Ultimate Guide to Kemper Profiling Amps

The Kemper Profiler (sometimes the Kemper Profiling Amp, but often just called the Kemper) is a unique piece of kit that emulates your favourite amps. But this isn't quite like a modelling amp; rather than model a sound from scratch, it actively 'profiles' the sound.

This means it can analyse any amp, cab or rig and immediately reproduce the tone – within minutes. Not only that, but you get heaps of popular and classic profiles right out the box, so you can start your tonal exploration right away. Once you've picked or created your profile, you can then tweak by adding effects, tweaking EQ, amp settings and much more.

Kemper Profiler Head (MK 1 & MK 2)

The one that started it all. As mentioned earlier, the Kemper head is the original and has remained pretty much unchanged since release. It'll sit neatly on top of any cab, desk or stand, and weights just over 5kg – the ultimate tonal solution for the travelling guitarist.

Kemper Profiler Powerhead (MK 1 & MK 2)

What do you get when you combine the Kemper Profiler head with a 600W Class-D power amp? Sorry, no punchline – it's the Powerhead. A standalone Kemper can't be plugged directly into a guitar cab, but the Powerhead can be. This makes it a slightly more diverse gigging solution. It'll pump out 600W at 8ohms, and 300W at 16ohms.

Kemper Profiler Rack (MK 1 & MK 2)

The rack version of the Kemper is exactly what you might think. The same array of powerful features and connectivity, but in a versatile rack format. At 483mm wide (19") it sticks to the standard rack format, with a 3RU height. This means it'll fit neatly alongside any guitar, studio or live rack-mounted gear that you use.

Kemper Profiler PowerRack (MK 1 & MK 2)

See above, the same applies. This is the 19" rack version of the Kemper with a 600W Class-D power amp built-in. This is arguably the most versatile version of the Kemper, as it'll fit into any studio or gigging setup and be compatible with any backline.

Kemper Profiler Stage (MK 1 & MK 2)

The Kemper Stage is the first floorboard version of the Profiler. It’s a fully-fledged Kemper Profiler in a format designed for your pedalboard, simple as that. The MK 2 version provides some specific structural upgrades for the Profiler Stage, coming in lighter in weight with new aluminium components while maintaining full strength and durability.

The Kemper Profiler Player (MK 2)

The newest addition to the lineup is the ultra-compact Profiler Player. Requiring only the floorboard space of two standard distortion pedals, it turns any pedalboard into a professional touring rig. Functioning as a comprehensive Profiler and Multi-FX pedal, the Player offers a massive, curated selection of 199 different FX settings taken from the legendary KEMPER PROFILER FX arsenal that features over 441 FX presets in total. The Player has been "MK 2-ready from day one" and features 16 simultaneous effects via a free update, making it the most feature-rich compact profiling solution available.

Kemper announced the new MK 2 series in May 2025, bringing significant upgrades to their legendary profiling platform.

Let’s take a look at what’s new and how the MK 1 models compare to the new MK 2 series:

MK 1:

• Proven Technology - The MK 1 series has been trusted by professionals worldwide for over a decade
• Lower Price Point - MK 1 models may offer better value for those who don't need the latest features
• Same Core Profiling - The fundamental amp profiling technology that made Kemper famous remains excellent
•  

Key MK 2 Upgrades:

• Higher Definition Capture - Analyses more than 100,000 frequency points to create captures, with the longest and most complex impulse responses to date. Digital reproductions sound more real and dynamic than ever.
• 20 Effect Blocks - Seven additional effect blocks bring the total to 20 simultaneous audio effects (compared to 13 on MK 1) with zero added latency.
• Faster Performance - Boot times reduced to around 20 seconds with improved preset switching and UI responsiveness
• Enhanced USB Audio - Native 8-channel USB audio support, allowing seamless multitrack recording and re-amping directly into a DAW without an external interface
• Upgraded Looper - Extended recording time up to two full minutes (compared to 60 seconds on MK 1)
• Improved Build Quality - Stage MK 2 features lighter weight with new aluminium components while maintaining durability

In short, the MK 2 range takes Kemper's legendary profiling even further with increased capturing detail, more power, even more effects blocks and an upgraded looping system.

