Posts by RosboneMako

Four IRs seems a little extreme

I didn't notice a stereo balance option anywhere?

When I wrote my IR VST, I chose to do two IRs per side. Seems like the whole point of making something like this is for stereo. My thought was to augment the Kemper with stereo when desired.

GitHub - RosboneMako/MakoIR: A demo Juce Impulse Response VST.

A demo Juce Impulse Response VST. Contribute to RosboneMako/MakoIR development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

I will wait for a full rundown from Larry.

After spending a little time with the Neural Amp Modeler, I found that it would be nice to have a little more control of the guitar entering the VST. Specifically a Low Cut would be great. So I threw together a VST called Precog to help dial in the final guitar sound.

It has a Low Cut, simple Compressor, some EQ, and a bit of drive.

I also added some signal monitoring since that is important when trying to optimally drive a VST.

I have never tried a DI box, but have liked Kemper profiles based on DIs more than standard studio profiles.

I was going to go with the Behringer Ultra-DI DI600P at around $28 USD.

Then I saw a PYLE on Amazon for like $12 USD.

Then my wife got involved so I ended up ordering the Two Note Captor 8 ($229 USD). Having the ability to play silently into my DAW makes all the difference.

That said, the cheaper options or the Kemper DI may provide better results. The theory is the speakers impedance changes with frequency, etc and this works the amps output differently.

Since the Captor has its own "speaker load" it has a fixed sound that may not change much with various speakers attached.

Most DI boxes are limited by their transformer. All a DI box does is setup a resistor network to decrease the voltage coming from the amp down to Line/Mic level. Then a transformer is used to electrically isolate the units and it also creates the balanced signals needed for XLR mic cables.

The quality/flatness of the transformer is the thing that will alter the sound the most.

If you trust a cheaper company to make a good flat transformer, go cheap. Else get the Kemper so you KNOW its right. Eliminates the guess work.

When I was young I would get the $12 one. Older now, I would get the Kemper and sleep better at night.

Quote from BadBadger

I guess not?

This is a really important part of the process, but it seems like Kemper, as a whole, does not want to talk about it in detail. May give up its secrets?

My only thought is that a Kemper will put out a certain level of signal when profiling. That wont match your guitars output exactly. So your actual guitar playing lets them calibrate the gain level better to match the actual guitar.

I have done weird things like alter the volume, play harmonics, palm mutes etc during the refine and got differing results. sometime very bizarre results

The only time I have had a profile sound way off, was if I did something different during the refine. You need to refine exactly how it did the profile. Cant change any settings, etc.

I have profiled VSTs. That means there is a LOT of latency between the Kemper test signals and the audio cards outputs. And I still had decent results.

But change the volume or some other setting during the refine and you will get all sorts of weird sounds. That sound nothing like an amplifier.

Your best bet would be NO REFINE to see if you at least get a normal sounding profile from there.

Quote from Pier75

So I figured this is not it, but the rest of the text seems to support your tip, I'll be trying it out, thanks again!

I have never read the manual I have my own broken preconceived notions of what it should do.

But the theory is exactly what you are looking for. My way to think of Sag as the power supply is out of juice. So it can't really drive as hard on the rising edges. There is just no juice to drive it. But the falling edges should remain close to normal since they do not require power. This change in waveform shape slightly reduces the high frequencies on the rising edges and tops. Which should give a softer, fatter tone, and a touch similar to a compressor.

And personally, the Kemper Sag is the best I have ever heard. Any edge of breakup sound, I tend to settle around the 2.3 area. Sometimes go to 5 for a more bluesy sound.

It sounds like you are talking about SAG. That setting is in the AMP section. On lower gain profiles it really helps to get that sweeter overdrive feel and sound.

Sag is when the amp is being pushed to the point the power supply cant maintain a constant voltage. Its voltage begins to sag (or drop). People also would try to do this by using a transformer, at the amps power in, to reduce the voltage/power going into the amp.

I have been busy writing a bunch of little VSTs and posting the sample JUCE code on Github for anyone who wants to get nutty with some bad code.

