The problem with this video is that he didn't compare kemper captures of the same amp literal amp. It was a stock tonex vs stock kemper. And I'd agree that kemper does a better job at their stock options. You have to use tonet for tonex to get really good captures. Everyone knows the stock tonex captures suck. If you do a deeper dive, look into null tests. The tonex wipes the floor of the kemper. It uses AI to model and capture the sound as opposed to 13 year technology. Basically, if you capture your own amps, the tonex does an objectively better job.
Theres evidence Kemper cannot capture the full frequencies as good as Tonex. Kemper is old technology, of course newer products are gonna be more accurate. Kemper fanboys needs to give up at some point and admit its not longer the best player in the game. I used to have Kemper, so I know. I was on the Kemper forum and provided my own evidence that the Kemper capture is not super accurate, and the forum people were super offended by it.
@@tunnelportterror Digital amps are a more practical solution since you can play them silent if needed, and much lighter and smaller to carry around :) and less prone to failure if you drop it that might break a tube or other components
Kemper is the best tone around…period! I own Helix Stomp, and returned the Tonex because the tone doesn’t even compare… I own all the Kempers, and have the player coming as I speak. Tone is the most important thing in any of these units, and, Kemper gets it right! The Tonex isn’t even the same kind of pedal at all…just tone, EQ, and reverb…
@@KeikoVonTroththat’s definitely not true. Tonex has a lot of online fanboys but Kemper are still seen in many touring rigs, especially in heavier styles. If you get a good profile then there is nothing that sounds and (more importantly) feels as good as the Kemper. Fractal is probably my overall favourite, but Kemper for amps do sound incredible if you get a good profile.
@@PudWud1 there is literally multiple videos and articles arguing this very point and now that Neural mini is out. I read somewhere Kemper as a whole is in trouble. Kempers profiling technology is literally just outdated hell most videos that prove and state the ToneX is better don’t even say it’s the best. The fact is in the capture tech game Kemper may have been one of the first but they are most definitely behind the times. It’s not even opinion go look at Kemper as a company their not doing well.
At my band me and the other guitarist used the Hx Stomp on compact boards for playing live. The Stomp did really a great job, has great routing options and with the stomp it is quite easy to get the sound you like without big effort. Now we both have switched to the Kemper Player because in our opinion it sounds significant better if you have found the right profiles for your sound, which is not always a simple matter. I have no experience regarding the Tone X because for my live rig it is quite important to have some effects in the unit directly. Of course, it's a matter of taste which device you like most and for the customers it is good that there are some competitors on the market.
You mean that they are about all the same level at it depends on what you are doing? Because I'm exactly struggling to choose between the 3 you are saying, and if it's a matter of taste I'd go for the chepest atm (tonex), considering I am not an amp enthusiast, I play pop and I need a wide variety of sounds not needing exceptional quality
@@giobifasoli My personal opinion: The Kemper Player and Tone X are quite equal in terms of amp simulation and profiling. However, Tone X has no effects apart from reverb and noise gate. The Kemper has significantly more effects on board and offers 2 slots for effects before and after the amp. In this respect, it is better positioned than the Tone X. To my ears, the Helix has the slightly worse amp simulation (but still good) but offers more effect models and slots for the effects in a signal path. If you don't need effects and are only interested in amp simulation / amp profiling, I would recommend the Tone X. However, I understood you to mean that you need many different sounds (and therefore probably also effects). In this case, I would recommend the Helix, as it offers many effects and options. But that's just my personal opinion.
To get more authentic, natural Amp sounds from the HX Stomp, and avoid excessively bright/harsh/thin trebles, go to the Cab Block, and turn down the High Cut from the Default (typically 8kHz) to about 5kHz (the actual frequency response of a real Guitar Speaker). The other thing to do is to roll down the Treble Knob on your guitar to about 7 or 8, if you normally keep it on 10. That will help you get some really nice tones without much trouble or having to dial in other parameters. I've had an HX Stomp for a little over 3 years, and get outstanding tones on it now.
I was shocked by how bad the Tone X sounded! It has the harsh digital high end like the waves amp plugins etc. The HX Stomp wasn't too bad but didn't capture the "amp in a room" low end the Kemper did. After hearing these comparisons I'm going to stop listening to the internet and go through with the Kemper. Thanks for the great side by side comparison.
Hi there, I owned the Tonex and the HX Stomp and I have a Kemper Player. In my ears and for my use (Home, Live and Studio) the Kemper is the big winner. Also, the player sounded a lot better with added drive pedals (Timmy, OCD, Fuzz). So far…
I also use the player and the HX Stomp and I totally agree. One Question: Is it in your opinion a great difference if you use real drive pedals instead of the drive effects of the unit? Perhaps I will try to boost it with an TS808.
The Kemper drive pedals ( from the unit) are in my opinion good enough. I like keeping my analog pedals so that I can use them with the Kemper or with an actual amp. Like that, I use the same pedalboard
I own The HX Stomp and the Tonex, I would love to have all in one solution (HX Somp) But my favorites amps are much beter in the Tonex. I thank your video to meke know that I don't need to try the nee Kemper. And hope the sofware keep improving for all users.
Honestly, all by itself not in a mix the kemper sounded the most balanced, the Hx sounding really too bright in your face and the tonex having really no kids (which can be pleasing in a playing alone situation) But have to be honest that kemper sounded good, all the right frequences in all the right places, almost a hifiesque feeling (but again in a mix might be drowned)
Buy the Kemper player. Its made in Germany, high quality, heavy. Milion options, amazing sound, simple setting and user interface. Almost every musician you love uses Kemper nowdays, so why not yourself? If you can't use an actual amp this is the perfect solution. You can have complaints on any device. At least you pay that much money on a German made pedal and not a cheap chinese pedal. Its not like the other pedals cost half. Its like 150$ more.
