👏👏 for the JHS crew's sonic experiment. When I watched the reveal video I was pleasantly surprised & impressed. I look forward to owning more JHS pedals & getting more education from Josh. "Sounds Good Is Good" & "Just Try Stuff" are great mottos.
I feel like the two main tenants of JHS, especially the JHS show, have been "Just try stuff!" and "Play what you like!" I'm all too pleased to continue spending money with JHS, now to include your Helix content! Thanks so much!
Emulation and modeling are getting better every year. As someone who does live shows all the time, I love that I can (if I want) run an 1176 on every channel. I have no idea whether the emulation is close to the real thing - I have never used the real thing. But I trust that the people who are modeling these pieces of equipment are doing it in good faith. I am pretty sure that if I were dropped in a top tier studio, I would be able to dial in an 1176, because i use an approximation of one every week. Emulation is a tool just like pitch correction and quantization. If overused I'm sure it will be awful. If I came into a huge amount of money I wouldn't buy a Kemper or a Quad Vortex or whatever - I would buy real vintage effects units and amps. There is no question about that. What these units enable is for someone to be able to train their ear. This is about accessibility, just like DAWs - there are great artists who would not be making music right now if it weren't for digital production technology. For me this is just as amazing as any DAW and does not threaten real amplifiers or pedals in the least.
Boyzzz, I am very happy Kemper owner and just downloaded Josh´s favorite rigs. They sound phenomenal. For me as a hobby guitarist who has always gravitated towards the valve amp tone, under these circumstances I live, it would be impossible to use them as I would prefer. With the Kemper I get as close as I need and on top of all, I can download the best amp profiles captured by the best pros in the industry like Josh, HW and Michael Britt. I am able to play my guitars with few of my favorite pedals in front of the best amps that exists. What could beat that, seriously?
I think there is another option. If you have tube amps and you want to play them 'loud' as you want you can use a load-box with IR. It's IMO less hassle to get a good tone w/o resorting to someone else's profiles or modellers patches. For instance I have an amp with built-in attenuator and IR loader. I can run the signal to studio monitors at the same time to a guitar speaker. Whilst the speaker sounds better(even low volume) in the room the IR signal is better for a mix.
@@hbo001 yes, that is very good way also, I used it before Kemper with tube amps, tone king or two notes loadboxes. They sounded awesome with pedals and I might take that way again in the future. But at the moment I am having great times with the Kemper.
A tube amp. Just kidding sounds like you're having fun but some small super low wattage tube amps can be fun too, i wish i still had my marshall dsl1 head and cab. Now all i have is a positive grid battery powered cube. It could be a lot better if i actually used it as intended
When's the HX Stomp episode? These packs aside, would love to see Josh build a preset with the factory stuff from 3.51 update. Hoping to see JHS pedals added to the Helix family in a future update 😍
Man, as if I didnt want a Kemper already, now I need one. Thanks for all the work putting all of this together! Once I get one, I'll be buying amp packs from you guys.
I dig the profile pack, I wouldn’t get to play most of these amps without it. I’m not prioritizing my money toward vintage amps and pedals and appreciate when a collector/connoisseur/curator like Josh can share the collection. Cheers!
While I don't have a Helix nor Kemper, I really appreciate you making the models of your collection available. When I started playing electric guitar, I was in a situation where I needed an amp but couldn't play loud and I didn't know what I wanted / needed from effects so I decided to buy a Line 6 X3 Live to give myself a lot of variety to experiment with. When I did play with a band, it made setting up / playing / cleaning up a breeze! I've since picked up a few tube amps but I think for a lot of folks starting out, the all in one modelers make so much sense!
Yes and the majority of people aren't gigging so having a 40lb head and 70lb cab in their living room corner doesn't hurt a thing. I'm not opposed to technology. I just already have an investment and my tube amps sound great. I don't do recording so it's all a matter of the in room experience for me.
This is such an inlightening episode. I dig it!! Pick the right tool for the right sounds, yeah?? Rock on!! Also the bass and drums tone is killer here, need more info on what they are doing toooooo.
25:02 the software side of these products have changed over the years as well. The Helix software has improved the sound and added additionally sounds to the array of amps and pedals every year. Also, users of these tools have found ways to use them better and shared that information. For example, adding pedals after the “cab”.
Great amp sounds! I have a Princeton, which I love, but between the UA amp pedals and this reveal (plus getting tired of lugging heavy gear to band practices and gigs) I’m getting slowly but surely converted. Got a feeling there’ll be changes a-coming in the new year… Great set of videos on this reveal. Happy holidays to the JHS crew!
My wife and I started dating in 1998. We stayed up almost all night talking in the common room of her dorm just before that with the radio on. That amazing awkward phase where 2 people realize they’re really into each other, but are to afraid to say anything. “Save Tonight” by Eagle Eye Cherry played every 30 mins-1 hour over and over and over and over. We both thought it was awful and I knew she was the one. 22 years later, we consistently refer to it as “our song.”
@@WithTheGrain Looking back, it’s not as bad. It falls in the category of music I complained about then, but mildly enjoy now. I was a lot snobbier then. And from that experience it makes me smile when I hear it.
To your “it’s not either/or” point, there are a lot of fun options in between the (perceived) extremes of “real tube amp” and “profile.” My top purchase of 2022 was a Milkman The Amp 50. I use it (with its built-in cab sim) via headphones and record it DI. I love the sound, and I don’t think about how the sound compares to my physical amp+speaker combos. That’s apples to oranges, because I can’t play a Fender Deluxe in my home office at 11PM on a Tuesday night.
I’m paraphrasing a little bit but this is the perfect quote “We’re always trying to find new tones the fun is trying to emulate tones and finding something new that you can put your own stamp on” I have been chasing the Randy Rhoads tribute album tone for about 25 years and it wasn’t until I learned that the most important part of a guitars tone is the speaker after making the switch to the L6 Helix and getting into IRs that I really learned how true that statement is and the main high gain tone I use for 99% of my playing was a failed attempt at the RR tribute album tone which became my own signature sound that’s nothing like anyone else but myself and that’s when I finally started to “get it” that it’s the inspiration of that time that lead me to developing my own musical voice and tone….. that said I’m still chasing that one tone and with the OH Altech 417 IRs I’ve never been closer but that’s not because I’m hellbent to sound like RR anymore but rather because I have spent 25 years and I’m so close and I’ve had as much fun as frustration in that journey but it’s still all the part of the fun
I've never seen a really good dive into using a Kemper live with a speaker in a band context, how the various options to do so compare, and unbiased feedback on how that feels in a room. I realize that's kind of antithetical to what this video showed us, but the way you guys jam, to me, seems like a perfect test subject. I've really wanted to dive into the Kemper world, but my fear is that I won't be able to make good use of it in a basement practice or smaller bar gig scenario. Ignoring all the "I need to feel air move" stuff... I'd really like some thoughts on this stuff from the JHS crew. Cheers, and happy holidays!
