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What is Amp Modeling?

What is Amp Modeling?

Amp Modeling is becoming a very common circuitry found in today's solid-state guitar amps. An amp model is a digital replica, or “clone”, of the sound a particular amp is known for. For example: a Mesa Rectifier is known for its thick high-gain sound. When a manufacturer creates a model of this they measure every aspect of the amp like frequency response, sound at different volumes, how the amp responds in different rooms, how the amp sounds through different cabinets, etc. At this point they digitally record the information and process it into a microchip. The microchip then goes inside the amp to provide a “modeled” sound of that amp. The models are never an exact reproduction of the original amp, but modeling can sound great. Some will say that trying to get a modeling amp to sound exactly like another amp is impossible. Keep in mind that a model is a digital representation of the amp. It is not the same as the original.

Modeling is beneficial to the player that can't afford ten vintage or boutique amps, but would like the versatility of tone you get from having those amps. Some people just prefer the modeling sound to any other. They enjoy having the ability to save a preset for a sound they like. Because of the number of options available, modeling amps can take a while to tweak. Presets make it easier to recall the sound you worked hard to get. With amps that don't have presets, a bump to a single knob can change your tone dramatically. It can be frustrating trying find your tone all over again.

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