Throughout the years, I have experimented with a variety of gadgets and plugins in pursuit of the perfect guitar sound. In the past, I have used several V-AMPs by Behringer, which are reasonably priced and quite suitable for crafting guitar tones at home. Additionally, I have owned a Boss GT-100, which I utilised both at home and during live performances, including our 2016 Japanese tour. Interestingly, it’s worth noting that the Zoom Corporation, the company behind the Boss GT-100, is based in Japan, making the tour a sort of homecoming for my guitar pedal.
Furthermore, I have dabbled with plugins such as Amplitube by IK Multimedia, which is a decent product in its own right. However, I ultimately prefer using tangible gadgets that somehow evoke memories of my teenage years when I first experimented with guitar amps.
Subsequently, I acquired a Line6 Helix, an exceptional device that has become my sole guitar gadget for home use. The Helix offers the flexibility to create sounds suitable for home practice, demo recordings, and live concerts. Although I had other options at the time, such as the Kemper Profiler or devices from Fractal Audio, the Helix best aligned with my way of thinking. It does have its limitations, however, such as only being able to model the amps and effects it has been programmed to emulate.
That being said, what works for me may not necessarily work for you. I can suggest some alternatives, and I am confident that you can discover more with further research. I have heard positive feedback about the ToneX pedal by IK Multimedia, which is also quite cost-effective. The Neural DSP Quad Cortex is reportedly one of the finest pedals on the market, albeit at a higher price point. Other noteworthy pedals include those from Headrush and HoTone, as well as the Boss GT-1000, which may be the most impressive modelling guitar preamp Boss has ever produced.
For software plugins, I recommend visiting this website: https://www.pianodreamers.com/best-amp-simulators/. It features a list of excellent plugins that are both high-quality and generally affordable.
Ultimately, there are still individuals who remain loyal to analogue amps, and that is perfectly acceptable. It is essential to use whatever you prefer and can afford. The key is to find the equipment that best suits your needs and preferences.
Jarmo Puolakanaho 