Every guitarist wants the best amp sounds, but getting your hands on high-end amplifiers can cost thousands, and if you want more than one, your dream tone can start to become unattainable. With the very best amp modelers, unlocking the amplifiers you yearn for becomes a reality.
This is because amp modelers can sound and feel as good as traditional guitar amplifiers whilst offering additional flexibility, transportability and, for many, additional creativity.
But as with any guitar technology, the price point of amp modelers can vary dramatically, along with their feature lists. With these picks of the best amp modelers, you can find the one for your needs across any price point, be that for live use, home recording, or just practice.
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The quick list
Packed with amp models that are as close to the real thing as you can get, the Neural DSP Quad Cortex makes complex signal chains effortless, rightfully earning its place at the top.
Having been one of the top choices for live players for years, the Fractal Axe-FX III combines excellent processing power with relentless reliability, making it perfect for touring guitarists.
Despite being one of the older models on this list, the Kemper Profiler Stage is still unmatched as a profiler, allowing you to accurately and easily capture the sound of your real guitar amp.
Amp modeling can get expensive quickly, but the Line 6 Helix LT offers excellent value for money coming in just below the $1,000 and offering just as much as more expensive models.
If you want a compact option to create a hybrid setup with an amp and mount on your pedalboard, the Headrush Core is easy to travel with, and you can plug a microphone into it too.
If you want an amp modeler on a tight budget, the Hotone Ampero II Stomp gets our vote. It sounds phenomenal and is nice and compact too, making it great for beginners.
Best overall
Even after the hype from its launch in 2020 has had time to die down, Neural DSP’s Quad Cortex is still the modeler to beat. With sounds so close to the real thing, countless musicians have traded their tube amplifiers in to use the QC full time.
With class leading processing power courtesy of its SHARC quad-core processor, the Quad Cortex suffers from zero latency, regardless of how advanced the user wants to go with complex internal effects chains to complement their captured amplifier. And complex effects chains are where the Quad Cortex stands above rivals, as its intuitive interface allows even total novices to fairly quickly get their head around the system and create everything from natural tube-amp tones to cinematic, stereo soundscapes. Managing these complex chains is also remarkably simple, thanks to the graphical signal-chain displayed and edited via the inbuilt LCD touch-screen, which is a particular highlight.
Whilst those looking to be a bit ‘different’ may be deterred by the fanfare over the Quad Cortex, it does come with the benefit of a vast community of users who have created their own amp presets on the ‘Cortex Cloud’. All the plaudits are accurate – this is the best modeler you can buy.
Read our full Neural DSP Quad Cortex review
Best for live performance
Unlike rivals from Kemper and Neural, which sit firmly in the same price bracket, Axe-Fx III Mark II is a genuine amp modeler, rather than a profiler, so its amps are created without the cue of a hardware amplifier. This doesn’t mean the Axe-Fx sounds worse though, and the rack-mounted version of the unit has been among the top choices for live players for years, due to its supreme reliability, immense processing power and spellbinding in-built effects – which can be programmed to be controlled by MIDI, to seamlessly engage during a set.
The Mark II Turbo version comes equipped with a 25% clock speed boost that allows players to go even more complex with their effects chains, whilst the addition of extra flash memory makes it future-proofed for updates.
The sonic capabilities of the Axe-Fx system are remarkable and its ability to react to playing dynamics makes it feel just like a real amplifier – the real barometer for tube amp aficionados. It also reacts with external pedals well, so for people who don’t necessarily want to move both amp and effects over to a modeler, the Axe-Fx III will be great with your existing pedalboard.
The big downside to the Axe-Fx remains the fact that Fractal still only sells directly/through singular select dealers per territory, which isn’t ideal if you want to go to your music store to A/B test against rivals.
Best profiler
The legacy pick and still among the best. Whilst some of the Kemper hardware is starting to feel its age, the company does still release software updates that keep its hardware firmly within the grasp of its contemporaries in the area that matters most; the amp sounds.
Despite its age, the Kemper Profiler Stage still sounds brilliant and the ability to ‘digitally clone’ any vintage amplifier you like through its profiling technology remains Kemper’s biggest selling point. Where it has lost some ground on rivals is its ease of use, which isn’t totally effortless during set-up, though in a performance situation, it is far more intuitive and natural for guitarists.
For those looking for a modeler to go straight on the road with, Kemper’s build quality has become legendary and is perfect for professional gigging musicians, who rely on the reliability of their equipment, even after being thrown about. Its Floorboard Profiler Stage is our pick of the range due to its portability and sleek design, however we’d recommend checking out Kemper’s powered heads, if you require a modeler with an integrated power amp.
