Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,341
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Kemper Profiler Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Kemper Profiler Head is a revolutionary breakthrough in the realm of digital amp modeling, effortlessly capturing the essence of your favorite amps and serving a vast library of tones right at your fingertips. This guitar preamplifier is not just about amplification, but about transforming your setup into a flexible, customizable sonic playground. From the jangly tweed to the searing plexi, the Profiler Head brings to life the sounds of classic rigs, all available for quick access during live performances. More than just amps, this device also includes a wide array of effects models, making it the ultimate all-in-one solution for the modern guitarist.
Key Features:
- Ability to create and store profiles of any physical guitar amplifier
- Includes 200 pre-loaded amplifier profiles
- Features real gain and tone knobs for authentic amp experience
- Equipped with a vast library of effects models
- Allows for extensive customization with mix-and-matchable heads and cabs
- Offers quick access to archived controls for on-stage convenience
- Provides automatic spillover for delay and reverb effects
- Integrates easily with your existing hardware effects and stompboxes
Product specs
| Type | Solid State Modeling Preamp |
| Number of Channels | Single |
| Reverb | Yes |
| Effects | Delay, Reverb, Distortion and more modeled effects, 4 x FX Slots |
| EQ | 8-band (Graphic), 4-band (Parametric) |
| Amp Modeling | Store Custom Amp Profiles |
| Number of Models | 200 Amp Profiles, Store up to 1000 amp profiles and 30 stompbox effects |
| Inputs | 2 x 1/4" (Input, alternative in), 1 x XLR (return In), 1 x 1/4" TRS (return in) |
| Outputs | 2 x XLR (Main L, R), 2 x 1/4" TS (Main L, R), 2 x 1/4" (monitor out, DI) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" |
| Effects Loop | Yes |
| MIDI I/O | In, Out, Thru |
| Other I/O | 2 x Digital S/PDIF (Coax) (in/out), 1 x RJ45 |
| USB | 1 x USB-A (memory), 1 x USB-B (USB Audio) |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (expression), 1 x 1/4" (single/dual switch) |
| Footswitch Included | No |
| Computer Connectivity | USB, Ethernet |
| Software | Rig Manager, Rig Exchange |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 8.54" |
| Width | 14.88" |
| Depth | 6.81" |
| Weight | 11.73 lbs. |
FAQs
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What is the main function of the Kemper Profiler Head?
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The Kemper Profiler Head is designed to capture and recreate the sound of various guitar amplifiers through its advanced profiling technology, allowing you to store and use up to 1000 amp profiles and 30 stompbox effects.
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Does the Kemper Profiler Head come with a power amplifier?
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The Kemper Profiler Head itself does not include a built-in power amplifier. You would need a separate power amp or powered speaker to use it with a traditional guitar cabinet.
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Can the Kemper Profiler Head be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Kemper Profiler Head is suitable for live performances, offering extensive connectivity options for integration into any live setup, including balanced XLR and 1/4" outputs, as well as MIDI and effects loop capabilities.
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How does the Kemper Profiler Head integrate with a computer?
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The Kemper Profiler Head connects to a computer via USB and Ethernet, allowing you to manage profiles and effects using the Rig Manager software, which facilitates easy organization and editing of your amp profiles.
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What kind of effects does the Kemper Profiler Head offer?
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The Kemper Profiler Head provides a wide range of effects including delay, reverb, distortion, and modulation, with four FX slots available for simultaneous use, giving you flexibility in shaping your sound.
Videos
Rick Beato
Kemper Profiler Amp: Profiling MY Amps Using a KEMPER
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality, rivals or surpasses traditional amps
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Versatile with limitless rig options and tonal possibilities
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Intuitive user interface and relatively easy profiling process
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Great for both studio and live situations
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Lightweight and durable build
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Consistently exciting to use, even after extended periods
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Offers both the feel and texture of real tube amps and digital stability
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Large library of profiles available, with the ability to profile personal amps
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Effective for both guitar and bass
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Saves money by replacing multiple pieces of gear
CONS
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Learning curve can be steep for new users
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Included profiles may not suit everyone's taste
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Some effects and distortion pedals could be improved
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Looper function length may be insufficient for some users
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High-end profiles often require additional purchase
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Achieving feedback similar to a real amp can be challenging
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Software/Rig Manager could use an update
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Kemper footswitch considered expensive
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Volume adjustments can be complicated when switching between single coil and humbucker guitars
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Might not perfectly capture extremely fuzzy stoner and doom sounds
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kemper Profiler Head.
