Having difficulty choosing? Kemper vs Valeton GP200 vs Boss IR2 vs Tonex - Digital Amp Shootout.

My thoughts on these different amps playing a hard rock rhythm guitar part.
Has the Kemper had its day? Just HOW good is the brand new BOSS IR2?
Let me know what YOU think!
Original music by Paul Bond.
/ paulbondmusic
00:00 Introduction
02:40 How to get 1 guitar feeding 4 amps
04:00 Valeton Software
05:00 Kemper Software
05:18 Tonex Software
07:13 Form Factor
08:38 Tonex Plugin Version thoughts
11:11 Listen to the different amps
15:30 Listen to amps without backing music
16:57 Summing up

[@geomusicmove]

For me it was Tonex, Kemper, Boss, Valeton. I'm more of a metal kinda guy though, but my roots are in this type of hard rock stuff!

[@BLACKROZEROCKBAND]

Great video, i brought the Valeton about a year ago because of your older Videos. Dozens of gigs later im still well happy. Cheers

[@Brewtallion]

Great video and great song Paul! Been back and forth about getting a valeton. I think I'm finally convinced!

[@hungariantutor]

I found your vid because I recently bought a GP200 and wanted to learn more about it. To be honest I couldn't pay attention to the differences between the sounds as your song is just AMAZING. Sounds like a mixture of all my favourite bands from the 90s. I'm going to a running race in a few hours and now I'm totally amped. You've made my day dude.

[@jonathanmcmaster8105]

Fantastic video, well played sir! Loved the track, keep them coming👍

[@soundcuts]

I just stumbled across your channel as I tried to learn the GP 200. I love the sound of this unit, but it is fairly complicated for me. Not only do I appreciate how amazing you are with this software, the level of complexity of setting up a 4 system shoot out… is mind-boggling! I’ll be visiting this site more regularly.

[@domcole4362]

Thanks for the demo. What a great way of doing it🙂

[@PaulBondMusic]

Cheers Dom - Slightly convoluted, but it works!

[@adamlongson6777]

Hi paul,good to have some more content from you.I bought the valeton after watching your previous posts.I bought the valeton for a small bedroom music room and have been really pleased with it especially how easy it is to use..i was recommended by a freind to try some plug-ins so i purchased scuffhams sgear 3 amp sim and i have to say it is incredible the sounds are so good straight out of the gate,i use it in reaper for recording and the results are as good(to my ears) as anything i have tried before..enjoyed the shoot out between the 4 different pedals..look forward to your next post..cheers

[@germanperezbottesi4458]

I must say any option will work! Im a proud owner of a GP200 by the way. Great song!

[@PaulBondMusic]

Thanks mate - much appreciated. I STILL love my GP200... and yes... they are ALL perfectly useable... just different flavours.

[@telezonika-mg]

This was an amazing job! Thank you for sharing! My opinion about the pedals is Tonex sounds terrific and second Valeton!

[@avhaggerty]

as always great vid, the song is bang on too.

[@alejandromarquez5657]

Great video with a really useful comparison between all the units... Because of you I bought the Valeton and I am really happy with it. I have found that I can always find a nice sound out of it without asking myself if I am doind some wiring wright or wrong... I use the Valeton instead of using a 1000€ pedalboard... Keep the videos rocking and thanks!

[@PaulBondMusic]

The GP200 is, in my opinion, the absolute best value for money... Great sounds and easy to use.

[@jonathanlarcher7426]

Coool, amazing video! :) I have to say, that room is my dream.... Greetings from Argentina!

[@fredriksandegren1948]

After listening to it it again, the GP200 sounds a bit hollow sometimes...

[@PaulBondMusic]

still completely useable though.

[@siena9594]

Great video Paul, after dabbling with various other units over the years, Helix, Boss etc... i recently (about 6 months ago) took the plunge and got myself a Kemper Stage.... and out of all the other units I've owned, the Kemper is the best sounding unit by far, it constantly puts a smile on my face every time I play through it. The Kemper hardware form factor may be getting on bit, but constant firmware and software upgrades, I think anyhow, have kept it well and truly 'in the game'

[@PaulBondMusic]

Yes - you are right. It's still very much in the game. That said - for those on a budget or those who want a very simple setup... The Valeton is exceptionally good value for money.

[@siena9594]

@@PaulBondMusic I’ve literally just ordered one as a result of watching your videos, from your Amazon link 👍

[@gabriel_santana_86]

Yeah, the Kemper killed it. I was thinking that from the beginning when you compared them. But maybe that was because of the Marshall capture you had in that. :-) Great video, thanks.