It usually takes maybe a few hours to get the meat of it done. Then I mess around with graphics for a bit. So every 48 hours a new VST could come out

For additions to the Kemper universe Thump, Synth, and IR are about the only useful things. But I wanted to let people have access to everything in code so THEY CAN write some Kemper specific stuff for us. Happy Coding!

Oh and remember, I am not that smart and I made all this stuff. You could do much better than me.

RosboneMako - Repositories

RosboneMako has 9 repositories available. Follow their code on GitHub.

github.com

SUPER SIMPLE HOW TO GET STARTED

To start coding on Windows in minutes:

- Download and install Visual Studio with C++.

- Download and Install JUCE.

- Start Juce PROJUCER.

- Create a NEW PROJECT, select BASIC PLUGIN, and enter a project name.

- If the project uses images, drag them into Projucers project File Explorer tab.

- Save project. This creates a VS solution and a bunch of folders.

- Copy the four source code files from one of my VSTs into the SOURCE directory Projucer creates.

- Open the project SOLUTION file in Visual Studio. Can be done from Projucer (Open in IDE) or manually in VS startup.

- Press F5 in VS to run. VS will start the project as an EXE in DEBUG mode. Perfect for writing and debugging.

MAKO DEMO VSTS WRITTEN SO FAR

Mako Chorus

Mako Rusty Low Gain Amp

Mako Stacked Mid Gain Amp

Mako Smack Talk envelope filter and synth effect

Mako OverDrive

Mako MonoTone mono guitar synth

Mako Stereo Dual IR

Mako MeatHead High Gain Amp Sim

Mako Precog PreAmplifier and Conditioner

Quote from justinburrow

But what I'd really like is to have NAM in front of everything else, going into UAD Console, where I can shape the hell out of it with native UAD effects and commit it like one would to tape - that's how I run my Kemper's SPDIF out.

Which is basically what you've done with the mini PC. I've been thinking of doing the same thing, just with a Raspberry PI and hadn't settled on whether that'd have enough juice. Your solution is a lot better - I'll have to look into this..

I wrote a VST and wanted to stream it on Twitch. Since OBS is not friendly with ASIO, I decided to run two sound cards.

Sound card 1: My VST/NAM/Etc

Sound card 2: DAW/Stream/Etc

My VST (Juce) and NAM (iPlug2) should allow you to select which card to use when you run the stand alone EXE versions.

Guitar --> SC1 In --> NAM -- SC1 Out --> SC2 In

Since I am poor white trash, I only have cheap sound cards and cant recommend anything good. My streaming PC uses a Sterling Audio H224 and a Helix LT.

I absolutely love the H224 design. Heavy, LED monitoring, Large volume knob. But it was very touchy when it comes to drivers. On ASIO it runs well enough it doesnt crackle or lag. On anything else it stuttered badly.

Quote from GearJocke

And more is more. Who needs a bass with so low tuned guitars?

Animals as Leaders agrees with this statement.

My guess is:

- They want to give you the most bang for your buck. You paid, you should get the exact profile you want.

- They may all sound similar at low volumes. But may be different at very high volumes.

I agree Direct profiles should always be a thing. Let me worry about the Cab/IR. It seems like the best profiles would be direct. It would be the closest you can get to the real thing.

MAKO THUMP has been updated.

- Found a bug where settings were not being set when the VST was started.

MAKO DISTORTY

I also added a distortion pedal example VST3.

Will not be of much use with a Kemper, but may be useful to drive other VSTs. And a starting point for your own crazy pedal.

I have been testing it in front of NAM mostly for the High Pass (Mud) filter since NAM does not have "definition" like the Kemper.

Source code and VST are included in the ZIP file.

GitHub - RosboneMako/MakoDistorty: VST3 Guitar Distortion Pedal

VST3 Guitar Distortion Pedal. Contribute to RosboneMako/MakoDistorty development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

For a quick look at what the code is doing, click on PluginProcessor.cpp and search for MakoBiteAudioProcessor::MakoEffect_ProcessAudio.

