Guitarists’ and Bassists’ Strong Ally: The Amp Simulator

Hello!
It’s Kaoru the composer here!

Are you familiar with amp simulators?
Guitarists, bassists, and DTM users will likely know the term well, but many people outside those groups may not.

So today, I would like to talk about amp simulators.

[What Is an Amp Simulator?]

As the name suggests, it is something that simulates (reproduces) an amplifier.
Many of them replicate famous amps from around the world, making them a revolutionary tool that can virtually reproduce the sound of high-end amps that one might dream of owning.

Even when you simply say “amp simulator”, there are different types:

• Plugin software
• Hardware
• Built into multi-effects units

They are extremely useful not only for live performances but also for practicing and recording, so I highly recommend them!

Next, I’ll introduce some recommended amp simulators that you can purchase at Sound House!

Positive Grid / BIAS AMP 2.0 Elite – Basic Package

This is a super high-quality amp simulator software that includes a variety of amplifiers.
With its extensive and abundant presets, it’s perfect for those who struggle with sound design.

Additionally, since you can swap internal amp components individually, it allows for virtually unlimited sound creation.

Its high degree of flexibility lets you build a personalized amp tailored entirely to your likes.

By using the Amp Match feature, it is even possible to replicate the tone of actual hardware or guitar tracks.

WAVES / GTR3

An amp simulator plugin software by the professional-favorite plugin maker, WAVES.

Using its proprietary sampling technology…

• Fender
• Marshall
• Mesa/Boogie
• Vox

The included content is as follows:

• 19 types of guitar amps
• 7 types of bass amps
• 22 types of cabinets
• 26 types of stompboxes

With this selection, you can cover almost anything you need.
Since it’s a plugin, it can be interesting to use not only with guitar but also with other instruments.

Its intuitive drag-and-drop operation and GUI that replicates amp designs make it easy to understand and control each parameter.

OVERLOUD / THU

Due to its high popularity, this plugin amp simulator has evolved through repeated updates.

It includes:

• 89 guitar amp models
• 4 bass amp models
• 50 guitar cabinets
• 2 bass cabinets
• 77 pedal/rack effects
• 18 microphone models
• Over 1,000 presets
• Authorized models from Randall, DVmark, Brunetti, and THD

A key feature is the Rig Player function.
This allows you to load and use rig models that have been set up by real musicians and engineers (equipped with 20 factory presets).

Additionally, OVERLOUD’s innovative DSP technology enables detailed customization of amp models.
By combining settings for amp models, tubes, and transformers, it allows for virtually unlimited sound creation.

BOSS / IR-200 AMP&CABINET PROCESSOR

A compact pedal packed with a wide range of features: the cabinet IR pedal.
Its size makes it easy to incorporate into an effects board.

It comes with:

• A wealth of preamps
• 144 BOSS original and 10 Celestion Digital cabinet IRs
• Three types of ambience: Room, Studio, and Hall

It is filled with the technological expertise that BOSS has cultivated over its long history.
The unit is equipped with a highly visible display, ensuring ease of use even on dark live stages.

In addition, it has a variety of knobs and switches, making it perfect for those who want to focus on sound design.

It generated a lot of buzz when it was announced and has reportedly sold very well.
If you’re interested, it might be wise to make a decision sooner rather than later!

Line 6 / HX Stomp Multi-Effects Processor

Although it is a multi-effects unit, it’s a compact and lightweight multi-stomp.
This single unit can be very effective on its own, but its size also makes it easy to integrate into an already established effects board.

It features over 300 types of effects and amp models, and up to six effects can be used simultaneously.
It is recommended not only for guitarists but also for bassists.

It also functions as a USB audio interface (multi-in/out), enabling the creation of a compact recording setup.

That concludes my introduction to amp simulators!
All of the products I introduced this time are multifunctional, so it may be difficult to decide which one to buy.
When choosing, make sure to select one that suits your needs!

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