The Best Modelling Amplifier: Our Top 5 Picks
Do you need an amp modeller? Here's our pick of 5 modelling amps you should check out!
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The Best Modelling Amplifier features our Top 5 picks for you to check out. Each one offers something different with a variety of models for various budgets. Need a versatile, affordable guitar amplifier? Then look no further…
The Best Modelling Amplifier
Amp modelling has come a long way in recent years; modellers are now available at various price points. putting them within reach of musicians everywhere. Do you need a small practice combo for home? Or perhaps something more refined or flexible for the studio or playing live? Here are our picks of the modelling amps you should definitely check out…
Mooer Hornet 30W
The Mooer Hornet 30W is a budget-conscious modelling amp offering nine amp models. It also includes 3 modulation FX types (chorus, phaser and vibrato), 3 delay FX types (analogue, tape echo, and digital) and finally, 3 reverb FX (room, hall, and church). You also get a tap tempo function for setting the speed of the modulation and delay effects.
Mooer Hornet 30W in White
Retro Style
The Mooer Hornet comes in either a retro-styled black or white finish and is great for anyone that needs something small, yet flexible to play through. Other neat features include the Wireless Bluetooth connection and AUX input which allow you to play along to backing tracks.
Additionally, you can also store 9 user presets and you’ll benefit from a built-in tuner. Stylish, compact and convenient! What’s not to love?
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Yamaha THR30IIW
These desktop-sized Yamaha THR30IIW amps are really great for home use. They are also jam-packed with really useable modelled amp tones, effects and handy features.
Yamaha THR30II
Compact
This range of amps is compact and easy to use. I also love that they can be charged up and run from the internal battery, which makes them very portable. You’ll find three amp modes, and a variety of onboard effects including: Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Delay, and Reverb.
Additionally, you have Bluetooth and USB connectivity allowing you to use the THR30IIW as an audio interface for your DAW. You can also benefit from the THR Remote Editor/Librarian app for both desktop and mobile devices.
This little Yamaha amp is very nicely built with a super-robust metal chassis that contains a 30-watt power amplifier. You have a choice of colours which now includes the 10th Anniversary Black and White models.
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Line 6 Catalyst 60
Line 6 Catalyst combo amps are derived from the company’s flagship Helix modelling technology. This Catalyst 60 is a 60-watt version although other power output versions are available.
Each one has six types of basic amp models that go from perfectly clean through to modern high-gain tones. You’ll also find a set of 18 effects along with a dedicated independent boost and a reverb with six different modes. There’s enough here to cover all your basic tonal needs.
Line 6 Catalyst combo
Power Attenuator
I like that Line 6 has included power attenuation, which means you can choose between half power, 0.5 watts or mute. The Line 6 Catalyst also benefits from having an XLR line output for connection to a PA or for recording. Additionally, you also get an effect loop and a power amp input for using external gear.
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Boss Katana 50 MKII
The Boss Katana 50 MKII is part of the company’s ever-growing modelling amp lineup. It is also the first modelling amp on this list to come in a combo amp format and additionally, is also one of the most affordable! It has nowhere near the number of amp models as the other units, though it has flexibility simplicity may win you over!
There are five amp modes on offer: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown and Acoustic. Each model offers a “variation”, effectively giving you ten modes. In addition, you can now select up to five virtual effects pedals instead of the previous three.
Again, it comes in many formats * with something for everyone.
Boss Katana 50 MKII
Flexible
The Katana make look simple, but it’s packed with useful features! For starters, it has a 50-watt power output that you can also scale down to 0.5/25/50 watts. Coupled with a custom 12-inch speaker, it offers the right power for most scenarios. Additionally, there’s a USB out for recording straight to your DAW of choice.
On top of all that there’s also the Boss Tone Studio software; which gives you access to over 60 different Boss effects, channel and global EQs, customisable routing and more.
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Fender Tone Master Princeton Reverb
The Fender Tone Master Princeton Reverb is a modelled version of this classic vintage Fender combo. Sure, it only does one sound, but that sound is an absolute classic!
Fender Tone Master Princeton Reverb combo
Classic Tones
The Tone Master Princeton Reverb offers classic Fender tones; you can have them either at full power or use one of the five attenuated settings. The Princeton comes with a balanced XLR line output with impulse response cabinet simulations as well; far more flexible than a vintage amp and great for recording or live work.
If you’re specifically after the classic Fender amp tone then the Tone Master Princeton is a great buy. One taste of that amazing reverb and onboard tremolo and you’ll be hooked!
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- Mooer Hornet 30W in White: Mooer
- Yamaha THR30II: Thomann
- Line 6 Catalyst combo: Line 6
- Boss Katana 50 MKII: Thomann
- Fender Tone Master Princeton Reverb combo: Fender
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6 responses to “The Best Modelling Amplifier: Our Top 5 Picks”
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How about those Positive Grid amps? Absolutely recommended to check out!
voxvtx20
the best
Yeah for the Spark amp ByPositiveGrid
I agree with the above comments. The Spark amp has options the other amps don’t have plus the modeling options which are amazing as well.
which is best to play whooly bully ?
IK would add Ampire included with Studio One. I add it to my dry Telecaster/Strat VST’s and absolutely no one knows it’s not a real guitar.