Distortion pedals in general can be divided into three basic approaches and distortion families: specific distortion pedals, overdrive pedals, and fuzz pedals.

Distortion pedals represent the most modern approach, simulating or replacing tube distortion by means of transistors or diodes — some even rival dedicated tube preamps.
Overdrive pedals blend the clean guitar signal with the distorted sound, resulting in a mild yet harmonically rich character. They are commonly used to push a downstream tube amp into its own distortion while tightening the overall response.
Fuzz pedals are based on the earliest circuit designs. Instead of attenuating bass frequencies, they reduce high frequencies, creating a raw, aggressive, and unmistakably “fuzzy” character.

With KEMPER Drive and KEMPER Fuzz, these classic concepts are taken far beyond traditional pedal emulations. Both effects are highly flexible platforms capable of recreating the behavior and tonal range of many iconic distortion, overdrive, and fuzz pedals — while also covering a wide spectrum of sounds that lie between these categories and are not achievable with analog circuits.

In addition to faithfully capturing prominent vintage designs, the PROFILER offers novel booster and tone-shaping effects that intentionally go beyond analog limitations, opening up new creative possibilities for modern guitar rigs.