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[Pedal type] 7 recommended guitar amp simulators and preamps! [Can be used with an effects board]

- I want to know the recommended amp simulator
- I want to incorporate a pedal-type amplifier into my board.
- I want to check the benefits and uses of amp simulators before choosing one
From regular practice to live performances and home recordings.
It would be ideal to be able to try it out with a real amplifier, but the price is high and most people don't have an environment where they can play it at a high volume.
In such cases, an amp simulator is highly practical as it allows you to easily reproduce realistic amp sound.
This time, we've compiled recommendations and tips on how to choose pedal-type guitar amp simulators that are easy to carry around!
What is an amp simulator preamp?

Amp Simulator
An amp simulator is exactly what the name suggests.An effector that realistically reproduces the sound of an amplifierThat.
Since the appearance of the hardware amp simulator "POD" developed by LINE2000 in the early 6s, "amp simulators" have attracted the attention of many guitarists.
There are various types, including hardware and software.
In this article, we will introduce pedal-type hardware that can be incorporated into your effects board.
Preamplifier
A preamp is something that is connected to the front end of an amplifier.
An amp is an amplifier, so it amplifies the sound signal, but at the same time it is the section that has the biggest influence on the tone and character of the guitar.
When connecting a pedal-type preamp to an amplifier,It is common to connect it to the "return terminal" to send the signal from the amplifier's preamplifier.
Amp Simulators/Preamps | Benefits and Roles

- Easily try out different amp types, connections, and sound characteristics
- Easily carry your favorite sounds with you
- Less setup effort required compared to a real amplifier
- It is easy to bring out the characteristics of a vacuum tube amplifier even in a limited space such as a rental property.
- Less affected by studio equipment and environment
Of course, the sound won't be 100% the same as an amp, but the fact that you can try out a variety of powerful sounds that capture each individual amplifier's characteristics and that it's easy to carry around is a big attraction.
Amp Simulators/Preamps | Types and How to Choose

- Software type (PC)
Home recording, DTM, etc. - Pedal (effector) type
Live performances, practice sessions, etc. - Mobile devices
For practice and mobile - Rack Mount Type
Serious home recording, recording, and live performance
Amp simulators can be broadly divided into two types: hardware and software.
There are several types of hardware pedals, including pedal types that can be installed on a board like an effector, and portable types that can be plugged directly into a guitar.
Here are some pedal-type multi-effectors that can be used for everything from everyday practice to recording and home recording!

[Pedal type] 7 recommended amp simulators/preamps!
strymon / IRIDIUM

- Three iconic amps
Using our unique Matrix Modeling, we have created three amp models that capture the subtle characteristics and unique tones of each amp.
Round Amp – based on* a Fender Deluxe Reverb
Chime Amp – based on* the Brilliant channel of a Vox AC30
Punch Amp – based on* a Marshall Plexi (Super Lead model number 1959)
It features 9 types of 3bit / 24kHz 96ms stereo IRs (500 for each amp). - 9 types of stereo IR cabinets
The speaker cabinet emulations in Iridium offer a realism never heard before. This unit uses the best stereo 24-bit 96kHz & 500msec impulse response data. Until now, this level of resolution was only available in some studio recording software (convolution). Iridium makes it possible to put the highest quality IR realism into your pedalboard. - Adjustable Room Ambience
Iridium's room emulation uses a hybrid system that uses a 256msec impulse response and supplements the reverberant tail with Strymon's reverb algorithm, allowing you to perfectly recreate the ambience of rooms of different sizes, while still allowing you to reproduce the breathiness and natural reflections of the sound coming from the speakers.
The Strymon Iridium delivers world-class tube amp and real cabinet sound and feel.
Iridium provides you with a tube amplifier, unprecedentedly realistic speaker cabinet impulse response, and natural room ambience all in one unit.
Strymon / IRIDIUM is recommended for these people!
- Use in combination with compact effects
- I want to be able to consistently produce the sound I envision no matter where I am or what the environment is.
- I want a clean sound similar to that of a vacuum tube even in an environment where I can't play loud sounds.
IK Multimedia / TONEX Pedal

