

[itsgoodnow]

Had the Ares, Orthos 2 and Gemini. The basic core tone is fairly similar as the Crunch and Lead tones are basically the same. The biggest difference is the Gemini having way more modes and switches to coax a wider variety of tones than the other 2 amps. The Ares is a basic 50 watt dual Master amp with both the Crunch and Lead and the Orthos basically takes that amp and adds a dedicated clean channel, plus the option of 100 watts. The "Feel" knobs are cool to adjust the overall tightness and tone of the amp. They do more than just loosen or tighten the amp so it helps to experiment with those. The Gemini was a super cool amp but I felt like I was fucking with switches too often and it didn't offer me much more than the Orthos could. I also don't need Midi so that was another downside to that amp. Give me a simple 2-3 channel amp with a basic foot switch.

Super helpful. Thanks. Did you feel the Gemini was crunchier or more mid-forward than the orthos? Or more aggressive? Or was it basically the same overall in terms of voicing.

 

[Apex1Rg7X]

Super helpful. Thanks. Did you feel the Gemini was crunchier or more mid-forward than the orthos? Or more aggressive? Or was it basically the same overall in terms of voicing.

Yeah it was definitely those things with the right settings. But too me, an Orthos with a boost is much easier and within 5-10% of any tone I got from the Gemini. But at the end of the day, KSR has a sound and it's pretty much the same across the board. Minor differences here and there.

 

[itsgoodnow]

Yeah it was definitely those things with the right settings. But too me, an Orthos with a boost is much easier and within 5-10% of any tone I got from the Gemini. But at the end of the day, KSR has a sound and it's pretty much the same across the board. Minor differences here and there.

Gotcha. That makes sense. When I had the Artemis I felt everything except 1 lead channel was a bit too smooth, dark, and polite. So I’m wondering if the KSR is even for me at this point haha. But it’s been a hot minute so it for my curiosity.

 

[MadAsAHatter]

I can't make any comparisons since I only own a Gemini and haven't played any of the other KSR's. KSR has a unique sound and the Ares, Orthos, and Gemini are pretty much the base, mid, and top grades of that tone. The one thing I can say is that as much as I do like my Gemini, with all the switches it can get a little overwhelming at times. I'm not going to give it up or anything, but if I had to pick again I may be more inclined to get an Orthos.