Changes

Kemper KPA Core Tone Tweaking

2,190 bytes added, 07:05, 18 February 2015
m
Amp Settings
* <u>Tube Bias</u> - Allows the signal to push into clipping more easily, increasing dynamic headroom inside distortion
* <u>Direct Mix</u> - Adds the direct (dry) guitar signal into the processed tone
 
The profiling process defaults all of these to 0, with the exception of Definition which varies depending on the profiled amp and Tube Shape which defaults to 3.3. If something seems "off" about a profile, you may want to see if any of these parameters are radically changed. For some profiles, extreme values here can make an "organic" profile start to seem processed and fake. Try resetting them to default values and see if the tone improves.
 
Definition gets quite tricky. It's set by the profiling process but can be altered after the fact. Many times a tightening boost in front of a modern high-gain amp will cause this to be set to max (10). It's very similar to a pre-distortion EQ, darkening or brightening the signal to adjust the relative balance of how the fundamentals vs. the overtones are distorted. While it works well for a quick tweak, I find it's no replacement for some finely-tuned parametric EQ in front the amp. If the tone sounds a bit too harsh or thin, try turning this down, then using a Screamer or pre-EQ to add back any needed tightness or high-end saturation.
 
Power Sagging affects the dynamics and feel of the amp, and can help get mutes to sound right. If the amp feels a bit too stiff and fast, try turning this up.
 
The Pick setting I find I usually like to leave alone; however, every now and then I'll bump it up or down a bit. The same goes for Clarity. While many love this setting, I find it takes away from the real tone of the amp and makes everything sound like a similar crunchy tone.
 
Turning up Tube Shape can add a bit more bite or edge to the distortion, like you are pushing the power amp harder. I often like to add a bit here, but it's important not to overdo it. Tube Bias is similar, although I find this one a bit trickier - it seems to add volume as you turn it up, which can lead to an instant impression that higher settings are better. However, too high can make dynamics become artificial-sounding and the tone a bit harsh.
 
The Compressor in the amp is great, mostly affecting crunch tones. It is neither pre or post distortion, but part of the profiling process itself, making it very transparent yet powerful.
== Cab Settings ==