I got a cheap ass peavey cab and put a celestion k12h into it. It’s a dream in a band scenario and live sound scenario because you get the best of both worlds. I leave the cab connected in my studio and simply turn it down when recording so I’m hearing more through my headphones or monitors. I highly recommend the Kemper! It has only gotten better. I traded my deluxe reverb for a Gibson SG after getting my Kemper.
I always wondered exactly how you guys were running real tube amps in that room and also getting such clean drum sounds. I remember Josh mentioning an iso box, but that just sounds annoying lol. I eventually noticed the the silly knob positions on the Loud is More Good Amp (LIGMA) and figured there was just a bassman or a mig50 in the iso box somewhere.
A few episodes ago you showcased the new Universal Audio amp pedals. One thing that stood out to me was how excited everyone was that UA captured these classic amps with all their raw sonic ingredients. Specifically the bottom end being left on the tone like a real amp. Leaving the user to decide how much to roll off etc. In todays episode everyone is loving how easy it is to record the Kemper in your studio environment. Near the end Josh gushes over the tone not having any bottom end and sitting in a mix. I guess what I’m trying to get at is do you prefer having all the sonic detail like the UA provides or just having the sonic details captured to your liking? Thank you very much and wish everyone a happy holidays and happy new year 🎉
I'm late to commenting on this great conversation, but the either/or thing is especially true with this kind of thing. I really like using traditional drive pedals into a modeler with a preset involving a clean amp sound and whatever EQ, modulation, delay and reverb I want for my sound. The Stomp XL is great for this because the extra footswitches let me control which of these effects are turned on individually at any given time and something about having the analog drive pedals just does something nice for the sound.
Does the guitar and/or effects pedals matter for capturing the profile? Say you profile a strat into a Bassman, would a les paul sound different through the kemper? Or do you get the same exact tone that was profiled?
Pardon me for forgetting… this is the Power Head version, not just the profiler right? I’m interested in knowing if that’s what made you choose the Kemper over a Helix or even a Fractal. I do agree though, in a mix, it’s very difficult to tell the difference on what most people are listening through. I also agree you can’t really tell even when it’s just the guitar. I think the biggest difference probably could only be felt in the room
There was a live show not long after the first Kemper show where Addison said something like “Josh, that is a great clean tone, the best you’ve had in ages!” And I was pretty sure you’d started using modelling of some sort 😉 I thought it was going to have been testing the UA pedals out for them but clearly I was wrong 😂 HX stomp user myself but also have valve amps. It’s all about using whatever gives you inspiration- not limiting yourself!
24:05 - I bought mine in April this year. I'd worked in guitar stores on and off for years and had always been around cutting edge gear. I really wanted to like the original POD stuff back in the late 90s but in truth it wasn't quite there yet. But it got better and better. I'd recorded with NI's Guitar Rig and got good results. I've been using a Recto Recording Pre for years at home since. So it was never about trying to remain a dinosaur for me. But the toaster version of the Kemper didn't really change anything for me. It was an expensive upgrade to my studio rig that I couldn't really justify. Live, I'd still need a power amp or a cab, and a foot controller. It probably would have lightened my rig but not shrunk it or made it less complicated, effectively just replacing my amp head. Then they released the Stage and suddenly it became much more worthwhile to me, once it became a studio AND live solution. It, plus a couple of expression pedals, can replace my entire amp, cab and pedal board. I do have a PowerKab but I'm working towards weaning myself off stage sound and just relying on foldbacks. There's some pedals that the Kemper doesn't emulate as well as the real thing, but they're close enough for live use. My lower back loves it.
My latest thing is combining pedals and running them into a Mooer IR pedal. Klon clone into a Timmy pedal into a Booster with Treble and Bass into a variety of IR cabs is rockin'... No Amp necessary. The compression is there, just like a decent tube circuit. For even more crunchy power amp distortion, try a Red Llama and tweak the tone with a boost pedal with eq or full 10 band eq. Fun! As a long time Line 6 guy, I've gone through each generation of tools. I have a Helix, HX Effects, POD Go that I could easily replace with a few pedals as long as I have good IR's to work with. My tube amps are still there. My UAFX amp pedals are amazing. Love it all old and new!!!
For me, I have my dream amp, and while I would love to have more amps there's no way I could afford it. The Kemper solves that problem. But I still love pedals and I would continue to buy them.
I absolutely loved this episode of JHS. so many positive notes to take in. I seriously think that Josh and the team and the legend HW should be credited for being able to keep this quiet for this long. Josh has really challenged some of the JHS fans. I’ve been smiling all day at time’s laughing out loud. I’m a bit surprised by the most incredible question that was NEVER ASKED 🫤 did josh help dial in the effects? Did Josh approve the settings? Josh being the LORD of pedal history, pedal promotion, l want to know what the process of effects settings that went into this project. The Kemper is no slouch on effects. How deep did you guys go?
Josh & Co. would only be able to profile amps and distortion effects. The Kemper cannot profile modulation, reverb, delay, or any other time effects. Kemper themselves make those effects, and offer upgrade effects packs. They're quite good, so I'm not surprised Josh was happy enough with the fx already in the box.
This is a great question! The guys showed me Joshs settings for many of the pedals, sort of how he used the morning glory, rat etc. The profiles labeled Josh’s tone are his settings and his v30 cab with the pedals set how he likes them. Etc, The Sovtek, which aren’t all out yet we’re also set to his settings, or at least the mig 50 etc,
I own many valve amps, couple of digital amps, some analog solid state amps (currently my favorites, but that could change any day). I'll use whatever sounds good for recording (mostly soundtracks for movies/adverts etc.) Can I ask whether Kemper would consider a "lite" version without the capability of "Profiling"? I mean using profiles but without being able to record them? Would that be helpful in lowering the price of the Kemper? To make it clear "Lite" could keep profiles and if necessary download Profiles - I do not have the time or inclination to GENERATE Profiles.... Best, Pete.
