Sometimes a single amp sound is simply not enough. Especially for guitarists who play in top 40 bands, where the need for different sounds is enormous, from ultraclean funky sounds to the hardcore heavy. In any case Marshall and Vox are essential for those 70s accents. An amp that can cover a wide range of sounds, is extremely useful and also saves us the hassle of having to drag at least three amps, cabinets and an armada of effects pedals to a gig every weekend. Plus it’s also not such a bad thing having a multi-sounding amp at home either. A modeling amp is an all-in-one solution, especially with the amount of options these days. This article is meant to shed some light on the search for the ideal sound generator.
Amp-modeling is the digital reproduction of (tube) amplifiers. This is done through detailed analysis of the original amps, in laboratories from the various manufacturers. Digital fingerprints of the amps are made, so to speak, based on the original sound in terms of sound and responsiveness. The digital processors are very powerful and many well-versed guitarists are often no longer able to distinguish between the original and the digital replica during a blind test. The Modeling wave was initiated by Line 6 an American manufacturer who introduced the AxSYS 212 to the market in 1996, and the POD in 1998. At relatively the same time, Boss came out with the GP-100, a multi-effect with amp modeling, and COSM technology which was later transferred into Cube amps. In 2004 its sister company Roland, produced a classic, the Micro Cube, a small inexpensive practice amp, which to this day is still being built and delivers good high-gain sounds even at lower volumes. These amps are well suited for beginners, but also used by many professional guitarists as a practice or warm-up combo, such as Mark Tremonti who was spotted with a Micro Cube backstage.
Modeling amps were, and are, still mainly used as practice amps, but in 2012 the German manufacturer Kemper stepped into the scene introducing the next milestone. Where with other manufacturers guitarists were dependent on the integrated amp models, with the Kemper Profiler, you’re given the possibility to create guitar amp profiles yourself. This opened up whole new possibilities and now Kemper Profiler is also offered
Peavey Vypyr X3 1 X 12 Inch 100 Watt Modeling Guitar/bass/acoustic Combo Amp
Modeling amps are now available in all sizes and price ranges, while the question arises as to which features are important and which can you do without. Here are some points:
The most important criteria is of course, application. If the Amp is only to be used at home for practice, then high volume is not needed and a small model will suffice. If your modeling-amp, when in the rehearsal room needs to constantly compete with the bass and drums, then you’re going to need more power. You should note that the power (sound pressure) of a tube amplifier is not equal to that of a transistor or modeling amp. A 30 watt tube amp has significantly more muscle than a 30 watt transitor amp. If then your drummer and bassist strike back, get an even more powerful amplifier.
The next consideration is the number and choice of amp models that your amplifier has. So which sounds are important to you and which would you rather do without. But it must be said, that now all manufacturers offer very good bandwidth, which can cover all sounds in the current top 40. Some may prefer amps, which offer a smaller selection of amp models, but are specifically of a higher quality.
The Best Modeling Amps For Guitar
Most modeling amps have an effects section on board. You should consider the sounds you need and above all how well and elaborate the general controls are. The effects on simple amps can be adjusted with a single controller – which is ideal for non tech savvy guitarists. But those who wish to delve deeper into effects, will need to access multiple parameters per effect. In any case, a tap function for tempo delay effects is definitely useful.
If you plan to use the amp during rehearsal or on stage, then you should control the various sounds with a foot switch. For professionals it is obligatory to have large storage space with a comfortable amount of control in the individual presets.
The amp should definitely be equipped with a headphone jack with speaker simulation, which allows you to play quietly and not to disturb anyone. An Aux-in is useful, so you can connect an audio player with line level and play to jam tracks or the originals. If you plan to use the amplifier for recording, it would make sense to have a USB connection.
Peavey Vypyr X3 Guitar Modeling Amp
The interaction with the amplifier is one of, if not the most important aspects according to many guitarists, meaning everyone has their own perception and preferences. It is advisable to test, for example, whether the saturation level of a Mid-Gain model can be controlled via the attack or the volume potentiometer. With High-Gain models the bass should not sound fuzzy, and clean amp models shouldn’t sound saturated at high volumes, such as when playing with the band.
For some Modeling Amps, the amplifier can be conveniently controlled via a computer app or tablet for e.g. via a Bluetooth connection. Furthermore, the audio files on the connected device can be conveniently played back via the amplifier. If you often listen to songs and play with the originals or jam tracks, it is of course somewhat easier to control using a tablet.
These days the range of modeling amps is immense, as many traditional manufacturers, who are usually known for tube amplifiers, also joined the modeling business. Here are some suggestions for the different requirements:
The Best Modeling Amps To Elevate Your Guitar Sounds [2023 Guide]
The Roland Micro Cube GX, Blackstar ID Core Stereo 20 V2, Yamaha THR 10c and the Line 6 Spider Classic is perfect for practicing at home.
The Fender Mustang III V2 , the Marshall code 50 and the Blackstar ID Core 100 are more powerful, which you can also take to rehearsals
The Line 6 Firehawk 1500, the Kemper Profiler Power Head, Positive Grid Bias Head or the DV Mark Multiamp Mono are modeling amps recommended for on stage , and which can also be played at home of course 😉
What Is The Best Modeling Guitar Amp
Lawrence started playing the electric guitar because of his passion for rock music. Back in the day he played in a metal band, but now plays more for himself.The effects and amp models that come in the most popular modeling amps out there are mostly enjoyed by guitarists, which boxes out their four-stringed brethren.
But we now live in a new era where bass players get to have the fun and access to creativity that guitarists do. offers a slew of modeling amps aimed directly at providing bassists with the ability to add unlimited texture and color to their compositions. The role of the bass player has changed since the 1950s, and these bass modeling amps can unlock new doors of expression.
The good thing about modeling amps is that they can serve as a practice amp, studio amp and live amp, as the onboard digital effects and amp models make them useful for any setting. They are also lighter because they’re don’t have the heavy transformers, tubes and heavier speakers needed to power tube amplifiers, which makes them extra portable.
Fender Rumble Lt25 Digital Modelling Bass Amp
And modeling amps come in all different sizes, so you can choose one with lower wattage for bedroom jamming or one with a larger speaker and higher wattage for more oomph on stage. Speaking of wattage …
The power of an amp is measured in wattage, otherwise known as the amount of electrical output driving the speakers. Generally speaking, bass amps need higher wattages than guitar amps because bass amps require more headroom to push a strong, clean low-end signal to cabinets filled with large speakers for projecting.
If you are playing with a drummer and guitarist, you should probably look for an amp with more watts, likely two to four times as powerful as the amp connected to the guitar. So if the guitarist has a 50-watt amp, plug into a bass modeling amp that is 100 or 200 watts.
Can You Use A Guitar Amp For A Bass?
The great thing about digital amps is that because they’re modeling the amplifiers, the tones you want to get on tube amps the modeling helps get that great tone at any volume. It’ll sound good at lower volumes.
Modeling amps have a plethora of effects built in to the unit like reverb, distortion, chorus, delay, etc. But it’s more than just having the effects in the amp, as you can experiment by placing the effects at various places in your virtual signal chain and save them in a preset for easy access. Bassists never get to have that fun!
Additionally, the processors in modeling amps will emulate the sound of tube technology, so you have numerous amps to play with in a single box, from classic models like the Bassman to high-gain contemporary amps.
Boss Katana Mini Modeling Amp
There are a lot of benefits to purchasing a modeling amp for your guitar, and has several of note that can fit
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