MakoDistorty/PluginProcessor.cpp at main · RosboneMako/MakoDistorty

VST3 Guitar Distortion Pedal. Contribute to RosboneMako/MakoDistorty development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

I keep talking about a thump effect I made that just adds some distorted 150 Hz signal to your sound to create that cabinet resonance and speaker compression sound.

I threw together a VST3 and posted it on GitHub for those brave souls who want to try it out.

GitHub - RosboneMako/MakoThump: A Juce VST3 example program with Thump effect for guitar.

A Juce VST3 example program with Thump effect for guitar. - RosboneMako/MakoThump

github.com

This VST works great after a Kemper, Helix, NAM, etc.

I also added 11 different 5-band EQs and a low pass filter to further tweak the final sound.

The JUCE source code, image, and VST3 file are in the ZIP file:

MakoThump/MakoThump100.zip at main · RosboneMako/MakoThump

A Juce VST3 example program with Thump effect for guitar. - RosboneMako/MakoThump

github.com

NOTE: On GitHub there will be a small download button that says "Download Raw File" when you hover over it.

To just use it, copy the VST3 to a VST folder on your PC.

C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3 seems to be a normal place for example.

I do not have an Apple PC and can only test on Windows. No idea what happens on Apple.

If anyone is brave enough to try it, let me know what you think.

Kemper please add this simple effect!

Only took a few hours to make the whole thing.

Tested it with NAM and an OverDrive VST I made in front of NAM to push it.

Quote from BreakAnimal

Thanks for your effort! I think that he isn't mic'ing the sound of the Kemper in that video, it sounds as if he also just pushes his signal via Interface directly into his DAW. I could be wrong though.

Did you try out my own profile from my first post by chance?

I was trying to point out the Kemper is probably bleeding into his vocal mic. So you are hearing a mix of dry kemper sound and room sound coming in thru the mic.

The mic is most likely compressed. And the Kemper may actually be compressed so that when he switches sound in the video the volume doesnt jump all over.

Its all a guessing game comparing to the vids.

I have not tried your profile, my ears are pretty bad and I would not be of much help there. I actually have not touched my Kemper in a long time because I started writing this crazy VST thing and it was going so well it started consuming my every moment.

Best of luck on your journey. I dont think your sound is as far off as you think it is. But like I said, my ears are trash.

Go to Sweetwater and listen to their mic comparison test. They all sound good. My ears are bad so I cant tell the difference from any of them. Actually, I think they may have taken it down because it was stopping people from buying expensive mics

1) My take is if the person sings well, they will sound good no matter what mic. Bono on SM58 for albums.

2) Type of singing and gender will decide the mic to get. I see many metal people using SM7B for example.

3) I am a fan of the 80 Hz roll off switch if your preamp does not have one.

The other thing to remember is Ola is playing live. So his sound is being picked up by a mic and is probably running thru a compressor both for the Kemper directly and thru the mic.

So his:

- Guitar is different.

- Playing is different.

- Kemper tone is colored by the amp and speakers he is using being picked up by mics.

- Compressors.

- Slight reverb from room.

- Your pristine WAV file vs garbage YouTube compressed file.

High gain like this has very little low end because the low end can be twice as loud when you chug. He is picking up some low end thru his speakers and it is being compressed. This can add bass, fullness, and dynamics. He is also getting some bite/sizzle from the speakers.

Whenever I work high gain like this, the guitar is 90% of the sound. I would nail down his exact pickups.

I went down this rabbit hole with my Kemper also. Spent a year trying different things and finally gave up. Listened to V8Guitar and now I just play the thing. Dont worry about how close it sounds to some fairy tale sound

And I agree with Don, your sound is much better because it is missing all of the muddying things Olas recording has. And they still sound very similar to my (bad) ears.

SLIGHTLY OFF TOPIC

I started working on a VST myself. I have a THUMP parameter that adds a 150 Hz distorted EQ to add the fullness in Olas recordings. Playing live it sounds pretty good. The idea is to add that live bass and compression of a speaker and cab at volume.

Like you ,I felt my Kemper didnt sound like any recordings I heard so I came up with this as a possible fix. And to just make my VST sound more like an amp in the room.

