Kemper
About
Kemper is the German maker of the Profiler, a digital amplifier built around 'profiling' technology that captures the complete sonic and dynamic behavior of a real amplifier rather than modeling it from a static circuit description.
History
Kemper was founded by Christoph Kemper, a German engineer previously known for the Access Virus line of synthesizers. Rather than build another conventional amp modeler, Kemper developed a technology he called 'profiling': the Kemper Profiler analyzes a reference amplifier's response to test tones and reproduces an extremely close match of its tone and feel as a saveable digital profile, which can then be shared, edited, and recalled instantly. Released in 2011, the original Profiler Head and Rack units were rapidly adopted by touring professionals seeking studio-quality tone without hauling tube backline, including high-profile users such as John Mayer. Kemper expanded the line with powered versions (PowerHead, PowerRack) and, in 2019, the floor-based Profiler Stage aimed at pedalboard and direct-to-FOH use. The Profiler remains one of the most influential products in the shift toward digital and profiling-based amplification on professional stages.