Well, based on this comparison I see more potential in kemper for a good tone, but i think maybe chosen profiles are not the best and set up different for each box? - Fender Twin: Kemper sounds quite fresh and clean (seems nice to me), HX sounds like old radio - no power, ToneX - prety nice and thick but less sharp (missing some high end maybe) - Brit plexi: Kemper sounds bassy (like recorded with ribon mic), Hx i think is nice here, Tonex sounds a bit to dirty (more gain here? but its ok) - 5150: I like kemper here - more punchy but missing a bit of a sustain (I think maybe have to low gain), Hx have reverb - totally not able to compare it, Tonex sounds like MetalZone here! -Soldano: Here Kemper sounds thinner than HX (so its oposit than before) - it shows that it all depends of chosen profiles and settings. You said that you couldnt connect kemper with mobile app and thats the reason to maybe not get it - sounds like this problem can be solved for sure (other devices even dont have this option). Don't give me wrong, but you sounds like anti Kemper :) All this devices seems quite simillar and price simillar as well. ToneX is almost twice cheaper but have less functions and app maybe not that nice. I'm sure you can get nice tone with all of this boxes.
My experience with Tonex have been great tbh no experience with the kemper I think they all great units if you can’t get a good sound out of one is just user error or the unit is just not for you.
I was a little put off by it at first, but I have found the Tonex works great with drives before and mods and delays after. I even have a drive/boost combo after it, and that works well too with the gain down on the drive - it’s like having a second drive channel of whatever amp I have on the Tonex. I LOVE my Tonex!
@@justsomemincedgarlic It isn't really needed and it keeps the price down. Maybe they will release a $600 model with stereo effects loops just for you, Scooter.
the best option direct is the friedman ir d and some pedals. i work on live gigs and where i live i mostly see kempers and quads. most players get lost with these simulators and waste a lot of time .nothing beats a real amp with real speakers.
@@TheMixWithABD the ir d now is better for most players less gain sweeter fatter tone. it has tubes so it's better than anything without tubes because it has less to emulate .the preamp is like a on a real amp and that's the important part tone wise. tubes give you warmth air realism and presence that nothing else can beat not to mention even order harmonics and a tone that's way more pleasant to the human ear. these computers sent you all to the digital rabbit hole with too many bad options and ways to screw up your tone. explaining why digital sucks is like explaining why mp3 sucks ...a short a/b comparison and some common sense should do the trick...
I have Hx stomp xl that I use for small solo and duo gigs where an amp is not an option. Anything bigger I use a tube amp. I spent hours just to get the Hx to sound usable. Low pass filtering the fizzy highs above 5k was essential. Also hp excessive lows as well. I’ve also used Kemper and others live in things like casino black lines. If I could find something that sounded significantly better I’d buy it but in this demo and from my usage I haven’t heard anything that comes even close to a real amp. It’s like the difference between playing real tennis vs VR tennis. Yea it’s kinda feels the same in some ways but no one would say they are comparable. I see many touring bands are using them which makes sense for consistency and logistical purposes but from my personal experience they don’t feel or sound close to the real thing. Maybe if you have a dedicated sound crew to tweak every parameter and send it through a million dollar sound system it can sound great. I haven’t seen Def Leppard live to compare. But there is a reason AC/DC and Joe Bonamassa, Lukather, etc. and many others known for great tone still put up with the hassle of maintaining an arsenal of tube amps on the road. I think some day amp modelers could replace amps the way digital cameras replaced film but not close yet. And believe me I’d love to have one that sounded as good as my Friedman, Metropolous l, Tone King, etc. would save me $, time, and hassle. But I use both every week and when I go to the gigs with a real amp it’s like, ahhh, that’s what it’s Supposed to sound like, yea. Lol. IMHO.
My opinion is exactly the same as yours. I've owned HX stomp/Helix and had a Kemper Toaster.. In terms of overall feel/Tone the ToneX was by far my personal favourite.. It just felt so much more open/responsive and less boxy/compressed feeling.. People need to take into account that Kemper are still using the same tech they did all those years ago as well, So realistically the ToneX capture software should in theory be better just like the Quad Cortex. Same with the Line 6 Stuff , I much prefer the workflow of the HX stomp but the tones are nowhere near as good as Kemper or ToneX IMO. Lots of high top end fizz and less thump in the low end chugs, Although the layout is fantastic and the effects are way better than the Kempers.. But line 6 products are priced accordingly , You wont feel ripped off buying one of those like i felt when i originally bought my first Kemper. For the cost of a Kemper player new it's just not worth it.. You can literally buy a brand new Tonex and a Used HX stomp or even a HX effects for more or less the same cost of a Kemper player, And use the pair together to unlock endless capabilities. Don't get me wrong the Kemper is great and like in the video there are some really good sounding profiles , But Kemper really need to stop charging so much for their old software now.
I bought the Kemper and the hx together, ended up sending the hx back it was good and has awesome fx, but for amp sounds it’s not even a question that the Kemper sounds better in my opinion
Honestly, to my ears the HX Stomp and ToneX sounded terrible by comparison, Kemper blew them out of the water in terms of tone. It has usability issues they need to fix, but if they can fix its software problems I feel like that's a really solid product.
I have the Tonex software and have used it for engineering and I must be honest, I just can’t get a decent tone out of the thing. I also have a Kemper profiler and I still believe its tones are much better than the tonex. So I guess we just have to agree to disagree there. Although I also didn’t like the profile you chose for this video. There are way better sounding Kemper profiles than the ones you chose for the video. A few companies have made some excellent profiles for the Kemper and I still prefer it for studio recording over ToneX.
@@MrCcfly Many people myself included prefer the kemper, older tech doesn't automatically make it bad, there is a reason they still sell and are one of the main players int he game still. Congrats you liek the Tonex better, doesn't mean everybody else has to as well. I own both and use them both for different reasons.
I don't understand the comments on bad tone on Kemper technology. I have had Tonex and HX Stomp and now I have the Kemper player. IMO Kemper has the best sound. In the video, all the sounds sound crappy and digital which is strange. Maybe it has to do with the audio recording.
GREAT VIDEO!! I am REALLY glad I found this one before just going straight to Kemper Player... I recently got a Blackstar St. James EL34 head and 2x12 exp cabinet - I LOVE the tones on this thing! And their cabinet modeling is really good too! - have you tried out or done a video on Blackstar St. James yet?! CUrious what you'd think reviewing it! THX!! (I subbed!)
