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Amp Modeling Software

Turn your computer into a virtual amplifier with our review of the best guitar amp modeling software.

Some would argue that nothing beats the tone and sound of real amps. But guitar amp modeling is getting pretty close, and has already beaten real amplifiers in terms of affordability, convenience and flexibility.

A typical software guitar amp has multiple amp options, multiple speaker and cabinet emulations, room emulation, and some even emulate different microphone brands and mic placements. Some amp modeling applications also offer built-in multiple effects and even recording facilities.

Some of these programs specialize in specific tones, so it’s best to try the demos first and check if the software delivers the tones you’re looking for before deciding which to buy.

AmpliTube

IK Multimedia AmpliTube

More info:

Runs on Windows
Runs on Mac
Runs on iOS

AmpliTube has been the amp modeler of choice for many guitar players. And you will easily understand why once you check out AmpliTube’s sleek looking interface and great sounding amp emulations. You get over 160 pieces of gear that covers old vintage to modern brand guitar gear. You get more than you’ll ever need in one package: 31 amplifiers, 51 effects, 46 speaker cabinets, 15 mics and 17 post amp rack effects. A free version is available with minimal features if you need a free amp modeling software. AmpliTube is known for its clean and overdrive tones. Click here for the latest reviews and prices at Amazon.com
Studio Devil Amp Modeler Pro

Studio Devil Amp Modeler Pro

More info:

Runs on Windows
Runs on Mac
Runs on iOS

Studio Devil entered the amp modeling software industry with quality as their main goal. Amp Modeler Pro may not have as many features as other brands but its 15 preamp models are designed to provide real tube response and dynamics. It features Studio Devil’s unique digital vacuum tube modeling technology. This technology allows for controls that affect and interact with the resulting tone much like how real tube amps behave. This will give your amp different tonal palettes just by changing its parameters. Crunch and high gain enthusiasts will enjoy what this software has to offer. Current Retail Price $149.00
Line 6 POD Farm

Line 6 POD Farm

More info:

Runs on Windows
Runs on Mac
Mobile POD runs on iOS

The POD Farm is Line 6’s digital amp simulator program, designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. You can get up to 78 guitar amps, 24 cabs, 97 effects and 6 mic preamps. With Line 6’s experience in Amp modeling, you can expect to at least have the basic tones properly covered. Now if you want to get into deeper setups, its flexible DSP allows for complex but intuitive routing of effects and amps. It has a simple carousel-style interface that lets you easily visualize your current signal chain. There is also a free version of POD farm available which contains limited features. Current Retail Price $49.00
Guitar Rig

Guitar Rig

More info:

Runs on Windows
Runs on Mac

Guitar Rig’s name implies, a huge rig of guitar amps, cabinets and effects. It is designed as an all in one solution for all your guitar tone needs. The latest version has a total of 17 amps and 27 cabinets, with realistic amp sounds that feature Native Instruments’ Dynamic Tube Response Technology. These 17 amps offer multi-channel designs and model specific controls that allow the modeled amps to convey their original character and behavior. You also get up to 54 effects conveniently packaged for your needs. Its control mixing feature lets you dial in extreme gain or crisp clean tones with ease. Current Retail Price $199.00 or $399.00 for the Guitar Rig 5 Kontrol Edition which includes a pedalboard controller and audio interface.
Amplifikation One

Amplifikation One

More info:

Runs on Windows
Runs on Mac

Kuassa’s Amplifikation One is a unique amp modeling software because it does not mimic any specific existing amplifier. Instead Kuassa uses the best aspect of schematic designs, electronics, tubes and computer programming to achieve a practical and unique tone with hardware like interface. So if you are aiming for flexible and unique tones, this would be your best bet. Amplifikation One comes with minimalistic features – 8 head amplifiers, a noise gate and 5 distortion models. It also comes with 5 cabinet models, 5 mics and 4 channel impulse loaders. The fewer options will let you focus more on your music. Current Retail Price $49.95
ReValver MK III

ReValver MK III

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Runs on Windows
Runs on Mac

Peavey’s edge over their competitors is that they make real amplifiers, giving them more hands on experience and allowing them to turn the ReValver into an amp modeling software that captures the characteristics of real vacuum tubes. Peavey also ensured analog like response to tone and gain controls. The ReValver gives you 20 amp models, 12 pre-amps, 9 power amplifiers, 21 stompbox and 12 rack type effects. It also has a huge collection of speaker simulations with up to 778 options, using real time convolution and membrane modeling. Getting overdrive to high gain tones will be a breeze with the ReValver. Both VST & AU versions are on the CD-ROM available at Amazon.com
Guitarix

Guitarix

More info:

Runs on Linux

Guitarix is a free amp modeling software for Linux Users. It utilizes the Jack Audio Connection Kit with one input and two outputs. A fun feature of Guitarix is the ability to make your own amp, you can install various tubes from the 12 variations of tube emulations, and you can also pick from several tone stack emulations and virtual speakers. Guitarix has 25 built-in effects modules that range from a simple noise gate to wild flanger, phaser modulation effects. It also features a low latency audio engine, which is tested to give you not more than 10 milli seconds of delay. This amp modeling software specializes on creating metal/thrash/rock guitar sounds.

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