3. Amp and Speaker Simulation

With an Amp Modeler, it's not just the guitar amplifier that's digitally recreated; essentially, the entire analogue signal chain—from effects pedals, guitar amplifier, speaker cabinet, to the microphone capturing the guitar signal—is reproduced. This involves not only the tonal and distortion characteristics of the amplifier but also its response to the connected guitar and the dynamic play of the guitarist, constituting the foundation of a great electric guitar sound. The speaker and microphone also play significant roles, which is why an Amp Modeler includes the digital replication of various speaker types and different microphone characteristics. In many cases, even the virtual microphone can be digitally moved, resulting in a drastic change in sound—a feature replicated in the digital simulation. Many modern Amp Modelers use digital impulse responses, allowing highly accurate virtual representations of speakers. Some devices also allow additional impulse responses from third-party providers to be loaded.

Profiling

Essentially, the Profiler is primarily a highly specialized measuring device capable of precisely replicating sound characteristics of a signal chain using a complex algorithm. Initially, it includes the amplifier that's to be modeled, the connected speaker cabinet, and the microphone used. This standard set can be expanded to include pedals, which can also be "profiled" if desired. Alternatively, a pure amplifier profile can be created by connecting the amp to a DI box instead of a conventional speaker. To identify the characteristics of the individual signal chain, it sends various test signals through the connected amplifier, creating a "profile" whose sound and dynamic behavior are nearly indistinguishable from the original, even by professionals. Following this, the created profile can be finely adjusted, named, and saved using various parameters. This way, one can archive their amplifier collection without limitations and carry it to the stage or studio.