Modelling Amps: The Complete Guide for Guitarists

Modelling amps are a type of modern guitar and bass amplifier that use digital signal processing (DSP), sometimes in tandem with analogue circuitry, to emulate or profile a range of famous amp types and sounds within a single compact chassis. Essentially, modelling amps give you access to a vast array of tones that would usually require an expensive arsenal of amps to achieve.

The sounds modelling amps produce aren’t mediocre copies by any means – they deliver both on quantity and quality. The technology that powers these seriously impressive bits of kit has improved massively in recent years, hence why modelling amps have become so popular on the biggest stages and even used to record critically acclaimed records.

Modelling amps come in all shapes and sizes like combo amps, amp heads and rackmount units. But by far the most popular format now is the pedalboard amp, which makes modelling amps more portable than a traditional amp and allows guitarists to use them as if they were operating a multi-FX unit. Plus, many models feature built-in effects, enhancing the convenience of your setup and eliminating the need for a full pedalboard of separate effects pedals – although they can incorporate external effects into their signal chains.

There’s plenty to consider when choosing the best modelling amp for your own needs. Here are some of the most important specs:

• Form factor: Modelling amps come as traditional combos, heads, rackmount units, floor amps or even compact pedals.

• Amps sounds: More affordable modelling amps contain a handful of emulations to choose from, while pro-grade offerings feature hundreds of gear options.

• Cab Simulation/IRs: As well as different amp sounds, many modellers provide a range of speaker cabinet simulations (sometimes called impulse responses or IRs) to give you more ways to colours your tone.

• Built-in effects: Will you be using existing effects with your modelling amp, or do you want it all in one unit? Most modelling amps have some effects, but premium models often boast a huge selection meaning all effect control can be done internally.

• Save slots: Recall your saved tones as and when you need them. Entry level models may have fewer than high-end amps, but most will support the ability to save them to the Cloud.

• Signal chain complexity: Longer signal chains of stereo amps and effects rely on greater processing power, which is the benefit of getting a high-end modelling amp.

• Control options: Will you be performing or recording with your modelling amp? Performers might want a more tactile interface including footswitching for quick changes on the fly. The vast majority support MIDI integration.

• Connectivity: Do you want to directly connect your amp to a PA system or run it to a guitar cab? Maybe USB connectivity for recording or DAW integration? A lot of modern modelling amps have comprehensive ins and outs built in, especially higher-end units, but it’s important to check as it can be crucial factor in whether an amp is right for your needs.

Let’s dive into best modelling amps on the market and help you find the perfect one for your setup…

Neural DSP made a huge splash in the modelling world launching the Quad Cortex in 2020. Coming from a background of highly praised amp plug-in software like the renowned Archetype series, they brought a fresh design to the hardware scene that caught everyone's attention.

Neural DSP’s modelling amps are defined by two key aspects: cutting-edge technological innovation and intuitive, easy to use interfaces. Their name comes from the unique Neural Capture technology which utilise advanced neural networks to capture not just a snapshot of an amp’s sound, but its entire behaviour and response characteristics. The result is the most natural-sounding capture solution on the planet according to many players.

Line 6 have, for decades, spearheaded the modelling amp movement. The Pod and Spider amp solutions are among the most popular guitar gear products of all time. With the Helix, Line 6 shook off the stigma of digital amp technology. Combining their knack for digital audio technology and intuitive user interfaces, the Helix is as easy to use as it is comprehensive.

Headrush’s range offers the ultimate easy-to-use pedalboard multi-FX units, with some impressive amp modelling, profiling and vocal processing to top it off. Priced in the midrange of our list, Headrush units give excellent bang for your buck with a great selection of amps and effects to choose from and Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) integration. Remember how the likes of the Quad Cortex can take snapshots of amps and effects? Well, the HeadRush Flex, Core and Prime can all load the free tones that users upload to the likes of the tone3000 website. That means essentially endless different sounds from amps and effects you might never be able to access through in-built HeadRush emulations.

With HeadRush amps, you're good to go right out the box. The familiar pedalboard form factor and minimal controls makes it an easy learning curve for guitarists. Their latest flagship model, the Prime, comes with a dazzling number of amp models, IRs, effects and speaker cabinet captures with gapless preset switching, making it a real contender with some of the more expensive options. Not only does it sound great, but its user-friendly features, 7-inch touchscreen and controls are easy to navigate. The Flex and Core models are fantastic on a stricter budget.

Key features
• ReValver Suite & Amp Cloner - software to capture and upload user made tones directly onto the unit.
• Endless Guitar & Bass Cabinet IRs - Import virtually unlimited guitar and bass cabinet IR files.
• 7-inch or 4-inch touch displays for swipe and tap tweaking
• Vocal processing suite including Auto-Tune (Prime/Core models)
• Built-in USB audio interface for professional recording
• Customisable Footswitches for easy mid-performance changes.
• Practice Wirelessly - Wi-Fi streaming music practice tool makes learning songs easier than ever before.
• Bluetooth Connectivity - Bluetooth audio connectivity for playing along with mobile devices.

IK Multimedia's TONEX takes a slightly different approach to the modelling game. Rather than focusing on recreating specific vintage amps, TONEX uses AI Machine Modelling (AIMM) technology to capture the complete behaviour of any rig you throw at it – amp, cab, and pedals all together as one cohesive "Tone Model".

