Inspired by the Kemper Stage vs Fractal thread, I decided to make my own tier ranking of amp modelers.
Tier 1: Buy with confidence
- Fractal Axe FX 3 / FM9 / FM3 - generally the top dog in terms of being the most advanced and mature, depth and width, balanced by a steeper learning curve
- Line 6 Helix / HX Stomp - neck and neck with Fractal, more dated but still heavily updated, and the best overall blend of power and ease of use
- Kemper Profiler - fairly dated at this point but still under development, massive library of profiles that still sound great, helped by dropping prices
Tier 2: You're taking a chance
- Neural DSP Quad Cortex - has not lived up to the next generation game changer it was promised, but still a very advanced piece of gear with a lot of potential
- Fender Tone Master Pro - very intriguing product but an underwhelming rollout, it remains to be seen how much and how quickly it will develop
Tier 3: Cheap thrills
- Boss ME-90 - basic old school interface with GT/GX tones under the hood, very simple and affordable
- Boss GX-100 - half step forward, half step backward compared to the GT-1000 but generally a cool and powerful modeler for the price
- Line 6 Pod Go - trickle down of Helix technology, while stripped down still quite a lot of modeler for the money
Tier 4: Probably not worth it
- Headrush Prime - repackage of a few outdated plugins, some improvements but can't see how these really compete against others in that price range
- Boss GT-1000 - flagship that was dated upon release, hasn't seen much support or development, and very limited compared to the competition
Tier 5: Budget stuff I wouldn't bother with
- Mooer, Hotone, Nux, etc. I don't really see the point.
Curious to see other takes. Flame away!
New guy here, late to the party as usual..
I am a gear ho, let's just get that out of the way. I've owned damn near everything mentioned here twice or 3 times. That allows me a lil credence I think but I am in no way an expert outside of my own mind ..
I'm older. I still own and love a Vamp Pro (did 2 albums in the 2004 -08 era with one) and an Eleven Rack w/expansion pack..
Sheesh, I still own a Johnson J station
All that said.. I'll try not to make this a mess
Tier 1 according to Mikey
Axe Fx III to FM 3
I've owned every fractal incarnation at least once.
I still use an old Axe Fx Std quite often
Honorable mention,, Amperium Live. Quite possibly the best kept secret in the modeling world. Made in Ukraine.... Probably why..
Tier 2
Helix rack.. I use mine for bass and radio work.. The mic pre's work nicely.
The guitar stuff is a work in progress.. All modelers have a core sound. An inescapable core sound..
Quad Cortex.. Should be be tier one one given the recent updates. I have one inbound. Hope I dint eff up
Tier 3
I'm going to put the Boss Katana 100 watt head here. After all, it's essentially a 100 watt modeler.. great effects. amps suck
Blackstar Amped 2.. See above except the effects.. maybe the worst I've tried this yr..
Tier4
Nux, zoom........ I still own a zoom 505 somewhere. can't believe I said that out loud
