New update for Kemper Profiler brings in fresh delay effects
The Kemper Profiler, renowned for its amp profiling capabilities, has expanded its effects offering with the latest OS 5.1 update. One of the most significant additions is the introduction of pitch shifter delays, combining delay lines with real-time pitch shifting, opening up a world of creative possibilities for guitar players.
## Variety of Delay Types
The Kemper Profiler supports a range of classic delay types, including digital, analog, tape, and reverse, emulating the characteristics of vintage rack units, tape machines, and boutique pedals.
## Pitch Shifter Delays
The new pitch shifter delays offer an exciting array of options:
- **Crystal Delay**: This effect combines a delay with a harmonically pure, crystalline pitch shifting, creating ethereal, shimmering echoes that can be used for ambient textures or as a substitute for dedicated shimmer reverb. - **Chromatic Pitch Shifter**: This mode allows each repeated delay to be pitch-shifted chromatically, making it possible to create cascading arpeggios, dissonant echoes, or harmonized delays. - **Harmonic Pitch Shifter**: This pitch shifter creates musically related intervals—such as octaves, fifths, or thirds—on the delayed signal. It's especially useful for thickening solos or creating harmonically rich soundscapes. - **Loop Pitch Shift**: This feature allows users to create pitch-shifted loops, enabling live manipulation of loops with changes in pitch over time.
## Integrated Modulation and Flexible Routing
Delays often include integrated modulation (chorus, vibrato, or flanging) on the repeats, further expanding the tonal palette. Delays can also be positioned before or after the amp and cab, or in a parallel loop, for mixing flexibility.
## Technical Approach
Kemper’s delays are known for their high-quality, analog-like algorithms, preserving clarity and musicality even at extreme settings. The Profiler offers a similarly thoughtful interface, with parameter knobs and displays that are clear, and menus that are logically organized for live and studio use. Delay settings can be stored as part of a “rig” (a complete amp/effects setup), making it easy to recall complex delay sounds in performance and recording contexts.
## Creative Applications
The new pitch shifter delays offer a wealth of creative opportunities. Crystal and harmonic pitch shifters are especially popular for ambient and cinematic guitar music, while chromatic and harmonic pitch shifters allow for rhythmic, arpeggiated delay lines that can add complexity to solos or chordal parts. The loop pitch type enables real-time pitch manipulation of loops, useful for one-person-band performances or experimental live sessions.
## Comparison to Other Platforms
While a direct comparison is not available, Kemper’s OS 5.1 pitch shifter delays offer a level of integration and flexibility that is rare in hardware guitar processors. Most comparable devices require external pedals or software for similar functionality.
A video demo of the new delays is available online, along with tutorials for each delay type. With the introduction of advanced, comprehensive delay effects, the Kemper Profiler continues to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with a standalone guitar processor.
The Kemper Profiler, known for its amp profiling capabilities, now offers pitch shifter delays, a unique combination of delay lines with real-time pitch shifting, expanding the creative possibilities for guitar players. With the new OS 5.1 update, the Kemper Profiler supports a variety of delay types, emulating vintage rack units, tape machines, and boutique pedals.
The pitch shifter delays introduce several novel effects such as Crystal Delay, combining a delay with a harmonically pure, crystalline pitch shifting for ethereal, shimmering echoes. The Chromatic Pitch Shifter allows each repeated delay to be pitch-shifted chromatically, and the Harmonic Pitch Shifter creates musically related intervals, especially useful for thickening solos or creating harmonically rich soundscapes.
Kemper’s delays are appreciated for their high-quality, analog-like algorithms, offering clarity and musicality even at extreme settings. The Profiler also offers integrated modulation (chorus, vibrato, or flanging) on the repeats, and delays can be positioned before or after the amp and cab, or in a parallel loop, providing mixing flexibility.
The new pitch shifter delays open up a world of creative opportunities, particularly in ambient and cinematic guitar music. They also enable real-time pitch manipulation of loops in one-person-band performances or experimental live sessions.
While direct comparison is not available, Kemper’s pitch shifter delays offer a level of integration and flexibility that is rare in hardware guitar processors, as most comparable devices require external pedals or software for similar functionality.