Best under $1,000
Line 6 was among the first players in guitar modeling, back when other manufacturers laughed at the idea that people would trade in their amps for modelers… with the success they’ve experienced with their Helix range, Line 6 definitely had the last laugh.
The Helix LT is Line 6’s stripped back, ‘budget-friendly’ version of its full Helix floorboard modeler. For us, it’s the pick of its extensive range and ideal for players looking to get a gig-worthy modeler, without breaking the $1000 barrier… just.
Can it compare to the likes of Fender and Neural’s offerings? Yes, just about. In comparison everything feels that little bit clunkier, and the amp models aren’t quite as refined – though there are regular software and firmware updates by Line 6 to improve these, which is commendable after all the years the Helix range has been in production. Its LCD screen is bright and easy to see, though the lack of touchscreen is noticeable compared to rivals.
What has to be considered with the Helix LT though, is that it undercuts its illustrious competition by a significant amount, with the quality remaining high. If you’re looking for a modeler for the live environment and can’t stretch past $1000, this is the best amp modeler on the market at that price point.
Best compact
The Headrush Core is ideal for anybody looking for a compact modeler for the live environment, particularly for those who want control over their vocals too, with the standout feature of the Headrush Core being its in-built vocal processing, including Antares Autotune. This makes it a superb live tool for those who want full control over their vocal sound as well as their guitar tones.
The intuitive touch screen makes both vocal and guitar manipulation effortless in use and the overall simplicity and user-friendliness of the Headrush Core is among its biggest selling points. And it doesn’t stop there with its tricks; it also has the ability to ‘clone’ an amp with Headrush’s unique amp cloning feature – which is equally intuitive in use as the rest of the Core – meaning there are potentially infinite tonal options.
Some may be tempted to pay the little bit extra to go for the Core’s big brother – the Headrush Prime – however the size and weight reduction in the Core (at around half the weight of the Prime) can’t go unnoticed, and that could be a real plus point for those who want something compact and easy to travel with. It also has the same digital signal processor as the Prime, the same software, and it happens to be significantly cheaper – which makes it our pick of the two.
Best budget
The Ampero II Stomp is powered by the catchy ‘Advanced CDCM HD (Comprehensive Dynamic Circuit Modeling High Definition)’ and ‘F.I.R.E. (Field Impulse Response Enhancement)’ systems, which use dynamic feature modeling where independent amp ‘components’ are rebuilt digitally to create very accurate models. You'd be forgiven for thinking that this sounds like a lot of marketing nonsense, but in practice the Ampero II Stomp backs up the acronyms with superb and varied amp models, which feel and sound organic and natural.
Hotone has also upped its components from the initial Ampero lineup, with the Stomp II coming loaded with additional processing power, better AD/DA conversion, improved dynamic range, and upgrades in just about every other area. The only thing it has lost over the original Ampero is the inbuilt expression pedal and one of its footswitches, though an external expression pedal can be added.
Areas that often let budget-friendly products such as the Ampero II Stomp down is the build quality, and while the 4” touchscreen is smaller than on many rivals – which is to be expected at this price point – it is bright and easy to read, and the rest of the chassis is durable and rather handsome. Whilst beginners should seriously consider this as an excellent way to get on the modeling ladder, even pro players shouldn’t sniff at it.
More options...
One of the benefits of most amp modelers is that you can choose from many different amps, but there will always be those who don’t care for that feature; rather they just want an incredible modeled version of their favorite amp. Universal Audio’s range of modeled amplifier pedals should be the go-to for any player who wants to cut the complexity of having stacks of amps in their modeler, and the Lion ‘68 Super Lead is the pick of the range.
Whilst the Lion is more limited than other modelers – and you could get a great amp modeler with far more features for the same (or less) money – it’d be an extremely difficult task to find a Marshall-style model, which is notoriously difficult to replicate, at any price point that sounds quite this good. The majesty of the 100W Plexi can only really be experienced at ear-splitting volumes – however the Lion manages to replicate this sound and, importantly, sensation at any volume, which in itself is a reason to buy. It’s also considerably cheaper than a 100W Plexi, with even a reissue setting you back $2000.
Coming with a built-in ambience, which can be changed to a larger reverb when selecting artist presets through Universal Audio’s software package, plus a built-in boost, for a simple rig the Lion does everything you need. It also plays really well with external pedals too, if you want to combine it with an existing pedalboard. If you want the best modeled Marshall tone, or just one of the best Marshall tones in general, look no further.