Comparisons
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Users highlight Kemper's convenience over traditional tube amps due to its ease of use and flexibility without sacrificing sound quality.
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The powered Kemper offers 600 watts compared to the powered Kab's 200 watts, providing greater flexibility with passive cabs and FRFR speakers.
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While the Kemper is versatile, some users suggest that Yamaha's THR series might be better suited for quiet home use, especially with children around.
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The Kemper's amp modeling is reported to surpass the Line 6 Helix in quality, despite the Helix offering more features.
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Software and compatibility
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Users benefit from the ability to track both great tones and dry signals into a DAW for reamping, allowing profile adjustments between rehearsals.
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Numerous owners express regret for not purchasing the powered version, which allows for greater flexibility with passive cabs like the Kemper Kabinet.
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User experience
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Owners find that using an unpowered head with a Freyette Power Station and a 2x12 cab delivers a more authentic "real amp" sound compared to the Kemper Kab.
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Owners recommend exploring the Rig Exchange and using YouTube to find trustworthy profiles, as many high-quality ones are available for free from commercial makers.
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Owners emphasize the importance of acquiring high-quality profiles, noting that poorly made profiles can detract significantly from the experience.
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Playing through headphones can feel like having an amp in an isobooth, which may take some adaptation.
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Some users find the Kemper's effects, particularly reverbs and drives, less impressive compared to real-life counterparts, such as the Rat pedal.
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Features and functionality
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The Kemper Stage includes an integrated foot controller and Bluetooth connectivity, enhancing usability and remote management via a tablet.
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The Kemper allows for separate rig setups for different genres, which is particularly beneficial for those transitioning from DAW-based amp sims.
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The Kemper Profiler Head includes a DI input and supports headphones, enhancing its flexibility for home use and silent practice.
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Users appreciate the ability to manipulate cabinet sounds within profiles and even replace them with personal impulse responses.
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Free patch sharing is available, and the device has received updates for over ten years, ensuring a wide range of sound profiles.
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Use cases and applications
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An unpowered Kemper head paired with powered Kabs allows for easy stereo setup and versatile stage monitoring.
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The rack version is favored for its safety and applicability in both home and live settings, making it a versatile choice for various environments.
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The Kemper is recommended for trying out a variety of amp sounds, including vintage Fender, Dr. Z, and boutique amps, which can prevent the urge to collect multiple physical amps.
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It's noted that Kemper can back up favorite amps and settings, which is beneficial for recreating specific album sounds for touring.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 8 Reviews and 37 Ratings
606
RIP tubes?
Very simply put, the future is here and it looks like a toaster. The kemper profiler is with out a doubt one of the greatest tools out there right now. They really are in a lot of situations indescribable from real tube amps, once one has the correct profiles that is. This is not to say it is perfect, there are still some aspects that are not correct yet, for example getting it to feed back like a real amp is next to impossible. But for the mass majority of the public who are non guitarists, this will sound perfect. The only other issue I would flag would be that you have to out lay more money on the top to get higher end profiles to really get these perfect sounds the Kemper is capable of. Lots of the other profiles out there are not so great and are very obviously not a real amp. All in all though. Well worth it.
252
is this IT?
So much has been talked and written about the Kemper-amp, everybody seems to know this thing or at least has an opinion. Yes, it emulates pretty closely the sound of an amp-box-mic-setup and delivers many on-board-tools to tweak further into the realms of guitarsound. But still this thing has its limitations.
Yes, it reproduces the sound, but never 100%. The more complex the signal chain gets, the harder it gets for the Kemper to “catch” it. So if you’re working with multiple amps, multiple mics (including the mic phase) or distortion pedals it may not be the perfect blueprint you are heading for.
