Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugin Guide

Price:	£64.00 (Buy Now)
Platforms:	Windows and Mac
Type:	Amp Simulator
Format:	VST3, AU, AAX
Features:	Based on Gallien Krueger hardware, three amps, three caps, nine mics, Smart Gate, Compressor, Custom IR Loader and more

 

With three amps, three cabs and nine microphones, the GK Amplification 3 Pro is adaptable to just about any bass guitar amplification situation you might come across. As well as its core functionality as a bass amp simulator, there’s a built-in Smart Gate and compressor for controlling the dynamics of your signal too. If you still find yourself wanting more audio depth and precision, the Custom IR Loader gives you endless amp simulation possibilities.

Whether you want to recreate the guitar flavour of your favourite guitarists, or if you’re looking for exciting new ways to add interest to your mix, it’s worth exploring Plugin Boutique’s broad range of Amp Simulator plugins.

 

 

Tips for getting the best results with guitar amp plugins

 

Optimise levels

It's easy to overlook, but getting your input and output levels just right is crucial when you're plugging in and playing guitar through a DAW and amp sim. Start by setting your audio interface's input level to average around -18dB before the signal hits the amp simulation. This helps maintain a strong yet balanced signal, reducing the risk of clipping. 

You might need to tweak the input signal within the amp sim to account for variations in pickup output—single-coil pickups tend to have lower output than humbuckers or P90s. And don't hesitate to experiment with input and output attenuation to really drive the amp sim.

Stay true to the amp

Aggressively driving the input while attenuating the output volume can yield breakup and overdrive, however you may begin to hear undesirable frequencies as an amp is pushed beyond its intended tone. Consider the common uses of your selected amp, you're not going to get a massive amp break up and overdrive out of a fender twin simulation. Likewise, you may not get the lushest of clean tones out of a high gain Peavey. 

While you can stumble across surprising uses of amps when exploring amp sim tones, if you are looking to get the best results, use amps how your favourite guitarists would use them!

Elevate amp tones with your own touch

If you love the core tonal shape of a specific amp model but crave more distortion or FX, explore both pre-amp effects and the FX loop options. Here, you can experiment with overdrive and fuzz pedal emulations to add grit to clean tones, introduce movement with modulation effects and create depth with spatial reverb and delay. 

For hands-on tone shaping, try combining external guitar gear with your sim. Placing your favourite effects or a whole pedalboard before the audio interface gives you control over shaping your tone. Alternatively, strategically position software plugins both before and after the amp sim in your DAW’s signal chain. Fine-tune the EQ and compress to tame harsh frequencies and manage peaks, or dive into creative possibilities combining an amp sim with other software plugins.

 

 

Guitar amp plugins FAQ summary

 

What is a guitar effect?

Guitar effects come in various forms — individual pedals, multi-effect pedals, or rack units — covering overdrive, distortion, fuzz, modulation effects like flanging, phasing, chorus, and tremolo, and spatial effects such as reverb and delay. In an amp sim, each guitar effect is akin to adding a single plugin to a signal chain.

Guitar sims consolidate a guitarist's rig into a single plugin, offering all-in-one functionality. But if you prefer different software, you can bypass specific amp sim stages and integrate your preferred pedal or software effects. This flexibility allows for customised signal processing, helping you achieve the desired tones and effects according to your preferences.

How does a guitar plugin work?

A guitar plugin serves as virtual software mimicking the sound and features of physical guitar amplifiers, effects pedals, and signal processing equipment. Often available to use as standalone software or incorporated in a DAW, it processes the guitar's signal in real-time when connected to an audio interface. 

The plugin applies diverse amp simulations, effects, and adjustments based on user settings. The processed signal is then output through the DAW, enabling guitarists to access a broad spectrum of tones and effects within their computer setup. This replicates the experience of using traditional guitar gear but in a convenient digital format.

What are the best guitar plugins?

While defining "the best" amp sim is subjective, based on our experience and expertise, we recommend the following for their exceptional sound quality, user-friendly interface, and extensive effect options: 

• Neural DSP Plugins: Known for meticulously designed amp models tailored to specific styles or artists through their Archetype series. 
• Headrush Revalver: Offering a comprehensive selection of world-class guitar amps, stomps, effects, and ACT (Audio Cloning Technology)™ instrument models. It enables deep customization of amp rigs, including the ability to tweak circuit components in amp and cabinet schematics. 
• Bias FX 2: With a vast array of amps, effects, and cabinets, Bias FX 2 allows for complete tonal customization. Its parallel signal chain routing feature enables complex tonal setups for added versatility.

 

Where to get guitar plugins

Of course the official developer's website for a plugin is always a great way to go, but as a marketplace designed around selling plugins here at Plugin Boutique we offer a convenient way to review multiple options before making a purchase. 

Many DAWs also come with their own free amp sims, which can be a great starting point to learn and maximise the potential of your existing setup before investing in additional plugins. 

Subscription services such as Waves, Beatport Studio, and Slate Digital's All Access Pass offer access to a wide range of guitar amp sims and other plugins for a monthly fee. This provides flexibility and variety without the need to commit to a single software choice.