Amp sims, or amplifier simulators, are software or hardware devices that simulate the sound of an electric guitar amp. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a number of advantages over real amps.
Advantages of Amp Sims
- Portability: Amp sims are typically much smaller and lighter than real amps, making them easy to transport and set up. This is a major advantage for guitarists who travel or play live in small venues.
- Cost: Amp sims are typically much less expensive than real amps. This makes them a more affordable option for budget-minded players.
- Versatility: Amp sims can be used to create a wider range of sounds than real amps. This is because they can be loaded with different impulse responses (IRs), which are recordings of the sound of a speaker cabinet and microphone.
- Noise level: Amp sims are much quieter than real amps. This makes them a good option for guitarists who live in apartments or other small spaces.
Disadvantages of Amp Sims
- Realism: Some guitarists argue that amp sims do not sound as realistic as real amps. This is especially true for high-gain sounds.
- Latency: There is a slight delay between when you play your guitar and when you hear the sound from the amp sim. This can be a problem for some guitarists, especially those who play fast passages.
- Complexity: Some amp sims can be quite complex to use. This can be a barrier to entry for some guitarists.
So, are amp sims as good as amps? The answer is: it depends. If you are looking for a portable, affordable, and versatile way to get a good guitar sound, then an amp sim is a great option. However, if you are looking for the most realistic sound possible, then a real amp may be a better choice. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both and see which one you prefer.
Here are some additional thoughts on the topic:
- Amp sims are constantly improving, and they are getting closer and closer to the sound of real amps. In fact, many professional guitarists now use amp sims in the studio and on stage.
- The latency of amp sims has also improved significantly in recent years. It is now possible to get very low latency with amp sims, which makes them a viable option for live performance.
- The complexity of amp sims has also been reduced. There are now many easy-to-use amp sims on the market that do not require a lot of technical knowledge to use.
