Kemper guitar amplifer modeler puts features behind paywall after firmware update
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Kemper has put certain features behind a paywall, most notably on the Kemper PROFILER Player. Owners must pay for software upgrades to access capabilities that were included and functional in the device's hardware at launch, a move that has generated significant user frustration. The upgrades are offered in three tiers, with the base device including only the first level of features. Kemper Player upgrade tiers Level I (Included): The base Player hardware has effects and features, including
Background
Kemper Paywall Shenanigans
Kemper has implemented a two-tiered paid upgrade system for its compact PROFILER Player pedal, which some users have criticized as a "paywall" for functionality that they feel should be included in the hardware's initial purchase. This has caused a major inconvenience for the musicians that use the system and where some of these features were included with the system at launch.
[Incident]
Here is how the paywall works
The Profiler Player paywall system
In September 2024, Kemper announced a paid upgrade path for the Profiler Player, a popular, downsized version of its flagship Profiler amp. This system, which can significantly increase the cost of the unit, consists of two paid upgrades.
Level II: This upgrade unlocks additional effects from Kemper's library, along with features like Morphing and Tuner Modes.
Level III: To access this level, you must first purchase the Level II upgrade. It adds more effect slots, a looper, and Rig Spillover, which allows delay and reverb tails to continue when switching rigs.
LVL II 129 USD / 129 € LVL III 199 USD / 199 € LVL II+III 299 USD / 299 €
[Company]'s response
Kemper's rationale
Kemper maintains that the paid upgrades bring the compact Profiler Player closer to the functionality of its "big brothers"—the Head, Rack, and Stage units—while offering a cost-effective alternative for users who don't need all the extra features. This unbundling strategy, while common in other software and hardware products, is controversial in the world of music gear, where "software updates" have historically been free. What Should happen. Kemper should remove the paywall. If not they will be left in the dust by all the other modelers in the market that do not charge for their updates. In the beginning Kemper were the only ones out there with near perfect replication. These days they are one among many of which they are one of the most expensive.
Lawsuit
There are no lawsuits over the paywall at this time. They are being sued for patent infringement. The patents they are being sued for are not locked behind the pay wall.
Consumer response
Musicians are angry and for good reason.
The announcement of a paid upgrade path for hardware that was already purchased at a fixed price drew heavy criticism from many in the musicians and studios that were once loyal customers to a brand that was expensive, but that promised the best equipment and customer service in the space.
Locked-in features: Critics noted that these upgrades unlock functionality already coded into the hardware, rather than adding new features via a software download.
Increased cost: The total cost of the hardware plus both upgrades can approach the price of Kemper's more advanced Profiler Stage unit, a comparison that further push customers away.
Lack of trial period: Unlike many software applications, Kemper does not offer a trial period for the paid upgrades. This means users must pay to discover if the locked features are worth the price. No refunds if you don't like or need the feature in all or part you are just out the money.
No transfers or refunds: Upgrades are permanently tied to the specific serial number of the Player unit. If a device is lost, stolen, or sold, the upgrade is not transferable.
References
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kemper-offering-profile-player-owners-125345201.html (Archived)
https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/kemper-player-upgrade-price/15550 (Archived)
https://forum.kemper-amps.com/forum/thread/64407-future-paid-upgrades/ (Archived)