Top Best Virtual Guitar Amps
If you have never heard of virtual guitar amps or guitar pc amps, then first of all you should know that the name speaks for itself. Virtual Guitar Amplifier is a program that simulates an amplifier or many different guitar amplifiers. These simulators cover a huge range of iconic sounds and amps and are very popular with professional guitarists and beginners alike. However, before we get into the top best virtual guitar amps, we would like to explain to you the difference between Virtual Studio Technology Instrument (VSTi) and Virtual Studio Technology Effect (VSTfx). While the first generates the sound, the second changes the sound. Virtual guitar amps are of the second type because they don’t create the guitar sound on their own, but manipulate the output of another track so that it resembles run trough this or that amp. While virtual guitar amps are extremely flexible and can significantly transform and distort sounds with a variety of cabinets and options, they are still just simulations at the end of the day.
Why Do People Use Guitar Software Amps?
At the moment, there are a huge number of reasons why people prefer to use virtual guitar amps instead of real ones. One of the main reasons is the lack of space. If you live in a small room or apartment, chances are you don’t have the space to fit a full size amplifier. Moreover, in addition to the amplifier itself, you will most likely also need mic stands and cables, which can be very inconvenient in a small space. That is why a virtual guitar amplifier can be a great solution. Another common reason is cost. Most likely you know that a good quality guitar amplifier currently costs from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, and not every guitarist can afford it.
What’s more, if you’re a beginner and still undecided on the guitar style and amp you want, a virtual amp might be the perfect option for you, as you can try out the different options and decide what you need. By the way, for vocals, synthesizers, drums and any other instrument, guitar amp simulators also offer a huge range of different sounds that can significantly change your tracks. Thus, as technology advances, software guitar amps are becoming more and more popular and solve a huge number of problems.
Best Guitar Software Amps
So, after you have got some ideas about what virtual guitar amplifiers are and how they can be useful to you, we would like to present to your attention the top of the best of them. After exploring the various options, you will be able to choose the most suitable offer for you
Here are our top picks:
1)IK Multimedia Amplitube 5
If you are at least somewhat familiar with the world of virtual guitar amps, chances are you have heard of Amplitube at least once, as it is one of the biggest names in the field. IK Multimedia Amplitube 5 is a program, which has a huge variety of options, which will be enough for any sound engineer.
First of all, we would like to say that if you are looking for effects pedals that imitate tone in one way or another, then this program is perfect for that. Also, if you want to change the dynamics of the room, the size of the cabinet or the position of the microphone in a particular amplifier setup, then the IK Multimedia Amplitube 5 will do just fine.
It is important to mention that IK Multimedia gained their fame for their ton and realism, while their effects were less popular. However, with the new model IK Multimedia Amplitube 5, this program is not inferior in quality to other popular models on the market.
The only downside to this offer is that their modeled amps from developers like Fender or Orange are not included in the purchase and are add-ons that need to be purchased separately. However, you are not required to buy add-ons, as the built-in presets offer you a huge number of realistic options that you can use.
Moreover, you should know that now there is also a free version of AmpliTube, which has a lot less features and functions than the paid version, but you can easily start with it.
2)UAD Fender 55 Tweed
If you are also interested in the best guitar software for amps, then most likely you have already paid attention to UAD, which is a leader in hardware modeling.
As you know, the market now has a huge number of great programs and VSTs that perfectly imitate the popular old-school analog effects, however, it is important to note that none of the developers is as realistic as UAD. That is why today we decided to tell you about such a program as Fender 55 Tweed.
First of all, you should know that it differs from the previous program in that it is not a library. Fender 55 Tweed Based on only one amp but will cost you the same amount of money as the previous one. This amplifier is less versatile, but does its job better.
However, before you purchase this particular program, you must be sure that you need the sound of the Fender 55 Tweed. By purchasing this option, you should know that the tonal variation will be minimal and you will really get the traditional Fender sound.
So, if you want to experiment with different effects and other amps, you might want to consider other options. However, if you’re crazy about the Fender sound and want to get the closest virtual amp possible, then there’s nothing better than the Fender 55 Tweed.
3) Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6
Now we would like to draw your attention to another popular virtual guitar amplifier that has a whole library of simulators and is one of the most popular among all VST models – Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6. It is he who has a huge number of effects and focuses on diversity and tonal experiments, so you can get exactly the sound you want.
While some professional guitarists claim that Guitar Rig 6 doesn’t have the same level of realism as its competitors, it’s worth noting that this is not the case at all. However, the main and most important purpose of this program is to provide you with variety and a huge amount of effects to experiment with.
Guitar Rig 6 is renowned for its versatility to suit both the child and the professional musician, as each will be able to get exactly the sound they want.
Moreover, this program opens up a huge number of possibilities for you thanks to an unimaginable number of different effects. Moreover, it is ideal for most musical genres, even if they are narrowly focused.
4)Kuassa Cerberus Bass Amp Simulator
Kuassa is another fairly well-known name in the world of virtual guitar amps, as they are renowned for their powerful and detailed simulations. However, they are distinguished by one amplifier, which is an incredibly high-quality emulation of bass amp – Kuassa Cerberus Bass Amp Simulator.
First of all, we would like to note that it has fairly affordable prices and offers guitarists three amplifiers to switch between – Drive, FET and Valve. In addition, it has an equalizer, a built-in compressor and the ability to change not only microphones, but also their position.
Moreover, speaking about guitar software with amps, we would like to say that Kuassa Cerberus Bass Amp Simulator has the most easy-to-use graphic user interface, which is why many bass players choose it. We would also like to recommend the Kuassa Cerberus Bass Amp Simulator to you as it offers a sense of realism especially on fake or synth basses.
5)Neural DSP
Recently, a huge number of requests such as guitar preamp amps software, using software amps for guitar or good guitar amps software have been found on the Internet, which says a lot about the need of non-professional guitarists.
And that’s where the latest model from our top guitar amps program comes in, the Neural DSP, which is arguably the most accurate amp modeling software money can buy right now. It’s important to note that they’re not one big library, so in a way they lack convenience when compared to other guitar amp simulators we’ve talked about today.
However, the essence of the Neural DSP is to create special plug-ins based on specific amplifiers to high standards, which it does brilliantly.
We should also mention that most of the amps in this line of VST plug-ins are aimed at metalheads, although some of the new packages are quite diverse and will suit any musical style perfectly.
So, if instead of an unimaginable number of effects, you prefer specific models and incredible quality, then Neural DSP will be your best solution.