I once went gear shopping with my brother in law (before he was my brother in law) and because he'd just started playing guitar and I found a killer deal on a Gibson Skylark I told him "you have to buy that amp or else I will" and he didn't believe me, so I plugged it in and played a handful of recognizable riffs and as soon as I finished someone else from the guitar shop asked "hey can I try that as soon as you're done?" and my brother in law said "you've got as long as it takes for me to finish buying it". Those amps are amazing. Sadly his was in a storage unit during a move that got broken into, so some crook now has the raddest little amp I've ever played.
I think you guys missed the single most important thing about a Kemper - it can capture the in-studio set-up and let you punch in a fix months later, or even use the exact sound (mics, mic placement, channel strip and all) on your next album... Or even on tour. It's a little unnerving at first when you finally sound just like the album.
So do I understand this correctly - the Kemper has a snapshot of the amp in the settings it was put in. Meaning that if I change the EQ on the Kemper the profile will react differently to when I change the EQ on the amp. Ergo the snapshot sounds like the set amp but the behaviour of the controls will feel and sound different?
Were Quad Cortex captures made of Josh’s amps as well as Kemper profiles? Just wondering if they were also done, ready and waiting for the marketplace to open.
I knew the Loud Is More Good in the shot of demos wasn't the amp you were using, the knobs were down, it was in standby, I think once it wasn't even in at all, or an input jack wasn't plugged in. I just assumed you had it in an isolated room. Lol. Now you tell us it was a Kemper, good work.
I also decided 2020 to go full Digital with a Headrush Pedalboard. I find the whole act cool! But even if i don't needed them i always was interested wich new pedals are on the market. I don't have any of yours but they Sound really good. I tried some in my local music store. Now after i see this I'm very interested get me a kemper... no weight to carry, no Service, no new tubes etc. And they Sound really awsome!and with this pack... i also could have not only all those amps... there are also the 500.000$ Klon and a real Blues Breaker and all that! Love it
Truth is talent and practice makes all the difference, as long as your gear is of a reasonable quality, gear just becomes about choice, collecting, obsession whatever? Thumbs up to the JHS guys for busting the myth and making the point play your instrument have fun find your own tone, and don’t always believe RUclips!?
Tnx for the video, everything sounds great I am a long time Kemper user and i own some of the latest HW profiles pack and i enjoy them alot, but what i was most impressed of in this video is the sound of the drums The drums sounds awesome and i womder if you can specify what was the mics and preamps you used to record them
Just downloaded the "Loud is More Good" Kemper free pack and it sounds great. Guess I own almost everything HW created for Kemper and can't wait to see what will come out for the Kemper from JHS and HW year 2023.
@@jeremywinnett6352 there was a way to save and share the "rig" you'd customize so yes, I could import a "rig" but you're right that it's based on totally different technology. Still, it'd be sweet to have the LIMG or maybe the MIG50 on the old bean.
I’ve just got back from Japan, with an Ibanez in my hand (it’s much cheaper than my hometown due to exchange rate, like 40% cheaper). The store I went to has a Kemper as a test amp. I think this kind of use is one of the best use case of the Kemper. Back home I use my Helix, so I’m already accustomed to digital amp stuffs anyway (been using only digital since Zoom G2).
Profiling amps and pedals is becoming affordable for everyone with a PC/Mac with Tonex from IK Multimedia. I could not justify buying the Kemper, but the Tonex is a no brainer and I use my own reamp box. Interesting subject and video, I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses.
you all just sold me on the kemper....that silvertone sounds phenomenal esp with headphones on.....the sublime jam....awesome. Josh's slide work is so much better than Rhett's.
I think people go either/or is because they can't afford everything so they have to choose. However, I absolutely agree. The amp/tubes/modeler/profiler beef is pointless once you have money for everything.
How is the signal going to your IEMs? Is there a special way or just into the desk and into the ears? I am struggling transferring the great sound I get out of the powercab identically into my ears…
I have one question, would JHS ever consider building their own Multieffects Modeler, given all this gear and profiling you've been able to do, and the pedal collection you guys have?
Just curious, why is there such a large disparity between the number of Kemper 'profiles' vs Helix 'patches' ? I'm not sure I understand the distinction. Or the reason for the vast difference.
Honestly - I profiled my Boogie TriAxis and did A/B comparisons. The Kemper sounded and felt better. It fixed a little flubbiness. Chappers and the Captain found the same in one of their blind comparison tests. They could only identify the Kemper because it was tighter. Note - I don't work for Kemper!
Not sure about the kemper (I’ve heard it’s great) but I can tell you about the hx stomp. Getting the tone junkie presets was a game changer (I’m not affiliated in any way btw lol). He normally uses light compression in a couple of points in the signal chain (at the beginning and between the amp and IR) that make it feel incredible to play, it’s really addictive. Just in case anyone is wondering he explained how he does it in a video so I’m not revealing any trade secrets or anything lol. Before I got the presets I watched a lot of videos and tried a bunch of different things with mixed results (the closest thing to improving the feel was increasing the input impedance but the improvement was modest). And I honestly don’t notice any lag at all compared to my all tube “propper” amps.
QUESTION: how close are the Helix patches to the Kemper ones? I downloaded them and they sound great, but it looks like they had to be built from scratch using Helix’ available preamp models rather than Josh’s ‘actual’ amps. How does that work?
Because the Helix can’t do profiles (Kemper has that patented)… they take an existing Helix model that is sonically in the same family as the amp they are profiling, but then use an IR to match the target amp. Deferent means to the same end.
I’ve always like the sound from the kemper. But for me a guy with one amp, a modded blues Jr, it’s in a weird place for me. Do I spend the money on a kemper or for the same money do I get another “better” tube amp like a deluxe?
So the Kemper CAN plug into a cab and be used as a head, right? But needs a power amp right? I've always thought it wasn't for me because it was just a computer thing and not for someone who plays shows or with a band.
