Top 5 next-gen guitar amp modelers

Amp modeling technology has made some huge forward bounds over the past few years. As more and more artists of all calibers move to units like the Axe-FX, Kemper, and other companies are challenged to remain on the cutting edge when it comes to sounds and features.

“Next-generation” might seem like a vague term, so we’re looking at units that are innovative and progressive while providing stellar amp sounds. So if a unit has great effects but weak amp modeling – it didn’t make the cut.

Most of these carry a pretty hefty price tag, but the rich feature sets and versatility they provide help to offset that.

Here are our top picks for the best next-generation guitar amp modelers.

Best overall: Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III

Best overall

Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III

The gold standard for amp modeling.

Pros

Front panel LED I/O monitoring

Sleek front panel allows for quick entry

Flexible I/O and routing

High-quality circuit components

Cons

Steep learning curve

Expensive

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fractal audio

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Fractal Audio is one of the premier trailblazers of modern guitar amp and cab modeling. The 3^rd generation Axe-FX builds on the stellar reputation of the previous entries in the series.

The DSP audio engine has been revamped, and the video engine runs separately to free up processing power for the audio. It’s pretty much set the standard for amp modeling, and the Ultra-res speaker cab simulations number in the thousands.

It’s got a new display that’s easier to see no matter the lighting or angle you’re at. An insane amount of I/O means that there is no situation the unit can rise to. The routing within the unit is just as flexible.

It can store up to 1024 presets, try cycling through all that during a set! It’s certainly pricey, but the engine under this hood is worth every penny.

Most unique: Kemper Profiler

Most unique

Kemper Profiler

Model analog amps and create digital profiles of them to use anywhere.

Pros

Can capture analog amps and create digital models

Rig Exchange database for sharing settings

Robust I/O

Cons

Steep learning curve

Best used for modeling real amps, not for users looking for an onboard library

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musician’s friend

guitar center

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The Kemper works a little differently than most of the other more advanced guitar amp modelers. It includes a wealth of emulations of vintage and modern amps.

But the real appeal here is being able to use a reference amp to create sounds all your own. And it’s not just the heads that can be profiled, but also the speaker cab and mics used to record it.

There is also a lively community that shares its own patches, and you are able to load these patches into your own Kemper. The Profiler comes in a few versions, from an all-inclusive floor unit to a head and rack unit.

There’s a reason that a lot of the pros have moved to these.

Most versatile: Line 6 Helix LT

Most versatile

Line 6 Helix LT

A floor unit that runs on Line 6’s powerful HX Modeling DSP engine.

Pros

Same HX Modeling as other units

123dB of dynamic range

Powerful DSP engine

Flexible I/O for integration into any setup

PC/Mac editor

Cons

Footswitches are close together

Setting up sounds can be time consuming

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musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

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It’s proven itself to be popular with guitarists of all levels. With 62 amps and 37 cabinet choices, you have endless tonal combinations with the Line 6 Helix LT. It also offers models of 16 microphones with variable positioning.

Dual-DSP SCHARC processing and HX Modeling technology recreate every amp sound with the highest fidelity. You also get access to the Helix Native plug-in so you can bypass the floor unit and go directly into a recording interface.

It comes in a rack unit as well as large and small floor units. They all have different levels of features, but the sounds carry across each tier. Dual expression pedal inputs let you control parameters on the fly.

Analog and digital I/O make it easy to throw anywhere into your rig or recording setup.

Best floor amp modeler: HeadRush Flex Prime

Best floor amp modeler

HeadRush Flex Prime

An all-in-one floor unit with realistic modeling and versatile I/O.

Pros

Works for guitar and bass

Touchscreen provides intuitive control over settings

Realistic modeling

Can load third party models

Versatile I/O

Cons

Physical controls could be better

Difficult to change settings on the fly

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musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

amazon

HeadRush is one of the newer companies to the modeling world, but they’ve quickly carved out their own market share. Prime is their all inclusive floor modeler that combines amps, cabinets, and effects for guitar and bass.

A 4″ touchscreen lets you assemble your dream rigs, and the powerful DSP engine connects you to some of the best modeling available. But that’s just the start.

The I/O includes WiFi with Dropbox integration, and a web-based editor for quick settings editing from a PC, Mac, or mobile device. Three assignable footswitches give you control over preset changes, tap tempo, and more.

Whether you’re editing on the unit or through the cloud, using included sounds or loading your own, or creating your own presets or downloading them from the HeadRush Cloud this is one of the best amp modeler floor units around.

Most economical: Strymon Iridium

Most economical

Strymon Iridium

A pedalboard friendly unit with essential amp sounds.

Pros

Wide range of amp models with specific IRs

Hybrid analog/digital circuit

Up to 22dB of analog gain

Fits nicely into a pedalboard signal chain

Cons

Not as many sounds as other modelers

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musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

amazon

If you’re looking at guitar amp modelers that are much more affordable, and with an easier learning curve, you’ve found it. Through Strymon’s Matrix Modeling Technology, it includes three tube amp models running through a hybrid analog/digital signal path.

These include classic combo guitar amps like the Vox AC30, Fender Tweed, and a Marshall. The JFET preamp allows the pedal to respond more like a tube amp. 2-stage DSP processing emulates the characteristics that give tubes their magic.

There are nine 24-bit/96kHz included speaker cabs from Celestion and OwnHammer, and you can import your own mono or stereo IRs via the USB port. There is stereo I/O and room reverb.

You can even use an expression pedal for volume swells! For the player looking for an easy-to-use and pedalboard-friendly unit – look no further.

Best for live performance: BOSS GT-1000

Best for live performance

BOSS GT-1000

A high quality amp modeler designed for live performance – whether going direct or using it with an amp.

Pros

Models built on BOSS’ Tube Logic design

Works well with external amplifiers

Amp, cab, and effects models

Good routing options

Cons

None

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musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

amazon

Using BOSS’ custom DSP, this is first guitar multi-effect with 32-bit conversion and 32-bit/96kHz internal processing.

Just like in their Katana, Waza, and Blues Cube products the GT-1000 runs on the Tube Logic design approach run the “preamp” section, with advanced impulse responses driving the “cabinets”. Ten assignable switches and wireless editing via mobile app let you design the perfect set up.

The learning curve can be a bit steep, but with this amount of customization available that’s to be expected.

FAQ

What is a guitar amp modeler?

They’re digital amps that emulate analog amplifiers. Most are built on high-quality DSP engines and include a number of amplifier, cabinet, and effects models. Some even include microphones and room sounds.

Are there amp modelers for bass guitar?

Yes. A lot of amp modelers include emulations for bass guitar.

Do I need a computer to use an amp modeler?

Not necessarily. Some modelers require a computer for initial setup and firmware updates, most are standalone devices. Some also feature mobile apps for additional control.