The Tonex Board is your complete guitar rig in a floorboard powerhouse. It’s a processor rivalling the likes of the HeadRush Prime and Quad Cortex Mini, packing in a 5-inch high-res touchscreen, versatile routing and dual signal paths making it a great choice for stage use. The Tonex Board packs 70+ built-in effects, 1,400 presets and deep signal-chain customisation so you can dial in whatever sounds you desire with the feel and response of real amplifiers.

Key features
• Award-winning AI Machine Modelling tech
• Immense processing power, up to four simultaneous Tone Models per preset across two independent signal paths
• 70+ built-in effects derived from AmpliTube and custom-designed processors
• Versatile internal routing, up to 12 effect slots per chain with flexible split-and-mix routing
• Stores over 1,400 presets organised into 12 setlists featuring 60 banks each, with three presets per bank
• Custom IR Loader module

Although the Tonex boasts the same core AI tech, it’s a conveniently compact pedal with a simple interface to incorporate into smaller pedalboard setups. With ultra-low noise 24-bit/192kHz converters and up to 300 preset slots, it’s a formidable modelling solution with pro-grade tone capture. that lets you model virtually any rig setup. Whether it's your mate's vintage Plexi or a complex pedalboard chain, TONEX can capture and recreate it with impressive accuracy.

Key features
• Advanced AI Machine Modelling tech
• Compact stompbox format that integrates with existing pedalboards
• Up to 300 preset slots across 100 banks
• Built-in effects

• Multiple output routing for amp/cab separation
• Companion software for creating custom Tone Models
• Access to ToneNET community for sharing and downloading presets

Valeton has carved out an impressive niche in the budget-conscious modelling world with their GP series, offering serious functionality without the premium price tag. Another brand propelling amp modelling into the future, Valeton utilises Neural Amp Modelling (NAM) technology, which allows users to import and share thousands of community-created amp models for virtually unlimited tonal possibilities.

Choose from the mini GP-5, the standard stompbox-sized GP-50, the GP-150 with a built-in expression pedal, the mini multi-FX GP-180 and the flagship GP-200, working their way up in features and footswitch capability.

The Kemper Profiler was the first mainstream modelling amp to spearhead the idea of profiling, which essentially gives you a tone that perfectly reflects the real-life amps and effects you want to use. By connecting your amp and playing a series of tones and samples, the Kemper scans the sound of your chosen amp and reproduces it in real-time. The Kemper still holds up and the results are outstanding. And with hundreds of amp profiles included and thousands more available online, these units give you access to more high-quality amps and sounds than you’ll ever need.

If you're willing to spend a bit more time tinkering with tones and you want absolute control and versatility, the Kemper Profiler is for you. This is one of, if not the most, in-depth tone customisation of all amps on this list. Another great thing about the Kemper range is that they come in a variety of formats, like amp heads, floor units, rackmount units and even pedal form to fit into any setup.

Key features

• Incredible profiling technology analysing over 100,000 frequency points for unprecedented realism
• Head, Rack, Stage (floor amp), and ultra-compact Player sizes
• Comprehensive effects control for maximum precision over your tone.
• Hundreds of amp profiles with thousands more available online through artist/brand packs
• Up to 20 simultaneous effects (MK 2 models)
• 8-channel USB audio for seamless DAW integration and multitrack recording
• Extensive I/O for easy incorporation into any rig
• Powered models include built-in 600W Class-D power amps
• Ultra-portable options available: the Profiler Player requires only the space of two standard pedals!

The Boss Katana range make for outstanding practice amps and affordable gigging solutions for beginners and pros alike in the guise of traditional combo amps and amp heads. You’ll find musicians using these to warm up backstage and even develop song ideas. They offer simple, accessible modelling and great tube-like tone at an entry-level price point – it's a winning formula from Boss and the Katana has had excellent staying power even with newer releases challenging it for the top practice amp throne.

All models come in at attractive price points in the range of £99-£700. If you want a highly capable amp with a range of varied, great-sounding amp models to pick from, you won’t go wrong here. The low barrier of entry into tone customisation and built-in effects is sure to get you satisfying sounds, and you don’t need to buy any extra guitar pedals if you want to mix things up.

Fender’s Mustang range is designed to offer hassle-free, affordable access to popular guitar sounds. Ranging from the compact LT25 to the full-fat GTX 100 combo, these are among the most popular practice amps on the market – but they’re versatile enough for recording and gigging guitarists. With the Mustang Micro and the new Mustang Micro Plus (with 25 amp models and 25 effects) you can add another practice tool to your arsenal. With just a pair of headphones, you can plug the Mustang Micro straight into your guitar's output jack and start playing. No amp, no noise, no fuss!

A Fender Mustang is for the player who wants access to a range of great sounds in their amp, but without feeling like you must have a PhD to do so. If you’re not keen on spending ages tweaking sounds and exploring menus, the Mustang range is a top choice for you. These amps have an excellent selection of sounds from the offset called it a ‘greatest hits’ of guitar tones. A colour display, headphone connectivity and USB recording/update capabilities make the Mustang amps excellent companions for guitarists.

Key features

• A range of models in different sizes and power levels to choose from, all within a reasonable £150-£500 price range
• Dozens of built-in presets that can be easily browsed using the controls
• Dozens of amp types to choose from (number depends on the model)
• NAM compatible for endless amp and effects snapshots
• Dozens of effects to choose from (number depends on the model)
• Fender Tone app lets you save and restore your favourite presets  
• USB connectivity for recording straight to DAW or updating firmware