There's both powered and non powered Kempers. There's also a Kemper Kabinet available in powered and non powered that is specifically designed for "amp in the room" feel with several different speaker options. Main outs go to FOH, monitor to Kemper Kab... Best of both.
Please comment with opinions, but I'm beginning to think that I can (almost) dial in a sound I want/like with any amp, be it tube, solid state, or digital. I lean on the cleaner side of things, so an amp that doesn't get clean won't work, but tweaking gain, treble, bass, and mids to get a good sound and then tweaking further with my guitar's controls, I'm beginning to think I can nail the sound in my head with a sub $500 amp from virtually any manufacturer. Then when I consider volume restrictions that are a reality for me, the cheaper and less tube amps become almost a necessity. Just need the JHS "white" reverb pedal to complete the sound! Am I wrong?
Love dad rock and all the stuff that was made with tube amps and honestly I don't want a tube amp (I've never had one). I don't gig, music is just a hobby and I WANT something practical with great response like a kemper. Bravo.
I think for recording, I'd still have an, because I like playing with mics and finding out an acoustically interacts with a room. I love putting my emo in my en suite bathroom for example, because the reflections give some dirty top end that's really fun. For live, I could maybe see myself using one of the UA amp pedals (particular the Ruby) that were shown on here last month, for practicality sake and see if I can utilise the Venue PA a lot more & get a wide stereo spread (I'm in a 2 piece band with me as the only guitar player, you see). A venue with a good PA system almost completely renders most amps useless in the here & now anyway.
My guitarist has a powered cabinet from Mission Amps that sounded extremely good with his Kemper. It was designed specifically for the Kemper, even the same color
Kemper normally gives mic'ed cabinet sound. If you want amp in the room, that's what the Kemper Kabinet is designed for. A pair of Yamaha DSR10s and a powered Kab make an awesome WDW rig. I used relatively cheap Kustom powered wedges for one band and they sounded awesome. Not trying to be a jerk, but sounded way better than the guy with "real" amp. I think because the Kemper sounded like an amp turned up so loud you couldn't stand it, but just at whatever volume you like... He couldn't turn up to the point where his amp starts to sound good.
I have an hx stomp with a bunch of tone junkie presets and they sound awesome actually (I’m not affiliated in any way btw) and usually play through Presonous monitors - sounds great if you just wanna practice or record something. I don’t wanna use my power amp and cab because the IRs are actually really good. I just think that this is a topic that could be explored more in depth by RUclipsrs if they expect modelers to replace real amps in more applications besides recording at home and hooking up straight to the PA live. I’m aware of FRFRs but I’d appreciate more input from those with more experience before I go on reverb/Sweetwater and just start ordering stuff lol For example, I really respect Josh’s opinions regarding tone because I believe his success as a pedal builder is more a function of having good taste and experience with a lot of different types of gear than just circuit design skills. Even though he’s a yt tastemaker most of the time I don’t feel like he’s pushing gear on me - he comes across as pretty open minded and eclectic with gear. I’d love his opinions when it comes to monitors and frfrs. I think RUclipsrs that dabble in digital could talk a bit more about this topic - even though it might not be sexy I think it’s pretty relevant for most players who want to jam with their buddies or rock out in the living room (I guess that would be most of us lol).
@@vpitts728 interesting thing the Kemper does in a profile: the speaker cab is considered separate. So you could audition a head you captured thru a 4x12 and try it thru a combo speaker from another profile. Naturally you can also turn the cabinet Sim off for various uses
Now that we can see the Kemper in frame, Josh will secretly be playing the Milkman.
YESSSSSSSSS
😂
JHS should have millions of subscribers by now ... really excellent work Josh and Team JHS
Merry Christmas
👏👏 for the JHS crew's sonic experiment. When I watched the reveal video I was pleasantly surprised & impressed. I look forward to owning more JHS pedals & getting more education from Josh. "Sounds Good Is Good" & "Just Try Stuff" are great mottos.
I feel like the two main tenants of JHS, especially the JHS show, have been "Just try stuff!" and "Play what you like!" I'm all too pleased to continue spending money with JHS, now to include your Helix content! Thanks so much!
Emulation and modeling are getting better every year. As someone who does live shows all the time, I love that I can (if I want) run an 1176 on every channel. I have no idea whether the emulation is close to the real thing - I have never used the real thing. But I trust that the people who are modeling these pieces of equipment are doing it in good faith. I am pretty sure that if I were dropped in a top tier studio, I would be able to dial in an 1176, because i use an approximation of one every week. Emulation is a tool just like pitch correction and quantization. If overused I'm sure it will be awful. If I came into a huge amount of money I wouldn't buy a Kemper or a Quad Vortex or whatever - I would buy real vintage effects units and amps. There is no question about that. What these units enable is for someone to be able to train their ear. This is about accessibility, just like DAWs - there are great artists who would not be making music right now if it weren't for digital production technology. For me this is just as amazing as any DAW and does not threaten real amplifiers or pedals in the least.
Boyzzz, I am very happy Kemper owner and just downloaded Josh´s favorite rigs. They sound phenomenal. For me as a hobby guitarist who has always gravitated towards the valve amp tone, under these circumstances I live, it would be impossible to use them as I would prefer. With the Kemper I get as close as I need and on top of all, I can download the best amp profiles captured by the best pros in the industry like Josh, HW and Michael Britt. I am able to play my guitars with few of my favorite pedals in front of the best amps that exists. What could beat that, seriously?
I think there is another option. If you have tube amps and you want to play them 'loud' as you want you can use a load-box with IR. It's IMO less hassle to get a good tone w/o resorting to someone else's profiles or modellers patches. For instance I have an amp with built-in attenuator and IR loader. I can run the signal to studio monitors at the same time to a guitar speaker. Whilst the speaker sounds better(even low volume) in the room the IR signal is better for a mix.
@@hbo001 yes, that is very good way also, I used it before Kemper with tube amps, tone king or two notes loadboxes. They sounded awesome with pedals and I might take that way again in the future. But at the moment I am having great times with the Kemper.
A tube amp.
Just kidding sounds like you're having fun but some small super low wattage tube amps can be fun too, i wish i still had my marshall dsl1 head and cab. Now all i have is a positive grid battery powered cube. It could be a lot better if i actually used it as intended
@@aaronking9332 yes they are fun too, I had Orange dark terror, blackstar ht5 and ironman loadbox. They were a lots of fun.
