KHE + Kemper Profiler in 4-Cable-Method
This guide explains how to use the Kemper Profiler as a multi-effects unit with the KHE amp switcher in a 4-Cable-Method (4CM). This enables to :
Use the Kemper’s STOMPS (Boost, Overdrive and such) in front of the amp (like a normal pedal).
Use the Kemper’s EFFECTS (Delay, Reverb and such) in the fx-loop of the tube amplifier (post-preamp).
Use the Kemper’s MIDI to remotely control the KHE presets during patch changes (PC).
Use the KHE’s Master-FX-Loop Bypass Switching to remove the effects-chain from the fx-loop.
In this setup, the Kemper functions as a mono multi-effect unit. Only the stompbox- and effect blocks are active. All amp- and speaker-modelling blocks are disabled. The Kemper’s STOMP D is assigned to a Mono Loop, so the pre- and post-section can be inserted into a 4-CM setup.
In combination with the FX-Loop Switching function of the ACS 4x4FX (or ACS 8x4 / ASX 8 with the AFX 8), it enables to use the Kemper as a multi-effect unit in 4-CM with all connected amps.
Connections & Wiring
Connect the Guitar to the Kemper’s guitar input. Use either the front input or the alternative rear input. Later you’ll have to select the front- or rear Input Source in the Kemper settings.
Connect the Kemper’s DIRECT OUTPUT / SEND to the KHE GUITAR INPUT jack. This sends the guitar signal after the STOMP section to the guitar input of the amp switcher.
Connect the Kemper’s RETURN INPUT to the KHE FX INPUT jack. This connects the amplifiers fx-send signal into the Kemper’s EFFECT section (post-distortion).
Connect the Kemper’s MONITOR OUT to the KHE FX OUTPUT jack. This sends the signal after the Kemper’s EFFECT section back the master-fx-return of the KHE and back to the power amp of the activated amplifier.
Use shielded instrument cables (TS) for all Kemper connections.
On the KHE, press the small FX Button to activate the fx-loop. The FX light turns fully on. If the FX light is dark or dimmed, the entire effects chain is true-bypassed. The on/off state of the master-fx-loop is individually saved for each amp and gets recalled automatically when switching amps.
Make sure the amp fx-loops are all set to serial or parallel with 100% mix setting. In case an amp has a bad fx-loop design that still passes some dry signal, it will be mixed with the Kemper signal which causes a bad phasing or chorusing sound due to the latency of the AD/DA conversion.
Kemper Rig Setup
Disable the Kemper’s STACK section (amp, eq, speaker cab).
Kemper Input Settings:
Set Input Source to Front Input or alternative Rear Input.
Kemper Output Settings:
Set Direct Output to Git + Processing.
Set Monitor Output to Master Mono.
Assign a Mono Loop to STOMP D.
Notes
Use the Kemper’s Clean Sense control in “Input Settings” to adjust the level of the Direct Output (amp guitar input signal after STOMPS). If set to 0dB, the output signal will probably be pretty weak. In my case, I had to set it to +12dB to match the output levels with all stomps deactivated.
Use the Kemper’s Master Volume and Profile Volume control to adjust the level that feeds back into the KHE master-fx-loop return. Turn these volume controls down during setup. There is plenty of volume available in the Kemper. High volume setting could possibly overdrive the amp fx-loop return and cause a bad digital sound when set too high. Use the KHE’s fx-loop bypass switch to match the volume of the Kemper to the pure amp tone.
In case of hum or digital noise, experiment with the Kemper’s Ground Lift switches on the Return Input, Direct Output and Monitor Output. Start will all switches pushed out and see which combination results in the least noise. Use the KHE Ground Lift last.
To build this 4-CM amp switching setup, you need a KHE amp switcher with the Master-FX-Loop Switching feature. For up to four amplifiers, check the KHE ACS 4x4FX which has the fx-loop switching feature built-in. For the KHE ACS 8x4 or ASX 8, the fx-loop switching can be added by the KHE AFX 8 extension unit. All KHE units can be fully linked and daisy-chained to expand the switching channels.
Links:
Return Home: KHE ACS Help Center
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