Kemper Profiler MK 2

[MirrorProfiles]

They’ll do well to sell a fraction of these compared to the MK1. Things have just moved so far beyond where they were, faster boot times and better IR’s ain’t really going to cut it.

No but I am saying that the best profiles are still capable of getting more out of the unit as is.

Even the best profiles out there do a relatively poor job of capturing compared to more modern approaches. The approach they use simply has its limitations and cannot properly catch some amps and sounds.

 

[Orvillain]

There is absolutely nothing in the marketing copy (if it is even real?!) that talks about improved capture technology or accuracy. Nothing that talks about lower aliasing. These are the two areas where the Kemper just completely fails, IMHO.

I'll keep an eye on this, because it could be good. But so far it just seems like reheated slop in a cuter dress.

 

[Eagle]

They simply cannot be. The Kemper is not capable of sounding like a valve amp. Period.

It has a character that if present in the amp you’re profiling can produce a very good result.

 

[Orvillain]

It has a character that if present in the amp you’re profiling can produce a very good result.

After owning the damn thing 6 times, I am decidedly not a fan!

Never say never though. I'd get a MK2 if it was provably more accurate at capturing high-gain tones, and if the clean tones didn't sound like an anaemic aardvark on a glass coffee table.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Marketing copy sounds like they’ve updated the IR’s (which in fairness, desperately needed doing as that alone was a huge bottleneck). But it also sounds like they’re just using the IR’s and cab engine to brute force the capturing to get closer which is kind of….. bleh.

FASTER BOOT TIMES THO.

 

[Eagle]

After owning the damn thing 6 times, I am decidedly not a fan!

Never say never though. I'd get a MK2 if it was provably more accurate at capturing high-gain tones, and if the clean tones didn't sound like an anaemic aardvark on a glass coffee table.

I only ever use mine as a low volume practice tool or to take out when I need small a light. I use it with a guitar cab ( EV Thiele).

 

[laxu]

Marketing copy sounds like they’ve updated the IR’s (which in fairness, desperately needed doing as that alone was a huge bottleneck). But it also sounds like they’re just using the IR’s and cab engine to brute force the capturing to get closer which is kind of….. bleh.

FASTER BOOT TIMES THO.

They do claim AI so that would point to an actually new engine using neural networks.

 

[laxu]

Everything about this feels like a quick pivot because they are constantly behind in any accuracy comparisons even against much cheaper boxes.

They can reduce R&D, tooling etc needed by upgrading the internals and keeping everything else the same. Faster processors would allow Kemper to overhaul the engine underneath to a machine learning based one.

Basically replacing the parts of the modeling with a hopefully more accurate process combined with their existing tools like stuffing a known tone stack in between ("Liquid profiling").

I wouldn't be surprised if this can also run both the old modeling and the new in tandem so you don't lose that vast pool of profiles already available.

 

[Orvillain]

They do claim AI so that would point to an actually new engine using neural networks.

Not necessarily. AI is just a buzzword.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

They do claim AI so that would point to an actually new engine using neural networks.

I’m saying it’s marketing hype. The HW would need a massive overhaul to do anything modern. I’m guessing they’re IR’s are higher resolution and there’s some dynamic element they’re using there to try and brute force things closer.

 

[Eagle]

Not necessarily. AI is just a buzzword.

It requires a level of using results to modify the algorithm though without manually altering it or no Ai is happening.

 

[NKP]

finally. The kemper got many « bees » in high gain, maybe it will sound better now. Who knows. The rest of the improvement aren’t bad neither. Even if it can be « marketing » blabla. Wait and see when it will be out.

 

[laxu]

Not necessarily. AI is just a buzzword.

While it is a buzzword for sure, and machine learning models are varied, I don't think they would advertise, or make a Mk2 if there wasn't actually more hardware to do it.

It's still kinda disappointing they didn't at least add a color screen to the thing.

 

[Lysander]

The MK2 line is listed on Kemper's page and official media.



So yeah, it's just an incremental update. From the looks of it they're using the newer, more modern guts of the Profiler Player across their entire product line now - and slightly revamped the front panels in the process.

 

[BenIfin]

The MK2 line is listed on Kemper's page and official media.



So yeah, it's but an incremental update. From the looks of it they're using the newer, more modern guts of the Profiler Player across their entire product line, and slightly revamped the front panels in the process.

As of now - main site - https://www.kemper-amps.com/ gives

Guessing their going live any hour now

 

[Eagle]

Kemper launches Profiler MK 2 Series with more power & flexibility

Kemper has announced the immediate availability of the all-new Kemper Profiler MK 2 Series, a bold evolution which delivers more power, more flexibility, and more creative potential than ever before. At the heart of the Profiler MK 2 Series works an upgraded processing engine, unlocking faster...

rekkerd.org

 

[Eagle]

“Bold evolution “ for something that is basically identical to end user as the original. Complete with its Nokia operating system and Casio screen.

 

[BenIfin]

There is absolutely nothing in the marketing copy (if it is even real?!) that talks about improved capture technology or accuracy. Nothing that talks about lower aliasing. These are the two areas where the Kemper just completely fails, IMHO.

I'll keep an eye on this, because it could be good. But so far it just seems like reheated slop in a cuter dress.

I'm feeling positive today so the meds must be working :)

We know C.K is a smart guy so he will doubtless know what's out there and how "accurate" it all is. As such, I'd be totally gob-smacked if this MK2 series didn't substantially improve the Profiling results.

The wording of the blurb is interesting [ deliberately vague ? ].

" Kemper's new Tone Simulation technology for the MK 2 Series - Hybrid Modeling Technology: Combines deterministic analog measurement with AI intelligent analysis to achieve an unparalleled playing feel "

Why refer to "feel" and not "sound" or "tone" or "accuracy" .... hmmmmmm

So anyway.... currently [MK1] we have L.P which consists of combining 2 steps .... (a) Kemper's modeled Amp / EQ Stacks with (b) stock standard Legacy Profiles

The wording used in the blurb seems (?) to suggest that there may (?) be an improved and expanded version of (a) the pre-existing modeled Gain and EQ Stacks along with (b) the possibility (?) of some sort of AI Intelligent Analysis Profiling Process leading to an accuracy improvement over the pre-existing Legacy Profiling methodologies (?)

But like most of the time, I'm probably wrong and reading too much into it

 

[[Nathan]]

Not necessarily. AI is just a buzzword.

Algorithm Incompetence

I’m just poking fun

 

[Orvillain]

Soon as someone whose ears I respect confirms whether it is good or not, I will probably grab one.