When's the HX Stomp episode? These packs aside, would love to see Josh build a preset with the factory stuff from 3.51 update. Hoping to see JHS pedals added to the Helix family in a future update 😍
Love Josh and the boys, love HW, basically a perfect episode
I have tube amps, a solid state amp, a bunch of pedals, and an AXE FX - and I love them all and they are all fun !
Man, as if I didnt want a Kemper already, now I need one. Thanks for all the work putting all of this together! Once I get one, I'll be buying amp packs from you guys.
I dig the profile pack, I wouldn’t get to play most of these amps without it. I’m not prioritizing my money toward vintage amps and pedals and appreciate when a collector/connoisseur/curator like Josh can share the collection. Cheers!
While I don't have a Helix nor Kemper, I really appreciate you making the models of your collection available. When I started playing electric guitar, I was in a situation where I needed an amp but couldn't play loud and I didn't know what I wanted / needed from effects so I decided to buy a Line 6 X3 Live to give myself a lot of variety to experiment with. When I did play with a band, it made setting up / playing / cleaning up a breeze! I've since picked up a few tube amps but I think for a lot of folks starting out, the all in one modelers make so much sense!
And old folks who just want to sound good without carrying a ton of gear...
Yes and the majority of people aren't gigging so having a 40lb head and 70lb cab in their living room corner doesn't hurt a thing. I'm not opposed to technology. I just already have an investment and my tube amps sound great. I don't do recording so it's all a matter of the in room experience for me.
Unless: option paralysis
Great follow-up. Thank you for the explanation of what this device is all about.
This is such an inlightening episode. I dig it!! Pick the right tool for the right sounds, yeah?? Rock on!! Also the bass and drums tone is killer here, need more info on what they are doing toooooo.
I love that everyone can have access to these amazing sounds. Cheers!!! ✌️❤️🎶
25:02 the software side of these products have changed over the years as well. The Helix software has improved the sound and added additionally sounds to the array of amps and pedals every year. Also, users of these tools have found ways to use them better and shared that information. For example, adding pedals after the “cab”.
Great amp sounds! I have a Princeton, which I love, but between the UA amp pedals and this reveal (plus getting tired of lugging heavy gear to band practices and gigs) I’m getting slowly but surely converted. Got a feeling there’ll be changes a-coming in the new year…
Great set of videos on this reveal. Happy holidays to the JHS crew!
My wife and I started dating in 1998. We stayed up almost all night talking in the common room of her dorm just before that with the radio on. That amazing awkward phase where 2 people realize they’re really into each other, but are to afraid to say anything. “Save Tonight” by Eagle Eye Cherry played every 30 mins-1 hour over and over and over and over. We both thought it was awful and I knew she was the one. 22 years later, we consistently refer to it as “our song.”
I hope she leaves you for a Kemper
@@JCDenton95 😆
@@JCDenton95 I wouldn’t blame her. It has a lot more functionality, in a more svelte form factor than me. Probably a lot less maintenance too.
I always thought it had a sort of charm…
@@WithTheGrain Looking back, it’s not as bad. It falls in the category of music I complained about then, but mildly enjoy now. I was a lot snobbier then. And from that experience it makes me smile when I hear it.
To your “it’s not either/or” point, there are a lot of fun options in between the (perceived) extremes of “real tube amp” and “profile.” My top purchase of 2022 was a Milkman The Amp 50. I use it (with its built-in cab sim) via headphones and record it DI. I love the sound, and I don’t think about how the sound compares to my physical amp+speaker combos. That’s apples to oranges, because I can’t play a Fender Deluxe in my home office at 11PM on a Tuesday night.
I’m paraphrasing a little bit but this is the perfect quote “We’re always trying to find new tones the fun is trying to emulate tones and finding something new that you can put your own stamp on” I have been chasing the Randy Rhoads tribute album tone for about 25 years and it wasn’t until I learned that the most important part of a guitars tone is the speaker after making the switch to the L6 Helix and getting into IRs that I really learned how true that statement is and the main high gain tone I use for 99% of my playing was a failed attempt at the RR tribute album tone which became my own signature sound that’s nothing like anyone else but myself and that’s when I finally started to “get it” that it’s the inspiration of that time that lead me to developing my own musical voice and tone….. that said I’m still chasing that one tone and with the OH Altech 417 IRs I’ve never been closer but that’s not because I’m hellbent to sound like RR anymore but rather because I have spent 25 years and I’m so close and I’ve had as much fun as frustration in that journey but it’s still all the part of the fun
I've never seen a really good dive into using a Kemper live with a speaker in a band context, how the various options to do so compare, and unbiased feedback on how that feels in a room. I realize that's kind of antithetical to what this video showed us, but the way you guys jam, to me, seems like a perfect test subject.
I've really wanted to dive into the Kemper world, but my fear is that I won't be able to make good use of it in a basement practice or smaller bar gig scenario. Ignoring all the "I need to feel air move" stuff... I'd really like some thoughts on this stuff from the JHS crew. Cheers, and happy holidays!
Kemper Powered Kabinet is your live answer! Works great for me
I got a cheap ass peavey cab and put a celestion k12h into it. It’s a dream in a band scenario and live sound scenario because you get the best of both worlds. I leave the cab connected in my studio and simply turn it down when recording so I’m hearing more through my headphones or monitors. I highly recommend the Kemper! It has only gotten better. I traded my deluxe reverb for a Gibson SG after getting my Kemper.
I always wondered exactly how you guys were running real tube amps in that room and also getting such clean drum sounds. I remember Josh mentioning an iso box, but that just sounds annoying lol. I eventually noticed the the silly knob positions on the Loud is More Good Amp (LIGMA) and figured there was just a bassman or a mig50 in the iso box somewhere.
This video made me finally decide to buy a Boss Katana MK2. Love it!
