What To Know
- Weighing in at just over 8 pounds, the Toaster can easily fit into a backpack or gig bag, making it a breeze to transport to rehearsals, gigs, or recording sessions.
- While the Stage is more expensive, it offers a number of additional features and a more traditional amp-like feel.
- If you prefer a more traditional amp-like experience with a tube power amp and built-in speaker, the Stage is the better option.
In the world of electric guitar amplification, few names carry as much weight as Kemper. Their Profiling Amps have revolutionized the way guitarists approach tone shaping, allowing them to capture and recreate the sound of their favorite amps with unparalleled accuracy. Among Kemper’s offerings, the Toaster and Stage stand out as two of the most popular and critically acclaimed models. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Kemper Toaster and Stage, helping you make an informed decision about which amp is right for your needs.
Form Factor and Portability
The Kemper Toaster is a compact and lightweight unit designed for portability. Its sleek, rectangular shape and rugged construction make it ideal for musicians on the go. Weighing in at just over 8 pounds, the Toaster can easily fit into a backpack or gig bag, making it a breeze to transport to rehearsals, gigs, or recording sessions.
In contrast, the Kemper Stage is a larger and heavier amp, weighing in at around 25 pounds. Its traditional amp-style chassis and built-in speakers make it more suitable for stationary use in a studio or rehearsal space. While not as portable as the Toaster, the Stage offers the convenience of an all-in-one solution.
Power and Sound
Both the Toaster and Stage feature Kemper’s renowned profiling technology, allowing you to capture and recall profiles of your favorite amps. However, there are some differences in their power and sound capabilities.
The Toaster boasts a solid-state power amp with 600 watts of output power. This provides ample headroom for clean and distorted tones, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles. The Stage, on the other hand, features a tube power amp with 60 watts of output power. This lower power output gives the Stage a more natural and organic sound, particularly when playing at lower volumes.
Features and Functionality
The Kemper Toaster and Stage offer a comprehensive range of features and functionality. Both amps feature:
- Profiling: Capture and recall profiles of any guitar amplifier.
- Effects: A vast library of built-in effects, including distortion, modulation, delay, and reverb.
- Rig Manager: Manage and organize your profiles and effects.
- Looper: Record and loop up to 30 seconds of audio.
- MIDI: Control the amp via MIDI devices.
However, there are some key differences in the features of the two amps. The Toaster features a built-in expression pedal, allowing you to control effects parameters in real-time. The Stage, on the other hand, offers a dedicated effects loop for connecting external effects pedals.
Connectivity and Outputs
The Kemper Toaster and Stage provide a variety of connectivity options. Both amps feature:
- XLR Outputs: Connect to a PA system or recording interface.
- 1/4″ Speaker Outputs: Connect to external speaker cabinets.
- Headphone Output: Practice silently or monitor your sound.
- MIDI In/Out: Control the amp via MIDI devices.
Additionally, the Toaster offers a USB interface for direct recording to a computer or mobile device. The Stage has a built-in speaker, eliminating the need for an external speaker cabinet.
Price and Value
The Kemper Toaster and Stage are both premium amplifiers with a price tag to match. The Toaster typically retails for around $1,500, while the Stage is priced at around $2,500. While the Stage is more expensive, it offers a number of additional features and a more traditional amp-like feel.
Which Amp is Right for You?
The decision between the Kemper Toaster and Stage ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a portable, lightweight amp with plenty of power and features, the Toaster is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more traditional amp-like experience with a tube power amp and built-in speaker, the Stage is the better option.
Alternatives to Kemper Toaster and Stage
While Kemper is a leading brand in profiling amps, there are a few alternatives worth considering:
- Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III: A highly regarded profiling amp with a vast array of features and effects.
- Line 6 Helix: A popular modeling amp with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of tones.
- Mooer GE200: A budget-friendly profiling amp with a compact design and a surprising amount of features.
Summary: The Ultimate Profiling Amp for Your Needs
Whether you choose the Kemper Toaster, Stage, or an alternative profiling amp, you’ll be investing in a powerful and versatile tool that will enhance your guitar playing experience. Take the time to research your options, consider your needs, and choose the amp that best meets your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which amp is better for live performance, the Toaster or the Stage?
A: The Kemper Stage is generally considered better for live performance due to its built-in speaker and more traditional amp-like feel.
Q: Can I use the Kemper Toaster with an external speaker cabinet?
A: Yes, the Kemper Toaster has 1/4″ speaker outputs that allow you to connect to external speaker cabinets.
Q: Which amp has a better effects selection?
A: Both the Kemper Toaster and Stage offer a vast library of built-in effects. However, the Toaster has a slight edge in terms of the variety and quality of its effects.
