8. Modeling Amps

As far back as the late 1980s, attempts were made to develop devices mimicking the sound of certain amp heads. This development, introduced by companies such as Tech21 and their SansAmp (back then on a purely analogue basis, and limited regarding the flexibility of its sound), has long become its very own sector in the industry thanks to digital technology. Today, there are more than a few manufacturers specialising in the manufacture of modeling amps. These products enable players to simulate a great number of very different classic amp heads, speakers, and, not to forget, effects pedals - and their sounds can even be combined.

While the sound of the first modelling amps of the 90s can most kindly be described as "well, they tried", today even professionals have a hard time distinguishing the sound of a modeled signal from that of the original. The sheer range of possibilities modeling amps open up is indeed vast - and playing around with the many different sounds is certainly a lot of fun. But beware (beginners especially) - you run the risk of losing your own sound in the thicket of options!

Is there anything this machine can't do? The modeling presets of this Roland Cube 10GX combo amp can even be swapped using a freely available smartphone app