A few episodes ago you showcased the new Universal Audio amp pedals. One thing that stood out to me was how excited everyone was that UA captured these classic amps with all their raw sonic ingredients. Specifically the bottom end being left on the tone like a real amp. Leaving the user to decide how much to roll off etc. In todays episode everyone is loving how easy it is to record the Kemper in your studio environment. Near the end Josh gushes over the tone not having any bottom end and sitting in a mix. I guess what I’m trying to get at is do you prefer having all the sonic detail like the UA provides or just having the sonic details captured to your liking? Thank you very much and wish everyone a happy holidays and happy new year 🎉
That's modeling vs profiling too though.
I cannot tell JHS + HW how much I appreciate this episode.
I'm late to commenting on this great conversation, but the either/or thing is especially true with this kind of thing. I really like using traditional drive pedals into a modeler with a preset involving a clean amp sound and whatever EQ, modulation, delay and reverb I want for my sound. The Stomp XL is great for this because the extra footswitches let me control which of these effects are turned on individually at any given time and something about having the analog drive pedals just does something nice for the sound.
This is a stellar week of videos.
Does the guitar and/or effects pedals matter for capturing the profile? Say you profile a strat into a Bassman, would a les paul sound different through the kemper? Or do you get the same exact tone that was profiled?
How about some quad cortex profiles?
Pardon me for forgetting… this is the Power Head version, not just the profiler right? I’m interested in knowing if that’s what made you choose the Kemper over a Helix or even a Fractal.
I do agree though, in a mix, it’s very difficult to tell the difference on what most people are listening through. I also agree you can’t really tell even when it’s just the guitar. I think the biggest difference probably could only be felt in the room
There was a live show not long after the first Kemper show where Addison said something like “Josh, that is a great clean tone, the best you’ve had in ages!” And I was pretty sure you’d started using modelling of some sort 😉 I thought it was going to have been testing the UA pedals out for them but clearly I was wrong 😂
HX stomp user myself but also have valve amps. It’s all about using whatever gives you inspiration- not limiting yourself!
Favoritest JHS show so far
24:05 - I bought mine in April this year. I'd worked in guitar stores on and off for years and had always been around cutting edge gear. I really wanted to like the original POD stuff back in the late 90s but in truth it wasn't quite there yet. But it got better and better. I'd recorded with NI's Guitar Rig and got good results. I've been using a Recto Recording Pre for years at home since. So it was never about trying to remain a dinosaur for me. But the toaster version of the Kemper didn't really change anything for me. It was an expensive upgrade to my studio rig that I couldn't really justify. Live, I'd still need a power amp or a cab, and a foot controller. It probably would have lightened my rig but not shrunk it or made it less complicated, effectively just replacing my amp head. Then they released the Stage and suddenly it became much more worthwhile to me, once it became a studio AND live solution. It, plus a couple of expression pedals, can replace my entire amp, cab and pedal board. I do have a PowerKab but I'm working towards weaning myself off stage sound and just relying on foldbacks. There's some pedals that the Kemper doesn't emulate as well as the real thing, but they're close enough for live use. My lower back loves it.
My latest thing is combining pedals and running them into a Mooer IR pedal. Klon clone into a Timmy pedal into a Booster with Treble and Bass into a variety of IR cabs is rockin'... No Amp necessary. The compression is there, just like a decent tube circuit. For even more crunchy power amp distortion, try a Red Llama and tweak the tone with a boost pedal with eq or full 10 band eq. Fun! As a long time Line 6 guy, I've gone through each generation of tools. I have a Helix, HX Effects, POD Go that I could easily replace with a few pedals as long as I have good IR's to work with. My tube amps are still there. My UAFX amp pedals are amazing. Love it all old and new!!!
For me, I have my dream amp, and while I would love to have more amps there's no way I could afford it. The Kemper solves that problem. But I still love pedals and I would continue to buy them.
Hats off that Josh is so positive about the fx section of the kemper
I absolutely loved this episode of JHS. so many positive notes to take in. I seriously think that Josh and the team and the legend HW should be credited for being able to keep this quiet for this long. Josh has really challenged some of the JHS fans. I’ve been smiling all day at time’s laughing out loud. I’m a bit surprised by the most incredible question that was NEVER ASKED 🫤 did josh help dial in the effects? Did Josh approve the settings? Josh being the LORD of pedal history, pedal promotion, l want to know what the process of effects settings that went into this project. The Kemper is no slouch on effects. How deep did you guys go?
Josh & Co. would only be able to profile amps and distortion effects. The Kemper cannot profile modulation, reverb, delay, or any other time effects. Kemper themselves make those effects, and offer upgrade effects packs. They're quite good, so I'm not surprised Josh was happy enough with the fx already in the box.
This is a great question! The guys showed me Joshs settings for many of the pedals, sort of how he used the morning glory, rat etc.
The profiles labeled Josh’s tone are his settings and his v30 cab with the pedals set how he likes them. Etc,
The Sovtek, which aren’t all out yet we’re also set to his settings, or at least the mig 50 etc,
@@ToneJunkieTV thanks for the reply. I WILL get these for sure.
I own many valve amps, couple of digital amps, some analog solid state amps (currently my favorites, but that could change any day).
I'll use whatever sounds good for recording (mostly soundtracks for movies/adverts etc.) Can I ask whether Kemper would consider a "lite" version without the capability of "Profiling"? I mean using profiles but without being able to record them?
Would that be helpful in lowering the price of the Kemper?
To make it clear "Lite" could keep profiles and if necessary download Profiles - I do not have the time or inclination to GENERATE Profiles.... Best, Pete.
I was asking myself if I shared my Alamo Capri on the Kemper exchange when you pulled that up. Sounds just like mine!
I once went gear shopping with my brother in law (before he was my brother in law) and because he'd just started playing guitar and I found a killer deal on a Gibson Skylark I told him "you have to buy that amp or else I will" and he didn't believe me, so I plugged it in and played a handful of recognizable riffs and as soon as I finished someone else from the guitar shop asked "hey can I try that as soon as you're done?" and my brother in law said "you've got as long as it takes for me to finish buying it". Those amps are amazing. Sadly his was in a storage unit during a move that got broken into, so some crook now has the raddest little amp I've ever played.
that last jam was fantastic!! I might be converted....
I think you guys missed the single most important thing about a Kemper - it can capture the in-studio set-up and let you punch in a fix months later, or even use the exact sound (mics, mic placement, channel strip and all) on your next album... Or even on tour.
It's a little unnerving at first when you finally sound just like the album.
