Using plugin FX with kemper or using AXE FX with kemper?

[Anonymous]

I would like to know what some of you guys think in this situation. I have an axe fx ultra that wont get much use unless it becomes just used for just the fx anyways.

My question is, has anyone used an AXE FX, Ultra, or AXE II through the kemper for just the effects? How does this translate with recordings? Can anyone achieve great results this way, or is it just better to use plugins instead?

I think either way it can be used for effects only for my live rig, or just for recording instead of splurging for a slew of expensive plugins.

Anyone that can provide some insight to this, it would be really helpful and appreciated!

 

[sivads]

For me the bottom line is recording flexibility and live reproduction -- meaning, getting similar sounds live that have been recorded. Also, simplicity is important.

I use the Axe-FX II mainly for effects and the Kemper for the amp/cab sim (both recording and live). The guitar plugs into the Axe and the Kemper is in the effects loop of the Axe. I use the Axe for the various stomp box and pedal effects at the beginning of the chain (compressor, drive, wah, phase, etc.), insert an FXLoop block next in the chain (which is the Kemper Amp and Cabinet), then I can add stereo effects after the FXLoop (Kemper). The beauty of this is for recording, you can record both the output of the Axe AND the output of the Kemper. The output of the Axe will include the pre-amp chain, the Kemper, and the post-amp effects. The output of the Kemper only includes the pre-amp chain. You then have the option of adding post-amp effects (plug-in effects) which is what I usually do for recording and mixing anyway. If you get real crazy, you can even get another mono signal out from your pre-amp effects chain (Output 2, Right) and do something with that signal (to another amp/cab sim setup or whatever). Oh, and for live, you would use the Axe output which will include the post-amp effects (usually stereo effects like chorus, delay, reverb, etc.).

Another cool thing about this setup is that you don't have to swap cables. If you don't want to use the Kemper in the chain, just don't insert the FXLoop block and use an amp/cab from the Axe arsenal. I sometimes add another parallel amp/cab to the chain in the Axe profile to get a stereo amp tone. You then can experiment with different mics, pan, mix settings in the Axe - lots of flexibility.

Here are the connections for this rig:
** Guitar to front INSTR input on Axe-FX II
** Axe-FX II Output 2, Left (rear) to INPUT on front of Kemper
** Kemper Monitor Output (rear) to Axe-FX II Input, Left (rear)
** Axe-FX II Output 1 Stereo (Left and Right) to Recording Interface
** Kemper Main Output stereo (Left and Right) to Recording Interface

You have to use the proper I/O settings on the Axe:
** Output 1 Mode Stereo
** Output 2 Mode L+R (or L->R)

You may also have to pad the outputs on the Axe to reduce the noise floor. I have mine set to 6 dB on both Output 1 and Output 2 -- works very well.

Let me know if that helps or you have any further questions. I've been an Axe-FX user for quite a while (Ultra then II) and I just added the Kemper to my rig this year. I find that the Kemper gives you some additional amp/cab 'flexibility'. Both units represent leaps forward for signal processing -- both are phenomenal boxes!

Steve

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you Steve, that is fantastic that you took the time to write this out!!! I know there is so much that could be achieved with these 2 units hooked together. I sold off the ultra and decided to go with the Kemper, but I might go back and find another used ultra and try this out. This would be all I need for a live sound or for my recordings!

It shouldnt be any problem using the Ultra in place of the AXE II, right? Im guessing I can achieve the same desired results this way.

Thanks, Chad

 

[sivads]

Hey Chad:

Of course, if you can afford the II, probably best to have the latest and greatest. However, if you are using the Ultra for just your effects, I'd say the Ultra is a way better deal. The II gives you 'better' amp modeling and the Tone Matching (which is awesome in and of itself), but for the most part, the effects are the same. Some other convenience features on the II are the headphone jack and the USB interface. Then again, not necessary.

One more thing I like about this setup is that you can really get creative -- lots of room for instant experimentation! Then, once you get a tone that you dig, it's all in the box. No mic placement, you can carry it anywhere, etc. There is something to be said about the smell of real tubes, but the technology is opening up the flexibility side of things so much that I lean more toward the practical side of things these days. That said, I'm still keeping my analog rig too!

Steve