AXE FX 3 vs. Kemper | Before You Buy, See How Each Works In Your Home Studio 

Excellent ‘meat and potatoes’ review. You captured the essence of both units and presented them in a clear unbiased explanation. I clearly get the difference of the two. I’m an Axe FX guy but I appreciate more now the ‘what and why’ of the Kemper. Good clear ‘ab’ ‘vs’ review.

This was good, non biased and informative. Covering many bases from sound, feel and usage. Details of how they're designed and work. Reviewers, take notice, love it

Dude the Axe FX III in these examples sound amaaaazing... I kinda want one now.

Having owned both the Axe 3 and the Kemper, I think (as you said) it really comes down to work flow. Most sonic differences can be rectified with eq etc. Kemper is very dependent on which profile you use, Fractal models some amps better than others, and BOTH need good quality ir’s. Obviously price is a huge factor. The new FM3 is outstanding at a great price point! This is a solution that Kemper needs to remedy (a streamlined $1k option). In either case, master the kit that you buy! Great video and comparison with excellent points for consideration! Well done mate!

I like the way the AXE FX is set up, being able to create all the tones from scratch. But all the options, although great to have, seem overwhelming. I would imagine I'd be spending more time tweaking then playing. I'm currently using an Eleven Rack which I love. But when the time comes to upgrade, I believe I'll be going with an AXE FX.

So Kemper sounds and feels more like an amp ... ? both units look great.

Have both and generally fire up the Axe over the Kemper. For one thing, it is faster. Wait till you have to reboot during a show to see how important that is. Also, Fractal support is top notch but having dealt with G-String at Kemper, I can't recommend them as a company. If you get a profile of your amp and that is the sound you want or have a profile you like, then there is value to the Kemper else you are searching thousands of profiles to find a sound. The Axe has the whole amp in the box, not just one snapshot and better routing and effects too. On balance for me, Axe wins as the complete solution.

Before watching this I had mostly decided to get the Axe FX (ordering soon). For all 3 samples in the beginning I liked #1 so I was pleased to hear the identification at the end.

Been using Fractal products for over a decade now and have owned all three of the flagship models as they've come out. I've literally made probably 20 patches combined on all three units. I'm sure that some people would say that was kind of a waste, but for me it's not about having a bazillion sounds or going in and spending months tweaking patches, it's about being able to create my own tone/rig from scratch and it sounding great. There's over 200 amps....I don't need them all, but the ones that do need are all in there. I like the Dumble amp in there. I love the Friedmans. I'm never going to own either. As for the Kemper, I really did think about buying one for a while because it is a really clever concept. The problem for me and my specific workflow is that it's just faster and easier for me to put together a patch from scratch than to go and audition 15,000 profiles that other folks made and hope that one of them is what I'm looking for. The other thing is that I can't get over the idea of relying on other people's interpretation of what a good tone would be. Maybe it was dialed in for single coils or active pickups. Maybe its got too much gain. From everything I saw as soon as you start tweaking the original profile you lose the authenticity. I think that it's basically a set tone stack that is probably more like an EQ and I've heard some funky stuff with messing with the gain structure. Plus all of the "good" profiles are made by guys who want to be paid for their work. And unfortunately the only way that I can "do it myself" is to use the actual amp and create my own profiles.....if I owned the amps I wouldn't have either. The wife can't see that I have 200 plus amps and a billion pedals and cabinets inside that little black box. With the AxeFX it's just a matter of me getting to work and making it happen. And yes it only takes minutes to create an entire rig, but part of that is because I've been using the stuff for so long now so I've gotten past most of the learning curve. With that said there are a thousand different things on the unit that I don't know how to use because I don't need them. It's as simple or as complicated as you make it. One thing that I'll suggest for some of the more "raw" and amp in the room tones is to apply some low and high cut and some room level to the speaker cab block.

Thanks for this video. It presents the strengths of both in an unbiased way. After watching this, I purchased the Axe FX III. I've been building and tweaking amps for almost 40 years, so it makes the most sense for me. However, for others that just want to pick a great sounding amp and play, the Kemper certainly fills that need.

