Kemper Profiler Head

DECEMBER 2016 TOTAL GUITAR
the tg test
97
DECEMBER 2016
TOTAL GUITAR
the tg test
97
W
hile valves stopped evolving in the
1950s, solid-state amp design has
changed beyond all recognition
compared with its 60s beginnings.
The biggest revolution has been digital
amp modelling, which took off in 1998 with the
introduction of the Line 6 POD. Amp modelling can
be pure software, but more commonly combines
hardware and software to emulate diff erent kinds
of amps, cabinets and eff ects. There are many
potential advantages: the ability to store and recall
patches, consistency and reliability, not to mention
being able to carry an entire arsenal of amps and
eff ects around in one box. Early digitally modelled
amp sounds were great for recording, less so for live
use, although that didn’t stop lots of players from
trying. However, technology continues to improve
and evolve, and some units have closed the gap
between digital and valves to the point where it’s
almost no longer relevant. Here, we’re looking at
four high-end products that demonstrate how
powerful amp modelling has become and what it
can do for you today: the Line 6 Helix, Kemper
Profi ler Head, Positive Grid BIAS Head and Fractal
AX8. Although they may seem outside of TG’s usual
budget, it’s worth remembering that, in many
cases, they can replace both your amp and a
pedalboard’s worth of eff ects. Let’s get stuck in…
Digital utopia – four of the
world’s best amp modellers
strut their stuff, but which
one is right for you?
TGR287.gear_test.indd 97 01/11/2016 23:21