Amp Modeler Pro is a comprehensive guitar amp and effects plugin for Mac and Windows, featuring 15 amp models, impulse-based cab simulation, effects, and preset sharing via XML.
Purpose and Core Tone Shaping
Amp Modeler Pro is a guitar amp modeling and audio effects plugin designed for VST, AudioUnits, and ProTools RTAS hosts on Mac and Windows. It delivers a wide range of guitar tones through 15 preamp models built with proprietary digital tube modeling algorithms, covering styles from clean to high-gain.
The amp section includes authentic tone controls such as Gain, Bass, Mids, Treble, and Presence that interact as on real tube amps. Boost, Deep, and Bright switches allow quick tonal adjustments. Three power amp models (Tube Class AB, Tube Class A, Solid-State MOSFET) with drive control replicate natural power amp compression characteristics.
Speaker and EQ Flexibility
The Impulse Modeler and cabinet processor imports any WAV or AIFF file, with a zero-latency switch, adjustable filter length, and high-end sizzle controls. It includes 32 Studio Devil cabinets and 58 ReCabinet demo impulses for immediate use. This flexible cab section lets you craft the exact speaker character.
A 7-band graphic EQ with master level, three modes, and a pre/post switch lets you position EQ either at the amp input or in the send-return loop, before or after distortion. A sweepable parametric EQ with mids level and frequency controls offers further tonal customization.
Effects and Dynamics
A wah-wah effect with an adjustable pedal slider works as a parked-wah or can be assigned to a MIDI controller for real-time control. The compressor/sustainer features two modes and attack controls. Four modulation effects—chorus, flanger, phaser, and tremolo—are fully adjustable and can be placed pre or post preamp to emulate floor pedals or loop effects.
The echo/delay modeler offers normal and stereo ping-pong modes with an adjustable style knob sweeping from analog delay to tape echo to digital delay. A world-class reverb provides level control and three modes: room, club, and hall. A noise gate with adjustable threshold and gating slope controls, plus a built-in chromatic tuner and level meters, complete the toolkit.
Workflow and Practical Use
For recording, use the plugin as an insert on a guitar track, tweaking amp and cabinet models to match the song’s genre. The pre/post EQ switches and effect positioning allow for creative signal chain variations. Use the tuner and level meters to ensure clean input and avoid clipping while setting levels.
For live or practice, MIDI-assign the wah and other parameters for real-time expression. Presets and banks can be imported and exported via XML files, making it easy to share tones online via email or blogs. This plugin suits guitarists seeking a virtual rig that covers practice, recording, and live performance without physical amps.
Key features
- 15 preamp models using proprietary digital tube modeling
- Gain, Bass, Mids, Treble, Presence controls with Boost, Deep, Bright switches
- 3 power amp models: Tube Class AB, Tube Class A, Solid-State MOSFET
- Impulse Modeler imports WAV/AIFF with zero-latency switch and filter length control
- Includes 32 Studio Devil cabinets and 58 ReCabinet demo impulses
- 7-band graphic EQ with pre/post positioning and 3 modes
- Effects include wah, compressor, 4 modulations, delay/echo, reverb, and noise gate
- XML preset and bank import/export
Best for
Best for guitarists producing studio-quality tones in a DAW who want a comprehensive amp and effects suite with flexible cab simulation and dynamic FX routing. Its range of amp models and MIDI-controllable effects also serves live performers needing a portable rig.