Despite Fender making some of the greatest amps of all time – all of which will be sitting in their archives ripe and ready to be digitally cloned through amp capture – their Tone Master Pro floorboard goes down the route of top-to-bottom amp modeling instead, creating digital versions of its classic range and a host of other sought-after amps. Not all of these models can quite match competitors’ versions, however Fender fans should consider this the go-to modeler because (unsurprisingly) it does Fender amp tones better than any other.
The effects in this unit are really impressive, particularly the reverbs which can provide everything from drippy spring sounds – classics for Fender amps – to cavernous halls. However if the integrated effects aren’t enough, the Tone Master Pro has 4 (!) effects loops, so there is no shortage of effect options.
Relative newcomers to the amp modeling scene, Fender seems to have taken the time to learn from industry leaders, particularly in its user interface, which is superb. The 7” touchscreen display and scribble strips make both set up and live operation brilliant, and when using the switches in stompbox mode, it’s a pretty much fool-proof system.
Read our full Fender Tone Master Pro review
Undoubtedly best known for its software amp models via the Guitar Rig software, IK Multimedia has packaged all of its modeling expertise into a floorboard offering. The Tonex Pedal is the hardware interface by which you can utilize the excellent Tonex software in a practical environment. This is both the Tonex’s strength and weakness.
With access to IK Multimedia’s vast archive of amps, Tonex has both modeled and profiled amps ready to use, as well as a host of profiled pedals, though to get the best out of the Tonex hardware you will need to use the software and USB connection, which gives you access to a vast array of modeled amps and effects. However, if you just want to plug in and get going, it’s probably not the right device for you, as its own interface isn’t particularly user-friendly.
For fans of effects, this isn’t a multi-effects unit that will allow you to stomp lots of effects in and out, however in its price bracket (for amp modeling alone) it is arguably the best and certainly has access to the most amp models through IK Multimedia's library. For trying out as many different amp types as possible, give this some consideration.
The GT-1000 Core sees Boss condense its flagship GT-1000 amp and effects processor into a much smaller package, whilst retaining the processing power of its bigger brother, including 96kHz audio, ensuring pristine sound quality. It also has 24 different effects blocks and allows the user to create a dual-amp set-up, which means that, despite its size, you can create vast stereo amp rigs.
Boss has managed to retain a plethora of ins and outs, including stereo inputs and outputs, two effects sends/returns, and MIDI in/out, which is quite remarkable given its diminutive size. And for those concerned about the lack of in-built footswitches, external control is supported via external footswitches and expression pedals.
The user interface isn’t as intuitive as some rivals and the lack of Bluetooth is a real shame and means USB is needed when connecting to the BOSS Tone Studio app. However this doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the unit, particularly its effects. For those looking primarily for a multi-effects unit to complement an existing amplifier, but would like the option of having additional amp models for recording, this is a great solution that doesn’t break the bank.
'Amp modeling' and 'budget' haven’t always gone hand in hand, but this is no longer the case. The NUX MG-400 is a smart little modeler and multi-effects unit that offers a great selection of amps to choose from and has all the features to make it a great home practice tool, including a built-in looper, drum machine and USB interface.
Compared to rivals, it lacks the sheer volume of amp models – just 25 – though the addition of eight bass amp models is a nice touch and means players at home can write, loop, and record full demos with guitar, bass and even drums (via the in-built drum machine).
The amp models may be few in numbers, but they’re tastefully engineered and produce usable tones, rather than vast quantities of pretty much unlistenable amps as modelers of old used to.
Don’t be deterred by this being a ‘budget product’ from a ‘budget brand’, even expert players with years of experience should consider this as a fun and creative tool to use at home, or as an emergency live solution.
Buying advice
What is an amp modeler?
Amp modeling is the process of digitally replicating the sound of analog guitar amplifiers. An analog guitar signal is converted into a digital signal and manipulated through a series of algorithms that have been carefully designed to reproduce sound that mimics a ‘traditional’ amplifier. The depths of this can vary, from generating amp-like tones, to interpolating complex impulse responses that accurately reproduce the sound and feel of a speaker cabinet, giving the player a lifelike feel to an entirely digitally produced sound.
The very first amp modeler is debated among players, though the ‘Rockman X100’ – a clip-on guitar headphone amp, with built in effects – which appeared in the ’80s and featured on records by the likes of Def Leppard – is often credited as the first easily accessible modeler. However it was the ’90s when modeling began to gain some legs and break into mainstream use. The Roland VG-8 and Line 6 Axys 212 paved the way for digital amp models that decade, before Line 6 took it one step further with the now-infamous POD (known affectionately as the ‘kidney bean’) becoming common in many guitarists’ households by the start of the new millennium. The POD signaled the start of modeling amps becoming commercially successful, though the gap in sound quality between a modeled amp and an analog tube amplifier was still very noticeable.