- Build a complete stage rig with just one pedal
The TONEX Pedal lets you create a total tone with just one pedal, from stomp to amp to cabinet. All the tools you need to shape your sound are concentrated in this pedal.
The TONEX Pedal packs in all the tone shaping options you need, and with the ability to store up to 3 presets across 50 presets x 150 banks, you're ready for the big setlist with an endless supply of tones in one pedal. - Design and function for the stage
TONEX Pedal is designed and manufactured in Italy, with an anodized aluminum chassis that can withstand the harsh conditions of studio and tour use. It is equipped with MIDI input and output, so you can combine it with pedals equipped with MIDI terminals such as X-GEAR, or connect an expression pedal to the EXT. CONTROL terminal to adjust any parameter in real time. - An infinite collection of tones
TONEX Pedal is not just an effect pedal, but a product that plays a part in the tone ecosystem that consists of the TONEX series. This ecosystem is currently deployed in hardware, Mac / PC software, and iOS app, and spreads beyond the barriers of place and device, such as a plug-in on the DAW in the studio, an iOS app when practicing at home, and TONEX Pedal on stage. The Tone Model, which is the core of the ecosystem, can be used on TONEX Pedal, TONEX Mac / PC version, and TONEX iPhone / iPad version. - Studio and Stage Integration
The included TONEX MAX software can be used not only for rig modeling, but also as a standalone or DAW plug-in. The TONEX Pedal also comes with AmpliTube 5, and TONEX can be used as a gear within AmpliTube 5. In this way, the Tone Model can be used not only on the TONEX Pedal but also on Mac/PC, so you can completely integrate your stage and studio tones. The TONEX Pedal also functions as a 24bit/44.1kHz USB audio interface. You can record by connecting the pedal directly to your Mac/PC without having to carry an audio interface.
TONEX Pedal is a pedal for stage/live performance that allows you to use Tone Models created by AI Machine Modeling. You can put any tone of the world's most popular amps, cabinets, pedals, and even your own gear at your feet as a Tone Model.
IK Multimedia / TONEX Pedal is recommended for these people!
- I want to reproduce all sounds from clean to high gain with high quality while keeping the price low.
- I like the distortion sound of an amp rather than a compact effector.
- I want to use it for home recording and recording
VOX / VALVENERGY series

[Features common to the series]
Equipped with the new Nutube vacuum tube
Three connection modes
Equipped with channel switch function
Equipped with OLED display
[Features of the 4 models]
- COPPERHEADDRIVE
Powerful 80s stack amp sound - CUTTING EDGE
A modern amp high-gain sound that delivers everything from lead tones with an edge and emphasis on the bass. - MYSTIC EDGE
Reproduces the chimey, edgy tone and smooth distortion of the VOX AC30 - SILK DRIVE
Legendary boutique amp sound that covers everything from warm clean to overdrive perfect for bluesy phrases, and perfectly reproduces even the most delicate nuances of picking.
VOX has been focusing not only on developing traditional tube amps using conventional vacuum tubes, but also on innovative guitar amps using the new Nutube vacuum tube. Using the technology cultivated in developing these amps, we have developed a new pedal this time. The lineup includes four amp sounds that have the response and harmonic structure of tube amps and are indispensable in the current music scene. It also has functions not found in pedals up to now, such as a channel switch function.
VOX / VALVENERGY is recommended for these people!
- I want to incorporate real vacuum tube sound into my effects board.
- Compact but still with the sound of a vacuum tube
- Rather than creating many different sounds, I want to create my favorite sound.
FLAMMA / FS06

- Seven preamp models covering a wide range of classic and modern guitar tones. DELUXEBLUE: Fender Blues Deluxe
AC31: VOX AC30
CORAL REEF: Two Rock Coral
PLEX 50: Marshall Plexi 50
BLUE EYE 100: Friedman BE-100
MB5TH GEN: Mesa Boogie Mark V
HVE 5151: EVH 5150 - All preamp models have two channels with storable preset slots for each preamp.
- Built-in cabinet simulation allows users to connect directly to a mixer/PA system.
- You can use the footswitch to change channels or turn the pedal on/off.
The FS06 is a preamp pedal for guitarists, equipped with preamp models that cover seven types of guitar tones, from classic to modern, and combined with the built-in cabinet simulation, you can connect it directly to a mixer or PA system to produce a perfect tone.
The compact body is equipped with five knobs including LEVEL, GAIN, and 3-band EQ, as well as a button for saving/selecting presets. The built-in cabinet simulator can be turned ON/OFF, and all preamp models have two channels, each of which can store a preset of the sound.
FLAMMA / FS06Recommended for these people!
- I'm looking for a reasonable amp simulator for around 1 yen.
- I want a wide range of sounds from clean to high gain
- I want to incorporate it into my effects board.
UNIVERSAL AUDIO UAFX / Guitar Amp Emulators

