Best
Portable Amp Simulator
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Overall: 60+ amp models, including legendary models and proprietary Line 6 tones.
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Best Feature: 100+ effects models at your fingertips.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Overall Amp
Simulator
for tone chasers
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Overall: Fully redesigned user interface.
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Best Feature: Volumetric Impulse Response (VIR) cabinet engine.
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Affordable Amp
Simulator
Real-Time Plug-in pocket-friendly option
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Overall: Tunes vocals
automatically in real-time. -
Best Feature: Instant
response with
ultra-low latency. -
TedScore™: 9/10
Imagine plugging in your guitar; there it is, the perfect tone, all without a physical amp in sight. That’s the promise of the best amp simulator, and I’m here to walk you through the cream of the crop.
From the loud sound of a cranked valve amp to the clear sparkle of a solid-state combo, today’s tech can do it all without being heavy or expensive. I’ve been really impressed by IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube 5 Max, and you will be too.
Keep reading because you’ll know which virtual rig will make your music sound great by the end. I’m here to help you find the best sound, like a guide leading you to the top of the mountain.
Popular
Amp Simulator Plugins
Amp simulators are the secret sauce to impeccable sound without the bulk of physical gear. These plugins have revolutionized home recording, offering an array of tones at the click of a mouse.
Amplitube Series
I’ve found that the Amplitube series by IK Multimedia is a treasure trove for tone chasers.
It’s well-stocked with a variety of amps, effects, and mics that can be mixed and matched to your heart’s content. The Amplitube 5 is especially a cracker of a plugin with its hyper-realistic tones.
IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 MAX v2 Software Suite
FEATURES: Fully redesigned user interface.
OTHER INFO: Volumetric Impulse Response (VIR) cabinet engine.
- 100-plus recaptured cabinets.
- 19 mixing effects derived from T-RackS.
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Guitar Rig and Komplete
Part of the Komplete bundle, the Guitar Rig offers a cornucopia of amps, cabs, and effects. It’s a breeze to use, which is a relief, and the tones are simply lush.
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 Pro Guitar Amp & Effects Software
FEATURES: NI's Intelligent Circuit Modelling (ICM) fuels the guitar and bass modeling studio.
OTHER INFO: 4x new timeless amplifiers, including Super Fast 100, Reverb Delight, AC Box XV, and Bass Rage.
- Onboard Loop Machine Pro helps energize jams, practices, brainstorms, streams, and more.
- Learning Curve.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Neural DSP Suite
For the metalheads and modern tone aficionados, Neural DSP Suite is a no-brainer. Their plugins dish out bone-crushing distortion and are as gnarly as they come.
Sparkling cleans? Yep, Neural DSP covers those, too, and they’re pristine.
Neural DSP Tone King Imperial MKII Amp and FX Suite Software
FEATURES: 3 stompbox-style pre-effects (Compressor, Overdrive-1, and Overdrive-2)
OTHER INFO: Wah effect works both with a MIDI expression pedal and in auto-wah mode.
- Heralded as one of the best-sounding American-voiced guitar amplifiers in existence.
- Rhythm channel delivers a gorgeous clean tone.
- System requirements.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Bias Amp and Bias FX
Coming from Positive Grid, Bias Amp and Bias FX are like the dynamic duo of tone sculpting.
Bias Amp provides deep customization of virtual amp circuits, while Bias FX dishes out a broad palette of effects. Together, they’re frankly a guitarist’s dream.
Positive Grid BIAS Elite Combo Bass Amp and FX Modeling Plug-in
FEATURES: Guitar Match with 18 modeled guitars including classic and electric guitar.
OTHER INFO: Enhanced DSP engine derived from BIAS AMP 2.
- New looper/recorder functionality.
- Create and download thousands of pedals on ToneCloud.
- The plug-in's system requirements can strain computer resources.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Line 6 Helix Native
The Line 6 Helix Native is an absolute behemoth in the plugin world.
It models the hardware’s HX modeling engine, so you bet it’s top-notch. The interface is intuitive, and the sonic possibilities are pretty much endless.