I know Kemper gear is great, but it definitely sounds last-gen next to the Axe 3 and is starting to show it's age...

best comparison, info and conclusion EVER! thank you!

I had both. Though then it was an Axe FX II XL+. I needed to sell one, for financial reasons. I kept the Axe. IMHO, if you just want to deal with basic amp tones and controls, don't mind being dependent on others to make your profiles, OR have a large group of amps, you don't want to take with you on the road or gigging. Then the Kemper is a good choice. Because I could make my Axe and Kemper sound, respond and feel the same as each other. However, the Axe, particularly the III beats the kemper in almost every other way (except price), FX amounts and quality, looper, signal routing, and really ease of setting up for live use, where you need more than one tone.

1:26-1:27 There’s a wavy fluttering sound like it was timing out somewhere. Was that in the sound or is it just an artifact from RU-vid?

Good truly unbiased review. You should have mentioned axe-exchange though, as it does what the Kemper library does. I own both, and the Kemper is up for sale...

After own both a Kemper and an Axe FX (2 XL+) I would say that the Fractal sounds better in a mix. I dont play live, so I cant say how they compare for live use, but if you're like me, you just want to make good sounding bedroom mixes, then the Axe Fx excels in that category. There was something about the Kemper that just bothered me when trying to record with it. I could NEVER get the low end to sound how I wanted. Its like no matter what I tried with the EQ, I just couldnt get a really beefy sound with it. Maybe it sounds better in a live application, but in a bedroom studio, the fractal performs better. Just my opinion of course

First mistake is downloading rigs from the Rig Exchange. I've been disappointed with 99% of what I have downloaded there. It is worth investing in some properly made commercial profiles. The Michael Britt profile packs are excellent across the board. As a Kemper owner and user (unlike most of the folks commenting here) it really makes a big difference in the end result. My Kemper sounds worlds better than what I am hearing here. If I had made my purchase decision based on this video I probably would never have bought one.

My experience having owned both is this: I was able to NAIL particular sounds with the kemper easier than I did with fractal; for example, Gilmour, The Edge, Angus, etc. But I found myself endlessly auditioning different profiles and I also didn't like the way the gain jived with the volume control on my guitars with the Kemper. At the end of the day, the shit software in Kemper and the way it reacted to my volume control and overall lack of sophistication was why I went back to Fractal. Pros and Cons to both. Click my name if you want to see what I'm talking about.

great comparison (and kudos on the wide spread of music you've made; genuinely inspirational)

Because I also own both units I could easily identify which one is which. Personally I prefer the AXE FX. The settings can be easily customized to fit perfect to your guitar - however, it requires some experience. The AXE FX software is much better maintained and offers tons of options - still waiting for the Kemper editor which was already announced for the middle of this year.

Thanks for this video, I’m old school and I’m old , but I love new tech, but I’m more of a plug and play person, I don’t have the patience for tweaking,so the Kemper would probably fit me best, But I went to an amp show last year and they had some great players demoing theAXEFX 3, it was impressive and the styling was sharp, I like others thought # 1 sounded better than # 2 so who knows which way I’ll go, anyway they’re both excellent , thanks again for the video

Well I have both and NOT being a fan boy of any brand my go-to unit is always the AXEFX 3 its just so much better in every way. I think I might sell the Kemper since it just sits in my studio.

Is the axe Fx lll a stand-alone device? And is it hard to program?

Appreciate you doing this video. Im new to all this and found the information really helpful and exactly at right amount of info to help me look into an option. I preferred all the #1 sounds and after hearing who would like the device for the #1 sounds, guess I'm a tweaker.

so would you recommend anything that would function in the same manner as this but is under 1k? the line 6 options seem pretty decent. im debating on waiting until i can justify spending the 3.5k or so and just go with fractal though.