You should model them on Tonex as well. It's the best option for us not interested in the expensive Kemper or Quad Core.
So do I understand this correctly - the Kemper has a snapshot of the amp in the settings it was put in. Meaning that if I change the EQ on the Kemper the profile will react differently to when I change the EQ on the amp. Ergo the snapshot sounds like the set amp but the behaviour of the controls will feel and sound different?
I'm curious about this as well. It would seem that's the case wouldn't it? Kind of a turn off I think.
Great episode!!
I hope ya'll do a can you hear it episode with the Kemper.
for real, I would love to see this
I think this whole year of them using a Kemper without us knowing was the can you hear it episode. We were all the players, and we all lost lol
Were Quad Cortex captures made of Josh’s amps as well as Kemper profiles? Just wondering if they were also done, ready and waiting for the marketplace to open.
I wish I could afford a Kemper. It sounds great & I'd buy the profiles.
I knew the Loud Is More Good in the shot of demos wasn't the amp you were using, the knobs were down, it was in standby, I think once it wasn't even in at all, or an input jack wasn't plugged in. I just assumed you had it in an isolated room. Lol. Now you tell us it was a Kemper, good work.
Hey! I drew that font on your Soundtank board!
24:30
Brilliant analysis.
I also decided 2020 to go full Digital with a Headrush Pedalboard. I find the whole act cool! But even if i don't needed them i always was interested wich new pedals are on the market. I don't have any of yours but they Sound really good. I tried some in my local music store. Now after i see this I'm very interested get me a kemper... no weight to carry, no Service, no new tubes etc. And they Sound really awsome!and with this pack... i also could have not only all those amps... there are also the 500.000$ Klon and a real Blues Breaker and all that! Love it
Truth is talent and practice makes all the difference, as long as your gear is of a reasonable quality, gear just becomes about choice, collecting, obsession whatever? Thumbs up to the JHS guys for busting the myth and making the point play your instrument have fun find your own tone, and don’t always believe RUclips!?
Tnx for the video, everything sounds great
I am a long time Kemper user and i own some of the latest HW profiles pack and i enjoy them alot, but what i was most impressed of in this video is the sound of the drums
The drums sounds awesome and i womder if you can specify what was the mics and preamps you used to record them
Any plans to do packs for the Quad Cortex?
Shakes eight ball…. Ask again later.
Just downloaded the "Loud is More Good" Kemper free pack and it sounds great. Guess I own almost everything HW created for Kemper and can't wait to see what will come out for the Kemper from JHS and HW year 2023.
Please release a few of these for the original POD kidney bean. They're vintage now and they started this whole thing...
IDK if you can actually change anything at all in those, model wise.
Anyhow, those are models, not profiles. Different tech.
The mini bean is still for sale iirc it’s the same sounds too :)
@@jeremywinnett6352 there was a way to save and share the "rig" you'd customize so yes, I could import a "rig" but you're right that it's based on totally different technology. Still, it'd be sweet to have the LIMG or maybe the MIG50 on the old bean.
I’ve just got back from Japan, with an Ibanez in my hand (it’s much cheaper than my hometown due to exchange rate, like 40% cheaper). The store I went to has a Kemper as a test amp. I think this kind of use is one of the best use case of the Kemper.
Back home I use my Helix, so I’m already accustomed to digital amp stuffs anyway (been using only digital since Zoom G2).
Btw. The store is Kurosawa at Ochanomizu, Tokyo. Shoutout to the staffs over there for their courtesy.
The last Jam chord progression reminds me of Mew - Am I wry? No Love it!
What’s your thoughts on Tone X? I’m having fun with it.
Profiling amps and pedals is becoming affordable for everyone with a PC/Mac with Tonex from IK Multimedia. I could not justify buying the Kemper, but the Tonex is a no brainer and I use my own reamp box. Interesting subject and video, I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses.
I'm hoping Kemper comes out with a computer version, like ToneX.
you all just sold me on the kemper....that silvertone sounds phenomenal esp with headphones on.....the sublime jam....awesome. Josh's slide work is so much better than Rhett's.
This is a really rad idea. I just scored a helix recently. Time for jamzzzz!!
People just wanna complain Josh... You guys are great at what you do!
I think people go either/or is because they can't afford everything so they have to choose. However, I absolutely agree. The amp/tubes/modeler/profiler beef is pointless once you have money for everything.
Hi guys,
Great episode! Are the pedals in front of the Kemper or connected via the effects loop? Thanks
best reference would be the louder is more Captured/profiled for testing product. free download we would have the same. if it was untouched in the mix
Anyone remembers where can I find the full version of what Josh played at 28:22? Thanks
Did you put the pedals in front of the Kemper or in the loop?
Those storage unit pics stole my heart
42:00 jam sounded like Guided by Voices...( please tell me your a fan)
How is the signal going to your IEMs? Is there a special way or just into the desk and into the ears? I am struggling transferring the great sound I get out of the powercab identically into my ears…
I have one question, would JHS ever consider building their own Multieffects Modeler, given all this gear and profiling you've been able to do, and the pedal collection you guys have?
Just curious, why is there such a large disparity between the number of Kemper 'profiles' vs Helix 'patches' ? I'm not sure I understand the distinction. Or the reason for the vast difference.
I have the HX stomp for headphone playing. now i want a kemper for my tube amp collection
How is the feel in the profile compared to the real amp. Fingers, pick to srtings etc? If no one asked already.
Honestly - I profiled my Boogie TriAxis and did A/B comparisons. The Kemper sounded and felt better. It fixed a little flubbiness. Chappers and the Captain found the same in one of their blind comparison tests. They could only identify the Kemper because it was tighter.
Note - I don't work for Kemper!
Not sure about the kemper (I’ve heard it’s great) but I can tell you about the hx stomp.
Getting the tone junkie presets was a game changer (I’m not affiliated in any way btw lol). He normally uses light compression in a couple of points in the signal chain (at the beginning and between the amp and IR) that make it feel incredible to play, it’s really addictive. Just in case anyone is wondering he explained how he does it in a video so I’m not revealing any trade secrets or anything lol.
Before I got the presets I watched a lot of videos and tried a bunch of different things with mixed results (the closest thing to improving the feel was increasing the input impedance but the improvement was modest). And I honestly don’t notice any lag at all compared to my all tube “propper” amps.
