Any Kemper user still here? Don't see many post about them any more. Any good Kemper groups to join? If so, send me a PM.

Are people still liking their Tonex? I've tried it several times and just doesn't move me.

Now this is cool, Fractal Audio just released the Icon plugin. An Axe-Fx in plugin format. Can't wait to try it out when they release the Marshall version.

 

Well, I guess there are not any Kemper users still on here.
How about Axe-FX, Tonex or NAM users? Still happy with your choice?

 

I'm here, and also a NAM user. I'm thinking of getting a Fractal VP4 next to use with my digital amps.

 

Yeah i'm still using Kemper especially for live. If you find where all the other users are lmk. Mainly use Scuffham S-gear 3 when not using Kemper.

 

You need to test ToneX V2 to really get the dynamic and/or high gain amps feel.
V1 was a mess.
When Top Jimi made the Brown Sound Tonex, it was not working at all ... that's why IK investigated.
After that, they realised (like i was telling ppl for 3 years ...) that V1 lacked dynamic and reactiveness.

V1 high gain and reactive amps feel like playing with a sponge pick
V2 is a LOT better on this side.

If you just want to try V2, go to sister site and try the Brown sound serie and anything related to V2 only captures.

About NAM, i like it, but there isn't too much hardware loading FULL NAM profiles.
Or they cost more than a Kemper.

ToneX still NOT a multiFX, so it is a pain to pair it with another multi FX to get good FX.

Here is my post from previous account (Dec 5, 2022, so more than 3 years ago) telling ppl V1 was sucking donkey balls:
http://audiosex.pro/threads/ik-multimedia-tonex-discussion-topic.66892/page-28#post-677842

That's why Quad Cortex, Kemper and Axe FX are still the live gig kings.
Line6 Helix just behind (very nice software/hardware solution).

 

I've had a Kemper Player for a couple of years but mothballed it until the Mark 2 profiles come out.
Got into the NanoCortex instead with its V2 captures and have a pair of incredible setups for bass and guitar.
Had a Tonex but traded it for the NanoCortex and never looked back.

 

i have a fractal fm 3. gives me more than enough

 

ToneX V2 profiles sound good ... but it is not a multi FX.
So if you are factoring the price of an additional MFX, ToneX is NOT an "all in one" like Fractal Audio, Kemper, Cortex ...

Most ppl concentrate on sound, but (almost) never speak about BIG limitations.

That's why even Helix is a better solution for live gig.
And i don't see the point of hardware when not gigging.

My plugins already sounds like all of them.

In euros :
nano cortex 600
Kemper Player 600
HX stomp XL 600
ToneX pedal 300 + good multi FX 300 + headaches and clunky experience : No point

If i only have 300 : Valeton GP-200 (good enough Snaptone + very nice experience + expression pedal + switches ...)

But if you already got a Kemper ... Nano Cortex is a good option if you like profiling.
NAM multi FX are rare and not so impressive for the price.

When i want NAM "on the go", i use NAM XT on iOS : 10 euros + irig HD 2

 

Last edited: Feb 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM

I was hoping to get a chance to try out the new windows 11 powered OCTAVE HS-1 . The orders for this unit are backed up, so will take some time before showing up in music stores.

 

I'll wait for a meaningful review; the data is quite lacking. https://octavetech.eu/product/octave/

 

I tried the Tonex, and was going to pick up the little pedal just for fun but never really took to it. Still loving the Kemper for my work flow. Have a handfull of my favorite profiles that I tweaked so it sound great. Wouldn't ever get rid of it but it is always nice to have something else that might compliment it.

 

if you JUST want to test the sound on hardware, try a ToneX One pedal second hand.
100 euros.
But sister site software version is more than enough to test the sound alone.
I sold my ToneX one because it is even WORSE to use than ToneX regular "pedal".

Yes, on a pure scientific test, ToneX V2 sounds better. But workflow is horrible, until you just need minimal features.

To me, ToneX hardware (both) is a massive failure in the real world, far from those Youtubers.
Like the "marvellous" GP5 not even capable to load an IR when you use Snaptone. I seen a bunch on sell second hand ... like ToneX One.