Kemper Profiler Head

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$1,239.00 to $2,398.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (37)

8 Reviews

Find out who is using Kemper Profiler Head

9 community setups

26 wishlisted

102 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (47)

$1,249.00

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$2,398.00

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5.0 (44)

$1,303.54 3 available New

$571.20 68 available Used

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4.6 (97)

$1,239.00

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Average Price: $1,352

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Amplifier Heads category, Kemper Profiler Head is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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

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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

What is the main function of the Kemper Profiler Head?: 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.
Does the Kemper Profiler Head come with a power amplifier?: 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.
Can the Kemper Profiler Head be used for live performances?: 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.
How does the Kemper Profiler Head integrate with a computer?: 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.
What kind of effects does the Kemper Profiler Head offer?: 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

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Rick Beato

Kemper Profiler Amp: Profiling MY Amps Using a KEMPER

Rick Beato

Is The Kemper Still Worth It In 2022?

Rhett Shull

Kemper Profiler - Aber wie?

session

Revisiting The Kemper After 5 YEARS!

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional sound quality, rivals or surpasses traditional amps
Versatile with limitless rig options and tonal possibilities
Intuitive user interface and relatively easy profiling process
Great for both studio and live situations
Lightweight and durable build
Consistently exciting to use, even after extended periods
Offers both the feel and texture of real tube amps and digital stability
Large library of profiles available, with the ability to profile personal amps
Effective for both guitar and bass
Saves money by replacing multiple pieces of gear

CONS

Learning curve can be steep for new users
Included profiles may not suit everyone's taste
Some effects and distortion pedals could be improved
Looper function length may be insufficient for some users
High-end profiles often require additional purchase
Achieving feedback similar to a real amp can be challenging
Software/Rig Manager could use an update
Kemper footswitch considered expensive
Volume adjustments can be complicated when switching between single coil and humbucker guitars
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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Setup and maintenance

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It’s noted that dialing in the desired tone initially requires significant time investment, particularly when navigating through numerous profiles and effects.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 8 Reviews and 37 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

h535

606

over 6 years ago

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.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Blues

robcf

252

over 7 years ago

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.

bommel

574

almost 8 years ago

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).

seanoakes

18574

7 years ago about 7 years ago

@Bommel

You have great profiles!!!

bommel

574

7 years ago about 7 years ago

Hey thanks so much man! I'm glad you found something you like :)

seanoakes

18574

7 years ago about 7 years ago

You do a lot of great for the Kemper community. Keep up the good work, stay metal |m|

alec_surridge

over 8 years ago

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.

robin_buckingham

325

almost 9 years ago

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.

tim_horgan

241

over 5 years ago

Top notch guitar amp simulator and profiler

Sounds excellent as has been proven on countless major label albums

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Orchestra

xgenealex

over 10 years ago

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)!

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop