Kemper choice...

[Heabow]

Hi

I have a bunch of good amps at my home studio and as I use them with IRs exclusively. I though about another way to track guitars without cranking the tubes each time I record something.

Logical step makes me plan on buying a Kemper, for studio use only (tracking, reamping). I saw the different models available and to make sure I'll go for the right one for me, I prefer to ask the experienced Kemper guys here

So, which one would you recommand me between this one and the powerhead model?

As I don't want to use it on stage with real cabs, I guess I don't need the powerhead, right?

Every other advice is welcome! Thanks!


PS - Also I read that "many" users had bugs with it. Would have some feedback on the reliability in the long run...

 

[Torsis]

For what you plan on using it for, the non-powerhead one is fine.
And yes, the powerhead is if you plan on using it with non-powered cabs.

I bought the non-powered one and an Atomic CLR powered wedge.

Only problems I have is:
- Setting up some of the Performances, the rig name in slot 5 inherited the same name as the rig in slot 1 (the actual rig is correct, the name was wrong).
I just renamed Slot 5 in the performance to the correct name.

- I have the rig manager running on my laptop, but the Kemper audio out going to the CLR and spdif to an RME UCX to my off-line DAW.
Some high gain amps have a weird hum/buzz noise - disconnecting the laptop and RM corrects that.
Haven't sussed out whether it's the laptop, RM or whatever, since it's not a big deal.
Once the RM is out of beta and stable I'll skip the laptop and go straight to the DAW

 

[JeffTD]

I've not heard any reports of major issues with them but you're right, you don't need the powerhead and it would probably be a waste of money/weight for you.

 

[JeffTD]

Some high gain amps have a weird hum/buzz noise - disconnecting the laptop and RM corrects that.
Haven't sussed out whether it's the laptop, RM or whatever, since it's not a big deal.
Once the RM is out of beta and stable I'll skip the laptop and go straight to the DAW

Almost certainly a ground loop issue. Have you tried hitting any of the ground lift switches on the back of the KPA? There are like 7.

 

[Heabow]

Thanks for confirming! Well, I consider selling at least one of my amps now...

 

[Fragle]

+1 for the unpowered version....if you happen to need a poweramp further down your road, just pick up one of these:
http://www.thomann.de/de/electro_harmonix_44_magnum_power_amp.htm

 

[HotRails]

Some high gain amps have a weird hum/buzz noise - disconnecting the laptop and RM corrects that.

I've had the same buzzing issue when I was recording with a laptop and two different audio interfaces - it's the powersupply's fault.

 

[Torsis]

Kemper's ground loop buttons didn't fix it, so I just skipped the laptop & went with the RM on the DAW and that fixed the problem.
I'll just run it offline and occasionally connect to update the RE stuff.

Thanks for the tips, guys.

 

[chrisdodge]

Did you still have this issue when your laptop is not powered (running on its battery) ?

 

[sinquestsound]

I've not heard any reports of major issues with them but you're right, you don't need the powerhead and it would probably be a waste of money/weight for you.

+1

Stay Metal!

 

[HotRails]

Did you still have this issue when your laptop is not powered (running on its battery) ?

good test.

 

[Torsis]

Agree, good call on that test - no change though - noise was still present with the laptop on battery power.