Also I feel the effect section is pretty good but could be improved in some parts. The delay effect is limited to basic functions, the noise gate has a clicky attack and the distortion-pedals mostly deliver useless dirt.
On the other hand you get one of best (maybe the best?) digital amps out there with one of the best emulation of tube amps, but it depends on what you are feeding in. As with all gear, it’s easy to work with it… but you still have to work with it.
574
Nice to have
The fastest way to get your own amp/signalchain into the digital realm. It has minor flaws soundwise, so it doesn't reach the sound of a tubeamp 100% but it is so close that the small differencies overall doesn't matter to me. I recommend this to everyone except for Stonerrock players, because some amp offer more gain and poweramp distortion, everything has it's limits and the extremely fuzzy stoner and doom sounds are not possible to profile.
The Workflow is ultra fast, and since there is also a powered version giging is a dream ... it is so convenient that i most of the time choose the kemper over my tubeamp(s).
18139
@Bommel
You have great profiles!!!
574
Hey thanks so much man! I'm glad you found something you like :)
18139
You do a lot of great for the Kemper community. Keep up the good work, stay metal |m|
This is the Beast
Over the 25 years or so of playing, Nothing has come close to exciting me every time I plug it in as much as the Kemper Profiler. Yes its a ton of money, but I have every sound I want, when I want it. Live and especially in studio it is just phenomenal how easy it is to get the sound you want, for guitar and bass by the way, and get on with it. and if something isnt there that you like then download a profile that you do. Its pretty simple. I think that possibly, Possibly, it could be more gig friendly if there was a pedalboard version, All in one.The reason I say this is because I find the Kemper Footswitch just stupidly expensive after spending all this moola on the Kemper itself, si I use a Behringer FCB1010 with Uno chip. Not bad at all but not great. The software/rig manager really needs an update, if you compare it to Line 6 or Fractal audio, but again, not really a deal breaker for me personally. Other than that I would recommend the Kemper to absolutely anyone.
325
Love it.
Sure I use cabs. The biggest complaint is the digital overdrives built into these new sound boxes. So I use a shitload of drive pedals, problem solved, best of both. I have a choice between internal & enteral drive pedals fro pennies. I have not used the "modeling feature" once, not once. If I want an amp I have a couple dozen, so I don't need to model. I do have the other guitar units, but this is my top dog.
68
Amazing, trustful friend
Great product, trustful friend and works great to do a combo with the Pod X3. I am using the Kemper all the time with my Strandberg #34, and it works perfect with the bass and similar instruments. Really the dig option to "Kempa"(Profile a amp)!
1312
It's all in the profiles...
Best piece of equipment I've bought in many years - does what it says on the tin!
Artist usage
Add artist
This video clip from Johnny's Instagram profile shows Marr playing guitar in his Crazy Face studio. Behind him, atop a Fender Blackface combo, is a Kemper Profiler head.
The kemper is on the left side of the desk where Ed is sitting with his collaborators
“I have to say, I really like the Kemper. It was my producer Mike Exeter who introduced me to it a while back, and I was very impressed,” he continues. “Especially because you didn’t need to have all the speakers mic’d up; you could sit with it next to you in the control room.”
“Mike sampled my Laney tone, and then we improved on that a little bit. I’ve found it to be very useful. And the sound quality is incredible; it can actually be quite hard to tell the difference between the Kemper and a real amp.”
In this photo from Billie Eilish's Instagram story on 5/3/2023 a Kemper profiler and remote can be seen within finneas's studio
"I was curious if the Kemper Profiler could really capture the sound and feel of my favorite tube amps. My first "profile" took just a few minutes to set up. When I compared the tone of my 'real' amp to the Kemper profile, I couldn't tell the difference. Mind blowing! I've been profiling my whole amp collection since then!" (from www.kemper-amps.com/artist-gallery)
Album Usage
The Kemper Profiler Head has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Kemper Profiler Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Kemper Profiler Head, curated by the Equipboard community.
$1,359.00 - $2,023.00
The MK2 is a long awaited revision of the original Profiler, with added WiFi and Bluetooth, more effects blocks, and more detailed capture technology.
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