Kemper Profiler MK 2

If that is their thought then they haven't done a very good job of product management IMO. If an existing MK1 Kemper user is faced with an upgrade that provides new features and more accurate profiles for a few hundred $, it is quite palatable. If that same MK1 user is faced with ~$1.5k, that user will now consider the new Stadium, Fractal FM9, NQC, etc.
Finally, we agree on something!
 
I am afraid you are going to have to be content with your opinion remaining yours. My belief is that you couldn't hear the difference in a mix if your life depended on it.
Your belief is founding on nothing but prejudice.
I am confident you aren't going to change my opinion, and I am equally confident that I am not going to change yours.
Not only are you confident, you're resolute. Like any zealot would be.

I am surprised how sensitive you are to barbs considering the source.
Not sensitive, just don't like hypocrisy.
 
I think Kemper is a bit stuck. The Motorola/Freescale/NXP DSP chip seems like it has to be mostly programmed in Assembly and has limited programming capabilities with C. That would mean that any code it runs can be efficient if you know what you're doing, but also that it's difficult to port to any other architecture without rewriting from scratch.

So if they went for modern Analog Devices or NXP DSPs, they'd have to rewrite the entire Kemper processing. Which is when you would be better off just rebuilding the entire unit from scratch for both hardware and software. Which means it's going to take years to get a product to market.

It's much easier for Line6 or Fractal because they are already using DSP platforms with clear successors that should be more or less compatible with existing code.

You've hit the nail on the head there. Kemper can never and will never move to another DSP processor. They will forever be scrambling to shoehorn things into the design they have, but their options are limited.
 
It's certainly a stark difference between the transparency that exists with Line 6 and Fractal. I think I've only seen Christophe's posts 2-3x over the years at TGP and really have zero gauge on how that company runs, well, until yesterday. My outlook/opinion of the Kemper from a product stance has been "Profiles aren't my thing but I've heard great tones from them and have seen countless bands, some being a favorite of mine, sound killer with them live for as long as it's been out. There's clearly a reason they have a dedicated fan base and staying power in the pro-touring world"

None of that really changes, but I certainly have a massively different outlook on the company after the introduction of Tiers, the MK2 and the interaction I saw with that Kemper employee. Occasionally, when I come across gear companies that seem to enjoy interacting with their customers/the public, I'll hit them up and invite them here in hopes of regaining what has been lost due to shitty forum behavior (prime example being the manufacturer subforums on RigTalk which have been entirely abandoned due to the environment they're in). That interaction certainly won't have me reaching out to Kemper anytime soon and while I wouldn't deny them an account here if they signed up, if that interaction took place on this forum I'd be discussing their account status with the other owners.
 
but I certainly have a massively different outlook on the company after the introduction of Tiers, the MK2 and the interaction I saw with that Kemper employee.

Absolutely. They seem to feel like kings. But that kinda matches with the little bits I know about Christoph Kemper himself. Maybe his success went a bit too far regarding his self esteem. Perhaps sorta understandable when you're the mastermind behind two pretty much revolutionary pieces of gear in the MI (Virus and KPA), but still... and he seems to gather likewise minds around him.
 
Genius obviously. But in the few postings I have read; always came across as "Our (my) way or the highway" until it was absolutely inescapable to do otherwise. Has a good sense of humor actually and seems like he would be cool to chat with. This current "dumpster fire" of a rollout notwithstanding. Also seems like he could care less about other brands in his space without being rude about it necessarily?
 
Not sensitive, just don't like hypocrisy.
I tried to find the "huge irony" emoji but couldn't. Your self proclaimed sense of neutrality and evenhandedness is a testament to your inability to be self aware.

FWIW, I don't think ANY of us could pick out one digital amp from another in a mix (not any of the decent ones anyway). The fact you proclaim you could appears to be self delusional.

Many side by sides have been done with Kemper (your favorite pissing hole) where people couldn't tell the amp from the profile even when the exercise is carried out with the guitar in isolation. In a mix, there is no way people could tell the difference.

In a live situation, this is even more true.

Funny how just when I start believing that you can have reasonable discussion, you prove me wrong.

Just out of morbid curiosity, do you believe that all the people touring with Kemper are daft .... or perhaps hearing impaired?
 
Man, I have no idea what’s going on here. I’ve never tried Kemper nor Neural but it seems as though a lot of people have issues with them. Which is ok, but to extend that to the users seems a bit over the top. In either direction.

From what I’ve seen a vocal minority has deemed that Fractal and Line 6 are acceptable choices and that Kemper and Cortexes are not.

For some, deviation from that schema proceeds to a negative opinion of the person not with the program.

Am I really wrong about this? Maybe, but it sure seems to happen frequently. And with otherwise quite intelligent folks who have shown kindness and a sense of great humor in other types of discussions. Perhaps some underlying human makeup is responsible. Reality shows with drama are popular for some reason. And please don’t attack me for stating this. I’m not subtly making a point about anyone or any product in particular. Can’t the venom just be allowed to dissipate? Is this who we are and what we need?

We all share a love for music and gear. It’s a passion we have together. I’m not going to go back and edit or refine this any… because flaws and all it’s sincere. - That Guy.
 
Man, I have no idea what’s going on here. I’ve never tried Kemper nor Neural but it seems as though a lot of people have issues with them. Which is ok, but to extend that to the users seems a bit over the top. In either direction.

From what I’ve seen a vocal minority has deemed that Fractal and Line 6 are acceptable choices and that Kemper and Cortexes are not.

For some, deviation from that schema proceeds to a negative opinion of the person not with the program.

