Best Amp Modeler for Headphones Under $500

[andream404]

Hello everyone,

I've already read many interesting threads about amp modelers.
Recently, I became a dad, so I'll have to play with headphones for a while.
I realize I'll have to make some compromises since I'm used to playing a Plexi and a Soldano SLO at high volumes.

My budget is around $500.

The most important thing for me is amp simulation quality and good sound through headphones.

My main tones:

• Jazz → Freddie Green, Grant Green, Charlie Christian, etc.
• Blues → Vintage-style tweed sounds with low saturation
• Rock → Plexi-style tones (AC/DC, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin)
• Heavy metal & Thrash metal → '80s style

An FX loop would be convenient (but not essential) since I have an Eventide H90.

What do you recommend?
I've checked out Mooer and Hotone.

I tried Boss and Tonex multi-effects unit, but I didn’t like them.
NAM profiles sound good, but I’d prefer something more plug & play.


Thanks!

 

[Progressive_disclosure]

I don’t know the prices used but with the quality of gear you’re used to I’d say an HX Stomp would be preferred here. I’ve tried some cheaper alternatives and you still get what you pay for in my experience, even if the Chinese brands are getting better and better.

Also a Stomp is a really powerful Swiss Army knife you can use with your amps as well if you can stomach something another digital pedal (or running 4cm).

If you have NAM captures you can run those from your phone connected via USB cable to the with the stomp without additional D/A conversion as well and the. use the Stomp for IRs, FX and throw additional pedals in the loop.

A lot of us here always come back to our HX Stomps!

 

[Jarick]

Yeah it's really hard to go wrong with an HX Stomp if you find one used for $500. It's a really rugged pedal that can be used on a desk, hooked up to a computer, or add it to a pedalboard to use with a real amp. And it has an effects loop, although you may not need it.

The key to a good headphone sound is going to be a good room reverb IMO. That makes it sound warmer, three dimensional, and less direct.

 

[Mr Crownstone]

Why didn't you like Tonex? I have had Tonex up to three times and, after much testing, the important thing is adjust the trim input well. There is a world of difference between a bad setting of the input trim and the right for you or your guitars.

 

[JCW308]

Ampero II would get you there with money to spare. Otherwise, the Tonex 3-button unit all day long.

 

[Lysander]

Another +1 for an used HX Stomp.

 

[laxu]

Ampero II would get you there with money to spare.

That would be my recommendation too. It's a great sounding little box for little money. It can drive high impedance headphones just fine and is easy to work with. Even if it's not exactly perfect, it's still pretty darn good and satisfying tones are in there.

 

[banned]

Stomp or better Pod Go if you need volume/whammy etc. I find the Pod Go to be the best package overall.

 

[andream404]

I tried the software version of ToneX with my audio interface, but I didn't like the amp simulations; I find them unrealistic. The Neural DSP plugins (especially the Soldano one) are much better. but I don't want use PC.
I don’t need a lot of switches since I’ll only be using it at home in the evening. Are the amp simulations of the HX Stomp better than those of Mooer and Hotone?

Thank you for your feedback.

 

[JCW308]

Stomp or better Pod Go if you need volume/whammy etc. I find the Pod Go to be the best package overall.

POD GO doesn't have the oversampling update though. Through headphones, not as good as the HX Stomp or Stomp XL.

 

[Mr Crownstone]

I tried the software version of ToneX with my audio interface, but I didn't like the amp simulations; I find them unrealistic. The Neural DSP plugins (especially the Soldano one) are much better. but I don't want use PC.
I don’t need a lot of switches since I’ll only be using it at home in the evening. Are the amp simulations of the HX Stomp better than those of Mooer and Hotone?

Thank you for your feedback.

And why don't you capture the NDSP plugin with a Nano Cortex? The NC works as an audio interface and has a great headphone out.

 

[Progressive_disclosure]

I believe both the SLO and the new 2203 models in Helix are universally lauded. There are YouTube videos comparing the SLO model to the 30 watt version where it’s very hard to tell the difference. I’d think Mooer and Hotone are a step behind in quality but it’s hard to go totally wrong. With a HX Stomp you can be reassured that whatever you don’t like about the sound is down to you playback system or can be tweaked to work better for you. Also there are so many resources and info available online for dialing in and getting tips it makes the larger price tag worth it IMO.

 

[AFKAEjay(retired)]

On that budget, your H90s effects will roll on top, so you only need amps.

Tonex amps are super accurate…if you didn’t like those, either you additioned the wrong captures…or you simply don’t like headphones

With an h90 there, my order would be:
Tonex
Nano cortex
Kemper player

 

[nikitasius]

I tried Boss and Tonex multi-effects unit, but I didn’t like them.

hi, btw what exactly was bad w/ boss (and which models.

Ampero II would get you there with money to spare

"Friend of my friend" have an ampero2 and it sounds like

 

[Frodebro]

My dad is a keyboardist, and when I was a kid he had this huge Guilbranson organ with three keyboards, along with bass pedals. That thing shook the house, and from as early as I can remember I always fell asleep to the sound of him playing out in the living room.

Point being, you don’t NEED to go headphones because of a young child, they quickly adapt.

Unless you suck, then definitely spare the poor kid the trauma.

 

[maguchi]

Boss ME-90. Very good sounds, excellent latency, easy and intuitive operating system. $350 retail new. Sounds great with head phones.

 

[Frankencat]

Or one of the Boss GX units.

 

[laxu]

"Friend of my friend" have an ampero2 and it sounds like

If it does, then that's very much a user error.

 

[andream404]

hi, btw what exactly was bad w/ boss (and which models.

gx 100, don't like the crunch/od tone

 

[nikitasius]

gx 100, don't like the crunch/od tone

Take a look at gt1000 core. Compact & handy module.