Kemper Profiler Recording: Complete Guide

The Kemper Profiler revolutionized guitar recording by capturing actual amplifier responses. Rather than modeling amplifiers mathematically, Kemper creates profiles of real amplifiers that capture their specific characteristics. This approach provides authentic amplifier tones in a recording-friendly format.

Understanding Profiling Technology

Kemper’s profiling process analyzes an amplifier’s response to test signals. The resulting profile captures how that specific amplifier—at those specific settings—responds across the frequency and gain spectrum. The profile inherits the character of the source amplifier.

Profiles differ from models. A model recreates an amplifier design mathematically. A profile captures one specific amplifier specimen at one setting. This distinction means profiles can capture vintage amplifiers, rental backline, or studio favorites exactly as they sound.

The profiling process requires the source amplifier, a microphone, and the Kemper unit. Direct profiling captures the amplifier alone; studio profiling captures the complete chain including cabinet and microphone. Most commercially available profiles use the studio method.

Acquiring Quality Profiles

Commercial profile packs provide professional captures. Companies like Tone Junkie, Michael Britt, and ReampZone offer extensive libraries. These profiles capture classic and boutique amplifiers with premium microphones in treated spaces.

Rig Exchange offers free user-uploaded profiles. Quality varies from amateur to professional. Browsing and downloading allows experimentation without cost. Finding excellent profiles requires evaluation and comparison.

Creating personal profiles captures specific amplifiers precisely. The profiling process takes minutes. Settings that work well in the studio can be preserved digitally. This capability proves valuable when access to amplifiers is temporary.

Profile refinement adjusts captured characteristics. The Kemper’s amp controls modify the profile within limits. Definition, clarity, and tube shape parameters fine-tune profiles to taste. These adjustments extend a single profile’s versatility.

Output Routing for Recording

Main outputs provide the primary recording signal. XLR balanced outputs connect to interfaces or mixing consoles. The output signal includes all processing—amplifier, cabinet, and effects.

Monitor output serves stage monitoring with separate cabinet simulation options. For recording, this output can provide an alternative signal path. Disabling cabinet simulation on the monitor output enables driving an external cabinet.

SPDIF output provides digital transfer to compatible interfaces. The digital signal eliminates an additional conversion stage. Studios with SPDIF-equipped converters benefit from this routing.

USB audio recording routes directly to computer. The Kemper functions as an audio interface for simple recording setups. Multiple channels capture different signal stages simultaneously.

Recording Signal Chain Configuration

Cabinet simulation dramatically affects recorded tone. Commercial profiles typically include cabinet characteristics. Disabling cabinet simulation and using external IR loaders provides flexibility.

Post-amplifier effects add space and dimension. The Kemper’s delays and reverbs provide studio-quality processing. Recording with these effects commits to the sound but preserves performance nuance.

Input section options affect how the guitar feeds the profile. Clean sense and distortion sense adjustments match the Kemper to different guitars. Proper calibration ensures profiles respond as intended.

Noise gate configuration prevents unwanted noise between notes. The gate threshold should be set low enough to avoid cutting sustained notes while eliminating amp hiss during silence.

Optimizing Profiles for Recording

Reducing presence and treble often suits recording better than live use. What cuts through a stage can sound harsh in recordings. Starting with lower settings and adding brightness during mixing provides flexibility.

Gain adjustments customize profiles for specific songs. The same profile works for clean and driven sounds with gain changes. Slight adjustments maintain the profile’s character while fitting different parts.

EQ adjustments in the amplifier section shape tone without changing the fundamental character. Subtle changes address frequency buildup or deficiency. Major EQ changes suggest trying different profiles.

Cabinet changes replace the profiled cabinet with alternatives. Loading different cabinet profiles or impulse responses transforms the sound. The same amp profile through different cabinets creates variety.

Performance Mode for Recording

Performance mode organizes sounds for recording sessions. Five slots per performance handle verse, chorus, lead, and alternative sounds. Bank switching during recording changes complete configurations.

Morphing interpolates between two states of a performance slot. Expression pedal or switch control enables gradual transitions. This feature creates evolving textures during recording.

Effect loop integration allows external processing. Inserting favorite pedals or rack processors extends the Kemper’s capabilities. The loop position in the signal chain is configurable.

Workflow Optimization

Rig Manager software simplifies profile organization. The computer interface provides visual browsing and editing. Presets can be auditioned and organized efficiently.

Preset naming conventions prevent confusion during sessions. Including amplifier type, character description, and application in names speeds selection. Consistent naming across sessions maintains organization.

Backup routines protect investment in custom profiles and presets. Exporting libraries to external storage prevents loss. Rig Manager facilitates backup and restore operations.

Session preparation involves selecting relevant profiles in advance. Creating a performance bank for each project ensures quick access to needed sounds. This preparation speeds tracking sessions.

Comparison with Modeling

Profiles capture specific amplifier specimens; models recreate designs. A Kemper profile of a particular Marshall sounds like that Marshall. A modeled Marshall sounds like the design average.

Profile limitations appear at extreme setting changes. Drastically reducing gain on a high-gain profile may sound unnatural. Significant departures from the profiled settings challenge the technology.

Modeling advantages include parameter range and consistency. Every Helix or Axe-Fx unit produces identical results. Kemper profiles from different sources vary in quality and character.

Both approaches achieve professional results. Preference depends on priorities—specific amplifier capture versus design recreation. Many professionals use both technologies for different applications.