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gear giveaway

Line 6 POD Express Black

Although the original Line 6 POD Express was quite black, the new POD Express Black is even more black, because... it's a metal pedal! In it, you will find all the sonic goodness of the regular pod (7 amp models, 7 cab simulations, and 17 effects based on cutting-edge HX-derived technology, along…... Click for more

Line 6 POD Express Black

Universal Audio UAFX Enigmatic 82 D-Style Pedal

Overdrive and amp fanatics are surely familiar with the unattainable Dumble amps (the Overdrive Special model, in particular), the most expensive guitar amplifiers on earth, hand-built and customized on order for stars of the caliber of Stevie Ray Vaughan and John Mayer. There's a not-too-small niche of pedal builders dedicated…... Click for more

Universal Audio UAFX Enigmatic 82 D-Style Pedal

New Pedal: Poly Ample Amp/Cab Sim Pedal

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia (a big geographical disadvantage for any musical instrument manufacturer), Poly is one of the handful of brands currently driving innovation in the stompbox realm. The Ample is their (stereo) take on the amp/cab sim pedal. A knobless and toggle-less device, the Ample offers 56 modeled guitar…... Click for more

New Pedal: Poly Ample Amp/Cab Sim Pedal

2024 UPDATE! Best Amp Modeling Pedals & Cab Simulators

This article is about pedals that simulate the tone of guitar amps and cabs but are not able to power a speaker cabinet. If you are looking for a pedal that can do that, see our article about the best power amp pedals. [lwptoc depth="4" hierarchical="0" numeration="decimal" title="TABLE OF CONTENTS…... Click for more

2024 UPDATE! Best Amp Modeling Pedals & Cab Simulators

New Pedal: Sonicake Matribox II Pro

Considering what good of a deal its older (and smaller) non-pro version was, the Sonicake Matribox II Pro - which sells for just $299 - is nothing short of a remarkable device. The reviews on YouTube are more than positive, although many warn that the presets are not representative of how…... Click for more

New Pedal: Sonicake Matribox II Pro

BOSS IR-2 Amp & Cab Simulator

Although the first plugin emulating a guitar amp dates back to 1998 (Line 6's Amp Farm, whose algorithms ended up in the Pod) amp and cab simulation is a category of effect pedals that has exploded in recent years, and Japanese giant BOSS hasn't exactly been on the forefront of…... Click for more

BOSS IR-2 Amp & Cab Simulator

DSM Humboldt Simplifier X

The brainchild of Manuel Jano Acevedo of Humboldt Electronics and Daniel Schwartz of DSM Noisemaker, the DSM Humboldt Simplifier X is the newest member of the very successful family of Simplifier amp and cab simulators, and also the most beastly, as it appears obvious from the borderline insane number of…... Click for more

DSM Humboldt Simplifier X

Tsakalis MultiCab MK4 Amp and Cab Emulation

The niche of pedals emulating amp and cabs has been getting rather hot in 2020, with several new players coming out with very interesting products. Athens (Greece)'s Tsakalis Audioworks, a company that's been turning more and more ears as of late, is not new at this game, since their brand…... Click for more

Tsakalis MultiCab MK4 Amp and Cab Emulation

DSM and Humboldt Simplifier mkII Amp/Cab Simulator

The DSM and Humboldt Simplifier mkII is an update to a device manufactured by a team of two Chilean builders whose first version took the guitar world by storm back in 2020. An all-analog, great-sounding, stereo amp and cab simulator with an incredible amount of controls and options. Talking about…... Click for more

DSM and Humboldt Simplifier mkII Amp/Cab Simulator

Thermion Freeway Interface Amp

Amp and cab simulators in the shape of a pedal have been gaining momentum in the last decade, but we have never seen something quite like the Thermion Freeway, a tweaker's dream stereo preamp/USB interface/headphones amp with FX Loop and a 6-mode reverb! Looking like a Tech 21 SansAmp on…... Click for more

Thermion Freeway Interface Amp

Universal Audio UAFX Lion Plexi Overdrive

The Universal Audio UAFX Lion (annnounced today and available for preorder) integrates the Californian company's UAFX line of pedals, which already comprised three amp-in-a-box devices with a pedal emulationg the classic tone produced by a Marshall Plexi amp. Just like the three pedals that preceeded it, the Lion offers a…... Click for more

Universal Audio UAFX Lion Plexi Overdrive

TC Electronic Ampworx 550, Jims 800, and Dual Wreck

Recent advancements have made it possible to achieve lifelike amp-style tones within compact pedal enclosures. The array of choices available for tailoring your sound-shaping tools, whether through physical, virtual, or hybrid setups, has significantly streamlined the process and made it more cost-effective for guitarists to bring their envisioned sounds to…... Click for more

TC Electronic Ampworx 550, Jims 800, and Dual Wreck