Very good job! Honestly both are good! I own both. You really can’t go wrong with either. I do think the Axe has much better effects then the Kempner. However this is all subjective. I don’t think you could go wrong with either. Thanks for the video! Well done 😀🎸

Marky, regarding your comment about Kemper having a more authentic "amp in the room" quality to it, I'm sure it matters what you're listening through. What are you using: studio monitors, a FRFR cab, headphones, a guitar cab, a PA system? Thanks

Ha 2 independent searches to settle debates in my head and yours is best comparison once again, this is the main object in the way of my next guitar gotta get one of these (or revv g20) leaning kemper pre video so maybe this will change that lol. Thanks again my man!

Hands down in my opinion is the AXE FX3.... Overall tonality in the signal is so much warmer and in your face. Kemper has a great idea on the profiling aspect but, Fractal Labs killed the Kemper on tone and quality of sound! But as you said in the video, it "comes down to personal taste".... Great review Marky!

Yes, just what I needed. Im debating between kemper floor and fractal fm9

Wow! First of all, excellent review. Totally objective, concise, as you promised, yet completely informative. Bravo! But I say, "Wow!" because I'd have bet my mother's house that #2 was the Ax. It was way tighter, and #1 was way muddier. It was distinctly noticeable. And I'd begun to think I might have to give up on the more simple Kemper, and go with the more complicated Ax. Everybody seems to be leaning that way lately. But I swear to Christ, the Kemper sounded better. Like not even close. WTF!? I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! I GIVE UP! AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! 🤯

Good video. I personally prefer the AxeFX especially with the latest firmware version, having used both. Additionally I would point out that not only do you have 8 scenes which can all be set to the performance tab if using the FC-12, you also have 4 different channels per device per preset. Example inside of one preset I can have 4 different amps in 1 preset, or 4 different delays, or 4 different reverbs, or a combination of all the above....inside 1 preset. So if you take the number of presets x the number of scenes and then quadruple that, well you see where I'm going with it. The other beauty with axefx, and I have been a guitar player for 40+ years is that while there is a core amp sound that I like, how many players ever leave the core sound in their rig. We are always modifying by effects or something to tweak it to what we particularly want. I find that so easy to do in axefx......and bonus......I don't have to buy all of those expensive effects anymore, which I have a large closet full of now. These are just personal opinions from having owned both, but in my opinion the axe fx is the best purchase I've ever made.

Man, that is such a great gear review/comparison. First one I've seen from Music with Marky. Concise, yet comprehensive (in a reasonable amount of time) for such complex rigs and delivered with articulate and to-the-point commentary. I like that it's subdued, not flashy, and assumes the viewer has a level of understanding in the subject matter. And the diagrams at the end are a good visual representation of the different approach the two manufacturers use to reproduce the sounds and settings, a smart idea. Having watched this video, I feel like that 16 minutes quickly moved my decision process further along, considerably more so than had I watched some of the other videos out there. And I don't feel like I have to shower to wash the hype and spit off or to take a drink to calm my nerves from the overly enthusiastic shouting and opinion making. I wish more reviews were like this. Really nice job, thanks.

God the Kemper editor looks like something out of the 80s ! 🤪😎

I think you’ve missed a few items quality and number of effects, routing - parallel effects better editor overall the axe give a pristine recorded album sound live and recorded - kemper live amp sound ! I still think that once you take the profiles off sample and start moving the bass mods and treble it has a weird fazed sound both great though

what a great comparison. thx i have an axe fx original. can't say i'm blown away by the sounds. one thing i do like is the ability to play live in a mix and decide on what sounds to use. this is very hard in a traditional setting (swapping mics, loud map). it's also takes a lot longer in a traditional set up and you can't make fast comparisons which is crucial imo. i have heard a kemper live and thought it sounded great. of course you have to factor in that guys guitar, cab, etc. not conclusive. but for this one case i did think it sounded more like a live amp than an amp in a mix. for my taste there are a lot of guitars that sound over mixed today. prob the reason i also prefer single coils. the way these 2 are designed reminds me of reverbs. kind of an algorithmic vs convolution thing. for the fractal i barely used the controls on the amp. it's nice they are there for live maybe...but once you use the software they seem really really slow. i also use the first tier of parameters 95% of the time. basically ignore the tweaker settings. such diminishing returns for the most part. better to just try another amp/cab etc.

