Amp Simulator

Amp simulators are guitar effects that digitally recreate the sound, feel, and response of real guitar amplifiers. Instead of relying on a physical amp and microphone, amp simulators model key elements such as preamp gain, power amp behavior, speaker cabinets, and microphone placement. This allows guitarists to achieve authentic amp tones at any volume level, making amp simulators popular for home recording, live performance, and silent practice.

Modern amp simulator pedals and plugins cover a wide range of classic and modern amp styles, from clean American combos to high-gain British and metal stacks. Most include controls that mirror real amplifiers, such as gain, EQ, presence, and master volume, while also offering cabinet simulation, impulse response (IR) loading, and direct recording outputs. This flexibility makes amp simulators a complete tone solution that can replace or supplement traditional amps in many setups.

Guitarists use amp simulators in genres ranging from blues and rock to metal, pop, and ambient music. They are especially valuable for players who need consistent tone across different venues, easy integration with recording interfaces, or compact rigs for touring and fly dates. By delivering realistic amp tones without the need for loud cabinets or complex mic setups, amp simulators have become a cornerstone of modern guitar rigs.