Since the launch of the POD, modeling technology has continued advancing, with more DSP (digital signal processing) power becoming cheaply available and allowing modelers to run more complex algorithms with ease. As this level of processing power increased, other forms of digital amp recreation became readily available and, whilst they fell under the bracket of ‘modeler’, many would argue this label isn’t entirely correct.
Whilst a modeler will have been created by a combination of technology and human interpretation of a sound, products from the likes of Kemper arrived that use a technological process called amp profiling (often called ‘captures’ by other manufacturers), which sends a series of signals through a physical, target amplifier and then analyzes and reproduces the results down to the most minute nuance, from the dynamic reactions to the response of the amp to different guitars being played through it. If amp modeling is like an artist’s painting, an amp profiler is more like taking a photograph.
Given that the process by which an amplifier is replicated differs between modelers and profilers, the fastidious would argue profilers shouldn’t be mentioned in the same breath; however, at almost any music store, you’ll find profilers and modelers side-by-side, as ultimately they aim to achieve the same thing; a great amp tone.
Will a modeler sound as good as a real amp?
It depends what you’re looking for, but the reality is that high-end amp modelers are almost indistinguishable from their analog counterparts. Achieving this level of quality is still relatively new, however, and some would argue there is an intangible quality to a tube amp that a modeled amplifier can never recreate.
An area that is often cited as where modelers fall down isn’t the sound at all, but rather the feel. As with any digital computing, there are fractions of a second where it takes the signal of your guitar to reach the processor of your modeler, be converted into a digital signal through a process called analog to digital (A/D) conversion, then be processed through the modeled amplifier, be converted back to an analog audio signal (D/A conversion), and finally come back out of your speaker or headphone system. The time in which it takes this to happen is referred to as ‘latency’. To anybody externally listening, they would likely notice no difference whatsoever, however for the player – particularly a veteran player – this can be an issue. Fortunately, as processing power continues to improve, the latest and greatest amp modelers suffer less and less with the issue of latency, going through all of these steps to produce your final, modeled amp sound instantaneously.
Why should I buy an amp modeler?
Typically amp modelers will have multiple different amp models and plenty of in-built effects, which means you can explore countless different tones and amp types. This makes them a perfect vessel for exploring your creativity by trying new amps, speakers, and effects. Some modelers are ideal for unlocking the player's creativity and will have additional features like loopers that allow you to stack different amp sounds on top of each other.
In general, the vast majority of amp modelers will have significantly more technological capabilities than most physical amplifiers, and it doesn’t stop at loopers. Features such as MIDI integration, which allows users to map an entire live set to MIDI, can control every aspect of your sound in real time, leaving you to focus solely on your playing. This is why amp modelers have become the choice of many gigging musicians, who can prepare their sounds for a set and get exactly the same results every time.
How we test
We test amp modelers in much the same way we would a regular guitar amplifer. Of course there are a lot of other options available in an amp modeler, but ultimately it's there to do the same job as your run-of-the-mill guitar amp.
The first thing we'll look at are the overall features. How many switches it has, what kind of connectivity is on offer, the amount of amp models and whether or not there are any effects pedals. We'll compare it to other offerings on the market and alongside the price, judge how it fits into the current range and whether it's better value than other offerings or not.
Next we'll get stuck into the usability of the unit. We'll try to use it without the manual, falling back on other documentation if we need but this is an important aspect as generally speaking, a guitar amp is very simple to use. Amp modelers have a lot of features but ultimately coaxing a great sound out of it should be relatively easy.
We'll test out all the switches and connection options, load up any additional software onto our PC or Mac if it has a dedicated app and ensure we explore every available option. By doing this we're looking at how the end user, and ultimately ourselves, would go about using it day to day. For the average guitarist an amp modeler needs to provide enough depth to keep you coming back, but be accessible enough that you can get it up and running with minimal Googling or watching of YouTube videos.
Finally, we'll take into account the sound. We've reviewed countless guitar amps over the years here at Guitar Player, so we're well versed in how classic amps like the Fender Twin, Vox AC30, Marcshall JCM800, and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier actually sound like in the room. Many amp modelers aim to emulate these classic amps and others, so its critical to test that they hit the mark.
We'll try amp modelers through a variety of mediums too. It could be a 2x12 guitar cab, a pair of studio monitors, or just some run of the mill headphones, but ultimately we're trying to test it in the same conditions a regular musician would. We'll integrate it with regular guitar pedals too, seeing how the modeled amp reacts to feeding an analogue drive pedal into the front end.
Read more on how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.
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