Claiming accuracy has some way of showing it, claiming “industry best live rig” is such an impossible thing to say because of all of the varying needs. I’ve used a Kemper in the past, I don’t believe it is the best, in fact I prefer most other available options, so I don’t think that would be a good move either.
Which makes it a much better line of marketing than accuracy.
That is a subjective claim (and one many would disagree with)...so sure, they can claim that, but it doesn't mean its going to sell more units or people are going to buy into it. I for example, disagree. I think the footswitch capabilites on Helix OG/New and any Fractal device absolutely destroy Kemper, but Ive also argued this with you here many times already. I also think Fractals channels/scenes and Helix snapshots are much more useful than Kempers rigs. Also the freeflow signal path vs a fixed one, but that matters less for live. Seems youre just extremely used to the Kemper workflow and therefore think its superior and/or it works best for YOUR specific use case.
Certainly it is subjective; however, there are plenty of good arguments Kemper can make to justify the claim. Claiming their profiling is the best is IMO the absolute WORST line of Marketing they have.
When did they decided to die on the hill of accuracy? The entire headline purpose of the product since its inception is to copy something. Obviously if youre making a copy of something, doing that as accurately as possible is kind of important to the products viability.
This line of marketing was obviously their best line when they were UNIQUE in the industry. When Kemper was introduced, not only was the concept unique, but the platform offered very solid live use workflows (after the first year when Performance Mode was implemented) and also Kemper had a good integrated EFX engine making it a very good touring rig. It was more than good enough to start taking market from Axe II Fx and did so very successfully until well after the Axe III Fx was introduced.
Today, Kemper is still a world class live gig rig. While I don't give it the edge in all areas that matter to a live or touring musician, it's still at or near the top in many categories.
While I am VERY used to using the workflow the product offers, I greatly prefer Performance mode management to Fractal's approach. You are all correct in stating that this is open to taste and specific requirements; however, this doesn't detract from the idea that this marketing approach is WAY more viable than hanging your hat on accuracy that is flat out silly.
On my personal list of features I need (and that many others will need that gig live or tour)
- Good amp tone
- Good reverb and delay effects
- Easy to achieve a specific tone for an existing song
- Integrated solution
- Rack format with foot controller having POE connection to unit
- No change in tone from one release to the next
- Performance management that is easy to setup, and easy to use live.
- Durable build and high reliability hardware and firmware
There are definitely others, but these seem to be the ones that shout out "gig ready". While I do agree that Fractal offers a VERY good live/touring solution, it doesn't do so at a price point that is appealing or with enough "wins" in the list above to justify the large price difference. In fact, even at price parity, I still would likely pick the Kemper.
My own preference is just anecdotal though. Be that as it may, I am not unique in my needs either.
Now, with respect to what I will buy NEXT? That may well be a Stadium should they come out with a rack and foot controller setup. It will definitely not be an Axe III Fx though. I have used, and gigged the fractal and simply prefer Kemper for lots of reasons (crazy as that may sound to those who love Fractal).
. I was referring to someone who is sincerely trying to measure accuracy.
