Guitar Amp with Effects can make a big difference whether you are playing live or recording in the studio. Effects can help you get the sound you want and add a new dimension to your playing. There are many different types of effects, and each has its own purpose. In this article, we will review the best Guitar Amps with Effects, starting with what the effects are, benefits, factors to consider when picking the best Guitar Amp with Effects.
What are effects in a guitar amp?
Effects are devices that alter the sound of an electric guitar signal. They can be used to create different sounds or to enhance the sound of the guitar itself. I was lucky to learn about them as a beginner and it really opened up my playing.
Categories of Effects:
Modulation
Effects can be divided into two main categories: modulation and delay. Modulation effects include chorus, flanger, phaser, and tremolo. Delay effects include echo and reverb.
Modulation effects are used to create a sense of movement or change in the sound of the guitar signal. They do this by modulating the frequency, phase, or amplitude of the signal. Chorus, flanger, and phaser effects use a combination of all three to create their unique sound.
- Chorus: Chorus is an effect that creates a sense of movement or change in the sound of the guitar signal. It does this by modulating the frequency, phase, or amplitude of the signal. Chorus is created by combining two signals and then delaying one of the signals by a small amount. The delayed signal is then played back with the original signal. This creates a “chewy” sound that is often used in lead guitar parts.
- Flanger: Flanger is an effect that creates a sense of movement or change in the sound of the guitar signal. It does this by modulating the frequency, phase, or amplitude of the signal. Flanger is created by combining two signals and then delaying one of the signals by a small amount. The delayed signal is then played back with the original signal. This creates a “whooshing” sound that is often used in lead guitar parts.
- Phaser: Phaser is an effect that creates a sense of movement or change in the sound of the guitar signal. It does this by modulating the frequency, phase, or amplitude of the signal. Phaser is created by combining two signals and then delaying one of the signals by a small amount. The delayed signal is then played back with the original signal. This creates a “swirling” sound that is often used in lead guitar parts.
Delay
Delay effects are used to create a sense of space or distance in the sound of the guitar signal. They do this by delaying the signal by a small amount. Echo and reverb are the two most common delay effects.
- Echo: Echo is an effect that creates a sense of space or distance in the sound of the guitar signal. It does this by delaying the signal by a small amount. Echo is created by combining two signals and then delaying one of the signals by a small amount. The delayed signal is then played back with the original signal. This creates a “echo-y” sound that is often used in lead guitar parts.
Types of effects;
There are many different types of effects, each with its own purpose. The most common types of effects are: distortion, overdrive, reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, and tremolo.
Distortion: Distortion is an effect that alters the sound of the guitar signal by clipping the signal. This creates a “fuzzy” sound that is often used in lead guitar parts.
Overdrive: Overdrive is an effect that alters the sound of the guitar signal by clipping the signal. This creates a “dirty” sound that is often used in rhythm guitar parts.
Tremolo: Tremolo is an effect that creates a sense of movement or change in the sound of the guitar signal. It does this by modulating the frequency, phase, or amplitude of the signal. Tremolo is created by combining two signals and then delaying one of the signals by a small amount. The delayed signal is then played back with the original signal. This creates a “pulsing” sound that is often used in rhythm guitar parts.
Reverb: Reverb is an effect that creates a sense of space or distance in the sound of the guitar signal. It does this by delaying the signal by a small amount. Reverb is created by combining two signals and then delaying one of the signals by a small amount. The delayed signal is then played back with the original signal. This creates a “reverb-y” sound that is often used in lead guitar parts.
Delay: Delay is an effect that creates a sense of space or distance in the sound of the guitar signal. It does this by delaying the signal by a small amount. Delay is created by combining two signals and then delaying one of the signals by a small amount. The delayed signal is then played back with the original signal. This creates an “echo-y” sound that is often used in lead guitar parts.
Benefits of Effects in Guitar Amps
- The benefits of effects in guitar amps are that they can help to create a sense of space or distance in the sound of the guitar signal.
- They can also help to create a sense of movement or change in the sound of the guitar signal.
- Additionally, effects can help to add interest and variety to the sound of the guitar signal.
Factors to Consider When Picking the Best Guitar Amp with Effects
Some factors that you may want to consider when picking the best guitar amp with effects include:
- The type of music you play: The type of music you play will likely dictate the type of effects you need. For example, if you play mostly lead guitar, you may want an amp with distortion and reverb.
- How much control you need: Some amps allow you to control the mix of wet and dry signals, while others have a “set-and-forget” design. Consider how much control you need over your sound.