[@akaerik1]

It's so odd every time I hear the Kemper in these type of shoot outs I never pick it soloed, but always seem to pick it in the mix. Kemper always sounds in the pocket and cutting through the mix at the same time. It might be time to buy one now that everyone is selling theirs.

[@gavinmoore1390]

Great video Paul. I have the GP200, your previous videos helped with the decision, and love it. Is there any chance you could share the preset for this video so I can download and try it out! I’ve downloaded all your previous from your website! 👍

[@tuckerdawson]

I just got my gp 200 on monday. Have yet yo play around with ut but i plan to tomorrow. Hope to get some nice sounds out of it.

[@PaulBondMusic]

You will LOVE it! Please take a look at my other videos where I show you how to dial in sounds and even download some of mine. I'm a BIG fan of the GP200!

[@dimesciple1652]

The Valeton got my attention and made me look at the screen to see. It had the “holy shit” factor !! 🤘

[@ZblockWoW]

The Michael Britt Kemper profile called Sold Ammo is insanely good. 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@PaulBondMusic]

I shall get on his site right now!

[@fredriksandegren1948]

After your comments... I need still rate it like this: 1. Kemper 2. GP200 3. Tonex 4. Boss But for sure it just depends on which sound you are looking for! Metall, go with the Boss, tight budget - Valeton GP200... Then it is up to how much you want to spend! Tonex sounds really good, then we need to think about the QC, Tone Master Pro, Ampero II stage and so on...

[@PaulBondMusic]

It'll be interesting to see how other people rate them. And yes - money is a BIG thing to consider... The Valeton is the best value for money in my opinion.

[@timjoseph887]

That's aligns exactly with the price ranges too, lol.

[@lucapalazzo8547]

it feels good in the mix, Valeton gp200

[@blueseagul7946]

Hello Thanks for great presentations on your channel. Cool music you compose! Is there a setting for whether you connect the Valeton to a guitar amplifier, monitor or PA? I have mine for an active monitor and experience a lot of noise? Kind regards. Terje from Norway.

[@peterludlow9847]

Have you tried the tonex in the fx loop of the valeton using the tonex amps and cab ir,s. I am thinking of getting the tonex one and wondered if it would be worth it maybe get 2 for stereo. Many thanks keek the valeton videos going and love your music. Peter

[@CarlGtSmith]

Kemper is nice! Guitar processors can make a big difference in sound depending on the CAB IR you use. actually there are many IR products on the market, but I think DYNAX IR has the best sound. As stated in their product description, DYNAX IR is really fast. When using IRs, the pick attack is sometimes delayed, and it is difficult to add picking nuances, but their IR prevents all of that. It's revolutionary!

[@tricki63]

Great and honest comparison. I am a bit surprised that you value the sound of the GP200 so much. The GP200 might be decent given it's price point but IMO the amp sounds of both capturing devices (Kemper and Tonex) are clearly ahead of it in your video. And given all the variables you could change (Models, IRs,EQ, ...) they could sound even better. BTW I am a bit shocked how bad the BossIR2 sounds in this test. I am using a Helix quite for a while and a I bought a Tonex for testing. Can't find so much difference in the amp sounds. But I must say that I am very impressed how Line6 managed to develop the Helix further with all their cost free software updates over quite a long time now. I am not trusting yet Valeton in this area.

[@tamirkeren6750]

Hi Paul. Great playing and a very cool song. Regarding your Tonex statement I'm no expert but If the software doesn't sound as good as the hardware then It's something to do with your soundcard converters ets... cause Its using the same computer code. for me the Tonex came first then the kemper and third was Valeton the Boss sounded really bad to my ears. It always surprises me how people ears and preferences are so different. Great stuff you got a new subscriber.

[@PaulBondMusic]

Hi there - thanks for the sub 😎 As I produce, mix and play guitar for a living, my audio conversion is not lacking. I spoke with IK Multimedia - a company who I have a lot of time for and buy lots of their stuff... You are right... it IS supposed to be the same, but I can tell you... it's NOT! Maybe they have something nice going on once the pedal converts the signal from digital to analog, or perhaps their presets are just utter shite on the software version. I also have an aversion to plugin amps due to having latency issues, especially when your song starts taking shape with loads of tracks and virtual instruments. That said I know a lot of really great players who have fab results. At least we have choices!