I definitely thought my sound upgraded when I bought an Axe FX FM3 compared to using Amplitube5 and Helix LT (both great too), but after watching many comparison videos, I'm content to stay with my FM3 (plan on upgrading to FM9). The Kemper definitely sounds great, but I wouldn't consider it an upgrade to Axe FX.

Clean and crunch rig 1, high gain rig 2, by a mile on all accounts.

Which is which? #1 sounds better.

What Desk do you have?

when you play is there no delay at all?

Hey Marky, do you notice any feel latency on the Kemper if so, is it more so than other more modern modelers? Have you known the interface and or computer being used to contribute to said feel latency? Thanks!

I was hoping I preferred the Kemper as the stage is cheaper.. but I liked 1 more. Of course. Mind you this is only 3 of many possible sounds and presets

What kind of guitar are you using for that Splawn Nitro comparison?

These units are way too expensive for me. I'm in a local cover band and play small clubs. I own a few old Marshall's. For my band it's cheaper to use something like a Fractal Audio Load Box with a Torpedo Two Notes cab simulator for about $600, Then I can still use my amps and plug into front of house or use my cabinets. But if I had the money I would get the AxeFX III.

Really nice review and hoest comparison! Thank you! : )

You know I think the kemper is easer to use. Personally I like to plug in and go. I don’t have time to be exploring them to run them properly. I have a number of amps cabs stomp boxes. I can cover almost anything with a foot switch. Plus I have a nice collection of amps.

I thought the Axe FX (number 1) sounded better when compared to the Kemper...

Does the kemper have a software like Axe-Edit to dial in tones with your computer?

Hey man thanks for the video! What is the your signal chain in the studio looks like there was a Focusrite Scarlett in the desk? How do you listen to your sounds while in the the room? Through monitors? I tried various amps sim through studio monitors (decent models as well) but found the sound kind of meh. Thinking about a Kemper so researching at the moment. Just have some good headphones so would have to further invest in some type of speakers (unless by guitar cabs would work).

I am surprised! I loved the sounds of #1 in the test pieces. I didn't expect it to be the Axe Effect3.... Now I just need to save up 3,000,000.00 to buy it...lol

In other words the Axe-FX111 sounds and feels like a hi fi set/synthesizer (after a thousand hours of tweaking through menus) and the Kemper sounds and feels like a tube amp being blasted at loud volume through guitar speakers (without one minute of tweaking).

Which one was the kemper ? 1 sounded best

Great video 👍 awesome Skervs as well!

Awesome review. I have neither and I'm still confused! I'm a tweaker (musically) so maybe the Axe FX? It's a coin toss at this point!

nice reviews!!!! would love to know what you think about the virtual Kemper inside Overloud TH-U (Rig Player), as you have some choptone profiles and they make some juicy ones for the Rig Player (which is basically a only profile player module, but with all the tweaks available I love on my Kemper) what I love with TH-U is the ability to offer both technology, modeling and profiling in one plugin, as I'm working on studio projects only

You must enjoy stepping into the firing line! I went with Kemper because I was treated rudely by the Fractal owner, and I learned it has happened to others. Tried to resolve, but Cliif and moderators unwilling. They were rude and unwilling to discuss... Blessing in the end. Was definitely going to get the FM3, but after the issue, I fell in love with Kemper and even if I had no issue, I feel the Kemper is significantly better.

From this audio samples no question, the Axe-FX III sounds much better. The Kemper imho sounds like 10 years behind.

where are you from i live on long island looking for some help with my kempers

Can I plug my Taylor 814ce dlx into a Kemper??? I also have an electric normal guitars

well done and informative thanks! (I preferred the kemper)

What sound first?

The only reason to get Kemper over Fractal is to profile amps if you have a lot of old tube amps. Otherwise Fractal wins for me. The Kemper has an ancient horrid user interface from 1990. Fractal has a color LCD better user interface.

If Randy Rhoads was still alive (we wish) and he had to decide between the 2 what would he pick? I know the question is completely irrelevant but I always ask myself “what would Randy do”?

