Fender Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb Modelling Amp

Digital Modeling Amps | Better Than the Real Thing?

Last update 5/5/2024

In the past 10 to 15 years, we’ve witnessed significant increases in digital technology as it applies to the guitar world. Digital guitar effects are hugely popular, and Digital modeling amps aren’t exactly a novelty either; they’ve both been around since the 1990s. Tube amps are well known for their warm, organic tone.

Digital modeling amps, on the other hand, are newer and use technology to create sounds that are similar to tube amps.

However, things are now at a whole new level with the Kemper profiler and Axe-Fx’s initial arrival, as well as Line 6 Helixes. And thus, we now have one of the hottest debates in the world of music: Are modeling amps better than the real thing? Honestly, we find it’s a tricky question to answer.

Digital modeling amps: What are they?

Vox Tube Amp

Amplifier modeling refers to any process that imitates the sound of a guitar amplifier using computer software analog hardware.

But digital modeling is where all the fun stuff is.

Instead of physically altering the signal, digital amp modelers convert the analog signal into digital information before processing.

Then, those lengthy altered lines 1s and 0s are transformed into an analog signal before going to a PA system, speaker cabinets, or any other device.

“I had no aspirations to be a musician, but I picked up a guitar for two seconds and haven’t put it down since.” Slash

The first digital modeling amp (at least to my knowledge) is the Line 6 POD, released in 1998. It was a pretty compact unit, fitting easily on your desk. And yet, it came with many different amp and effects models. You can plug it directly into a guitar amplifier mixer or use your headphones.

Sure, this was all impressive, getting a realistic amp tone and a load of effects in a small-sized unit while going straight into a mixing board.

However, in the late 1990s and 2000s, things were still far from perfect. You could have fun with a compact digital modeler, but it sounded decent at best. It was still far from the “real thing.”

Modeling amps vs. the “real” thing: What is better?

During the 2000s, almost everyone was confident that microprocessors could never replicate tube amps’ warmth and dynamic response.

2011 Kemper GmbH released a revolutionary unit, challenging even the most hard-core vintage amp lovers.

Essentially, you got this easily portable amp head-sized unit that not only sounded good, but you were able to capture and replicate the tone of any amplifier. Seriously – a unique process involves playing weird sounds through your amp and capturing its tone. And, believe it or not, it did pretty well.

Kemper was, of course, not the only one. During the 2010s, we got various stuff, including Fractal Audio Axe-Fx, Line 6 Helix, Boss GT-1000, and others.

But the most crucial part is that almost all of the experienced tube amp lovers failed blind tests. That’s right. Making simple A/B comparisons proved that even the most delicate ears could not notice the differences between a digital replica and the original. Plenty of famous guitar players started using digital modeling amps. Some of the names include:

  • Paul Gilbert
  • John Mayer
  • Buck Dharma
  • Synyster Gates
  • James Hetfield
  • Kirk Hammett
  • Larry Mitchell
  • Neal Schon
  • Dweezil Zappa
  • Alex Lifeson

Does that mean that digital information processed in a specific way can outperform actual tube amps? In the decades-long “digital vs. analog” debate, has digital finally won over analog? Well, it depends.

In favor of modeling amps

The most significant advantage of digital modeling amps is their convenience. You can use a single compact unit and replace an entire rig, making live gigs and touring way less insufferable.

Then, we have the issue of consistency. Being digital units, one preset always sounds the same. You can’t say that with tube amplifiers, which change their tone over time, sometimes even during the same session.

Guitar Player on stage.
Guitar player on stage.

And let’s not forget the obligatory tube replacement and re-biasing. Tube amps are kind of tricky and expensive to maintain.

The versatility of digital amp modeling units is probably the best part. These days, you can use the same model for any genre and any purpose.

At this point, they see a sharp increase in popularity.

Although mainly used for live settings, they’ve also found their way into studio work. Some guitarists, like Avenged Sevenfold’s Synyster Gates, claim they sound as good as the real deal.

And even if, hypothetically, they’re not entirely there, the tradeoff is still pretty great. You get versatility, practicality, and a reasonably realistic and objectively fantastic tone.

Objectively, digital modeling amps are a pretty great deal, especially for frequently gigging musicians. They might be a bit pricy, but they’re incredibly versatile, reasonably realistic-sounding, and require no additional maintenance costs.

In favor of tube amps

At this point, it’s tough to say things in favor of tube-driven amps. But not to poison you with my personal opinions, the best way is to see what some well-known guitar players have to say.

For instance, according to John Mayer, there are a few things that the best modeling amps still can’t do. But, according to Mayer’s words, this mainly refers to the very nuanced dynamic response that the good old tube amps can still do.

And John’s onto something. Many vintage-oriented tube amps have their unique response to the way you attack the strings. Maybe the audience won’t notice it every time, but an experienced guitar player will.

So, are tube amps obsolete?

What’s interesting is that, despite everything, tube amps are still selling pretty well. So there are a few possible answers to why this might be.

  1. Some players are still emotionally attached to tube amps.
  2. Some guitar players can hear a difference.
  3. Occasionally, some guitarists prefer to have only one specific type of tone. After all, why would you spend a ton of money on many options when you choose a particular kind of tone?
  4. Many people don’t feel like bothering with complex digital modeling amp interfaces.

Whatever the case, tube amps are here to stay. They’ll always have a market, even if it’s just nostalgia.

Conclusion

So, are digital modeling amps worth it? If you’re looking for a portable, affordable, and versatile amp, then a digital modeling amp is a great option. But if you’re looking for the absolute best possible sound, then a tube amp may still be the way to go.

Experience different amps by trying them yourself and making your own conclusions. Our best advice is to try as many amps as possible and be objective. Do some blind testing, if possible, and make your conclusions.

Your experience may differ from mine. After all, it all comes down to personal preference.

Transparency disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. This commission comes at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that I believe are helpful and valuable, and we never let the potential for a commission influence our recommendations.

Amazon Digital Modelling Amps

References

GmbH, K. (n.d.). Profiler Overview: Kemper Amps. Profiler Overview | Kemper Amps. https://www.kemper-amps.com/profiler/overview.

Fractal Audio Systems. (2020, September 9). https://www.fractalaudio.com/.

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