[@mesa290]

That's funny I picked the Kemper too. I bought the GP200 and not disappointed . The GP200 could work with another amp choice and some tweaking but good video

[@Milehousestudios]

That's a great effort for comparison. Much appreciated. I've found when using at home, most options sound great with headphones. Where I've struggled is when I play through the amp. I'm now thinking a headrush frfr is the answer? What do you reckon?

[@PaulBondMusic]

Hi - thanks for the comment... Without knowing your exact setup, it's difficult to comment, however, YES! ... a FRFR, or a small PA system is the way to go. Some people go wrong by pluging these digital amps into a tradition guitar amp and expect it to sound ok. It WON'T! Unless, you are ONLY using the effects such as you have access to on the GP200. In essence, these digital amps need to plugged into a FRFR, PA sytem or studio monitors to sound right.

[@stuartsandoz9710]

@@PaulBondMusicHi Paul, i plug my gp200 into my Katana 100mk2 but in the power amp which bypasses all the effects is this ok?

[@Marianoids]

Hey Paul, I had to edit my comment as I can see you are becoming a big Valeton fan. I’ve experienced several issues with power button, even live, I’ve had to send the pedalboard back to Thomann twice so now I’m a bit devided holding on to it or move on to a different one. Do you still take it on your tours or you just use it for recording sessions? Cheers mate.

[@Marianoids]

Ps. I’m not taking credit on how good the Valeton is but I had a quite disappointing experience on the hardware side of the product.

[@Tone-Quest]

Paul, as always it is great to hear your perspective and tone taste testing. I’m a Valeton GP-200 owner and love it. I also enjoy hearing your song and getting to watch you play. Please keep up the great work. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 PS - My ToneX One should arrived today. I’m excited to try it.

[@PaulBondMusic]

Thank you so much... let me know how you get on with the Tonex One

[@unicaaiminakuchi3889]

Can you share how you set up your Valeton's global eq or can block's lo and hi cut on this recording

[@thejaysatspindrift]

Nice one Paul, the GP 200 is cost effective though :)

[@PaulBondMusic]

Indeed it is! ... I won't be giving up mine any time soon!

[@aquilarossa5191]

I am not sure about that setup. By the time the signal has got through the volume pedal, the slicer and the shifter, it's been through two or three buffers, which is going to have an accumulating influence on the sound. Some buffers improve can sound quality, but plenty of others are known to suck tone and/or be noisy. Probably better to re-amp or run into a good looper and record each unit separately. That will take longer, but the results will not be coloured by all those buffers.

[@sseltrek1a2b]

i think the main difference in these tones is the eq (one was really bright, one was darker, the Kemper was pretty balanced, etc)...the Valeton can totally hold up to the Kemper (with some eq adjustments), without the major cost...

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

The Kemper and GP200 were my favorites in this example. Least favorite was the Boss. Tonex is okay. But, someone who owns any of these is sure to get a useable tone for recording and playing.

[@fredriksandegren1948]

Comment before you comment... I think that the Kemper and the GP200 sounded quite a like in the mix. The Boss sounded completely different than the others... When you put them side by side, the Boss was towards metall, Tonex sounded good, liked the GP200 and the best sound for me was the Kemper! But in the mix the sound of the Kemper and the GP200 was more or less the same... I don't know... The GP200 for the money is great! The thing is if you play by yourself or it is in a mix is two completely different things, if you take any recording with a famous guitar song and just listen to the guitar alone it will probably sound like s**t because it needs the bass guitar to sound good. When you are playing by yourself you need to have a bit of a different sound though... So where do we go from there! 😉

[@PaulBondMusic]

Hi Fredrik ... thanks for your comment. I agree that the Boss is more towards the metal side. It would definitely work for that. With good headphones or studio monitors, I'm sure you would hear quite a difference between the Kemper and the GP200. On this occasion, I prefered the Kemper, but for other songs, I'd prefer one of the other pedals. I completely agree with your comment about some of our favourite guitar tones actually sounding shit... Just listen to Jimmy Page! Some of the Zep tones were SO boxy, but boy did they WORK! At the end of the day... we are SO lucky to live in the time we do! ... so many choices.

