Kemper Profiler Head

DECEMBER 2016 TOTAL GUITAR
the tg test
99
£1,199
€1,699
BIAS? That rings a bell…
Indeed, the BIAS Head is essentially a high-quality interface for
Positive Grid’s popular BIAS Amp Pro software, which allows you
to download and store thousands of amp match models as well as
create your own. You can also use the modeller to match up with
other amps, including picking cabinet type and mic position.
Is that a loudspeaker jack I see on the back?
Yes. The BIAS Head also packs a whopping 600-watt class D power
stage into the package, so that’s guaranteed to get your point across!
Is the AX8 as good as the Axe-Fx II everyone uses?
In a word, nearly. It’s a slimmed-down version of the massively
popular rackmount modelling system – it doesn’t have the dual amp
and e ects chains of its big brother, but there’s been no compromise
on the sounds, which are just as good, and you get loads of them,
with lots of parameters to play with, too.
Can I hook it up to my recording rig as well as my amp?
You bet. The AX8 works best with a full-range (PA) system; it has
jack and XLR outputs, two stereo e ects loops and four expression
If 600 watts sounds like total overkill in guitar amp terms, don’t fret
– this is actually the kind of power you need to approximate the
dynamic range of a 100-watt valve head.
But if I need the software too, how do I use it away from home?
Easy - the BIAS Head is a cross-platform device – the software
works on Windows, Mac and even iOS. While the software can
work on its own, the BIAS Head includes the highest quality AD/DA
(analogue to digital) converters and is optimised to provide the
best possible quality at zero latency.
pedal jacks. There’s a USB socket for doing two-way MIDI and a
S/PDIF digital output, too – but no headphones socket and no USB
audio. The display is nice and bright, but a little on the small side.
Can it be edited from a PC?
Yes, using Fractal’s AX8-EDIT, which is included in the package;
you also get to use Fractal-Bot to share, backup and restore your
presets as well as install  rmware updates. Fractal’s continuous
improvement policy means there are regular updates, and they’re
completely free, so it’ll get better all the time!
PoSItIVe GRId
BIaS Head
A great plug-in joins the real world
FRaCtaL
aX8
An affordable Fractal for the stage
TYPE: Digital modelling head w/
software plugin connection
KEY FEATURES: Bluetooth wireless,
pro audio outputs, integral 600
watt class D power stage, USB,
MIDI, amp matching (with Bias Amp
Pro). 25 presets included.
CONTAC T: Andertons 01483 456777
www.positivegrid.com
at a glance
TYPE: Digital modelling floor
controller/multi effects
KEY FEATURES: Over 220 amp
models and 130 cab simulations,
dozens of effects
CONTAC T: G66.EU 0461-1828-066
www.fractalaudio.com
at a glance
TGR287.gear_test.indd 99 01/11/2016 23:22