Tone X and Kemper player, both have several problems, that Player is conditioned to only 4 effects I don't like... I don't like that Tone X doesn't have a loop, I like it less than having only 4 effects, at the end of the day Player can be used immediately in a rehearsal/stage, with Tone X you need several pedals for the same thing and this increases its price; at the end of the day Tone X needs a revision regarding its functionality more than Kemper Player, this is just an opinion; what I do agree is that Neural could launch a small unit cutting some functions of QC, not at the process level, but in switches and screen, greetings.
The kempers strength comes from the profiles chosen and created by the user. It’s like a blank slate. The down fall is the fact that it does not come with “tones” that are favorable IMO. Also the “rig exchange “ is like sifting through pig shit to find diamonds. It doesn’t take long to realize that bigs don’t produce diamonds. But all those negatives aside. Once you have “your rig” the effects are great the interface is great and the hardware is fantastic. Now maybe there is a steep learning curve with the Bluetooth? I have no idea. In short all of these units are fantastic. But for me the kemper wins hands down because I have a kemper lunch box and can make my one profiles. If I didn’t have the ability to do that I would pick the line 6 hands down. The tone x seems like they are behind the cube and late to the game. Thanks for reading.
with the upgrades ..I'm sold ( even paying for them) my rig would be the Player and a boss fs6 footswitch to have 2 extra foot switches and thats all i need.(upgrade: all kemper effects..4 pre 4 post effects now)..🤘🤨... im mostly hard rock/metal ..but i started with bluesy style back in the day and still like to play that stuff now and then. ( now with all kemper effects..i have the harmonizer like my Kemper rack for Maiden-ish twin leads. ( im so excited..lol) 😂😂 🤘🤨⬅️My tough metal guy look!
I don't like ToneX at all, Line 6 is better than ToneX. Kemper plays the best for me. However, I have heard other profiles that play many times better than what I hear on the demo. My opinion, but I understand that not everyone may like it.
I think the Tone X feels the most like the real amp’s. The Line 6 is starting to feel old in my opinion but I like it more than the Kemper. Neural needs to release a more affordable unit and it’s over for everyone.
I’ve had HX stomp and now have Tonex. Tonex sounds more natural. Tried Kemper Player side by side to the Tonex. Tonex sounded more “open” and natural to me.
I like your honest and sober overview over the current options. It feels like it's all a toss-up. I have two tube amps I love and from which I can coax most sounds I like. I want a digital product that gets the exact tones I know I love because my tube amps are often not welcome anymore (boo). I don't really want 300 half-assed amp models or go through a list of 20000 home-made profiles. I guess I'm an old fart now that has learned to play through loud punchy tube amps, and I find the profiler market as frustrating as it is exciting. I also think that some manufacturers are going the Gilette way of selling a cheap digital device, but hope to recoup costs by selling add-ons and DLC. Caveat emptor. To some extent I prefer the amp for life approach over the never-good-enough digital ecosystem gravy train. I'm afraid this digital world is creating a world of eternal want, and hence eternal unhappiness.
I see no match between kplayer and tonex if the latter does not have any effects included. Sorry but it seems to me the typical attitude of speaking about bananas and apples being compared. Opinionable for the rest, does not convince me not to buy kplayer since I see too much subjective spelling around … kplayer cannot have obviously all of the features of the full stage version, simply because it costs less than half of it…
Imo, the helix is one of the least realistic sounding modelers out there. So even though the hx stomp has more features on paper, I can't get past how bad line 6' modeling is
Tonex is my winner. HX Stomp for people who like to figgle around with hundreds of effects. Anyways Tonex + BOSS ME-90 is probably the best thing I could get for my self. Simple and very versatile.
Seems like all the affordable modelers have their cons. Tonex doesnt have the option to split the outputs to a cab sim and a dry out to go into a power amp. Doesnt have effects or an effects loop. The kemper player doesnt do stereo. Only 4fx and doesnt support midi. The hx stomp can do a lot but is outdated. So we basicly need to throw money to get everything in one package. And what frustrates me the most. Why is kemper the only one that sells a unit with a power amp built in. But doesnt sound good through a normal cab. I dont get why all these brands cant make one simple product that supports every aspect you should get from an amp.
I think tonex was trying to make a different type of product and for the price it is so so killer. They know a lot of people just want their amps in a box. The built in reverb and compressor and options are great. The tone knobs and gain all work well, and you can put your pedals before of after it and it sounds good even without an effects loop. I still think once Neural releases a more affordable option it’s over for everyone else. Unless axe fx gets their pricing down and updates the UX. Hopefully Line 6 has a new helix type modeler in the works, or maybe the helix update 4.0 will be a big one.
@@TheMixWithABD if neural made the qortex with a build in power amp its all what we actually need. Axe fx doesnt even support 3th party midi switchers that doesnt costs an arm
@@kkpiemels3113 The Cortex is so overhyped and overpriced. There are more used Cortexs for sale than any other modeler for a reason. Fractal is aging but still sounds best and I'm sure there new one will wipe the field. I've owned them all and the Fractal is the best then maybe ToneX
@@Jim-v8e overhyped an overpriced? It got more options than the rest. You can actually play with 4 instruments on one unit. Trails of effects keep goin when switching. It takes every midi switcher. Is travel size. Has more processing power. Then theres the future update that you can load up presets. The only reason why people are selling them is the lack of having an editor the last years. And there are non for sale over here
I use the Tone X with a Boss GX 100 and place it in the Boss FX loop. Have to say I’m very impressed with the Tone X. Although I find the a lot of the (paid for) captures done by 3rd party are better than most of the stock ones on the pedal. With regards FRFR I play through the fender FR12 cabinet and think it’s a really great option as opposed to studio monitors. Really interest in the Kemper player but I’m hearing mixed reviews about whether it’s value for money. Enjoyed the video 👍
Please listen to other videos showcasing the profiles, much better sounding quality. Everyone compliments the sound their hearing thru my KEMPER both at rehearsal and live performances. Most guitar players go with KEMPER once they hear mine!
