Amp modelers and multi-effects units have revolutionized the way musicians craft their sound, offering unparalleled versatility and convenience. Whether in the studio, on stage, or practicing at home, these devices provide access to a wide array of amps, effects, and customization options—all in one compact package. Perfect for guitarists and bassists looking to streamline their setup without sacrificing quality.
Now it’s your turn to decide! Cast your vote for the best amp modelers and multi-effects units, and share your experiences in the comments. Whether you have a go-to device or valuable advice for others, your input helps shape the conversation for musicians everywhere.
1. Line 6 Helix
Over 300 amp, cabs, mic, and effects models.
6.2-inch LCD display.
12 touch-sensitive footswitches.
10 inputs, 12 outputs (including 4 effects loops).
8-in/8-out USB audio interface.
Product variations: Helix LT, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL, Helix Rack, HX One.
2. Neural DSP Quad Cortex
7-inch multi-touch color display.
50 amps, 70 effects, and 1,000 impulse responses.
Neural Capture digitizes your favorite amps, stomps, and cabs
Integration with compatible Neural DSP plugins.
Wi-Fi for preset sharing, firmware updates.
Neural Cortex Cloud app, Cortex Control (free desktop editor).
Product variations: Nano Cortex.
3. Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III Mark II Turbo
Over 320 amp models + over 2200 IRs + over 200 effects.
Equipped with two 1.25 GHz floating-point "Keystone" DSPs.
Expanded Routing Grid: Features a 6-row, 14-column grid.
User-Friendly Interface: Boasts a large 800×480 color display.
2× Instrument Inputs, 2× Stereo Balanced Line Inputs.
4× Stereo Balanced Outputs.
MIDI In, Out, and Thru Ports.
Functions as an 8×8 USB audio interface.
Axe-Edit: Editor for Mac/PC.
Product variations: FM9 MKII Turbo, FM3 MK II Turbo.
4. IK Multimedia Tonex
150 presets organized into 50 banks of 3 preset slots.
15 Built-in effects including Delays, Reverbs, Chorus, Compressor, Noise Gate and more.
Parametric EQ, gain control, and volume.
Full MIDI functionality.
24-bit/44.1kHz Audio Interface.
Includes TONEX MAX software and AmpliTube 5.
Product variations: Tonex One.
5. Fractal Audio FM9 MKII Turbo
10+% more DSP power than the original FM9.
Over 320 amp models + over 2200 IRs + over 200 effects.
9 footswitches, each with its own vari-color LED ring and mini LCD display.
Functions as an 8×8 USB audio interface.
1/4″ instrument input, plus two separate stereo pairs of balanced 1/4″ jacks.
The main stereo output is equipped with both XLR and 1/4″ outs, plus a headphones jack. Two additional independent stereo outputs — one XLR and one 1/4″.
Product variations: Axe-Fx III Mark II Turbo, FM3 MK II Turbo.
6. Kemper Profiler
600-watt power amplifier.
Very precise tonal image (profile) of an existing amplifier configuration.
Includes 200 amplifier profiles.
Collection of effects in addition to the amplifiers.
Effects loop lets you integrate your hardware effects and stompboxes.
Product variations: Stage, Player, Rack.
7. Kemper Profiler Stage
Complete Profiler with the same functions and sound of the Profiler Head.
3 operating modes: Browser, Performer, and Profiler.
Preloaded with hundreds of guitar and bass rigs.
Bright display for indoor/outdoor stage environment.
Product variations: Profiler Head, Player, Rack.
8. Fender Tone Master Pro
Over 100 popular amps and effects.
Over 6,000 IRs onboard, with an extensive Cab Editor section.
Over 500 User Presets
Intuitive UI and workflow courtesy of a high-visibility 7-inch touchscreen.
USB for desktop editor, audio interface functionality, and firmware updates.
Tone Master Pro desktop editor app.
9. Hotone Ampero II Stage
Over 460 effects, over 90 amp models, 68 cab models, over 100 pedal models.
Third-party Impulse Responses (IR Loader) via HoTone Editor.
20 famed Celestion speaker IRs, courtesy of Celestion Digital.
300 preset slots (60 x 5-patch banks).
Operation as an 8-in, 8-out USB audio interface.
Onboard Bluetooth support for both audio and MIDI communication.
Free Mac/PC Hotone software.
Product variations: Ampero II, Ampero II Stomp.
10. Headrush Prime
High-resolution 7-inch touchscreen.
Onboard amp/effect cloner.
12 footswitches with adjustable color LEDS and OLED scribble strip display screens.
Extensive library of guitar and vocal effects + Antares Auto-Tune.
Wi-Fi connection to the HeadRush Cloud + Wi-Fi streaming music practice tool.
Bluetooth audio connection.
USB audio interface (up to 24-bit / 96 kHz)
Including ReValver Suite and Amp Cloner software.
Product variations: Flex Prime, Core.
11. Boss GT-1000
32-bit AD/DA and 32-bit/96kHz internal processing.
Wide variety of amplifier and effect models.
Massive selection of effects including BOSS MDP effects.
2 effects loops.
USB audio / MIDI interface for computer-based recording and editing.
Easy operation with a large display and 6 assignable switches.
Product variations: GT-1000CORE.
12. Boss GX 100
23 AIRD amp models and over 150 effects.
Up to 15 simultaneous effects blocks.
Freely assignable footswitches and expression pedal.
Numerous speaker types & import possibility of own WAV impulse responses.
Built-in USB recording interface.
Computer editing with BOSS Tone Studio.
13. Nux MG-30
30 Amp models: 25 electric, 3 bass and 2 acoustic amp models.
Cab IRs with 8 microphone types and 3 positions.
Third-party IRs can be loaded.
Display: 4" LCD.
Quick tone edit software.
14. Harley Benton DNAfx Git
55 classic and modern amp models.
151 different classic and modern effects.
26 impulse responses (IRs) with additional support for third-party IRs.
Up to 200 preset patches.
USB connectivity for editing, recording and software updates.
Product variations: DNAfx Git Pro, DNAfx Git Advanced, DNAfx Git Core.
15. Valeton GP-200
140 guitar, bass and acoustic amp models.
Over 100 effects.
8 Customisable LED footswitches.
HQ 180s looper.
MIDI In & Out/Thru.
Product variations: GP-200JR.
16. Mooer GE300
108 high quality amp models & 164 effects.
43 IRs + support for additional IRs.
256 user presets.
Phrase Looper with 30 minutes recording time.
USB connectivity for use as a recording interface.
MOOER STUDIO Software.
Product variations: GE300 Lite.
17. Zoom G11
24 x Amp Models and 24 x Cabinet Models.
70 Integrated IR emulations and 130 free user slots.
240 User Patches and 100 Preset Patches.
5-inch color touchscreen.
USB audio interface for direct recording.
Compatible with Zoom Guitar Lab.
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