From listening to the 3 samples, I thought the 1's were the best overall sounding. Though the 2's were a bit less bassy, which might be better in a mix. Despite this, I'd personally just go with plugins for recording. Here you can see a couple (well 3) vids, where plugins do a great (if not even better) than the axe fx iii. Check them out! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FbrS3fKAhtg.html Peavy 6505 + 11 amp modelers. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jAZFLYvKrIM.html Marshall JCM 800 + 14 amp modelers ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gaQ-IBYcn1Y.html Mesa Dual Rectifier + 13 amp modelers Enjoy!

Is that a swan8 i see hanging up?

Christophe Kemper could have added dozens more tweaking parameter options inside extra menus if he wanted to make tweaking possibilities much more complicated, but he didn't need to because his Profiling algorithm nails the tube amp tone and feel without hours of tweaking.

Great video, thank you sir.

Does the Axe FX III have the ability to download user community created sounds/patches etc similar to the Kemper? Great video thanks!

I'm shocked. I was pretty positive that 1 was the kemper and 2 was the Axe. 1 sounds more natural to my ears and I always felt the Kemper sounded more natural than the Axe 1 and 2, they really stepped their game up with the 3.

Kemper is better. I’ve had both. Currently using an HX Stomp which is a cross between the two.

What desk is that? Really nice.

problem is can you dial in both with the same skill level....so dangerous comparison... my experience with both .axe way better for effects...no doubt for the rest you can tweak yourself completely bananas...kemper much more straight forward and feels much more natural ...but getting the correct profiles that fit your taste is key for kemper...

Axe-fx sounded better to me in every song sample (sounds#1) and unlike Kemper, works as an audio interface as well. Also seems you have to pay extra money to actually get good profiles. No thanks. Gonna go with fractal.

The camper uses impulse responses as well. When people profile their own amps, they are creating an impulse response.

Well, a tube amp sounds better of course. Big part of that is playing trough speakers and controlling live current wich is hard to emulate 🤘 But my neighbours do not think so. And using a tube amp at home/studio work with my Mac, attenuators and stuff, well I’m done with that. All kinds of trouble. Is if it’s good enough with Kemper or Fx? Well it seems so all considered...

Absolutely loved your video, thank you! Your analysis of the difference between the axe fx3 and Kemper matches what I think and right away I could feel that 1 was axe fx and 2 was Kemper. I have the helix but prefer both the axe and Kemper but very happy to have the helix, it’s still a great piece of equipment. I have eq’d the Helix to sound more like an Axe 3 but can’t get it to sound like a Kemper. The Kemper has this softer attack on the transients to my ears that’s very pleasing, don’t know how to replicate that... to me, the helix has a harsher tone compared to the fractal but would have a harder time describing precisely the eq of the Kemper. The Kemper tone seems less “sculpted” than Axe fx. The highs don’t seem as pronounced... if you could shed some light that would be fantastic.

I just bought the Ave Fx 3 and I am extremely disappointed. I play mostly metal and the tone is super bassy and loose and sloppy and the mids have a weedy quality sometimes. When I listen to Kemper I hear a lot of highly polished album worthy tones.... think I made a mistake

What year is your black PRS, I have a 1988 all mahogany with a Brazilian rosewood fret board

I liked number one for all three samples. It seemed more dimensional and organic. The local acts around were I live definitely favor the axe fx too... haven’t seen anybody playing the Kemper live yet.

That’s a sweet desk! What is it, and where’d you get it from?

Hello! Very interesting video! Tell me, does it make sense to compare the Boss GT-1000 vs Helix LT? What do you think about these processors?

I was hoping 1 was the fractal because i'm purchasing one soon. Ive played a kemper,and thats how i remember it sounding, kinda dull.

Cool video. Subscribed!

I liked the clean of Kemper and Dirty tones of Axe FX. Maybe I should see an ENT dr.

