Detuning and latency

  • The Profiler Model referred to in this thread is ...
    ☑️ Profiler Head/Rack

    Hi.
    Sorry if this has been asked before, but could not find the answer.
    I have the MK1 Power head rack unit and is very happy with it. I gig with it and works flawlessly.

    Now, when I try to use the detune function (sorry can't remember the name of the function), I get some latency.
    Is the MK2 faster and don't create this noticeable latecy?

  • Hi.
    Sorry if this has been asked before, but could not find the answer.
    I have the MK1 Power head rack unit and is very happy with it. I gig with it and works flawlessly.

    Now, when I try to use the detune function (sorry can't remember the name of the function), I get some latency.
    Is the MK2 faster and don't create this noticeable latecy?

    Someone with a Mk2 is best placed to answer but as I understand it, its a bit better but there was an explanation sometime ago about this which stated that regardless of processing power etc, the process itself has to have some latency as the note played has to be analysed, corrected and output and that carries a limit in itself.

    Therefore any guitar tool that does transpose will always have a level of latency. Personally I've found it similar to any of the digitech products.

  • I don't own an MKI unit so I can't compare the two.

    IIRC it has been stated by someone from the Kemper team that there should be no difference between the two generations regarding the transpose feature, however some users beg to differs.

    What I can say is that : the transpose function on the MKII is similar to the Digitech Drop in terms of latency but I prefer the "feel" of the Drop.

    For the record, I usually don't go lower than a full step.

    It has been stated that the Boss XS-1 / XS-100 is slightly better but the difference is in practice very slight and in the end, as soon as there's processing, there's a chance to add latency.

    Here's an interesting video by John Cordy talking about it :

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  • What I can say is that : the transpose function on the MKII is similar to the Digitech Drop in terms of latency but I prefer the "feel" of the Drop.

    Yes, I find latency on my WhammyDT (a drop and whammy in the same pedal) to be about the same as the Kemper.

    I find the Kemper to be more natural and uncoloured.

    However, the whammyDT does add something to the sound which is very pleasant. Its a bit like saying your favourite valve amp sounds “better” with an OD pedal in front. It’s no longer the pure sound pf the amp but it still sounds great in its own way.

    Having said that I rarely use whammy of transpose effects so it isn’t work dragging around the Digitec for my needs. Someone who uses them a lot though might find the extra hassle worth it for the special sauce the Digitec adds.

  • I Have the mk2 stage. And yes, there is a diffrence in latency. You can feel it when you play live. With my mk1 I was going max at -1, but now I can go to -3 with no problem. You just have to ad some eq so you can compensate the high frequencies.

  • G String March 3, 2026 at 3:11 PM

    Changed the title of the thread from “Profiler MK2, detuning and latency” to “Detuning and latency”.
  • All pitch shifting effects have both latency and artifacts, none are perfect - some are a bit better than others but these are things you have to contend with.

    My view is they are useful for the occasional song but not a full set etc. A retuned guitar will always sound better...

    Having said that, I've found the Kemper pitch effects are definitely comparable with other solutions.