Can’t find the best modeling amp for metal practice? Well, you’ve come to the right place: we compiled all the essential information to help you make an informed buying decision.
When you want creative freedom and need a certain amount of versatility at the setup’s amplification stage, you can go with a modeling amplifier.
Modeling amps are game-changers when it comes to sound and tone. These amps improve performance and add richness to sound. Modeling amps are lightweight, versatile, and reproduce pedal effects too. These are great when you need to carry them to the road.
However, it is true that not all modeling amps are perfect for everyone. A modeling amp for one won’t be the best modeling amp for another. So if you want the best modeling amp for live performance or recording session, do not consider it the best modeling amp for practice.
In this article, we concentrate on small modeling amps you can use for practice, and, occasionally, for small gigs. Playing metal should be fun!
The 4 Best Modeling Amplifiers for Metal
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fender Mustang GTX (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | VOX VT40X (Close Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | Line 6 Spider | Check Price |
 | Vox VX50 | Check Price |
Fender Mustang GTX (Editor’s Choice)
Fender is constantly working to make the musician’s life better. Mustang GTX is a high-quality guitar amp with unbeatable performance and features. You get better guitar tones and dozens of effects that you require for different music types.
This amp model is versatile and accurate, with two hundred onboard presets. You can move effects in the chain anywhere with modular signal path flexibility. In addition, the crisp color display allows you to know what is happening under the hood.
For iOS and Android, you can connect with Bluetooth to learn about the latest Fender Tone 3.0. A free application offers a realistic feel and looks while you can know the effects and famous amps.
You can perform preset browsing, editing, preset back-up and restore, and lots more from the Fender Tone community. For playing your favorite tracks, Bluetooth audio streaming is also included. In addition, the Wi-Fi capabilities of the amp allow you to connect for the latest updates making your amp better over time. Mustang GTX offers incredible features, and it is durable and more gig-ready.
The latest 12-inch Celestion speaker offers a strong response. High quality and improved speaker, along with a cabinet model, makes sure that this amp sounds better than any other amp in its category.
Stereo effects loop and stereo XLR line outputs allow you to interface with PA, outboard, and recording gear. Seven-button footswitch with up and down functions well and assists in easy effects selection. These features make GTX a high-quality live-performance amp.
With Mustang GTX, players can easily access genres ranging from R&B to metal, rock to country, jazz to pop. The LCD is crystal clear, making it simple to see amp and settings of effects at a glance. You can add to encoder dial and three touch keys to have that powerful interface making it simple to find your sound. The optional button footswitch unlocks strong onboard looping capability. The looper with sixty seconds of record time makes it a perfect amp.
You can change programs with your foot with the separately sold footswitch. Program memories can be expanded to eight types when the VFS5 is connected, supporting on-stage performance. Librarian software/tone room editor supports VX50. Additionally, Windows/Mac, Android/iOS are also supported that allow easy access via USB.
Pros
- Versatile
- Phenomenal amplifier
- Easy footswitch
Cons
- None
VOX VT40X (Close Runner-Up)
The VOX VT40X has the latest modeling engine, and you can experience better sound than ever. VT 40X amp offers realistic amp sounds, and it is the most accurate to date. Virtual element technology which analyzes the amp circuit and components, is used for manufacturing this amp.
This is a new amplifier that features a multi-stage Valvetronix tube preamp. The preamp design features original analog circuitry to provide the tonal adjustments and easy capturing nuances that is the specialty of vacuum tube amplifiers.
The clever circuitry of VTX amps features a tightly sealed cabinet. As a result, the bass reflex delivers excellent resonance. In addition, the VOX Tone Room editing software allows you to customize the amp and effects effectively, and you can create your own.
VTX series is a revolution in VOX’s Valvetronix Series. These amplifiers come with the latest sophisticated modeling technology.
The multi-stage tube preamp circuitry reproduces distortion and response that is a specialty of classic tube amps. As a result, this amp is a perfect choice for a home amplifier.
As this is a digital amp, the tone quality is reliant on the DSP. Technology has upgraded a lot in previous years, and VoX also drastically improved amplifier quality over the last generations without increasing the cost. Almost everything is storable and editable, and once you get your perfect tone, you can recall it later easily.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- The control layout is simple
Cons
- No DAW interface
Line 6 Spider
Line 6 Spider is packed with power so that you can rock the performance with unlimited and fantastic guitar tones. The latest modeling engine offers a serious punch with unbelievable realistic qualities that are difficult to find in amps in this category. For some original tones, it can combine up to eight effects.
