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10 of the best VST/AU guitar amp/effect modelling plugins in the world today

News
By Computer Music ( Computer Music ) published 4 January 2017

Get some tube drive on your hard drive with the world's best virtual rigs

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Super models

Super models

The guitar amp is alive and well, but thanks to digital technology, guitarists now have the option to load up a legendary rig on their desktop or right inside their DAW.

And they’re not the only ones who benefit - virtual amp emulations are there to be used and abused by musicians and producers working in any genre. The playing field is wide open, and anybody can put together a killer stack to put the heat into a tune, whatever the genre.

Here, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best guitar amp/effect sims that are currently available for you to buy. Read on to discover how they stack up...

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
Studio Devil Amp Modeler Pro

Studio Devil Amp Modeler Pro

This simple package features no manufacturer- endorsed amps or fancy graphics, but the sound is excellent and there’s a selection of tone- tweaking controls and rack processing including chorus, tremolo, reverb, gate and wah-wah.

Read Studio Devil Amp Modeler Pro review

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
IK Multimedia AmpliTube 4

IK Multimedia AmpliTube 4

One of the most established packages available, with a vast array of endorsed amps, pedals and cabs complementing home-grown modules. Flexible routing, twin rigs and speaker cone selection give it plenty of sonic flexibility.

Read IK Multimedia AmpliTube 4 Deluxe review

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
Positive Grid Bias series

Positive Grid Bias series

There are multiple elements to BIAS: Bias Amp simulates amp and cab units, while Bias FX lets you build complex chains of stomboxes, amps and cabs. Bias Pedal, meanwhile, lets you model pedal effects processors at the component level.

Read Positive Grid Bias Professional review

Positive Grid Bias Pedal review

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
Waves GTR3

Waves GTR3

This bundle comprises several individual plugins - Amps, Stomps and a Tuner - and GTR ToolRack, a host for combining up to six pedals, two amps and the tuner. Overall, there are 30 amps, 25 stomps and 30 cabs, all based on classic units.

Read Waves GTR3 review

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
Audified ampLion Pro

Audified ampLion Pro

This one gives you independent selection of preamp and power amp, output to independent cabinets. An eight-slot pedal board precedes the amp section, and a six-slot effects rack sits after it, just before the cabinets.

Find out more about Audified ampLion Pro

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5 Pro

Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5 Pro

Arranged as a virtual rack interface rather than in an amp, cab and pedalboard configuration, Guitar Rig includes no branded or endorsed components, but it’s a serious contender that sounds great - and can get MIDI CC involved.

Read Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5 Pro review

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
Overloud TH3

Overloud TH3

This highly regarded virtual guitar rig features a scrollable and zoomable drag and drop interface, and endorsed amp models alongside proprietary versions of classic gear (over 203 components). The built in convolver can also import IRs.

Find out more about Overloud TH3

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Softube Vintage Amp Room

Softube Vintage Amp Room

This plugin covers three classic amp sounds - Fender, Vox and Marshall - with adjustable single mic placement for the cabinet. The sound is very good, but with no pedal board, tone shaping is limited to the amp controls.

Find out more about Softube Vintage Amp Room

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
Peavey ReValver 4

Peavey ReValver 4

Peavey’s hardware know how has allowed it to develop an incredibly accomplished processor with highly tweakable amp, cabinet, stomp and rack effect capabilities. Its ‘audio profiling system’ can also transform the sound of your source.

Find out more about Peavey ReValver 4

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
Line 6 POD Farm 2.5

Line 6 POD Farm 2.5

The intuitive splitscreen interface offers drag-and-drop rig construction, preset browsing and component editing across either single or dual signal paths. Opt for the Pro package ($299) and you’ll get over 100 guitar and bass amps.

Read Line 6 POD Farm 2 Platinum review

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
Computer Music
Computer Music
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Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.

Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects… image
Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects…
…with the latest issue of Computer Music magazine
More Info
Read more
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Our resident platinum award-winning mixer and producer shares 10 of his go-to plugins
API
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A Boss IR-2 amp modeller pedal
Best amp modellers 2025: High-tech tone solutions for all guitarists
A guitar VST running in Kontakt player on a computer
Best guitar VSTs 2025: Get the best simulated guitar tones for your next production
native instruments
"As nuanced as the real thing, but only if you know what you're doing": The ultimate guide to plugin guitars
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