I think you’re absolutely wrong. The helix sounds like absolute shit. The Tonex is okay however do you really think IK are going to support their product for the longevity that Kemper have? UA have pedals but imagine buying them all? Surely that would cost more. I think the Kemper software is a lot more thought out, practical and straight forward. My 3 cents. I like your video and well presented though.:)
Now I love Universal Audio and helix. So I play at home I have the helix plugin and better plugins. Great pedals Universal Audio. So I have for live a Quilter Block UK and I thing sound great. Now I don´t want the Kemper, I wan´t the Universal Audio UAFX OX Stomp Dynamic Speaker. I aprecciate yout honestity. Pick for bassmans, the real sound behind the pick. Cheers
Im a Kemper man, myself. Dont get along with tone x for some reason. I dont mind helix. That said, i really appreciate good, honest reviews with people who arent afraid to state their opinions. Great video my man
well, hx an tonex sucked at plexi/5150. more then kemper. also you had reverb on hx, not fair. think kemper made the best fender clean. love my hx, i keep it as fx, uafx ruby frees hx dsp and blocks for what its best at: delays, modulation. with the ruby all tone tweaking immediateley stoped. hx had me changing amps, eqs, irs....
hmm. maybe give the kemper another try. most people seem to love it. if you do: maybe run the kemper and the tonex with cabs off into the same cab ir on the hx. or vice versa. ore use a ir plugin. just by tweaking the cab i can make hx models sound like a different amp.@@TheMixWithABD
Kemper user here and after all the hype about tonex I couldn’t not buy the tonex one . So far my opinions are . It’s noisy terrible gate ,average comp basic reverb . terrible terrible software , ficking through presets on tone net is a drag compared to kemper So slow and tedious. Has it got decent profiles yes if you spend some time looking . Kemper is a much more professional unit software is great everything is stable . Yes it’s old but so is a lexicon , eventide ect . Pro’s are it’s not ten times the price and fit’s in your pocket . I am going to give it a go at a rehearsal and see how it goes hopefully the noise isn’t too much of a problem. I think they’ll probably get there act together software wise at some point but atm is clunky af . All that said it could sit a the end of a board with some nice pedals with one or two amp sounds a do a great job although I haven’t tried that yet . The only reason you would get rid of your kemper for one of these is if you ran into financial difficulties.
Seriously? I brought all of those highly recommended pedals and quess what .. I need more cowbel... Just kidding... Kemper was kept home and rest just fly away. I don't know how ANY professional player can compare K to HxS... This is just YT madness...
Kemper and Tonex are Capture Players, they do not in and of themselves have a sound per sè, its all about the IR Captures. Good IR Capture, Good Sound... Bad IR Capture, Bad Sound... 300$ Kemper Upgrade? Id rather buy a loaf of bread... Kemper Software looks like Windows 3.1, lol...
I had a TONEX for two days. It's back in the store where it belongs. Nothing sounds better than a Kemper. Period. It's all about the sound, isn't it?...So, Kemper.
The Kemper player is a less capable, more expensive option, than established competition. Most major retailers are selling the HX Stomp for $50 less right now. And Line 6 is charging for updates. Kemper's plan to sell features that should've been baked in render this new product dead on arrival.
Yea I was very surprised after everything I’ve seen and heard from kempers. When I plugged it in I was shocked at how “okay” it sounds. I know you can find good profiles. But the line 6 and tone x sound better out of the box.
Tonex sounds better of the 3 Kemper didn't sound as good as I thought it and the Helix just didn't sound open enough more muddy of the 3 with Kemper running a close 2nd. Also the Tonex is only $400...if Kemper comes with a upgrade that'll model the amps more precisely I would go with it but Tonex would come 1st
sory, but all three sound terrible, 😮but I personally think that the camper is a class above sory, but all three sound terrible, but I personally think that the kemper is a class above📣
Must admit kemper sounded like a true amp in the room… the lows were exactly there
The problem with this video is that he didn't compare kemper captures of the same amp literal amp. It was a stock tonex vs stock kemper. And I'd agree that kemper does a better job at their stock options. You have to use tonet for tonex to get really good captures. Everyone knows the stock tonex captures suck. If you do a deeper dive, look into null tests. The tonex wipes the floor of the kemper. It uses AI to model and capture the sound as opposed to 13 year technology. Basically, if you capture your own amps, the tonex does an objectively better job.
Theres evidence Kemper cannot capture the full frequencies as good as Tonex.
Kemper is old technology, of course newer products are gonna be more accurate.
Kemper fanboys needs to give up at some point and admit its not longer the best player in the game.
I used to have Kemper, so I know. I was on the Kemper forum and provided my own evidence that the Kemper capture is not super accurate, and the forum people were super offended by it.
Great....then why not just get a real amp ?
@@tunnelportterror Digital amps are a more practical solution since you can play them silent if needed, and much lighter and smaller to carry around :) and less prone to failure if you drop it that might break a tube or other components
I took my Tonex back to shop. Had same buzzing and humming problem as heard on this video.
Kemper is the best tone around…period! I own Helix Stomp, and returned the Tonex because the tone doesn’t even compare… I own all the Kempers, and have the player coming as I speak. Tone is the most important thing in any of these units, and, Kemper gets it right! The Tonex isn’t even the same kind of pedal at all…just tone, EQ, and reverb…
I agree
Your literally the only person I know to say this. It’s universally agreed Kemper sounds waaaay worse than the ToneX
Is it worth to change the hx stomp to kemper stage?
@@KeikoVonTroththat’s definitely not true. Tonex has a lot of online fanboys but Kemper are still seen in many touring rigs, especially in heavier styles. If you get a good profile then there is nothing that sounds and (more importantly) feels as good as the Kemper. Fractal is probably my overall favourite, but Kemper for amps do sound incredible if you get a good profile.
@@PudWud1 there is literally multiple videos and articles arguing this very point and now that Neural mini is out. I read somewhere Kemper as a whole is in trouble. Kempers profiling technology is literally just outdated hell most videos that prove and state the ToneX is better don’t even say it’s the best. The fact is in the capture tech game Kemper may have been one of the first but they are most definitely behind the times. It’s not even opinion go look at Kemper as a company their not doing well.
At my band me and the other guitarist used the Hx Stomp on compact boards for playing live. The Stomp did really a great job, has great routing options and with the stomp it is quite easy to get the sound you like without big effort. Now we both have switched to the Kemper Player because in our opinion it sounds significant better if you have found the right profiles for your sound, which is not always a simple matter. I have no experience regarding the Tone X because for my live rig it is quite important to have some effects in the unit directly. Of course, it's a matter of taste which device you like most and for the customers it is good that there are some competitors on the market.