[@fredriksandegren1948]

​​@@PaulBondMusic I prefer the Kemper as well, but when you did your solo thing, great by the way, I didn't hear that much difference. But as I stated in later comment the GP200 sound hollow! Anyway the price difference is massive and it is expected, just that the sound difference doesn't collorate to it! I think the GP200 is a good value for its money! If I would buy a new muli-effect it would probably be the Ampero II Stage. Even though I'm really happy with my GP200! As a bedroom-guitarist, it is a waste of money to get the absolutely best sound, but for sure I'm still seeking it! 😜

[@NordicMeatShield]

Still loving the Valeton, great work and nice song man 👍 ..the Boss was a bit fizzy for me. if you want a more meaty tone from the GP200 use the Mesa dual rectifier patch, it's got a really meaty fat bottom end

[@bluesdude1194]

I agree with you on the Boss.

[@PaulBondMusic]

Hi Nordic - yes I'm still loving my Valeton too. I'm not getting rid of mine any time soon.

[@RaffaeleBoni]

I've the Boss IR-2 and the Soldano Is the worse of the amp sims of the pedal. The Boss IR-2 is good for cleans, crunch/edge of break-up. It has a lot of dinamic response with guitar volume and 0 latency. Not for Heavy sounds, IMO.

[@PaulBondMusic]

I think you're right Raffaele. I will certainly use the IR2 on my small pedal board - using it in clean mode and using my favourite Keeley moded Blues Driver in front.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

You know, the GP200 Soldano model and the Kemper Marshall model sound very close in the mix. I think the Kemper had the best SLO emulation though.

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

Before your comments, In the track: 1) Kemper, 2) Tonex, 3) Valeton, 4) Boss. Isolated: 1) Tonex, 2) Kemper, 3) Valeton, 4)

[@jabelar2008]

Regarding the Tonex plugin sounding different than Tonex pedal, they really should not. If they do, then probably one of three issues: 1. Input levels were different. One of the issues with profiled amps is they are more sensitive to input level than a real amp and can quickly get out of the zone where they sound like the capture intended. 2. You had the cabs set up differently or wrong (forgot the cab, or doubled cabs). 3. Your computer running the plugin maybe had some issue with the processing. For example, the plugin is probably pretty sensitive to sampling rate in the DAW -- at least in the past I've seen this. I think Tonex should be run at 48k?

[@PaulBondMusic]

Just to be clear - I wasn't comparing the hardware and software side by side... I used the software (plugin) and it just sounded awful. I'm pretty clued up on all this stuff having toured the world many times over as a tech, a musician and a producer. Perhaps its just the presets that IK Multimedia supply with the software, but it was most definitely NOT my cup of tea. As per my thoughts in this video though, I really quite liked the hardware Tonex for this song, so I'm going to look into it a bit more.

[@techa980]

@@PaulBondMusic I agree with you. I haven't tried the Tonex software but I have used Amplitube 5 and I absolutely hated the tones.

[@ajmaxx1793]

@@PaulBondMusic I never liked the stock present. They always sounded boxy & lacked dynamics to me. The moment I started using captures by Amalgam Audio, I started loving Tonex.

[@mdskfx]

I own the gp200 and have used some of your IR's. To me the kemper and gp200 sound close and seemed to be the most authentic. The tonex seemed very muddy in many spots with no note separation. The boss sounds very over produced.

[@georgewilkins4231]

I don't agree.. The GP200... Is the best sound for me... I didn't like the Boss at all.

[@guitartoneSA]

Kemper 🥇

[@rschua7]

Kemper > Tonex > Boss > Valeton

[@JonDeth]

This is where it pays off to be friends with other guitarists. Have someone else dial in the amp, processor and so forth, and then work around the tone they arranged for you. As far as the shootout, the Valeton and Kemper sounded identical! One of the tricks I learned with digital processers 20 years ago was to plug a pedal into them. With the right pedal, I've always been able to set gain incredibly low on my processor and overdrive them with the analog signal which overcomes the traits we tend to dislike from digital equipment.

[@PaulBondMusic]

Yes - I would agree with putting a pedal in front... it can work wonders... and sometimes not lol

[@JonDeth]

@@PaulBondMusic *you're right about that lol.* I had one of the higher end Headrush units for about 2 weeks, but it was quite honestly a piece of junk for me personally. Not only could you not use a pedal on it but even when stacking effects, it couldn't do high gain for shred and sweep style playing very well at all. *I think maybe it was oriented for people with high end valve amps and while I have 2, the single one I had at that time does not have a high gain dirty channel.* I couldn't overdrive it with the custom overdrive I designed and built that has worked on almost every digital FX unit I've owned, and it didn't pair with any of my amps, but I had at least 10 at the time(now I'm over 12). Another one was the Zoom G1 Four, but it's worked beautifully with many other floor units from them like the G5 and the G2.1nu.