- What other features you need: Some amps come with built-in effects, while others allow you to add your own effects pedals. Consider what other features you need in an amp before making your purchase.
- Type of modulation you want: There are many different types of modulation effects, each with its own sound. If you want a chorus modulation, for example, go for brands such as Boss, MXR, and TC Electronic.
- The size of the amp: Some amps are very small and portable, while others are quite large. If you want a lightweight, and portable amp, go for models such as the Fender Mustang or the Vox AC4.
- How much power you need: Amps come in a variety of wattage levels, from low-wattage practice amps to high-wattage stage amps. Consider how much power you need before making your purchase.
- Solid-state vs tube-based amp: If you want an amp with a “warmer” sound, go for a tube-based amp. If you want an amp with a “cleaner” sound, go for a solid-state amp.
- Price: Amps range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. Consider your budget when making your purchase.
The Best Guitar Amps with Effects
Some of the best guitar amps with effects include:
- 1. Boss Katana KTN-50 50W 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp
- 2. Fender Mustang GT 40 40W 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp
- 3. Marshall Code 25W 1×12 Digital Guitar Combo Amp
- 4. Vox AC4C1-12 4W 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp
- 5. Orange Crush Mini 3W 1×5 Guitar Combo Amp
- 6. Line 6 Spider V 60W 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp
- 7. Blackstar ID:Core BEAM 10W 2×3 Guitar Combo Amp
Reviews of the Best Guitar Amps with Effects;
Boss Katana 50 W 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp: 60 effects
Our overall best guitar amp with effects built-in in this 2022 list is the Boss Katana 50W 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp. This amp is rich in effects and is a great option for those who want a versatile amp with a wide range of features. It has 50 watts of power, a 12-inch speaker, and 60 different effects and amp models.
Marshall Code 25W 1×12 Digital Guitar Combo Amp
My second favorite guitar amp with effects is the Marshall Code 25W 1×12 Digital Guitar Combo Amp. This amp has 25 watts of power, a 12-inch speaker, and is packed with 100 Presets and 24 different effects and amp models. It also has a built-in USB port so you can record directly to your computer.
Spider V 60W 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp
The third best guitar amp with effects in our list is the Spider V 60W 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp from Line 6. This amp has 60 watts of power, a 12-inch speaker, and over 200 different amps and effects. It also has a built-in tuner and comes with a free footswitch.
Line 6 POD Go Guitar Multi-Effects Pedal, Black
The fourth best guitar amp with effects loop is the Line 6 POD Go Guitar Multi-Effects Pedal. This pedal has over 270+ HX and legacy amp and effects models, a built-in tuner, and comes with a free footswitch. It’s also very affordable and easy to use.
The POD Go is the ultimate guitar interface and effects processor for the traveling musician. It gives you access to a world of pro-quality tones from your computer or iOS device and fits in your backpack, briefcase or even a pocket. The POD Go features an easy-to-use interface with a large color display, stereo inputs and outputs, a built-in chromatic tuner, third party IR loading capability, stereo effects loop and expression pedal/footswitch input.
FAQs
Q: What is the best guitar amp with effects?
A: The best guitar amp with effects is the Boss Katana 50W 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp. This amp is rich in effects and is a great option for those who want a versatile amp with a wide range of features.
Q: What are the different types of modulation effects?
A: There are many different types of modulation effects, including chorus, phase, flanger, and tremolo.
Q: What is the best guitar amp for beginners?
A: The best guitar amp for beginners is the Fender Mustang GT 40 40W 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp. This amp is affordable and has a variety of features that make it perfect for those just starting out.
Q: What is the best guitar amp for metal?
A: The best guitar amp for metal is the Marshall Code 25W 1×12 Digital Guitar Combo Amp. This amp has 25 watts of power and comes with 24 different effects and amp models. It also has a built-in USB port so you can record directly to your computer.
Q: What is the best guitar amp for blues?
A: The best guitar amp for blues is the Vox AC4C1-12 4W 1×12 Guitar Combo Amp. This amp has a vintage design and sound and is perfect for those who want to create a classic blues tone.
Q: What is the best guitar amp for rock?
A: The best guitar amp for rock is the Marshall Code 25W 1×12 Digital Guitar Combo Amp. This amp has 25 watts of power and comes with 24 different effects and amp models.
Hi there! I am Jack Musau, the founder of this Best Guitar Amp Review site. I am an avid musician with several years using both traditional and electric guitars and created this site to assist others looking to find the best guitar amplifiers in the market today. I also offer private coaching and training on how to use guitars and guitars amps of all kinds. You can reach out to me using my email, jack@soundspros.com.