Kemper Profiler Head

TOTAL GUITAR DECEMBER 2016
98
£1,279
£1,705
This all looks a bit more advanced than my POD…
Yup, The Helix is an amp and e ects modeller that combines
state-of-the-art processing with an intuitive interface and a chassis
that’s built to take any amount of stick and come up smiling. With
not one, but two hugely powerful digital signal processors, the Helix
promises to take amp and e ects modelling to the next level.
So tempt me…
Well with a huge full colour display, plus digital scribble strips and
customisable footswitch LED colours, it’s all very enticing. But a real
This looks a bit different… what’s the deal?
The Kemper is a unique device that not only models amps, speaker
cabs and e ects but also includes the technology to create new
models from real valve or solid-state amp rigs. This isn’t a simple,
one-dimensional  at copy of a particular sound; it has dynamic
depth and realism that has to be heard to be believed.
How’s it do that?
The Kemper uses its special technology in a recording process
Kemper calls ‘pro ling’, which typically takes around one minute.
masterstroke is the footswitches themselves, these capacitive touch
sensors mean the Helix can also be used in a desktop situation. You
touch a switch to select, hold to assign and press it to engage.
What about connectivity?
Everything you could ask for is on the rear panel, including three
expression pedal jacks, a control voltage jack, guitar, microphone
and aux inputs, no less than four stereo e ects loops, balanced XLR
and jack outputs, SPDIF and AES/EBU digital connections, an input
for Variax guitars, a USB socket and headphones jack… phew!
The better the recording quality, the better the pro le. The result is
a digital version that’s practically indistinguishable from the real
thing, and this can then be combined with the Kemper’s built-in
e ects to create any rig you want.
I like the idea – are any other formats available?
The Kemper is also available in a rackmount chassis, and both the
rack and standalone head can be bought with an integral 600-watt
class D power stage. The original preamp head is available in white
or black, while all the other options are black only.
LINe 6 HeLIX
FLooRBoaRd
Line 6 raises the bar again
KeMPeR
PRoFILeR Head
Do-it-yourself digital modelling
TH
E G
AS
S
T
A
T
I
O
N
TYPE: Digital modelling floorboard
KEY FEATURES: Over 50 amp models,
30 cabs, 16 mics, over 90 effects,
up to four discrete stereo signal
paths, Variax guitar input, massive
external control capability
CONTAC T: Yamaha Music Europe
0844 811 1116 www.line6.com
at a glance
TYPE: Digital modelling preamp
with profiling capability
KEY FEATURES: Hundreds of
pre-installed amp rigs, up to
8 simultaneous effects, pro
audio outputs
CONTAC T: Kemper Gmbh
[phone]
www.kemper-amps.com
at a glance
TGR287.gear_test.indd 98 01/11/2016 23:21