You mean that they are about all the same level at it depends on what you are doing? Because I'm exactly struggling to choose between the 3 you are saying, and if it's a matter of taste I'd go for the chepest atm (tonex), considering I am not an amp enthusiast, I play pop and I need a wide variety of sounds not needing exceptional quality
@@giobifasoli My personal opinion: The Kemper Player and Tone X are quite equal in terms of amp simulation and profiling. However, Tone X has no effects apart from reverb and noise gate. The Kemper has significantly more effects on board and offers 2 slots for effects before and after the amp. In this respect, it is better positioned than the Tone X. To my ears, the Helix has the slightly worse amp simulation (but still good) but offers more effect models and slots for the effects in a signal path. If you don't need effects and are only interested in amp simulation / amp profiling, I would recommend the Tone X. However, I understood you to mean that you need many different sounds (and therefore probably also effects). In this case, I would recommend the Helix, as it offers many effects and options. But that's just my personal opinion.
@@mgnanheim2282 fior the modulation I'm using TC electronic plethora 3 and I'm fine with it, I could chain the 2
To get more authentic, natural Amp sounds from the HX Stomp, and avoid excessively bright/harsh/thin trebles, go to the Cab Block, and turn down the High Cut from the Default (typically 8kHz) to about 5kHz (the actual frequency response of a real Guitar Speaker). The other thing to do is to roll down the Treble Knob on your guitar to about 7 or 8, if you normally keep it on 10. That will help you get some really nice tones without much trouble or having to dial in other parameters. I've had an HX Stomp for a little over 3 years, and get outstanding tones on it now.
I was shocked by how bad the Tone X sounded! It has the harsh digital high end like the waves amp plugins etc. The HX Stomp wasn't too bad but didn't capture the "amp in a room" low end the Kemper did. After hearing these comparisons I'm going to stop listening to the internet and go through with the Kemper. Thanks for the great side by side comparison.
Hi there, I owned the Tonex and the HX Stomp and I have a Kemper Player. In my ears and for my use (Home, Live and Studio) the Kemper is the big winner. Also, the player sounded a lot better with added drive pedals (Timmy, OCD, Fuzz). So far…
I also use the player and the HX Stomp and I totally agree. One Question: Is it in your opinion a great difference if you use real drive pedals instead of the drive effects of the unit? Perhaps I will try to boost it with an TS808.
The Kemper drive pedals ( from the unit) are in my opinion good enough. I like keeping my analog pedals so that I can use them with the Kemper or with an actual amp. Like that, I use the same pedalboard
I prefer the Kemper Player. The Rig Manager via smartphone is awesome
5:31 Click on the 9 white squares under the word EDIT in HX Software
to get Full Sized Amp Previews... uh... duh!
@@funnycattzz I no know dat
The sound depends on the quality of the profile you use, so it’s difficult to make a real comparison when the profiles come from different sources.
Whenever I see new products with the oldest USB ports it makes me wonder where else they cut corners and used cheaper components.
It’s very annoying
I own The HX Stomp and the Tonex, I would love to have all in one solution (HX Somp) But my favorites amps are much beter in the Tonex. I thank your video to meke know that I don't need to try the nee Kemper. And hope the sofware keep improving for all users.
Honestly, all by itself not in a mix the kemper sounded the most balanced, the Hx sounding really too bright in your face and the tonex having really no kids (which can be pleasing in a playing alone situation)
But have to be honest that kemper sounded good, all the right frequences in all the right places, almost a hifiesque feeling (but again in a mix might be drowned)
Edit : instead of the tonex really having no kids, please read no mids instead of kids, f'in autocorrect ...
Buy the Kemper player. Its made in Germany, high quality, heavy. Milion options, amazing sound, simple setting and user interface. Almost every musician you love uses Kemper nowdays, so why not yourself? If you can't use an actual amp this is the perfect solution. You can have complaints on any device. At least you pay that much money on a German made pedal and not a cheap chinese pedal. Its not like the other pedals cost half. Its like 150$ more.
Except the Tonex is made in Italy…
@@giovanisarfati6304 and if when they make fx it will eat and put end of rest .... but dumdums did not include fx ,,,grrr
Love the video. Straightforward, no youtube kids style hype, etc. Thank you.
Im a tonex guy. Was curious about the kemper.
LOVE MY KEMPER PLAYER !!!
I think it’s great! Just an angle for the video really. Pointing out other options. The Kemper is still killer.
Well, based on this comparison I see more potential in kemper for a good tone, but i think maybe chosen profiles are not the best and set up different for each box?
- Fender Twin: Kemper sounds quite fresh and clean (seems nice to me), HX sounds like old radio - no power, ToneX - prety nice and thick but less sharp (missing some high end maybe)
- Brit plexi: Kemper sounds bassy (like recorded with ribon mic), Hx i think is nice here, Tonex sounds a bit to dirty (more gain here? but its ok)
- 5150: I like kemper here - more punchy but missing a bit of a sustain (I think maybe have to low gain), Hx have reverb - totally not able to compare it, Tonex sounds like MetalZone here!
-Soldano: Here Kemper sounds thinner than HX (so its oposit than before) - it shows that it all depends of chosen profiles and settings.
You said that you couldnt connect kemper with mobile app and thats the reason to maybe not get it - sounds like this problem can be solved for sure (other devices even dont have this option).
Don't give me wrong, but you sounds like anti Kemper :)
All this devices seems quite simillar and price simillar as well. ToneX is almost twice cheaper but have less functions and app maybe not that nice. I'm sure you can get nice tone with all of this boxes.
I really don’t dislike the Kemper as much as portrayed in this video. Really appreciate you watching and your analysis
Its ok, nice video. @@TheMixWithABD
Agree with you, I think we are the only 2 persons with ears in this section 😂
I have the Kemper player and am really enjoying it. Sounds great and I could discard most of my pedalboard.
My experience with Tonex have been great tbh no experience with the kemper I think they all great units if you can’t get a good sound out of one is just user error or the unit is just not for you.
I don't think the ToneX needs an effects loop at all.
I agree
I was a little put off by it at first, but I have found the Tonex works great with drives before and mods and delays after. I even have a drive/boost combo after it, and that works well too with the gain down on the drive - it’s like having a second drive channel of whatever amp I have on the Tonex. I LOVE my Tonex!
