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Modelling for Guitars

Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Powerful floor modeler with cabinet simulation
€ 1,585.00
RRP  € 1,699.00
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Kemper Profiler Head Amp Modeller (Black)
Profiling Amplifier Head. TOPSELLER!
€ 1,309.00
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TC Electronic Plethora X3
Comprehensive multi-effects pedal for guitar and bass
€ 298.00
To Product
Kemper Profiler Stage
Modeling-Floorboard with Kemper Profiling Technology
€ 1,465.00
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Playing Electric Guitar with Modelling Amp and Speaker Simulation

Playing an electric guitar over a real tube amp is not only an experience in terms of sound. That's why guitarists rave about a Marshall stack or guitar amp icons like Mesa Boogie, Fender Twin Reverb or Vox AC30 in a reverent attitude - because you can also feel these guitar sounds. However, the real tube amp also has a disadvantage: The tone formation when playing with the amp is associated with a considerable volume. Thanks to amp modelling, playing a guitar at home or recording in a home studio is now much easier and more flexible, because the sound of real tube guitar amplifiers is reproduced on a digital level - and if necessary even at room volume.

From the Beginnings of Amp Modelling to Modelling Amps

The era of c amps began in 1989 with the Zoom 9002 Guitar-FX Processor. The young Japanese company surprised with a compact Multi-FX that was small enough to be attached to the guitar strap. The tiny device could create six effects simultaneously from a choice of compressor, distortion (analog, tubular), equalizer, pitch shifter, chorus, flanger, phaser, digital reverb and digital delay. At that time Distortion sounded really good for the first time without a full-tube guitar amplifier, although from today's point of view this amp sound was strongly oriented to the sound ideas of the 80s. But of course this was still far away from the emulation of a Vox AC30, for example, which modern modelling amps are capable of today.

In the early 90's Johnson introduced the J-Station Guitar Amp Modeller, which could replicate various tube amp icons. In the mid-90s, Line 6, one of today's market leaders, finally came onto the scene to revolutionize the Modeller market with the first POD.

Virtual effects and speaker simulation thanks to DSP

Whether modelling amp or effects device, they are all based on the rapidly evolving DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) - computer chips that are optimized for processing digital audio and video data. DSPs, whose computing power and algorithms can handle the dynamic behaviour of tube circuits and effects in real time, are now at home in every digital effects device and many other products.

Wide range of guitar modelling amplifiers

Almost three decades after their beginnings, modelling amps are available in all variants and price classes from all well-known manufacturers. Amp modelling is offered in the form of amp tops, as modelling combos, desktop units, floorboard versions or as pure guitar software for DAW applications in studio computers, laptops or iOS devices. The Kemper Profiler is the highlight of amp modelling so far. This special modelling amp is able to analyze any kind of amplifier or effect device and emulate it afterwards.

In this way an individual library of sounds can be created, which can also be exchanged with other Kemper owners. Such refinements have their price, of course. But for the small budget there are enough alternatives, which offer amazingly good amp emulations for little money. In addition, most devices have a well-assorted selection of guitar effects, as well as practical additional functions such as rhythm patterns and a looper on board.

Advantages of Modelling Amps: Ease of use, Flexibility

Full-tube amps can develop immense power, while modelling amps emulate sound behaviour using DSP algorithms. In the meantime, however, the sound quality of amp modelling has been perfected to such an extent that more and more guitarists - from beginners to studio professionals - rely on modelling amps. With only one modelling amp, you get a powerful tool that convinces on stage, like at home. The advantages of amp modelling are manifold: Power soak and/or speaker simulation are not needed to throttle a very loud tube amp - for example in home studio recording applications. Modelling makes it possible to realize the sound ideas of many different amp sounds convincingly and even to combine the sound characteristics of guitar amplifiers and guitar cabinets. Guitar effects are usually available as well, although it is also possible to play with several authentic effects at the same time. The team of experts in the guitar department is looking forward to your visit or phone call to help you choose the perfect instrument for you.

Popular brands at DV247

Orange, Boss, Roland, Avid, DigiTech, Two Notes, Kemper, Yamaha, Line 6, Behringer