The Kemper Profiler Stage is a floor unit that puts Kemper's Profiling technology, the same digital amp, cab and effects modeling found in the company's Profiler head and rack versions, into a roadworthy pedalboard format1. Instead of modeling amps from scratch, the Profiler captures the sound of a real amplifier by profiling it, and players can also download a vast array of profiles made by others2. Kemper released it in 2019, and MusicRadar described it at the time as one of the most highly anticipated guitar products of the year3.
The Stage is a multi-effects unit with profiling: GuitarPlayer's buying guide describes its effects capability as "infinite clean/drive voice capability and 125 banks of 5 patches"4. It runs on a standard IEC AC cable rather than a pedalboard power supply5, and it is made in Germany1.
The controls and footswitches
The foot controller section of the Profiler Stage is practically identical to Kemper's Profiler Remote footswitch unit, the controller used with the head and rack Profilers1. Guitar.com's review lists its full control set1:
| Control | Count and function |
|---|---|
| Footswitches | 14, including dedicated looper and tuner |
| Rotary encoders | 6 endless rotary coders |
| Soft buttons | 29 |
| Gain and master volume | Dedicated controls |
There are two usage modes: Browser and Performance1. In Performance mode, five footswitches offer access to five different rigs per Performance, while Performances are switched via a bank system3. The up- and down-arrow footswitches immediately above them scroll through the 125 banks1.
For remote control, Kemper says basic functionality is available for simple applications with expression pedals and/or momentary normally open switches directly connected to any Profiler model or Remote7. The Stage series offers four sockets for either expression pedals, or dual, or single switches7, twice the two sockets found on the Head, PowerHead, Rack and PowerRack models7.
Inputs, outputs and connections
The Stage is built to sit at the center of a full rig, with monitor feeds, recording outputs and USB all on board. MusicRadar's buying guide lists its connections5:
| Connection | Detail |
|---|---|
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/4" (return/profiling), 3 x 1/4" (return) |
| Main outputs | 2 x 1/4", 2 x XLR |
| Monitor outputs | 2 x 1/4" |
| Sends | 2 x 1/4" (send 1/2) |
| Digital | 2 x coax (S/PDIF) |
| USB | 1 x Type B, 1 x Type A |
| MIDI | In/Out |
The return inputs double as Aux In sockets: Kemper says to use RETURN 1 and 2 on the Profiler Stage to feed the band's monitor mix into the unit7. The main output runs in stereo, with a monitor output that is optionally stereo8.
The Stage also offers built-in Wi-Fi, which Kemper says makes it easy to edit sounds with an iPad using Rig Manager for iOS7. The display is sunlight-proof, according to Kemper, a practical point for outdoor gigs3.
What reviewers said
Reviews have been broadly positive on sound, with more mixed views on ease of use. In MusicRadar's 2026 multi-effects guide, Chris Bird wrote910:
"I love this Kemper's tonal quality and the Stage offers the class-leading sounds I'd expect. Alongside the user-profiling capability and vast array of online profiles on offer, the Kemper Stage proves to be worth the investment for players who want access to a wealth of great and versatile guitar sounds."10
The same guide names the Profiler Stage its best profiler for 202610. Guitar.com gave it a 2019 award, citing "the ease of transition this unit offers, not to mention the compact and practical form factor"2. On YouTube, Rhett Shull described the Profiler as "a chameleon amp" that can sound like a Dumble, tweed Deluxe, Matchless Lightning 15 or FTR 37 to excruciating detail with great profiles11.
The more critical view came in Guitar.com's 2026 review of the Stage Mk II, where Josh Gardner found it "can compete with the best of them sonically" but that "in terms of ease of use and modern convenience however, the German brand is lagging far behind overall"109.
The MK 2 update
Videos
Andertons Music Co
Guitar Bonedo
Zach Brobst
Questions
What is the difference between the Profiler Stage and the Profiler head?
The Profiler Stage is a floor unit: the same Profiling technology as the head and rack versions, but with the foot controller section built in, practically identical to Kemper's Profiler Remote footswitch unit. The head and rack models instead connect to a separate Remote, and offer two sockets for switches or expression pedals where the Stage offers four.
How many rigs does the Profiler Stage hold?
GuitarPlayer's buying guide describes its amp model capacity as "as many as you like." Rigs are organized into 125 banks of five, with five footswitches offering access to five different rigs per Performance, and Performances switched via a bank system.
Does the Kemper Profiler Stage have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Kemper says the Profiler Stage offers built-in Wi-Fi, which makes it easy to edit sounds with an iPad using Rig Manager for iOS. The display is also sunlight-proof, according to Kemper.
Can you plug expression pedals into the Profiler Stage?
Yes. Kemper says the Profiler Stage series offers four sockets for either expression pedals, or dual, or single switches. Basic remote control functionality is available with expression pedals and/or momentary normally open switches directly connected to any Profiler model or Remote.
How much does the Kemper Profiler Stage weigh?
The original Profiler Stage weighs 4.6 kg, or 10.1 pounds, with dimensions of 470 x 850 x 260 mm. Kemper says the MK 2 version has lost weight: 4.1 versus 4.6 kg, or 9.09 versus 10.14 pounds.
Where is the Kemper Profiler Stage made?
Germany. Guitar.com's review of the unit lists it as a digital amp, cab and effects modeller made in Germany, with Kemper contactable at kemper-amps.com.
Sources (11)
- Review: Kemper Profiler Stage, Guitar.com, 2019-09-17
- Gear Of The Year: Best multi-effects pedals of 2019, Guitar.com, 2019-12-03
- Kemper finally releases the Profiler Stage Floorboard, MusicRadar, 2019-09-22
- Best multi-effects pedals 2026: do-it-all multi-FX, GuitarPlayer (www.guitarplayer.com), 2021-11-10
- Best multi-effects pedals 2026: Intensify your tone, MusicRadar, 2022-10-19
- New KEMPER PROFILER MK 2 Series, Premier Guitar, 2025-05-28
- FAQ - Frequently asked questions | Kemper Amps, Kemper Amps
- PROFILER Head, Kemper Amps
- Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini review: too good to be true?, Guitar.com, 2026-02-20
- Best multi-effects pedals 2026: Intensify your tone, MusicRadar, 2022-10-19
- Should You Buy A Line 6 Helix?, youtube.com, 2019-03-28