jasonwb007
Inspired
One minor comment...I've had software upgrade issues many versions ago, but that seems to have disappeared. No issues recently. Also, Fractal maintains a very nice library of patches, plus there are tons of pros using it.
Well the discussion at Kemper forums went south in a hurry. A few guys there did not like the fact that I chose the way I chose, brought out the accusations and insults, then a mod closed the thread. Pretty sad. There are a few users over there that are really class acts and really sought to help. A few others...not so much. Ironically, those same guys complained about trolls on the Fractal forums and then proceeded to destroy the thread over there with their own attacks and arguing and nonsense. Because I didn't choose the KPA, they claimed I just baited folks over there. Someone more level-headed pointed out that, even assuming I was doing that, what would it accomplish? It just doesn't make sense. And then they jumped all over him too. LOL. Wow.
I'll be honest, you have made an incredibly large impression on both forums! It's really funny how easily these things can get out of hand so quickly. It should never have to get to this level just because one person is looking for some advice on a product. You would think we were all discussing the future of global warming!
I obviously have no idea how Ax8 + KPA would work, but when I tried to use the Axe II & KPA together the results were TERRIBLE. Definitely far less than the sum of their parts in that case. I'm not sure which unit was to blame, neither or both really. Fighting levels to prevent clipping was either next to impossible or forced me to run my PA a lot harder than I would've liked - and still only have about the same 'umph' as a 20w head through a 2x12 cab, max.
Maybe the real reason why you get slaughtered, is because you didn't join the fanboy choir singing "the Kemper is so much better, it's like the real amp, and the Axe is a lifeless modeller sounding 2D" ? :mrgreenAgreed, but I do get it. People get very emotionally invested in whatever products/platforms/whatever they have chosen, and whenever they feel anyone is criticizing it, they get very defensive. What's puzzling to me is that even when others don't actually criticize it (my "review" of both units was glowing), they still get upset and somehow convince themselves that you hated it and criticized every aspect of it. It's like they want someone to hate their chosen product just so they have a reason to argue and to justify what they chose. And at that point you have to ask, "Who are you trying to convince?"
Well the discussion at Kemper forums went south in a hurry. A few guys there did not like the fact that I chose the way I chose, brought out the accusations and insults, then a mod closed the thread. Pretty sad. There are a few users over there that are really class acts and really sought to help. A few others...not so much. Ironically, those same guys complained about trolls on the Fractal forums and then proceeded to destroy the thread over there with their own attacks and arguing and nonsense. Because I didn't choose the KPA, they claimed I just baited folks over there. Someone more level-headed pointed out that, even assuming I was doing that, what would it accomplish? It just doesn't make sense. And then they jumped all over him too. LOL. Wow.
I said I was not going to post my "findings" from our get together and I'm going to stick with that.
I'll say this. Mbrown3 is a class act and is honestly looking for the best solution to meet his needs. We had a lot of fun playing both units and I really enjoyed the opportunity to give the Kemper a spin. His comments and observations as he played both units revealed that he has a very good ear and knows what he's looking for tonally.
Too bad he lives way on the opposite side of Columbus or I could see us becoming good friends and hanging out playing guitars quite a bit. I have nothing to gain regardless what he ultimately chooses to use and wish him the best in his gear quest. Anyone suspecting that his motives are anything other than looking for the best solution to meet his needs has never met the man and is making huge assumptions.
Maybe the real reason why you get slaughtered, is because you didn't join the fanboy choir singing "the Kemper is so much better, it's like the real amp, and the Axe is a lifeless modeller sounding 2D" ? :mrgreen
What's important is that you were able to test both processors in good conditions and make the choice that suits you. And you, and only you, should care about what you chose to use. Incidentally, your findings mirrors my first impressions of the KPA, back in 2013. My impressions evolved since, as the Axe has got better, but whatever, both platforms are equally apt... at producing good sounds in competent hands, and terrible sounds in bad hands :mrgreen
Btw I quite liked the Tills Recto 2 profile you mention too, it definitely one of the best clean KPA profiles. I was going to tonematch it, then I played my own main clean preset... and didn't bother doing it, lol. When you'll have your own Axe, don't underestimate the importance of user IRs for cleans too !
Looking at the thread over on the KPA forum it seems that you received some very level headed advice and opinions. And then of course you had to weed through the few that felt the need to belittle you and add little or nothing to the actual topic at hand. Sadly, on all forums they can be the most vocal and it can be very frustrating at the very least. That LightSpeeder guy has some real issues from what I read. I was confused as to wether I should laugh at his responses or genuinely be sad for him. Wow.... just wow! :roll
And huge kudos to ethomas1013 for giving you the opportunity to compare and showing you how the vast majority of the FAS community roll.
I took my second glance of the KPA forum just to compare how the discussion went over there compared to here. My first look was when the Kemper was first introduced and I tested one of the initial release units. There are overly zealous people on all product related forums. The FAS community is often criticized for this even though its usually just a handful causing the ruckus. That's the internet for you. I happen to think this forum is tremendous and its users are some of the most informative and helpful of any I have been a part of.
Hopefully, he is not too put off by us. And, yes, ethomas is clearly classy and helpful, a credit to the community for helping someone out IRL and staying objective.And huge kudos to ethomas1013 for giving you the opportunity to compare and showing you how the vast majority of the FAS community roll.
I always try to be objective. It's my nature.
Ultimately it's a tool used for the larger purpose of making music. Choose the tools that work for you. Mbrown3's #1 guitar is a make that I don't particularly care for. My #1 is a Tele which is not his favorite type of guitar. So what? Too many people on forums waste time arguing about the tools instead of discussing how to use their tools to get better results and to make music. From my experience, the ones that argue the loudest are usually the least talented.