When it comes to guitar sound, all-in-one pedalboards that model amps, effects, and speakers are clearly all the rage. They offer a compact, comprehensive solution for playing in the studio or on stage.
However, some guitarists prefer to rely on individual pedals for effects management and therefore need amp simulators that do not include built-in effects.
As their name suggests, amp simulator pedals are devices whose sole function is to reproduce the sound and playing feel of one or more amplifiers. Most of the time, these products are entirely digital, and their operation is based on two principles: modeling and capture. Modeling involves digitally reproducing each component of an amp to create a digital version that can be adjusted (equalization, distortion level, etc.). Capture works differently in that it records the amp’s sound exactly as it is set at a given moment. Some manufacturers continue to resist the digital invasion and offer analog solutions.
Numerous all-in-one units are popping up on the market and on the shelves of our favorite music stores—they’ll be the subject of an upcoming “Top” feature—but some musicians prefer to keep their amps and effects separate. The idea, then, is to purchase a pedal or pedalboard dedicated to amp modeling and connect a multi-effects unit or several individual pedals to it. As with all-in-one pedalboards, there are many amp simulators available; they come in various forms and offer different performance levels, at a range of prices. Although they don’t include built-in effects, these products usually feature reverb or a “Room” effect designed to make the playing experience more ambient and enjoyable, especially when using headphones.
In this “Top” list, we’ve compiled eleven must-have amp simulator pedals and pedalboards to help you make the right choice. This article is part of a series in which we’ll next cover all-in-one pedalboards.