- DREAM / 65 Amplifier
Unparalleled in its class as a stompbox, this faithful emulation of a mid-60s American tube combo immerses you in the spring reverb and vibrato of classic tube circuits. - RUBY / 63 Amplifier
A perfect stompbox emulation of the valve amps that supported the British Invasion. Get inspiration from the rich tone of the "TOP BOOST" channel and the vibrato of the tube circuit. - WOODROW / 55 Amplifier
The ultimate stompbox emulation of a mid-50s American Tweed amp. Classic tube tone goes from light to dangerous.
[Features common to the series] - With legendary mic/speaker pairing and boost, and amp modification, you can take the world's best studio amp sound with you wherever you go.
- The UAFX Control mobile app allows you to download artist tones, customize features, explore presets, and more.
UNIVERSAL AUDIO UAFX / Guitar Amp Emulators is recommended for the following people!
- Use in combination with compact effects
- I want to focus on the texture and nuance of vintage
- I want to reproduce the amp sound in the highest quality and most realistic way possible.
TWO NOTES / ReVolt Guitar

- An all-analog, three-channel preamp equipped with 12AX7 vacuum tubes that produces the warm, expansive tone typical of a tube amp.
- Equipped with three channels: clean, crunch, and distortion, which can be switched with a foot switch depending on the situation.
- Clean inspired by 70's California style vintage tube amps
- Crunch with a distinctive mid-bite, reminiscent of a Plexi amp.
- Distortion with excellent response, harmonic characteristics, and a balance of distortion and sustain that is symbolic of hard rock/metal.
- Supports 4-cable method and MIDI input/output
- Includes a lifetime license for the speaker/microphone simulator "Wall of Sound" and 10 DynIR cabinets, including cabinets inspired by Marshall, Fender, Mesa/BOOGIE, etc.
ReVolt is an all-analog 3-channel amp simulator. As the latest model of Two notes amp simulator, it provides the foundation of your sound with the ultimate tone and plays an important role as the center of your equipment.
It has overwhelming appeal, with 200V of real vacuum tube power and support for a wide range of playing styles.
There are three channels each for guitar and bass, with CH3 having a 1-band EQ and CH2&2 having a shared 3-band EQ.
Since it is equipped with an analog cabinet simulation, no miking is required. It also comes with 10 DynIR cabinets that can be used with the DAW plug-in "Wall of Sound."
TWO NOTES / ReVolt Guitar is recommended for these people!
- I want to focus on the warmth and nuance of vacuum tubes
- I want to use it flexibly, either on its own or in combination with other pedals.
- I want all my distortion effects in one unit
Blackstar / Dept. 10 AMPED 3

- Professional 3-channel, high-gain 100W pedal guitar amp with cabinet output, direct input (DI) and traditional guitar amp connection. User programmable presets.
- It can output low-latency USB audio as a recording interface, and can also be used as a live interface with a TRS stereo line out and XLR mono DI, creating a professional setup.
- The unique "Response Control" function allows you to clearly change the response of the power tubes and the dynamics of the guitar amp.
- Equipped with "CabRig" simulator technology that includes low latency USB, XLR, line output DI, MIDI, and effect loop.
- Equipped with an effects loop, two DC9V outputs, and MIDI, it can be easily incorporated into your own pedalboard or rig.
- It's small enough to fit in the pocket of a gig bag.
AMPED 3 is a 6W high-gain pedal amplifier with 3 voicings, 100 programmable channels and reverb.
Perfect for players looking for the ultra high gain tones found in multi-channel tube amps like Blackstar's Series One.
It can output up to 100W to a cabinet, a direct output, or be used as a front end for a traditional amp, letting you take your sound anywhere.
With power reduction down to 1W and USB-C connectivity, it's equally at home in the studio or on stage.
Blackstar / Dept. 10 AMPED 3 is recommended for these people!
- A wide-output amp simulator that can be used at home or live is good
- I like the high gain sound of Blackstar.
- I want to use it in different ways depending on the situation, such as incorporating it into a board, connecting it to a cabinet, or using it as an audio interface.
[Pedal type] Recommended amp simulators/preamps | What's XTONES' recommendation?
If you mainly use compact effectors
XTONES' recommendation is...
If your board system mainly consists of compact effects, we recommend the IRIDIUM.
In particular,I always use a clean Fender amp and then distort it with effects!I'm sure there are many people who think this way.
Even if your studio only has JC or Marshall equipment, you can connect it via return from the IRIDIUM and achieve almost the same sound even if the environment changes.
It is also extremely easy to use, with features such as a headphone jack and MIDI control.
For many people, their search for an amp simulator ended with IRIDIUM.
If you want both price and quality...
XTONES' recommendation is...
TONEX fulfills the selfish wish of wanting to keep the price down while still getting the best quality and functionality.
Unlike modeling, its biggest feature is the "capture" technology, which captures the sound of the amplifier.
When it comes to modeling, the days when you had to shell out nearly 30 yen to get high-quality products from brands like Kemper are over.
It is now possible to purchase an amp simulator that can reproduce any sound in high quality for around 6 yen.






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