Re: Kemper - what's the point?
It is different. I wrestle with that every day when I play the two side by side, real amps and the Kemper. It sounds amazing. To say it's a toy isn't true in my opinion, look at who utilizes it and how. They're highly paid professionals who could afford not to. But to be hateful at it for existing (some across the internet seem to be) and other people choosing to use it is silly. I admittedly don't get into the perfectly profiled tone sound all the time, I want to put in effort and be a little different in my method so I question how much it's for me at times, but there are people who are way above my play level and pay grade that use it wonderfully and that says a lot more than any specs or reviews need to. It has proven itself to those people, and to me to an extent, but it isn't for everyone for every reason just like any amp. Sometimes I prefer to go old-school and turn knobs, for gigs or recording, it might be even better.
I think there is a point to them absolutely. If one were to take the time to profile their own and no longer have to lug heavy amp heads or combos up and down stairs, in and out of vehicles, etc, then on to a stage and make sure your settings are right, as well as not having to even use effects pedals if you profile them in or use the built in ones (pretty good actually), the purpose becomes massive. The sound you created at home, very light, exact to your desires and in a lunchbox. And no worries of mic placement. I am in no way defending them, I only say that I believe they definitely serve a purpose. And yeah, it's pretty ugly I think.
