Gone are the days when getting a killer guitar tone meant lugging around heavy amplifiers and messing with finicky microphones. Today, some of the best amp simulators on the market rival their physical counterparts in terms of sound quality and versatility. If you’re a music producer, beatmaker, mixing engineer, or even just a beginner guitarist, you’re probably curious about what makes these digital wonders so special and what the best amp simulators out there actually are.
Table Of Contents:
- What are Amp Simulators and Why Are They Useful?
- Choosing the Right Amp Simulator for Your Needs
- The Best Amp Simulators in 2024
- FAQs About Best Amp Simulators
- Conclusion
What are Amp Simulators and Why Are They Useful?
Imagine having an entire collection of iconic amplifiers – from vintage Fender combos to roaring Mesa/Boogie stacks – all within your computer. That’s what guitar amp sims allow you to do. These software (and sometimes hardware) tools digitally recreate the sonic characteristics of different amplifiers, cabinets, microphones, and even effect pedals. Think of it like having a virtual studio filled with the greatest gear of all time, right at your fingertips.
There are a ton of reasons why guitarists and producers alike are turning to the best amp simulators:
- Convenience: No need to crank up a physical electric guitar amp – just plug your guitar into your audio interface and start jamming without disturbing the neighbors. They’re also great for smaller home studios or on-the-go recording.
- Cost-effectiveness: Let’s be honest, high-quality amps can cost thousands of dollars. Amp simulators let you access a huge library of modeled sounds for a fraction of the price. This opens up a world of sonic possibilities without emptying your wallet.
- Versatility: Switch between different amp models, experiment with microphone placement and tweak settings effortlessly – all with just a few clicks. Want to try blending a Soldano with a Vox AC30? Go ahead, it’s all possible in the digital audio realm.
- Recording Perfection: Forget fiddling with microphone positions and room acoustics. Capture perfectly balanced tones with built-in cabinet and microphone simulations – it’s ideal for achieving that polished, professional sound in your recordings.
Choosing the Right Amp Simulator for Your Needs
Before we look at the best amp simulators available this year, you should consider the following aspects to choose the right one to fit your workflow and musical goals. Are you looking for incredibly accurate emulations of specific amps or a vast library with endless experimentation possibilities?
Do you primarily play metal stuff or do you prefer bluesy cleans and vintage crunch? Some are known for their high gain brutality, others for their pristine clean tones, and others for their extensive effects libraries. Thinking about these details will help narrow your choices:
Budget
Good news, there are excellent free options out there if you’re on a tight budget, like AmpliTube 5 CS or Guitar Rig 7 Player. The downside with these is you usually have to pay to upgrade for access to premium amp models and effects.
Mid-range options like Positive Grid’s BIAS FX 2 or IK Multimedia’s full AmpliTube 5 give you a balanced mix of features, sound quality, and price. Then, there are premium amp simulators, often specializing in modeling a single amp in painstaking detail. This category would include offerings from Universal Audio and Neural DSP and though you’ll pay a higher price, many argue the sound quality justifies it. These plugins require additional hardware – specifically a Universal Audio interface – to function.
Computer Processing Power
Some of the best amp simulators are more demanding than others, requiring a powerful computer to run smoothly. If you’re using an older or less powerful machine, factor this into your decision so you don’t encounter issues like lag and latency. If you’re after pristine accuracy, you’ll likely need more CPU power.
This can get more complicated when using plugins in your DAW to add effects or EQ because if you’re working on a large project with tons of tracks, you can really run into CPU issues if your computer isn’t up to the task.
Ease of Use
Not every music producer has years of experience behind the boards or mixing live concerts. Some simulators boast user-friendly interfaces designed with beginners in mind while others have more complexity. Choose a platform that feels intuitive and matches your workflow so you can get to making music quickly without being intimidated.
Integration
If you already have other music production hardware, make sure you pick amp simulator software that seamlessly integrates with the programs you’re already comfortable with. Some of the best amp simulators, such as Line 6’s Helix Native, work flawlessly with their physical hardware counterparts – in Helix’s case, their acclaimed multi-effects pedals and amp modelers.
If you’re switching back and forth from home recording to live playing, you’ll save yourself some hassle by making sure you choose amp sim software that complements your equipment.
The Best Amp Simulators in 2024
Now for the fun part – the rundown of what many consider to be the best amp simulators in the market.
IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 Max
AmpliTube has been a go-to for guitarists for years. It boasts one of the largest collections of modeled amps (over 100) and effects, including officially licensed models from big names like Fender, Orange, Mesa/Boogie, and more. AmpliTube’s strength lies in its breadth and ability to replicate iconic amplifiers realistically.
Their in-built presets are thick, well-behaved when mixed with other instruments, and considered by one expert as “intangibly close to authentic, so much so that you’d be forgiven for thinking you had an amp sat next to you in the room.” If you crave options and realism, AmpliTube is the real deal.
Neural DSP Soldano SLO-100
The Neural DSP SLO-100 proves that even a single amp plugin can stand tall amongst its competitors. With their proprietary modeling technology, the plugin captures the brutality and responsiveness of the high-gain legend. You get a handful of handpicked effects tailored for metal, ensuring your tones stay heavy.
