What does an amp modeller do?

An amp modeller is designed to recreate the authentic electrical signal and acoustic response of real world valve and solid state amplifiers and cabinets, usually in a much more convenient and often budget friendly format. Top of the line amp modellers can still be expensive, but they let you access the tones of often dozens of iconic valve and solid state amps in one fantastic package.

Do I need an amp modeller?

"Need" is subjective, but amp modellers make a fantastic and extremely useful and convenient alternative to finding and keeping racks and racks of amp gear. They're especially useful to guitarists travelling a lot to sessions and gigs, so you take your very own sound with you, no matter how far the gig!

What is the history of amp modellers?

Arguably the first amp modeller was Tom Scholz's Rockman headphone amplifier which was designed to recreate the sound of a full size amp in your headphones for practice purposes, but could also be used for direct recording too. The 1980's and 90s saw the advent of devices designed to accurately recreate the electrical signal and acoustic response of famous real world valve and solid state amplifiers in a convenient and budget friendly format, with products like the Line 6 POD series taking the digital processing route, while Tech 21's SansAmp series were designed to produce authentically amp-like tones even when run direct to desk or PA.