• Kemper Remote - Footswitch for full performance control during live shows
• Kemper bag - Specially designed protection for Head versions during transport
• The Amp Factory profiles - Additional 322 profiles, giving you 500+ total profiles
• MIDI switchers - Function similarly to Kemper Remote, allowing easy programming and switching between settings
• External power amps - For non-powered Kemper models when using with guitar cabs
• FRFR cabinets - Active full-range flat-response speakers designed for profiling amps
•  

Kemper amps can be purchased standalone or with built-in power amps. If you would like, yours can come with the Kemper Remote too, a footswitch designed to give you full performance control.

But it doesn't end there – there are plenty more accessories you can use to maximise the versatility of your Kemper. There's the Kemper bag, specially designed to keep the Head versions safe and sound. You can also pick up an additional 322 profiles courtesy of The Amp Factory, giving you over 500 profiles to play with before you've even started!

Then there's MIDI switchers. These function in a very similar way to the Kemper Remote, allowing you to easily program your favourite settings and switch between them.

FRFR cabs synergise perfectly with a Kemper. FRFR stands for Full Range, Flat Response, meaning these speakers deliver your tone exactly as intended - clean, neutral, and uncoloured. Every chosen tone will be produced accurately without any frequency distortion from a standard guitar amp that may favour some tones, but cause others to lose their character. These characteristics make FRFR cabs the ideal speakers to pair with a Kemper Profiler. The precise and very diverse different sounds that the Kemper can produce will all be produced as authentically as they can be. Of course, the Kemper can be sent directly to a PA system for live performance, but if this isn’t an option for you, or you prefer the feel and sound of a cabinet on stage, FRFR cabs are the way to go.

There's no doubting that one of the best applications of the Kemper amp is recording. Being able to tap into just about any sound you like in the studio is invaluable, and the Kemper is pretty much built to do it perfectly.

There are a number of ways to record your Kemper:

• Stereo out using the main outputs, either XLR or TS (1/4" jack). This is arguably the easiest way to record your Kemper in full stereo.
• Record using the S/PDIF for more digital sample rate options. This is great for working with high-quality projects in your DAW – you can choose from 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz.
• Use the direct output to track a clean (unaffected) guitar signal that can be used for re-amping/post-processing. This can also be done alongside the other recording methods for extra flexibility.
•  

Want to know a little more about recording with a Kemper? Check out our blog: Is A Kemper Better for Home Recording Than a Real Amp?

Can I use a Kemper instead of an amp? - Yes, to put it simply. This is arguably the whole point of owning a Kemper – to have access to hundreds of sounds and near-unlimited tonal tweaking options. This is easily one of the most powerful bits of amplification hardware on the market. And remember, it doesn't just give you loads of sounds to play with – you can also profile your own favourite sounds!

Can I use a Kemper with a guitar cab? - Yes, as long as you have a power amp. This could mean getting one of the powered Kemper Profiling amps, or you could use an external power amp.

This is because guitar cabinets are passive and require external power to produce sound. Don't try and plug an unpowered amp (or Kemper for that matter) into a cab, as it's potentially dangerous!

What's the best guitar cab for a Kemper? - Any cabinet will do, but bear in mind that cabinets play a huge part in the sound. You can easily switch off the Cabinet section of your profile in the Signal Chain control panel (see above), so the Kemper acts as a sort of isolated preamp.

Or as mentioned above, an active FRFR cab is a really popular solution for modelling and profiling amps.

Should I buy a Kemper MK 1 or MK 2? - This depends on your needs and budget. The MK 2 series offers significant advantages including 20 simultaneous effects (vs 13 on MK 1), faster 20-second boot times, 8-channel USB audio for studio recording, and enhanced profiling technology that analyses over 100,000 frequency points.

 If you're a studio musician or need maximum effects flexibility, the MK 2 is worth the investment. However, MK 1 models still offer the same legendary amp profiling technology that made Kemper famous and may provide better value for bedroom players or those on a tighter budget.

Can I run a Kemper straight into a desk or PA system? - Yes indeed. On the Main Output section on the back panel, you've got 2 x XLR outputs and 2 x TS jack outputs.

How can I download extra Kemper profiles? - You can either buy new profiles or download user-generated profiles on Kemper's Rig Exchange. There's literally 1000s to choose from – go nuts!