Line 6 Spider comes with additional power, unlike conventional guitar amps. The added power makes it easy to equip with a full-range speaker system consisting of a high-frequency speaker and custom designed speaker. Thus amp will sound perfect with acoustics, electrics, and music. With this amp, you can hear tones with stunning clarity. Play your guitar through this amp, and you can save money on a separate amp.
Play your favorite music through this amp for a great experience and when you want to practice. The Line 6 Spider amp is equipped with a built-in wireless receiver compatible with a relay transmitter.
You only need to plug in and start your rocking performance. Going wireless is never easy, and this amp is packed with added features so you can easily practice and perform to the next level.
A built-in tuner will keep everything sounding perfect. A metronome allows you to keep the riffs in time. The collection of drummer loops recorded by famous musicians hone your timing.
It fits every budget and is suitable for all musical situations. This amp’s practice tools, effects, and flexibility are more than any other in this category. You can find inspiration the moment you plugin. It makes you sound outstanding and help you play better with practice tools.
Pros
- Amazing sound quality
- Excellent build
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
Vox VX50
If you search for a type of amp that you can use mainly at home or occasionally, VOX is one of the best options. This amp is loud despite its tiny size and lightweight. As a result, you can experience unique, powerful sound. In addition, the attenuator is an attractive feature, and the amp can perform well at low and high volumes.
You can connect the VX 50 to the phone, and with Bluetooth, you can experience full looping capabilities making it perfect for writing and practicing music. Moreover, you can record directly into a PC or phone.
This amp will surprise you with its sound; however, you cannot expect an 8″ speaker to sound as big as a 12″ speaker, which is obvious. However, for its size, this amp performs well when it comes to sound.
The fantastic sound of this tiny amp will make you mesmerized, and it feels like a clean-sounding tube amp. The delay and reverb are good with excellent modulation effects. In addition, this amp drives the pedal well.
All these features offer an impressive metal tone which is good to go. However, you will be surprised that this little package offers a range of choices, especially when searching for a low-budget modeling amplifier.
The VX50 was created to open new doors of possibilities for guitar amps. A design is lightweight, and calculation of internal structure is done to offer realistic, optimal sound and stage-ready sounds. In addition, modeling technology offers leading-edge specifications that rediscover the guitar amp.
VX50 will allow you to enjoy guitar playing in any musical setting. Thanks to technology and years of hard work for developing a modeling amp. VOX delivers high-quality sound. The amp consists of a wide selection of effects that are indispensable in sound shaping.
The features of this unit will amaze you, and the ultra-lightweight design of this amp is not its only advantage. Along with letting you enjoy high-end performance, this modeling amp integrates perfectly with a desktop music setup. These models inherit this stylishness.
Pros
- Great little amp
- Good sound
- Cost-effective
Cons
- High gain tones do not have a tight low end
Are Modeling Amps Any Good for Metal?
Modeling amps are better than a valve amp for metal in certain circumstances. A good quality modeling amp offers you more options, such as a clean channel. A valve amp may have two channels, but a modeling amp may have more than double that. Many modeling amps have programming ability, and thus you can save your preferences so you can use the favorite settings at a single touch of a button.
A modeling amp for metal can be a great choice if you want a broad range of tones available in an amp. For beginners, modeling amps is a good choice as it helps to learn what tones a particular amp offers.
Modeling amps for metal offer a massive range of sounds that are not desirable from a valve amp. These are versatile, and portability is another feature that makes it a popular choice. There are varieties of in-built effects, making it adequate for the home.
When it comes to cost, these “metal” amps are perfect for players on a budget. In addition, many modeling amps can connect to computers. We are optimistic about the future of modeling amps and hope that slight improvement will bring a significant change in the coming days.
So, The Best Modeling Amplifier for Metal Is…
Buying a modeling amp for metal is similar to buying any other music equipment. When talking about music, everyone has their unique style and feel. It might be possible that a piece of equipment good for one is not suitable for the other and similar goes with the amps. Sometimes getting out of your comfort zone equipment offer an extra dimension to the sound.
So, it is necessary to be more flexible with the choice of musical equipment. Today the market is flooded with a range of modeling amplifiers, but it is necessary to know the features to determine that you are buying the one that meets your expertise, taste, and style.
From our list of best modeling amps for metal, our favorite is Fender Mustang GTX, as it is better, bolder, and offers unbeatable performance. It’s the best modeling amplifier for metal you can find on the market at the moment.