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Kemper Profiler or Ampeg SVT Heritage.

#24
My guitarist friend used the Kemper, thought he'd love it (used to use the Line 6 modeling head). He found it really obtuse to use, and not very user friendly. Also, the Kemper tends to disappear in band situations IMHO. It doesn't have the cut and weight of a more standard amp. All that said, my suggestion would depend on how you want to use your amp:

Conventional amp, with a cabinet in a full band situation: The SVT hands down (I'd actually pick something else personally, but you get my point).

Ampless band with everything running through a good powerful PA system: Kemper, this is where the value of the Kemper is really shown.
 
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#26
Line 6 Helix (Rack, Floor, LT or Hx Stomp), Yamaha owns Line 6 and Ampeg.
Since middle of 2019, Line 6 Helix got a firmware update with Ampeg SVT 4 Pro and a little tweak on the SVT Classic bass amps models on it and also a little tweak on the stock Cab simulation (410 hlf and the 810e). Besides that, the Helix has a lot of effects (included, sansamp bddi version 1.0, ampeg scrambler, darkglass b7tk, and many others usable effects). And also de option to use IR (Impulse Responses), 3rd party that you can use as cab simulation...
 
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#30
Clap Trap said:
If you dont have the "real deal", sell all what you have, buy a SVT CL and a SVT 7 Pro (for small gigs) and you are all set, for life :) forget the kemper and get the real deal, let them sweat !
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I already have the equivalent of an SVT 7 PRO with this (bottom rack) and it's lighter by a couple pounds. (and more reliable from what I've heard about the SVT 7 PRO). SVP Pro and a Quilter BB800.
20191107_200019.jpg
 
#31
They other thing is I have all the efx I need in this Peavey Bassfex (pictured below) and I'm coming to the mindset that even though the Kemper is levels above most efx units and modeling units that it's just a glorified efx unit and something I'd end up fiddling with for hours and for me that's the worst part about multi efx units. 128 presets, 128 programs and I use maybe 3. Setting levels ugh, I hate setting levels. Lol.
20200110_060654.jpg
 
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#32
jazzbass_5 said:
They other thing is I have all the efx I need in this Peavey Bassfex (pictured below) and I'm coming to the mindset that even though the Kemper is levels above most efx units and modeling units that it's just a glorified efx unit and something I'd end up fiddling with for hours and for me that's the worst part about multi efx units. 128 presets, 128 programs and I use maybe 3. Setting levels ugh, I hate setting levels. Lol. View attachment 3662272
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Wise words. I was in a band with a guitarist that swore by his Kemper. Admittedly its an impressive piece of kit. But it took so much of his attention away from actually playing, constantly fiddling and searching for that perfect sound (during songs even). It was really disruptive.
 
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#33
I think the whole fiddling around thing is just a tweaker's thang. No different that most big pedal board users and I've played with many of those cats (to be fair I'll include myself in that). Personally, I love live and in the room tube amps. However, my Helix Floor has covered so much ground that I rarely need to fire up any of the tube amps. These days I'm setup with two QSC K12.2 and couldn't be happier. Doubles up bass and guitar duty in live and/or studio situations. Practicing at home is a million types more convenient and show setup is super easy.

I'm not going to hijack and say use a Helix because it really depends on how your brain works if Kemper or Helix is more your thing. In my personal case, Helix. However, these systems can take you a long ways beyond a stand alone amp so I'll say get the new tech.
 
#37
Kemper all the way! I like it so much I own two of them. I profiled my own amp and now have a consistent sound no matter where or at what sound level I play. Plus I can save output EQ settings for different places I gig regular, or even difference from home and clubs or different power amps or cabs.

Makes recording a simple snap and at any time of day. I have Rigs setup for each bass and tweaks depending on sound I want (brighter, warmer, overdrive, etc).

Best piece of gear I have ever purchased.
 
#38
An Ampeg can do one thing very well. A Kemper can do EVERYTHING very well. It's every amp you could ever want, guitar or bass, an IR loader, and a fantastic digital effects platform. The feel is amazing and the value is unbeatable, even though it's pricey. Oh, and it's WAY lighter. All the pros have gone Kemper, for a good reason.
 
#39
SnoozeButtonBen said:
An Ampeg can do one thing very well. A Kemper can do EVERYTHING very well. It's every amp you could ever want, guitar or bass, an IR loader, and a fantastic digital effects platform. The feel is amazing and the value is unbeatable, even though it's pricey. Oh, and it's WAY lighter. All the pros have gone Kemper, for a good reason.
Click to expand...
No they haven't.
 
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#40
dan1952 said:
I will always go for the Ampeg. All day, every day. And I'm a 67 year old guy with a crippled left arm...
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Twins, I thought I was the only buzzard still using SVT's here, I'm 67, been using SVTs for 45 years, lug them myself and won't change unless there is some real problem that prevents me from using them. My two are in my avatar photo. I have some single Ampeg 15" cabs I use in smaller room and an Ampeg 410 I also use but almost always use the SVT head with all of them.
 
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