It can also be run in standalone mode. Neural DSP’s Quad Cortex hardware deserves an honorable mention. If you want a single, stellar amp plugin, check this one out.
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 Pro
Guitar Rig has been around for over twenty years, which means NI has had a lot of time to improve upon its flagship product. Packed with over twenty amps, loads of effects, and a user-friendly interface, it’s a solid contender, especially for beginners.
Despite some debate over its tone compared to its competitors, Guitar Rig 6 shines in its vast effects options and user-created presets.
Positive Grid Bias FX 2 Elite
With Bias FX 2 you get 100 amps, an impressive selection of Celestion cabinet impulse responses, and a staggering 122 effect pedal simulations. There are also innovative features like “Guitar Match,” which can morph your Strat’s tone to resemble a Les Paul digitally.
Another innovative tool is Bias’ “Hybrid Amps,” which lets you mix and match features of two different amplifiers to create unique hybrids. It has received industry recognition from publications like Guitar World Magazine, where they claim that you “may never want to go back to playing a real-world amp or pedalboard again” Bias prioritizes depth, customization, and fun features that might appeal to those willing to go deeper.
Line 6 Helix Native
Based on their well-respected Helix hardware multi-effects processors, Helix Native is known for accurate and high-quality sounds. Over sixty meticulously modeled amplifiers deliver those nuances to capture their unique behavior.
To sweeten the deal, Line 6 gives you over 100 effects and thirty speaker cabinet simulations to tweak and customize. Helix’s strength is realism and deep editing control.
Universal Audio
Universal Audio offers the best amp simulators designed to be used with their hardware interfaces. Each plugin focuses on capturing a single amp model meticulously.
Though limited in options, UA’s Fender Tweed 55, boasts painstaking realism with accurate tube sag, power supply ripple simulation, and Fender’s endorsement, adding to its credibility. For additional great amp sims, UAD also offers the Dream ’65 Reverb, Ruby ’63 Top Boost, and Woodrow ’55 Instrument Amplifier. For purists looking for authenticity and owning a compatible UA interface, these could be the perfect fit.
Waves GTR3
Another well-respected name in the pro audio world, Waves GTR3 has gained a lot of fans because of its budget-friendly price and ease of use. You get thirty amp models and a well-organized, user-friendly interface that is great for putting together custom pedalboard effects in your DAW.
Waves GTR3 excels in the price-to-performance ratio, particularly if you prioritize ease of use and intuitive design.
Bonus Picks.
The amp sim market has a lot of great offerings. If none of the above really gets you excited, you’re not out of luck. Other fantastic plugins and even free VST’s exist that didn’t make our initial list, but we would be doing you a disservice to not mention.
For example, check out Scuffham S-Gear which focuses on faithfully recreating boutique tube amps and uses speaker cab emulation for a great tone. Then there’s Kuassa’s Cerberus bass simulator, for a high-quality tone, realistic simulation, and awesome price. A popular free amp sim pack called LePou offers a wonderful entry point. The world of amp simulation software is expanding every year and getting more powerful as technology and sound emulation techniques improve.
FAQs About Best Amp Simulators
Are amp simulators worth it?
The short answer? Yes. Whether you are an experienced producer looking for perfect recordings or a beginner guitarist trying out new sounds, the best amp simulators offer so much: great tone, flexibility, recording capabilities, a huge selection of modeled amps, and affordability.
They’re simply a fun and efficient way to make great-sounding guitar music.
Is AmpliTube the best amp sim?
Whether AmpliTube is “best” is totally subjective and depends on your unique needs. But AmpliTube 5 Max’s enormous library of amps and effects, including officially licensed recreations from legendary brands, gives a massive selection of killer tones.
It does a great job of emulating tube amp tones authentically and comes with the benefit of its ToneNet online platform to share and discover presets. AmpliTube is considered by many guitarists as a gold standard of virtual amp simulation for a reason.
Do you need a DAW for amp sims?
This is a bit of a trick question, as a DAW is used to create music so at some point you’ll be needing one. Technically, some amp simulator plugins, such as Neural DSP’s SLO-100, run in standalone mode, which means you don’t need to open your DAW to start making noise.
However, to fully leverage the potential of any of the best amp simulators, a DAW will let you record tracks, use effects, edit audio, and create a professional, finished product. So it might not be strictly “necessary,” to make noise but definitely “necessary,” if you’re serious about creating and recording your music.
Are amp sims good for beginners?
Without question. If you are new to the guitar, best amp simulators are the perfect way to discover the amazing range of different tones out there. Many best amp simulators have user-friendly interfaces specifically designed for those getting started.
Instead of blowing hundreds or thousands on different physical amps and pedals, you get instant access to a wealth of great sounds all in one place and on your computer, a tool most guitarists are probably already comfortable with.
Conclusion
With these top amp sims, achieving a realistic guitar tone in your productions is more accessible than ever. But why stop at just great gear? At Mix Elite Academy, we’re dedicated to helping you take your music to the next level.
By joining, you’ll unlock access to over 500+ premium lessons and courses that will refine your craft. You’ll also get exclusive sample and preset packs, student discounts of up to 50% on thousands of plugins, and the chance to connect with a community of passionate, like-minded producers. Ready to enhance your sound? Join Mix Elite Academy today and start your journey to producing professional-quality music.