Line 6 Helix HX Stomp Multi-Effects Pedal
FEATURES: 60+ amp models, including legendary models and proprietary Line 6 tones.
OTHER INFO: 64-bit performance on AAX, AU, and VST3 platforms.
- 100+ effects models at your fingertips.
- Free HX Edit software to personalize the pedal's functions.
- Limited footswitches and control options compared to larger multi-effects units.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Waves Plugins
Let’s talk about Waves Plugins for a second.
It is one of the more pocket-friendly options and doesn’t skimp on quality. It is sublime, with meticulously crafted tones from only Paul Reed Smith’s amps.
Waves Tune Real-Time Plug-in
FEATURES: Tunes vocals automatically in real-time.
OTHER INFO: Instant response with ultra-low latency.
- Runs on any live mixer via MultiRack SoundGrid.
- Compatible with all SoundGrid applications.
- The plugin's effectiveness relies on the input signal and the vocalist's performance.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Other Notable Mentions
Aside from the big shots, we’ve got gems like Overloud TH-U that offer cracking-free options. Then there’s Softube’s Vintage Amp Room, which captures the essence of yesteryear’s classic amps with finesse.
Each offers a distinct flavor to add to your sonic pantry.
Overloud TH-U Premium Guitar Effects Suite
Overloud TH-U Premium Guitar Effects Suite
FEATURES: Randall, Brunetti, and THD authorized modeling.
OTHER INFO: SLR technology allows morphing between 2 amplifiers.
- Extensive MIDI control options.
- Over 1,000 presets covering every musical genre, plus one preset bank dedicated to bass.
- The wide range of options may overwhelm users seeking a more straightforward guitar effects solution.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Softube's Vintage Amp Room
Softube's Vintage Amp Room
FEATURES: Twenty-seven touch-sensitive potentiometers offer an ideal balance of weight and resistance.
OTHER INFO: The 1-knob-per-function design replicates the workflow of an analog studio.
- Dual, high-resolution, bright screens allow you to focus on your console rather than your computer monitor.
- Limited to vintage amplifier emulations may not cater to users seeking modern or diverse guitar tones.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Selecting the Right Amp Simulator
An amp simulator is my go-to solution when chasing the perfect tone without physical gear.
Finding the right one allows me to combine personal preference and technical needs, ensuring I get precisely what I require for my music creation.
Consider Your Musical Genre
My music genre heavily influences the amp sim I pick, as each genre requires a distinct sonic palette.
For rock or metal, I might seek a simulator that provides crunchy, aggressive amplification models, whereas jazz or blues would have me looking for something with a warmer, cleaner sound. A simulator packed with presets gives me a variety of tones to start with, which I can then tweak to fit my style.
Assessing Your Skill Level
It is an amp sim that matches my skill level, which is crucial. If I’m a beginner, I opt for software with an intuitive interface and easy-to-navigate presets.
As an advanced player, high-quality sound becomes non-negotiable, and I look for sims offering detailed customization settings. Regardless of my skill level, a sim that grows with me is always a wise investment, so I feel free as my playing evolves.
Integration with DAWs
It’s really important that the amp simulator works with my music software and supports the plug-ins I use a lot.
I want an amp simulator that makes recording easier, not harder, so I am looking for one that fits smoothly into my setup. It’s also great if it’s affordable and works well with my other digital tools.
Understanding Amp Simulators
When I first stumbled upon amp simulators, I was skeptical. How could a virtual version ever match up to a real amplifier?
But let me tell you, the world of software amp sims is fascinating. They allow me to carry a whole world of tones on my laptop.
Amp simulators come in two flavors: software plugins for digital audio workstations and standalone applications.
The transition from amps to amp sims can be a game-changer. Also, virtual amp technology is constantly improving, getting closer and closer to that “real amp” feel.
Let’s talk about the “feel” and “presence” of real amplifiers. It’s true that real amps have this sort of magic, an undeniably special interaction with the guitar. But I’ve seen amp sims that can now model even the subtlest nuances of a vintage tube amp.
There’s truly something magical about flicking through different amp models with a click. It’s liberating, and I can’t wait to see what amp designers will come up with next in the world of virtual amplification.