Am I really wrong about this? Maybe, but it sure seems to happen frequently. And with otherwise quite intelligent folks who have shown kindness and a sense of great humor in other types of discussions. Perhaps some underlying human makeup is responsible. Reality shows with drama are popular for some reason. And please don’t attack me for stating this. I’m not subtly making a point about anyone or any product in particular. Can’t the venom just be allowed to dissipate? Is this who we are and what we need?

We all share a love for music and gear. It’s a passion we have together. I’m not going to go back and edit or refine this any… because flaws and all it’s sincere. - That Guy.
TGF Receptiveness List 2025

Positive

  • Fractal
  • Line 6---ESPECIALLY STADIUM
    • Minus HX One and HX One adjacent products
  • Mesa
    • RIP Fluff
  • Marshall
  • Friedman
    • Minus La Szum
  • Synergy
  • ENGL
  • Strymon
Meme Reaction GIF







Rage
  • Neural DSP
  • IK Multimedia
  • GearTuber’s not named Leon Todd
  • Meris pedals with the bubble menus
  • Chase Bliss
  • Fender digital products
  • Universal Audio pedals
  • Boss reactive loads that don’t work with Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifiers
rage GIF






Meh
  • Kemper II: Improved Accuracy Boogaloo
  • Any additional products by Boss that are not 30 year old stomp boxes
  • Everything else not explicitly covered above
Bored Married With Children GIF
 
Man, I have no idea what’s going on here. I’ve never tried Kemper nor Neural but it seems as though a lot of people have issues with them. Which is ok, but to extend that to the users seems a bit over the top. In either direction.

From what I’ve seen a vocal minority has deemed that Fractal and Line 6 are acceptable choices and that Kemper and Cortexes are not.

For some, deviation from that schema proceeds to a negative opinion of the person not with the program.

Am I really wrong about this? Maybe, but it sure seems to happen frequently. And with otherwise quite intelligent folks who have shown kindness and a sense of great humor in other types of discussions. Perhaps some underlying human makeup is responsible. Reality shows with drama are popular for some reason. And please don’t attack me for stating this. I’m not subtly making a point about anyone or any product in particular. Can’t the venom just be allowed to dissipate? Is this who we are and what we need?

We all share a love for music and gear. It’s a passion we have together. I’m not going to go back and edit or refine this any… because flaws and all it’s sincere. - That Guy.
GIF by CBS

brent spiner GIF by HULU
 
Man, I have no idea what’s going on here. I’ve never tried Kemper nor Neural but it seems as though a lot of people have issues with them. Which is ok, but to extend that to the users seems a bit over the top. In either direction.

From what I’ve seen a vocal minority has deemed that Fractal and Line 6 are acceptable choices and that Kemper and Cortexes are not.

Fortunately, that's not what's happening.

I'd say a vocal majority of this forum see the differences between the way the companies respond to their customer base and voice their dissatisfaction when things aren't moving in the best direction for the customer.

Fractal/Line 6- two companies constantly looking to give the customer more after the initial purchase, you never have to ask for a refill and they're free.

Kemper/Neural- Don't do that at all. I started going into detail but ended up with a wall of text, you can just read through the pages in this thread to see the gripe about Kemper and any NDSP thread clearly shows where the ire there is aimed at. Your server is in the walk-in with the cook and your cup's been empty for 20 minutes. And when you do get your refill, you're paying for it.

If anyone is interpretting that as a personal attack on their own character, that's their own problem. I certainly can't change the way someone feels internally when they read someone saying "I think Kemper is doing something shitty here", or "NDSP just failed to deliver on their own word....again" and that should never be the responsbility of anyone but the person who feels such things.
 
Fortunately, that's not what's happening.

I'd say a vocal majority of this forum see the differences between the way the companies respond to their customer base and voice their dissatisfaction when things aren't moving in the best direction for the customer.

Fractal/Line 6- two companies constantly looking to give the customer more after the initial purchase, you never have to ask for a refill and they're free.

Kemper/Neural- Don't do that at all. I started going into detail but ended up with a wall of text, you can just read through the pages in this thread to see the gripe about Kemper and any NDSP thread clearly shows where the ire there is aimed at. Your server is in the walk-in with the cook and your cup's been empty for 20 minutes. And when you do get your refill, you're paying for it.

If anyone is interpretting that as a personal attack on their own character, that's their own problem. I certainly can't change the way someone feels internally when they read someone saying "I think Kemper is doing something shitty here", or "NDSP just failed to deliver on their own word....again" and that should never be the responsbility of anyone but the person who feels such things.
I appreciate the thoughtful response Drew. But let’s be honest, it often goes way beyond “Kemper or NDSP did X.” It’s not a matter of interpretation either. It’s often name calling, calling people stupid or insinuating that they must be deaf among other things. I’m not trying to start an argument or nitpick but it’s those things I don’t like. And it’s those things I was referring to trying to do so without specifics, Honest disagreement on gear or fair criticism of companies doesn’t bother me in the least. I’m not criticizing this place, I love it. I believe things could possibly be a bit kinder. That’s all.

Unfortunately the things I mentioned do happen.
 
I appreciate the thoughtful response Drew. But let’s be honest, it often goes way beyond “Kemper or NDSP did X.” It’s not a matter of interpretation either. It’s often name calling, calling people stupid or insinuating that they must be deaf among other things. I’m not trying to start an argument or nitpick but it’s those things I don’t like. And it’s those things I was referring to trying to do so without specifics, Honest disagreement on gear or fair criticism of companies doesn’t bother me in the least. I’m not criticizing this place, I love it. I believe things could possibly be a bit kinder. That’s all.

Unfortunately the things I mentioned do happen.
john-lennon-imagine.gif
 
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