Set up StageHUD.
Everything you need for a reliable connection and gig-ready setup.
First-Time Setup Sequence
Follow these steps in order after receiving your purchase email:
- Open StageHUD in Google Chrome: Open the StageHUD web app link provided in your purchase confirmation email on your primary performance device.
- Enter Your License Key: Enter the license key included in your purchase confirmation email.
- Add StageHUD to Your Home Screen: Open Chrome’s menu, select Install app or Add to Home screen, and confirm. Use the new StageHUD icon to launch the app going forward. Installing StageHUD lets Chrome cache the app shell on your device, which helps it launch more reliably, reopen offline after verification, and run from a cleaner dedicated app window during gigs.
- Connect Your Player: Connect the Kemper Player directly using a data-capable USB-B cable.
- Grant MIDI Permission: When prompted by Chrome, select the Kemper MIDI connection.
- Verify the Display: Confirm that your Kemper rig title, effects and BPM appear.
- Test Offline Reopening: After StageHUD has loaded successfully online at least once, disconnect from Wi-Fi, close StageHUD, and reopen it from the Home Screen icon to confirm it is ready for offline use.
What You Need
- Kemper Hardware: A fully booted Kemper Player.
- Data-Capable USB-B Cable: Connect directly with a high-quality USB-B data cable (charge-only cables, loose adapters and unreliable unpowered OTG hubs are common causes of connection issues).
- Browser: Google Chrome with Web MIDI permissions enabled.
StageHUD relies on Web MIDI in Google Chrome, which Apple does not currently allow on iPhone or iPad. Mac is supported through Google Chrome.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If StageHUD displays "NO KEMPER DATA" or fails to connect:
- Verify the Kemper Player is completely booted before opening Chrome.
- Reseat USB-B cable connections firmly at both ends.
- Confirm your USB-B cable supports data transfer (test with another USB data device).
- Close background apps or extra browser tabs competing for USB MIDI resources.
- Test with a quality powered USB hub or certified OTG adapter.
Audio Safety Note: StageHUD operates purely as a display companion. It never intercepts or alters your Kemper audio signal.
Performance Mode Layout
Performance Mode organizes your Kemper rigs into structured 5-scene song layouts.
- Prefix your Kemper rig names with bank-slot markers (e.g.
1-1,1-2,1-3) for the most reliable song and rig location display across supported Chrome/Web MIDI devices. - In regular Rig Mode, those same prefixes can also show a small location badge like
R 1-1. If a rig does not include a prefix, StageHUD simply hides the badge. - Song tempo can lock across scenes or run independently.
- Morph engagement and active stomp states update seamlessly on touch.
Pre-Gig Reliability Checklist
- Rehearse on the exact device, USB-B cable, and power adapter used live.
- Disable OS battery optimization for Chrome.
- Set screen sleep timeout to "Never" or long duration.
- Close unnecessary background applications before entering the stage.
Can I use StageHUD on an iPhone or iPad?
Not at launch. StageHUD requires browser-level MIDI access that iOS and iPadOS do not currently provide. Mac is supported through Google Chrome. For stage use, we recommend a dedicated Android tablet running Google Chrome.
Before You Email Support
Most setup issues come from cable, browser permission, or the app not being installed/cached correctly. Before reaching out, please try this quick reset:
- Fully close StageHUD.
- Confirm StageHUD is opened in Google Chrome or from the installed Home Screen/app icon, not inside Gmail, Facebook, Messenger, or another in-app browser.
- Confirm your cable is a USB-B data cable, not charge-only.
- Power on the Kemper Player and let it fully boot.
- Reopen StageHUD and grant Chrome MIDI permission when prompted.
- If the display still does not populate, unplug and reseat the USB-B cable, then tap the resync button in StageHUD.
Common Questions
Do I have to install StageHUD to my Home Screen?
Strongly recommended. StageHUD can run in Chrome, but installing it as a PWA gives the most reliable live-use experience, helps cache the app for offline reopening, and keeps it in a cleaner dedicated window.
Why does StageHUD say “No Kemper Data”?
That usually means StageHUD can see the MIDI connection but has not received usable Kemper data yet. Make sure the Kemper is fully booted, the USB-B cable supports data, Chrome MIDI permission was granted, and no other app is competing for the same MIDI connection.
Will clearing Chrome site data fix problems?
Only use this as a troubleshooting step, not right before a gig. Clearing site data removes StageHUD’s cached app files, offline license state, and saved StageHUD settings like performance names, effect names, grid preferences, and morph display settings. It does not change anything saved inside your Kemper.
Why do I need rig prefixes like 1-1?
StageHUD uses rig-name prefixes for the most reliable song and rig location display across supported Chrome/Web MIDI devices. Some Kemper information is not consistently exposed through every browser/device path, so prefixes give StageHUD a dependable, one-time setup method for accurate live layouts.
Does StageHUD change my Kemper sounds?
No. StageHUD does not touch your audio path. It displays and controls Kemper MIDI states, but your Kemper remains responsible for the actual rig, effects, tone, and audio output.
Need Personal Help?
If you encounter an issue not resolved by this guide, reach out through the Contact Page. Please include your device model, OS version, Chrome build, and USB-B cable setup for the fastest resolution.