QUESTION: how close are the Helix patches to the Kemper ones? I downloaded them and they sound great, but it looks like they had to be built from scratch using Helix’ available preamp models rather than Josh’s ‘actual’ amps. How does that work?
Because the Helix can’t do profiles (Kemper has that patented)… they take an existing Helix model that is sonically in the same family as the amp they are profiling, but then use an IR to match the target amp. Deferent means to the same end.
I’ve always like the sound from the kemper. But for me a guy with one amp, a modded blues Jr, it’s in a weird place for me. Do I spend the money on a kemper or for the same money do I get another “better” tube amp like a deluxe?
Please offer Josh's Everything Pack right now... and take my $$!
I can hear the difference through my phone speakers. ;)
Thankful we are in the golden age of gear! Options are endless.
Hey, I was wondering how you got the reverb on all those sound clips.
So the Kemper CAN plug into a cab and be used as a head, right? But needs a power amp right?
I've always thought it wasn't for me because it was just a computer thing and not for someone who plays shows or with a band.
There's both powered and non powered Kempers. There's also a Kemper Kabinet available in powered and non powered that is specifically designed for "amp in the room" feel with several different speaker options.
Main outs go to FOH, monitor to Kemper Kab... Best of both.
Note - it's best to turn off cabinet portion of the profile if going into an actual cabinet.
It seems like a really good option. I would love to have all those amps and more. Pretty impressive.
So these IRs don’t work for an iridium or anything like that? Cause they would have to be 24 bit 96 kHz and I don’t think the IRS are
Would love to hear your thoughts on using Kemper with pedals. Considering you have _all_ the pedals and most of the boxes... What's the magic sauce?
how many cups of coffee does a kemper cost ?
Great crew, great stream 👍
Did they replace the tubes before they profile the amps?
We need a tone matched IR for the Loud is more Good Amp for Iridium, pretty please?
Please comment with opinions, but I'm beginning to think that I can (almost) dial in a sound I want/like with any amp, be it tube, solid state, or digital. I lean on the cleaner side of things, so an amp that doesn't get clean won't work, but tweaking gain, treble, bass, and mids to get a good sound and then tweaking further with my guitar's controls, I'm beginning to think I can nail the sound in my head with a sub $500 amp from virtually any manufacturer. Then when I consider volume restrictions that are a reality for me, the cheaper and less tube amps become almost a necessity. Just need the JHS "white" reverb pedal to complete the sound! Am I wrong?
I feel the same way!
I'd love to see what you could manage with my old Peavey Backstage 30 with the mostly placebo EQ controls...
@@ronmesic
“Placebo EQ”! 🤣👍
“You’ve never had the reference you think you’ve had.”
Hold my beer while I give you my clean tone 😂😂😂😊
Love dad rock and all the stuff that was made with tube amps and honestly I don't want a tube amp (I've never had one). I don't gig, music is just a hobby and I WANT something practical with great response like a kemper. Bravo.
I think for recording, I'd still have an, because I like playing with mics and finding out an acoustically interacts with a room. I love putting my emo in my en suite bathroom for example, because the reflections give some dirty top end that's really fun. For live, I could maybe see myself using one of the UA amp pedals (particular the Ruby) that were shown on here last month, for practicality sake and see if I can utilise the Venue PA a lot more & get a wide stereo spread (I'm in a 2 piece band with me as the only guitar player, you see). A venue with a good PA system almost completely renders most amps useless in the here & now anyway.
I’d love to hear a discussion on what makes the difference between what IR’s and kemper profiles do and music piracy/downloading.
Or…a Boss TAE to use your amps and can also choose to use modelers ie I use UA Dream and hx stomp in the effects loop…all options available.
That’s cool, but have you tried a Fractal yet? 🙂
Lol, when is Nick gonna start using roland V-drums hahaha...?
Here’s to your future newfound liquidity, I hope it brings you and is a lot of new things in 2023🎉
Can you guys get into what kind of monitors you use with kemper/hx stomp and the options available for good amp in the room sound??
My guitarist has a powered cabinet from Mission Amps that sounded extremely good with his Kemper. It was designed specifically for the Kemper, even the same color
Kemper normally gives mic'ed cabinet sound. If you want amp in the room, that's what the Kemper Kabinet is designed for.
A pair of Yamaha DSR10s and a powered Kab make an awesome WDW rig.
I used relatively cheap Kustom powered wedges for one band and they sounded awesome. Not trying to be a jerk, but sounded way better than the guy with "real" amp. I think because the Kemper sounded like an amp turned up so loud you couldn't stand it, but just at whatever volume you like... He couldn't turn up to the point where his amp starts to sound good.
I have an hx stomp with a bunch of tone junkie presets and they sound awesome actually (I’m not affiliated in any way btw) and usually play through Presonous monitors - sounds great if you just wanna practice or record something. I don’t wanna use my power amp and cab because the IRs are actually really good.
I just think that this is a topic that could be explored more in depth by RUclipsrs if they expect modelers to replace real amps in more applications besides recording at home and hooking up straight to the PA live.
I’m aware of FRFRs but I’d appreciate more input from those with more experience before I go on reverb/Sweetwater and just start ordering stuff lol
For example, I really respect Josh’s opinions regarding tone because I believe his success as a pedal builder is more a function of having good taste and experience with a lot of different types of gear than just circuit design skills. Even though he’s a yt tastemaker most of the time I don’t feel like he’s pushing gear on me - he comes across as pretty open minded and eclectic with gear. I’d love his opinions when it comes to monitors and frfrs. I think RUclipsrs that dabble in digital could talk a bit more about this topic - even though it might not be sexy I think it’s pretty relevant for most players who want to jam with their buddies or rock out in the living room (I guess that would be most of us lol).
What are you playing through! What is the speaker?
They're not playing thru speakers. The digital units go straight into the video's live mix.
@@robwoodring9437 Yes, of course! I’m a fool. Thank you!
@@vpitts728 interesting thing the Kemper does in a profile: the speaker cab is considered separate. So you could audition a head you captured thru a 4x12 and try it thru a combo speaker from another profile. Naturally you can also turn the cabinet Sim off for various uses
I met. Christian Kemper at NAMM in 2918. He and josh are geniuses.