Yeah I love when manufacturers leave out simple features because I personally don’t use them.
@@justsomemincedgarlic It isn't really needed and it keeps the price down. Maybe they will release a $600 model with stereo effects loops just for you, Scooter.
Quality video. Keep it up! Cheers.
the best option direct is the friedman ir d and some pedals. i work on live gigs and where i live i mostly see kempers and quads. most players get lost with these simulators and waste a lot of time .nothing beats a real amp with real speakers.
Or. How about a model of the IR X on the tonex? I added one to my library and it sounds great.
@@TheMixWithABD I love my Friedman IR-X. Considering an HX stomp just for the effects and headphone out. IR-X -> HX Stomp
@@TheMixWithABD the ir d now is better for most players less gain sweeter fatter tone. it has tubes so it's better than anything without tubes because it has less to emulate .the preamp is like a on a real amp and that's the important part tone wise. tubes give you warmth air realism and presence that nothing else can beat not to mention even order harmonics and a tone that's way more pleasant to the human ear. these computers sent you all to the digital rabbit hole with too many bad options and ways to screw up your tone. explaining why digital sucks is like explaining why mp3 sucks ...a short a/b comparison and some common sense should do the trick...
I have Hx stomp xl that I use for small solo and duo gigs where an amp is not an option. Anything bigger I use a tube amp. I spent hours just to get the Hx to sound usable. Low pass filtering the fizzy highs above 5k was essential. Also hp excessive lows as well. I’ve also used Kemper and others live in things like casino black lines. If I could find something that sounded significantly better I’d buy it but in this demo and from my usage I haven’t heard anything that comes even close to a real amp. It’s like the difference between playing real tennis vs VR tennis. Yea it’s kinda feels the same in some ways but no one would say they are comparable. I see many touring bands are using them which makes sense for consistency and logistical purposes but from my personal experience they don’t feel or sound close to the real thing. Maybe if you have a dedicated sound crew to tweak every parameter and send it through a million dollar sound system it can sound great. I haven’t seen Def Leppard live to compare. But there is a reason AC/DC and Joe Bonamassa, Lukather, etc. and many others known for great tone still put up with the hassle of maintaining an arsenal of tube amps on the road. I think some day amp modelers could replace amps the way digital cameras replaced film but not close yet. And believe me I’d love to have one that sounded as good as my Friedman, Metropolous l, Tone King, etc. would save me $, time, and hassle. But I use both every week and when I go to the gigs with a real amp it’s like, ahhh, that’s what it’s Supposed to sound like, yea. Lol. IMHO.
It would be interesting another video comparison but with the sames IR´s.
My opinion is exactly the same as yours. I've owned HX stomp/Helix and had a Kemper Toaster.. In terms of overall feel/Tone the ToneX was by far my personal favourite.. It just felt so much more open/responsive and less boxy/compressed feeling..
People need to take into account that Kemper are still using the same tech they did all those years ago as well, So realistically the ToneX capture software should in theory be better just like the Quad Cortex.
Same with the Line 6 Stuff , I much prefer the workflow of the HX stomp but the tones are nowhere near as good as Kemper or ToneX IMO. Lots of high top end fizz and less thump in the low end chugs, Although the layout is fantastic and the effects are way better than the Kempers.. But line 6 products are priced accordingly , You wont feel ripped off buying one of those like i felt when i originally bought my first Kemper.
For the cost of a Kemper player new it's just not worth it.. You can literally buy a brand new Tonex and a Used HX stomp or even a HX effects for more or less the same cost of a Kemper player, And use the pair together to unlock endless capabilities.
Don't get me wrong the Kemper is great and like in the video there are some really good sounding profiles , But Kemper really need to stop charging so much for their old software now.
"Ultra voltron kinda thing"! That had me cracking up. LOL
I bought the Kemper and the hx together, ended up sending the hx back it was good and has awesome fx, but for amp sounds it’s not even a question that the Kemper sounds better in my opinion
Honestly, to my ears the HX Stomp and ToneX sounded terrible by comparison, Kemper blew them out of the water in terms of tone. It has usability issues they need to fix, but if they can fix its software problems I feel like that's a really solid product.
MixWithABD You keep confusing XLR for TRS and TS for TRS.
Those Stereo Outs are TS not TRS.
I have the Tonex software and have used it for engineering and I must be honest, I just can’t get a decent tone out of the thing. I also have a Kemper profiler and I still believe its tones are much better than the tonex. So I guess we just have to agree to disagree there. Although I also didn’t like the profile you chose for this video. There are way better sounding Kemper profiles than the ones you chose for the video. A few companies have made some excellent profiles for the Kemper and I still prefer it for studio recording over ToneX.
stop lie to self kemper is old dated tech and even on sound level tonex is better ,and nam way better so ...
Yes this is the correct answer, I read x posts where people were happy to return to the Kemper after trying everything around. Kemper is king..
@@VladoBelo lol maybe 10years ago ...
@@MrCcfly Many people myself included prefer the kemper, older tech doesn't automatically make it bad, there is a reason they still sell and are one of the main players int he game still. Congrats you liek the Tonex better, doesn't mean everybody else has to as well. I own both and use them both for different reasons.
I don't understand the comments on bad tone on Kemper technology. I have had Tonex and HX Stomp and now I have the Kemper player. IMO Kemper has the best sound. In the video, all the sounds sound crappy and digital which is strange. Maybe it has to do with the audio recording.
GREAT VIDEO!! I am REALLY glad I found this one before just going straight to Kemper Player... I recently got a Blackstar St. James EL34 head and 2x12 exp cabinet - I LOVE the tones on this thing! And their cabinet modeling is really good too! - have you tried out or done a video on Blackstar St. James yet?! CUrious what you'd think reviewing it! THX!! (I subbed!)
The kemper tones I thought were pretty damn good - but the HX stomp - I liked a LOT as well!
Tone X and Kemper player, both have several problems, that Player is conditioned to only 4 effects I don't like... I don't like that Tone X doesn't have a loop, I like it less than having only 4 effects, at the end of the day Player can be used immediately in a rehearsal/stage, with Tone X you need several pedals for the same thing and this increases its price; at the end of the day Tone X needs a revision regarding its functionality more than Kemper Player, this is just an opinion; what I do agree is that Neural could launch a small unit cutting some functions of QC, not at the process level, but in switches and screen, greetings.
