Kemper Profiler
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The Kemper Profiler is a digital amp modeling and multi-effects product line for electric guitar and bass from German brand Kemper. The amp line pioneered "profiling," also known as "capturing," a combination of hardware and software that allows users to create digital versions of their own amplifier, cabinet, and microphone setup, instead of relying entirely on models pre-programmed by a traditional modeler's manufacturer.[1][2]
History
[edit]Cristoph Kemper, inventor of the Access Virus synthesizer, turned to developing guitar products in 2006,[3] feeling that, while digital modelers were already being produced by other companies, guitarists were not satisfied with the technology in a way that Kemper could change. To this end, Kemper developed "profiling" technology—whereas traditional modelers offer users digital amp simulations programmed in-house, profilers give users the ability to create digital "snapshots" of their own amplifier, effects, and microphone setup,[2][3] as well as share profiles with other users online.[1]
The company debuted the Profiler at the 2011 NAMM Show; it came in both head and rack formats, with a floorboard known as the Profiler Remote to control it. The 600-watt Profiler is characterized by a green metal chassis with grey front panels and features a wide array of physical controls compared to traditional modelers.[1] Guitar World later wrote that the Profiler had been polarizing upon its release, but that Kemper had significantly improved its software over time.[4] Music Radar dubbed Kemper's profiling technology "game-changing" and added that the Profiler had become an industry standard.[5]
Kemper has expanded the Profiler line with multiple subsequent releases, such as the floorboard-format Profiler Stage,[6] and stompbox-format Profiler Player.[7]
Functionality
[edit]The Profiler works by sending white noise at different frequencies into the target amplifier's input—this white noise is designed to test aspects of the amp and its speaker cabinet—before it's fed back into the Profiler for analysis via a microphone placed against the cabinet and connected back to the Profiler.[8] Once the basic profile is complete, a user can fine-tune it using the Profiler's control panel, with the ability to alter qualities like compression, power amp sag, and pick attack. This results in what Kemper describes as a "fingerprint" of the target amp.[9] Profiles are saved on-board and can be combined with pre-programmed effects. For live use, the Profiler has both multiple XLR and 1/4" outputs, as well as MIDI and 1/4" jacks for use with foot controllers to switch between profiles.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Kemper Profiler Head Review". guitar.com. Guitar Magazine. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
- ^ a b Kraftman, Tamzin. "Kemper will introduce new 'Liquid Profiling' tech to its amplifiers". guitar.com. Guitar Magazine. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
- ^ a b Chopik, Ivan. "NAMM 2014: Christoph Kemper Interview (Kemper Profiling Amplifier)". guitarmessenger.com. Guitar Messenger. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
- ^ Guppy, Nick. ""The professionally recorded Profiles are highly authentic and augmented with quality effects": Kemper Profiler Player review". guitarworld.com. Guitar World. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
- ^ Blenkinsop, Richard. "Best pedal amps 2025: Get the sound, feel and response of an amp, all on your pedalboard". musicradar.com. Music Radar. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
- ^ "Kemper Profiler Stage review". musicradar.com. Music Radar. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
- ^ Roberts, Rachel. "Kemper unveils Profiler Player stompbox offering its amp modelling capabilities and over 100 effects". guitar.com. Guitar Magazine. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
- ^ a b Wagner, Jordan. "Kemper Profiling Amplifier Review". premierguitar.com. Premier Guitar. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ Vinnicombe, Chris. "Kemper Profiling Amp review". musicradar.com. Music Radar. Retrieved 27 February 2025.