Key Features of Amp Sims
If you’re in the market for a top-notch amp model simulator, there are a few key elements that you’ll want to tick off your list.
Trust me, they make all the difference when shaping your dream tone and bringing that authenticity to your digital rig.
Tone Customization
I love playing around with different tones; amp sims make this a breeze. Tone customization is where these nifty tools shine, allowing me to fiddle with settings until I hit my sweet spot.
From classic vintage warmth to modern high-gain destruction, manipulating the gain, EQ, and even the type of amplifier model is a no-brainer.
Effects and Pedals
Amp sims often come packed with an arsenal of built-in effects, and it’s like having a candy shop of sonic goodies at my fingertips. From delicious reverb to lush chorus, these sims save you the clutter and expense of physical units.
Signal Chain Flexibility
Being able to control my signal chain is like being a chef in the kitchen—I have so many creative options!
With amp sims, I can mix and match amps, speaker cabinets, and effects however I like. This allows me to create different sounds, from subtle to wild and everything in between.
Room and Microphone Settings
Let’s not forget the secret sauce of room and microphone settings—they add authentic ambiance and depth. Fiddling with microphone types and placements is my ticket to nailing that specific character or vibe of a recording.
The room acoustic is like the finishing touch, making everything sound more authentic. Adding the right room reverb can make my virtual setup feel like it’s in a real studio or concert hall.
Enhancing Realism in Digital Tone
Let’s talk about making a digital amp simulator sound like a classic tube amp in a famous music studio. I’ll share some tips for getting that warm, realistic sound we all love in digital music.
Utilizing Impulse Responses
Impulse responses (IRs) are my secret sauce for adding authentic-sounding reverb and room effects to digital amp simulations. I’m always amazed by how they capture the acoustics of real spaces—it’s as if I’m recording in an acoustically perfect studio or even performing in a grand cathedral,
I can inject some serious quality and realism into my tracks by incorporating these snapshots of real-world audio environments.
Balancing the Digital with Analog
We all love the warm, rich sound of a great old analog tube amp, right? To capture that sound, I mix in a bit of analog magic with my digital setup.
It’s about finding the right balance between the clear sound of digital and the rich, harmonious sound of analog. A touch of analog can bring warmth and life to the usually clean digital sound.
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Let’s talk about mic placement—but in the digital world.
Moving virtual mics around the digital ‘speaker cabinet’ can change how the sound feels, making it more like an actual amp recording. These little changes in the mix make the final sound feel more alive and real.
Building Your Digital Rig
I focus on versatility and quality when I assemble my virtual guitar setup. I want to ensure that my tones are authentic and creatively inspiring.
Choosing Virtual Amps and Effects
I begin by choosing the best virtual amps that match the real ones I like. Whether I want clear sounds or heavy distortion, finding an amp sim that gets those tones right is essential.
I enjoy trying out different effects with VST plugins.
I want a plugin with many effects, like reverb, delay, chorus, and phaser. It’s like having a digital pedalboard to which I can add more effects whenever I want.
Optimizing the Guitar to Amp Connection
The guitar-to-interface connection is vital. I use a high-quality cable to keep my guitar’s sound clear.
I also use a noise gate to stop unwanted noise—it’s like a guard for the sound.
I make sure the input settings on my audio interface are just correct. This helps keep my guitar’s sound clear and accurate when it goes into the computer.
When the connection is good, I get a clean, lively sound that works well with any virtual effect I use.
Best amp simulator:
Core Insights
I’ve had a blast chatting about the best amp simulators out there, and I hope you’ve found the info as excellent as I have.
I’m not alone in my admiration for IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube 5 Max; it’s a beast at mimicking those classic amp sounds. Don’t forget about the Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 and Line 6 Helix Native for a dash of quality, too.
For my mates watching the pennies, Waves GTR3 won’t break the bank.
Choosing the right amp sim can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but I hope my two cents can help you pluck out a winner. So go on and enjoy exploring these virtual-tone treasures!
Hold up, we’re not finished yet…
Discover the top 37 VST plugins in this comprehensive article, covering a wide range of essential tools for music production and sound design.
