Amp Modelers

What fun is it playing a song of you can't get the right tone ? For a little more than the price of a stomp box you can get the tone of your favorite guitarist with an amp modeler. These units can be used for the studio, computer guitar recording, practicing or playing out.

These devices not only model your favorite amps like Marshalls, Fenders and Boogies but you could also model different cabinets as well. These devices also came with built in special effects like reverb, chorus, flangers wahs, eq etc. The two major players in this arena are The Line 6 POD and the Behringer V-amp.

Here are a few sound samples of these devices.

• Van Halen
• Another Van Halen
• AC DC
• Stevie Ray
• Clean Blues
• Modern High Gain
• Classic Who Type Tone

You can easily operate these units all by themselves. They are as simple to operate as a traditional amplifier. Hover the real fun starts when you connect them to your computer via a midi cable. This allows you to download and share presets with hundreds of other users.

Both of these units also allow you to run the output through a traditional guitar amp so you can use them in a live situation. There are also a number of guitarists that go straight into the board when playing live.

OK so which one is the best ?
Personally I bought the Behringer V-amp. It just seemed like a better value.

	Behringer V-amp - Only $139 and even POD users concede the sound is comparable to the POD. The downside to the V-amp is that some feel the case is not as rugged. To me it didn't matter since I rarely play out and my V-amp just sits next to my computer. I love my V-amp and am totally happy with it. 32 amp and 15 speaker simulation models, independently selectable High-resolution 24-bit stereo multi-effects processor Separate wah-wah and reverb effects Effective 3-band EQ with amp-model dependent characteristics 5 new configuration modes for various applications Balanced stereo line out with speaker simulation plus stereo headphones out and stereo aux line in Comprehensive MIDI implementation for real-time control, automation, data transfer and access to additional parameters Dual footswitch, AC adapter, and carrying bag included Only $139.00 with Free Shipping from ZZounds !
	Line 6 POD - Is the market leader in this area. A great sounding unit by which all other amp modelers are judged. Amp Models: 32, customizable Digital Effects: 16 Factory/User Presets: 36 Headphone and Direct Out: 1/4 in. TRS Mono/Stereo: Stereo Only $199.95 with Free Shipping from ZZounds !
	Line6 PODXT Amp Modeler for Direct Recording PODxt sets the new standard for guitar tone. PODxt features 32 groundbreaking amp models built from the award-winning technology found in Line 6's flagship Vetta amplifier, and includes modeled stompbox effects, full-time compression, A.I.R. II cabinet/microphone modeling, and direct USB digital in/out for direct digital computer recording. Only $299.95 with Free Shipping from ZZounds !
	Line6 PODXT Pro Amp Modeler for Direct Recording When top producers and artists need great amp tone in the studio or on stage, they turn to PODxt Pro. The newest member of Line 6's POD Family, PODxt Pro brings 32 groundbreaking amp models built from the award-winning technology found in the Vetta amp. This rack-mount, direct-recording device also sports 15 cabinet models, 16 digital effect combinations and 36 programmable channels. PODxt Pro has balanced XLR outs for pro studio operation in addition to 1/4 in. outs and a stereo effects loop for stage play. From $629.95 with Free Shipping from ZZounds !
	Behringer LX1112 VAMPIRE Combo Modeling Guitar Amplifier (1 x 12 in.) Now this is sweet and on my list of things to buy ! I can't think of a better $300 amp. - This tone monster boasts all of the 32 classic amps, 15 legendary speaker cabinets and 16 studio-quality effects models of the V-AMP Pro -- plus a 100 Watts amp (2 x 50 Watt stereo with an external speaker) driving a vintage Jensen® 12 in. speaker. The V-AMPIRE is the ultimate modeling amplifier, featuring Interactive Amp Modeling, Behringer’s exclusive auto wah and rotary effects plus DI output with Ultra-G cabinet simulation designed by Juergen Rath. With 125 memory locations for storing your presets and a dual-footswitch, you have a truly gig-ready package! $Only 299.00 Free Shipping from ZZounds !