I had to revisit this after several months. And, to be fair, I haven't changed my mind much. However, on the third patch battle (Metal tone) I feel like I have to give the Axe the edge. It was just a mean tone, and it deserves a nod. But the Kemper still sounded great. On the first two patches though, the Kemper was clearly the winner. Especially on #2. Fuck, that was a muddy tone on the Axe. Just hideous. And while the Axe sounded great on the JC 120 patch, or whatever it was, the Kemper just sparkled and jangled more. Nice and glassy. And all the way through, the Kemper had the tighter bottom end. Needless to say, we're comparing a minute or two total, of just 3 patches. That proves nothing. The sample size is too small, and there are too many variables. Nevertheless, in this specific challenge, the Kemper won the tone battle. At least as far as avoiding any sound that sounded like two dying cats fucking in a mud pit. The Axe wasn't able to miss that obstacle.

This video is really helpful, thank you for putting it up. As someone who owns both units, do you personally prefer one over the other in certain situations? Like maybe the Kemper live and the Axe III in the studio, or vice versa? I’ve been a Kemper guy for a while but I’m considering selling it to pick up an Axe fx. Any more insight you have is greatly appreciated, thank you!

Are the 3 Axe-FX presets standard or custom? You gonna let us download those Axe-FX presets if they're custom? :)

hey try to lower the volume of the mic when playing the guitar so that we can hear more of the sound

Great video.

Well, it's funny... I had the impression the other way around, that your test of sample 1 sounded more like "the amp in the room", more beefy, thick and presence than sample 2. But it's a matter of few seconds of Eq/tweaking and they will sound almost exactly the same. It's both great units with excellent sound, but totally different technology..

Well, I came back to tell this. I have a kemper and last night I was writing a metal song in my daw. I took a brake and opened RU-vid and I saw this video again. So I thought, lets match the sounds of your Axe Fx3 with my Kemper and see if the difference was like yours. My studio monitors are Presonus Eris 8. From there I heard the sound of your Axe Fx3 and also my Kemper. So I opened my kemper and I found the same "amps"...with the first try my sound was about 95% the same with your axe fx3 and at least the same quality. After that I couldn't understand why you couldn't make your Kemper sound identical to your AxeFx3..what is going on..if I was a youtuber I would upload the matched sounds and see what you would say!!

Uses a Tele instead of a Les Paul to demo the Plexi? That's sacrilege ;-) Good demo thx.

Great vid🤘

I've only made it 30 seconds into the video... You said "it's not like you can walk into the local guitar center and try these out". That's exactly how I tested them. Sweetwater set them both up for me and I toyed with them for over an hour. Guitar center let me play with them also. Your local store must not want to make a sale.

I had a Kemper for years and bought the Axe Fx III because I needed the interface and wanted the superior effects and drive pedals. But I'd grown so attached to the tones of my Michael Britt profiles I couldn't bear selling my Kemper so I kept it. I cannot say which one sounds better because they both sound amazing. But the Kemper seems to have no sound of its own. It sounds *exactly* like whatever profile it's "playing" at that moment. It seems to me the Kemper sounds more real, more organic and the Axe Fx more synthetic, but that is entirely subjective on my part. OTOH the Axe Fx clearly has vastly superior drive pedals and effects although the new reverbs in the Kemper are very nice. The software editor for the Axe Fx is greatly superior to the Rig Manager for the Kemper. The 8 in 8 out pro quality interface adds easily $500 in value to the Axe Fx. So, if you can afford it get both. The Axe Fx now anchors my home studio and I moved the Kemper to my office for a headphones only practice station and I'm a happy man :-)

Damn'! I preferred sound 1! Damn', coz it's the expensive one! 😂

Hot damn, the Fractal unit sounds waaaay better. Guess that means it's the Coca-Cola of the two. ;)

The Paoletti is the winner here

Are you sure sound 1 was the Axe effects? I know you are just that I'm shocked. This is the first demo/comparison video that the kemper wasn't hands down superior. I honestly was convinced BEFORE you revealed which sound sample was which, that #1 was the kemper. The second sound sample sounded digital to me, not analogue feeling at all. Much like the Axe demos I've heard previously. This is depressing as all examples of Kemper were warm and more natural low end and the Axe was bright and processed sounding. Wonder why your demos produced such a different result? And ideas, anyone???