As I said, live it sounds great. As BayouTexan will tell you, it probably sounds bad in a mix because you will have to lower your volume so much due to the giant bass peaks in the waveform. And I bet your sound is great in a mix, where Olas muddy compressed recording would sound bad.

EDIT:

I ran your WAVE thru my VST for giggles. I added THUMP (150Hz) and compression AFTER the THUMP. A touch of EQ to offset the THUMP. Sounds bigger.

So adding some low end to your sound and then running it thru some compression should get you closer to Olas video sound. IMHO.

NOTE: I am not trying to sell my VST garbage. It is not even ready for download yet. But getting closer everyday. The code and VST will be free on GitHub most likely.

Quote from waraba

I have a 32" screen also coming soon.

The whole ergonomics is very satisfying , and feels very pro , the monitors also sound better this way with just the right height vs my ears. There is one position in the 4 height presets that mimics the 'producers distant setup , ' I use while standing and getting back a bit, that gives me a new ear on my mixes & ultimate stereo , this is really great.

I understand you love your old desk , I suggest using it on a side of your studio for building & maintenance work, like I did , I won't drill anything on my new one

No, I dont like my old desk. I inherited it from family. But it works. And it would cost a lot of money to get something to replace it.

32" Screen, Nice. 32" is the best size. I use cheap TVs ($200 US) and there were no good 32"s around so I went 43" and its a little too big for desk use. I dont use the top 7" of the monitor. I also went 43" to get into 4k territory.

I have Behringer 2031p monitors. I used to put them right on top of the desk so they were about shoulder width apart from each other and at head level. It sounded great when I was standing. When I bought the Kemper I moved them down off the desk and to the sides. So they are farther apart and much wider sounding. But I played the Kemper non stop and I got tired of standing, so they had to come down. It was too hard to dial in good tones with the tweeters shooting way over my head. Another reason to get a big desk, so I can put everything in the right place like you have. Looks great!

Very cool Waraba! Living the dream. Between you and Bayou I might have to upgrade at some point. I have some 80's computer desk that someone carved angry things in the top one bad day. But it is built like a tank and all my junk sort of fits on it.

I am regretting buying a Stage. The toaster or a rack would be so much better for a desk setup like yours.

I like magnetic shielding idea.

I am old so my daily driver PC has a 43" 4k tv screen. You must still be able to see ok with a laptop

I also dont do food or drinks. Well I have a drink when I am singing but its always a bottle with a cap.

Quote from BayouTexan

You have to remember that a single guitar is going to sound pretty thin outside of a mix.

I was going to go into this, but I knew you would be along any minute

You probably dont want to change the Kemper output if you are going to record. You dont want to record the over emphasized sound.

If you are recording dont change anything and just know in your head the Kemper sounds great, just not on those speakers by itself. Like V8 says here all the time, turn it on and play dont worry about it.

If you are just playing and NOT recording, you can adjust the Kemper output or the signal going to your monitors. But be aware the filters used will be low Q filters (they will affect a wide frequency range). So they will work fine but may not be the absolute best. You will probably want more bass and presence.

You could look for some brighter IR/CABs. I make my own IRs and EQ them. It is a rabbit hole that never ends.

Buy a graphic EQ and place it between the Kemper and your monitors. Then you can turn it off/on when recording or playing.

If you are on a PC, there are software companies that try to run EQs to flatten your speakers. You may be able to tweak them to sound not flat.

Like I said my specific speakers, the tweeters had a natural sound that just didnt work with the Kemper. Adjusting the EQ into them just enhanced some unwanted freqs. So they got brittle or shrill sounding. Like the clack of your pick hitting the string became super annoying. Your mileage will vary.

MICHAEL BRITT

One of the premier profile sellers is M.BRITT. People probably love his profiles because he makes them so they all can be switched between each other without drastic changes in volume and tone. Usually using the same speaker cabinet. So once you get your Kemper tuned up to your monitors, you can change profiles and not have to redo everything. I am not saying to buy profiles, just giving a reason why it works for some people. And what profilers are trying to do. And why going thru the free profiles will have varied results since everyone is doing it different.