For me the Kemper sounds better! Hx Stomp was close. I really didn’t like the Tonex.
The kempers strength comes from the profiles chosen and created by the user. It’s like a blank slate. The down fall is the fact that it does not come with “tones” that are favorable IMO. Also the “rig exchange “ is like sifting through pig shit to find diamonds. It doesn’t take long to realize that bigs don’t produce diamonds. But all those negatives aside. Once you have “your rig” the effects are great the interface is great and the hardware is fantastic. Now maybe there is a steep learning curve with the Bluetooth? I have no idea. In short all of these units are fantastic. But for me the kemper wins hands down because I have a kemper lunch box and can make my one profiles. If I didn’t have the ability to do that I would pick the line 6 hands down. The tone x seems like they are behind the cube and late to the game. Thanks for reading.
with the upgrades ..I'm sold ( even paying for them) my rig would be the Player and a boss fs6 footswitch to have 2 extra foot switches and thats all i need.(upgrade: all kemper effects..4 pre 4 post effects now)..🤘🤨... im mostly hard rock/metal ..but i started with bluesy style back in the day and still like to play that stuff now and then. ( now with all kemper effects..i have the harmonizer like my Kemper rack for Maiden-ish twin leads. ( im so excited..lol)
😂😂 🤘🤨⬅️My tough metal guy look!
I don't like ToneX at all, Line 6 is better than ToneX. Kemper plays the best for me. However, I have heard other profiles that play many times better than what I hear on the demo. My opinion, but I understand that not everyone may like it.
Same here dude..
I think the Tone X feels the most like the real amp’s. The Line 6 is starting to feel old in my opinion but I like it more than the Kemper. Neural needs to release a more affordable unit and it’s over for everyone.
I absolutely agree
I’ve had HX stomp and now have Tonex. Tonex sounds more natural. Tried Kemper Player side by side to the Tonex. Tonex sounded more “open” and natural to me.
the kemper sounded thinner than the other 2...
None of these units have been demod threw a pa mixing desk
I like your honest and sober overview over the current options. It feels like it's all a toss-up.
I have two tube amps I love and from which I can coax most sounds I like. I want a digital product that gets the exact tones I know I love because my tube amps are often not welcome anymore (boo). I don't really want 300 half-assed amp models or go through a list of 20000 home-made profiles. I guess I'm an old fart now that has learned to play through loud punchy tube amps, and I find the profiler market as frustrating as it is exciting. I also think that some manufacturers are going the Gilette way of selling a cheap digital device, but hope to recoup costs by selling add-ons and DLC. Caveat emptor. To some extent I prefer the amp for life approach over the never-good-enough digital ecosystem gravy train. I'm afraid this digital world is creating a world of eternal want, and hence eternal unhappiness.
I see no match between kplayer and tonex if the latter does not have any effects included. Sorry but it seems to me the typical attitude of speaking about bananas and apples being compared. Opinionable for the rest, does not convince me not to buy kplayer since I see too much subjective spelling around … kplayer cannot have obviously all of the features of the full stage version, simply because it costs less than half of it…
Awesome video! Just found your channel. I am excited to see where it will go and how it will evolve over time 🤘
Imo, the helix is one of the least realistic sounding modelers out there. So even though the hx stomp has more features on paper, I can't get past how bad line 6' modeling is
I feel like it’s the most designed to sound good in a mix rather than feel like real amps.
The Kemper seems to have an even worse user interface than the Tonex pedal, which is pretty hard to believe. 😕
I think the Tone X interface is pretty great. They just released a big 1.5 update that seems to fix the issues. Video on that soon
@@TheMixWithABD Cool, but I'm talking about the pedal. It's like trying to program a VHS player.
Tonex is my winner. HX Stomp for people who like to figgle around with hundreds of effects. Anyways Tonex + BOSS ME-90 is probably the best thing I could get for my self. Simple and very versatile.
Seems like all the affordable modelers have their cons. Tonex doesnt have the option to split the outputs to a cab sim and a dry out to go into a power amp. Doesnt have effects or an effects loop.
The kemper player doesnt do stereo. Only 4fx and doesnt support midi.
The hx stomp can do a lot but is outdated.
So we basicly need to throw money to get everything in one package.
And what frustrates me the most. Why is kemper the only one that sells a unit with a power amp built in. But doesnt sound good through a normal cab.
I dont get why all these brands cant make one simple product that supports every aspect you should get from an amp.
I think tonex was trying to make a different type of product and for the price it is so so killer. They know a lot of people just want their amps in a box. The built in reverb and compressor and options are great. The tone knobs and gain all work well, and you can put your pedals before of after it and it sounds good even without an effects loop. I still think once Neural releases a more affordable option it’s over for everyone else. Unless axe fx gets their pricing down and updates the UX. Hopefully Line 6 has a new helix type modeler in the works, or maybe the helix update 4.0 will be a big one.
@@TheMixWithABD if neural made the qortex with a build in power amp its all what we actually need. Axe fx doesnt even support 3th party midi switchers that doesnt costs an arm
@@kkpiemels3113 The Cortex is so overhyped and overpriced. There are more used Cortexs for sale than any other modeler for a reason. Fractal is aging but still sounds best and I'm sure there new one will wipe the field. I've owned them all and the Fractal is the best then maybe ToneX
@@Jim-v8e overhyped an overpriced? It got more options than the rest. You can actually play with 4 instruments on one unit. Trails of effects keep goin when switching.
It takes every midi switcher. Is travel size. Has more processing power.
Then theres the future update that you can load up presets.
The only reason why people are selling them is the lack of having an editor the last years.
And there are non for sale over here
@@Jim-v8e Must be a US thing because a used cortex is almost impossible to find in Canada.
Tonex sound, to me, like a real amp. HX second
I use the Tone X with a Boss GX 100 and place it in the Boss FX loop. Have to say I’m very impressed with the Tone X.
Although I find the a lot of the (paid for) captures done by 3rd party are better than most of the stock ones on the pedal.
With regards FRFR I play through the fender FR12 cabinet and think it’s a really great option as opposed to studio monitors.
