Kemper Profiler MK 2

[Mongillo19]

For what it's worth, I sent Kemper a message regarding their new profile algorithm claim.

In the ad, it states unparalleled precision. Precision is not accuracy so it makes me wonder if it leads to less variable profiles (aka remove the refining process that seemed to change the profile considerably) or if it is truly more accurate

I'm going to bet the word precise was used on purpose and if they do remove the refining process on the new algorithm, I would almost be certain it may just be an improvement on the stability of captures vs true accuracy

 

[Funk Soul Brother]

I wonder if these are still made in Germany, for those prices.

Hint: The price *drop* is a tell

 

[norminal]

I find the USB-C connectors to be less robust than the full OG.

RS-232 FTW!

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

According to feedback from some KPP users, the following improvements have been widely observed after upgrading to OS13:

1. Optimization of string response: The response to plucking force is more delicate, especially the transition from weak (p) to strong (f) is more natural
2. Improved dynamic linearity: A smoother volume curve during continuous playing, reducing the previous "stepped" sensation.
3. Reduced latency: Some users noted a decrease in note-triggering delay

This is also my own feeling. I don't know what you think?

Yet going from the Mk2 player at os13 to toaster with os13 feels identical.

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

A day is a long time in these forums but as of yesterday the wifi / bt ability is *not* in the MK 2 Stage at least - and possibly not the others ??

WiFi (as in direct to iOS) was in the Stage mk1 already.

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

Hint: The price *drop* is a tell

Is it? The unpowered toaster has been 1300 for a year…

 

[Eagle]

So is this a version 2 or a “mk 2” fractal style?

 

[BenIfin]

See response in this post [presumably] from Kemper.

Looks like the Player *is* going to get Profiling as well.

https://forum.kemper-amps.com/forum/thread/65908-profiler-mk2-discussion/?postID=698988#post698988

 

[Sascha Franck]

While that’s true, a USB-C connector is a must in 2025.

I absolutely agree. Anyone releasing anything with any other connector in 2025 deserves to be tarred and feathered and sent out of town sitting backwards on a stinking mule.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Kemper: "Zero added latency."
No one: <believing that>

Zero added latency only means it's the same as so far. Which is absolutely believable to me.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Fwiw, I'm wondering if they will pull off similar stunts as with Mk1. After a decade or so, users who wished there was an audio interface integrated all of a sudden were given that very interface.
And while I find this to be somewhat amazing in a certain way, in the end I think of it as the ultimate shitty move. "Hey, there's great tech in this device but we won't make it accessible until in 10 years from now, neneneneneneeeh!"

 

[Orvillain]

• More than 100,000 individual frequency points meticulously analyzed for the most precise amp recreation ever achieved.

This marketing line is just geuinely puzzling to me.

We know that accurate amp captures are not just determined by "frequency points" and yet... this claims "the most precise amp recreation ever achieved" ... so why aren't they talking about neural networks, even if they just wrap it up in fancy sales speak... why aren't they using the "AI" buzzword like NDSP do...

... if they've just got a more detailed match EQ, or some FFT based approach.... then quite honestly, I do not see how that is going to lead to the most precise amp recreation ever achieved.

I just don't get it.

 

[Sascha Franck]

But the tone was horrible for me. The latency was way too high too.

I gather you're not using any digital devices then, in case 3ms are "way" too high, right?

 

[DLC86]

This marketing line is just geuinely puzzling to me.

We know that accurate amp captures are not just determined by "frequency points" and yet... this claims "the most precise amp recreation ever achieved" ... so why aren't they talking about neural networks, even if they just wrap it up in fancy sales speak... why aren't they using the "AI" buzzword like NDSP do...

... if they've just got a more detailed match EQ, or some FFT based approach.... then quite honestly, I do not see how that is going to lead to the most precise amp recreation ever achieved.

I just don't get it.

They just forgot a couple words in the sentence:

"More than 100,000 individual frequency points meticulously analyzed for the most precise amp recreation ever achieved on a Kemper"

 

[Sascha Franck]

On their website it says WiFi is in all the MKII units

Do they serve as WiFi hosts then? Because in case they're clients only, that'd mean you'd have to set up your phone/tablet in mobile hotspot mode, which is a chore.

 

[Orvillain]

Not a lot of positivity about this, especially on Youtube where 16,000 people have seen the video in one day.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Fwiw, I really think that using the same cases is fine. But given all the available information so far, the new technical guts are quite underwhelming.

Sure, if they really manage to up the profiling quality considerably, maybe even to NAM accuracy level, it'll find its users - but in case people are fine with the sound quality overall already (and there seem to be plenty of folks that are), this brings very little to the table to attract new users.
And while I personally think their UI (including the screen) is fine, I perfectly understand that this will put off many potential new customers, given that most devices these days come with a bigger color touchscreen.
In a nutshell there's 15 year old hardware, still a pretty much fixed signal chain, still no dual signal paths and no additional fancyness but improved profiling (which we will still have to see) to attract new users. Not exactly what the doctor ordered to impress the audience.

 

[saarangnarayan]

Well at least us FAS users can keep pointing to Kempers whenever someone brings up "worst UI ever"...

EDIT: inb4 BOSS

 

[quadgear]

Do they serve as WiFi hosts then? Because in case they're clients only, that'd mean you'd have to set up your phone/tablet in mobile hotspot mode, which is a chore.

Yes. The Kemper Player can be a Wifi host (hotspot) or a joint a shared network. The other MK II's should be the same.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Well at least us FAS users can keep pointing to Kempers whenever someone brings up "worst UI ever"..

As said, I find the Kemper UI to be almost excellent (at least along with the current functionality).