Really interest in the Kemper player but I’m hearing mixed reviews about whether it’s value for money. Enjoyed the video 👍
Please listen to other videos showcasing the profiles, much better sounding quality. Everyone compliments the sound their hearing thru my KEMPER both at rehearsal and live performances. Most guitar players go with KEMPER once they hear mine!
I think you’re absolutely wrong. The helix sounds like absolute shit. The Tonex is okay however do you really think IK are going to support their product for the longevity that Kemper have? UA have pedals but imagine buying them all? Surely that would cost more.
I think the Kemper software is a lot more thought out, practical and straight forward.
My 3 cents.
I like your video and well presented though.:)
Thanks for watching!
kemper sounds the best- the stage or toaster are truly the best- tonex has no gain without external booset and hx stomp sounds good
Come on guys... I heard Boss ME70 sounds good in live stages, bougth it and taste it yourself
The Kemper sound is WAY better, by far.
Tonex is the best
Now I love Universal Audio and helix. So I play at home I have the helix plugin and better plugins. Great pedals Universal Audio. So I have for live a Quilter Block UK and I thing sound great. Now I don´t want the Kemper, I wan´t the Universal Audio UAFX OX Stomp Dynamic Speaker. I aprecciate yout honestity. Pick for bassmans, the real sound behind the pick. Cheers
Im a Kemper man, myself. Dont get along with tone x for some reason. I dont mind helix. That said, i really appreciate good, honest reviews with people who arent afraid to state their opinions.
Great video my man
Thank you.
Suara tonex di software berbeda dengan suara di pedals
well, hx an tonex sucked at plexi/5150. more then kemper. also you had reverb on hx, not fair. think kemper made the best fender clean. love my hx, i keep it as fx, uafx ruby frees hx dsp and blocks for what its best at: delays, modulation. with the ruby all tone tweaking immediateley stoped. hx had me changing amps, eqs, irs....
Reverb was on for tonex too. That was my bad.
hmm. maybe give the kemper another try. most people seem to love it.
if you do: maybe run the kemper and the tonex with cabs off into the same cab ir on the hx. or vice versa. ore use a ir plugin. just by tweaking the cab i can make hx models sound like a different amp.@@TheMixWithABD
Twin on Kemper sounds the best, HX Stomp sounds weak and thin I think
Kemper user here and after all the hype about tonex I couldn’t not buy the tonex one . So far my opinions are . It’s noisy terrible gate ,average comp basic reverb . terrible terrible software , ficking through presets on tone net is a drag compared to kemper So slow and tedious. Has it got decent profiles yes if you spend some time looking . Kemper is a much more professional unit software is great everything is stable . Yes it’s old but so is a lexicon , eventide ect . Pro’s are it’s not ten times the price and fit’s in your pocket . I am going to give it a go at a rehearsal and see how it goes hopefully the noise isn’t too much of a problem. I think they’ll probably get there act together software wise at some point but atm is clunky af . All that said it could sit a the end of a board with some nice pedals with one or two amp sounds a do a great job although I haven’t tried that yet . The only reason you would get rid of your kemper for one of these is if you ran into financial difficulties.
Kemper sounds amazing!
Honestly I think they all sound killer
Seriously? I brought all of those highly recommended pedals and quess what
.. I need more cowbel... Just kidding... Kemper was kept home and rest just fly away. I don't know how ANY professional player can compare K to HxS... This is just YT madness...
@@momomo12347 I’m definitely playing it up and tongue and cheek, these are all great options
You said “especially” like “expecially”
Thanks daddy sorry I’ll be better
Very cool!.
To me it all sounds like digital fizz. Give me the real thing!
It doesn't sound like high gain tones have improved much at all in this tech. To me it also sounds very much artificial.
Thanks a lot for the Video. Now i will buy the Tone X. The Sound from the Kemper is terrible and this for so mouch Money
I love mine.
I just sold a Tonex. You can get some decent sounds if you really work at it but the overall product is pretty trash. The software is atrocious.
Puki co za późno właśnie kupiłem jak na razie jestem zadowolony na moje skromne potrzeby to i tak za dużo a brzmi przepięknie
Kemper to nadal świetny produkt. W większości potrzebowałem tylko odpowiedniego kąta, aby film mógł zwiększyć zaangażowanie
Thr screen on hx is to small
Kemper and Tonex are Capture Players, they do not in and of themselves have a sound per sè, its all about the IR Captures.
Good IR Capture, Good Sound... Bad IR Capture, Bad Sound...
300$ Kemper Upgrade? Id rather buy a loaf of bread...
Kemper Software looks like Windows 3.1, lol...
I had a TONEX for two days. It's back in the store where it belongs. Nothing sounds better than a Kemper. Period. It's all about the sound, isn't it?...So, Kemper.
Teddy Fresh!
Kemper still the best sound
Two Notes Opus
As long as boomers continue to infest the earth, Kemper will always have a customer base.
Lit them up
Kemper sounds better
Kemper needs a Kemper 2
The profiling quality is not longer competitive versus Tonex and other modern alterantives
Tonex sounds better
The Kemper player is a less capable, more expensive option, than established competition. Most major retailers are selling the HX Stomp for $50 less right now. And Line 6 is charging for updates. Kemper's plan to sell features that should've been baked in render this new product dead on arrival.
Kemper is the best
Wow the 5150 kemper profile sounds nothing like a 5150. The kemper was easily my least favored.
Really depends on the profile, If you have somewhat experience with creating tones, it’s worth it to profile with the big kemper.
I'd honestly just use an amp sim vst at the point.
Awesome video. I am extremely surprised. Based on this comparison the Kemper does not sound good. It feels very unlike them.
Yea I was very surprised after everything I’ve seen and heard from kempers. When I plugged it in I was shocked at how “okay” it sounds. I know you can find good profiles. But the line 6 and tone x sound better out of the box.
Tonex sounds better of the 3 Kemper didn't sound as good as I thought it and the Helix just didn't sound open enough more muddy of the 3 with Kemper running a close 2nd. Also the Tonex is only $400...if Kemper comes with a upgrade that'll model the amps more precisely I would go with it but Tonex would come 1st
sory, but all three sound terrible, 😮but I personally think that the camper is a class above sory, but all three sound terrible, but I personally think that the kemper is a class above📣