List of amp simulations
This is a list of the amps the Axe-Fx emulates, including their description in the manual and on the website, suggestions for matching cabinets and additional notes. The text in italics originates from the manual or website. Have fun.
| Axe-Fx name | Details of model |
|---|---|
| TUBE PRE | = Studio tube preamp
Completely neutral, low-gain tube pre-amp simulation. Useful for warming up vocals and other instruments' as well as direct guitar sounds
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| JAZZ | = Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120
Based on a Japanese 2x12 solid-state combo amp with built-in stereo chorus. With essentially no tone shaping this amp has a warm, midrange-thick sound that is good for jazz and fingerstyle. With the Axe-Fx’s powerful tone controls you can tweak this type to get shimmering rhythm tones as well
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| BROWNFACE | = Fender Vibroverb
Based on a classic American 40-watt tube amp with built-in vibrato. Great for gutsy blues, this type breaks up nicely, especially when the Master is cranked. The original had no Mid or Presence so set these to ‘0’ for classic tone
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| 59 BASSGUY (formerly: BLUES) | = Fender Bassman
A low-to-medium gain sound great for blues. Based on a classic bass amplifier with four 10” speakers, it didn’t work so well for bass but guitar players quickly discovered it made a great blues amp. Try a treble booster in front for screaming blues work a la Albert Collins or Albert King
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| DELUXE VERB (formerly: TWEED) | = Fender Deluxe Reverb (AB763)
Based on the classic 1965 “Blackface” 1x12 combo amplifier. This amp features two 6V6 power tubes and has a great chimey tone. Turn the Drive and Master up and the amp starts to get a nice overdriven breakup
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| DOUBLE VERB (formerly: BLACKFACE) | = Fender Twin Reverb
Based on a popular, 100-watt American tube amp with two 12” speakers. This simulation captures the Normal Channel. Very similar to the Brownface model but a little more mellow. The tone-stack is also slightly different giving it just a bit different voicing
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| CLASS A | = Vox AC30
A medium-gain emulation based on an early British tube amplifier. This type does not have the high-frequency emphasis like the American types and therefore has a darker sound. Try a treble boost in front for a snarling British “opera-rock” sound. This amp is notable in that it has no negative feedback around the power-amp and hence has a gritty character and less high-frequency response
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| TOP BOOST | = Vox AC30TBX TopBoost
Based on the “Top Boost Mod” version of the Class A. The public yearned for a brighter amp and the designers responded by adding a treble boost circuit. At first this circuit was a retrofit but then included as standard. Our simulation captures the boosted high-frequency response and slightly reduced bass response of the original
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| PLEXI 1 | = Marshall Super Lead (model 1959 a.k.a. Plexi)
Based on a classic British amp, the Plexi is great for crunchy rhythm work. The original was basically a copy of the 4x10 bass amp (see Blues type above) that guitar players adopted but with EL34 output tubes and other British components. Despite being essentially a copy it had a unique voice all its own. It has somewhat low preamp gain and works best with the Master and Drive both set fairly high
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| BRIT 800 | = Marshall JCM800 (model 2204)
The successor to the Plexi type was the vaunted 800 series lead amplifier. Many 80’s rock hits were born using this amp and we’ve captured its tone and put it into a neat little package. This amp had EL34 output tubes, some treble peaking on the input and a little more gain than the Plexi. Like the Plexi type it likes having the Master cranked. At low Master settings the amp can be brittle but bring the Master up and the true tone of this beast comes out. Try it with any of the 4x12 cabinet types for classic rock and metal tones. Try a drive block in front for more snarl
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| BRIT 900 | = Marshall JCM900
The successor to the 800 series was the 900 series. This amp had basically the same power amp but a new preamp with more tone shaping, more gain, and a solid-state clipping circuit that gave it a raspier sound. This amp was designed to get more of its distortion from the preamp than the earlier models but you can still keep the drive low and turn up the Master for more power amp distortion
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| BROWN | = Eddie van Halen's modded Marshall
Based on a modified British style head with plenty of gain and lots of mids and highs. This type captures the sound of Eddie’s early work. Crank the Master and bring the drive up until you reach sonic nirvana
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| BOUTIQUE 1
BOUTIQUE 2 |
= Matchless Chieftain: Rhythm / Lead
BOUTIQUE 1: A medium-gain, thick, yet crisp, sound with a fair amount of power amp breakup. Based on a now-defunct amplifier that was renowned for its liquid tone and endless sustain. This amp had very unique tone controls and as a result a distinctive voice with a bell- like quality. The preamp gain is fairly low so crank the Master to get that gutsy crunch. Good for rhythm work in a sparse situation where fullness of tone is required BOUTIQUE 2: Same as Boutique 1 but with more gain and a bit more high-frequency emphasis. The lead version of Boutique 1
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| HIPOWER 1
HIPOWER 2 |
= Hiwatt DR103: Normal Channel / Brilliant Channel
HIPOWER 1: A medium-gain, full sound based on a famous “High Wattage” amp. These amps had a unique tone-stack and industrial quality output transformers with tremendous frequency response. Chimey with a bit of power amp breakup. Plug in your Tele and crank out some Baba O'Reilly HIPOWER 1: Like HiPower I but using the “Brilliant” channel
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| USA CLEAN | = Mesa Boogie MKIV, clean Rhythm 1 channel
A somewhat neutral clean sound that can pushed into gentle clipping. Based on a classic California amp’s clean channel this type has a full tone with a gentle midrange dip. The power amp is punchy and clean but can be driven into light distortion if desired. Sounds best with the drive turned up fairly high
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| USA RHY 1
USA RHY 2 |
= Mesa Boogie MKIV, Crunch Rhythm 2 channel: FAT switch not active / FAT switch active
USA RHY 1: Crunchy California rhythm sound. Effective for solo use too with the gain turned up USA RHY 2: Similar to USA Rhy 1 but with the “mid-boost” engaged. This effectively removes the midrange dip from the tone stack and gives a more focused sound and a bit more gain
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| USA LEAD 1
USA LEAD 2 |
= Mesa Boogie MKIV Lead: no Treble Shift / Treble Shift
USA LEAD 1: A tight, focused, hi-gain sound great for fusion and rock leads. Based on a modern Californian lead amp that set the standard for hi-gain lead tones. With the tone-stack before the preamp tubes this type has a more liquid response than the British types where the tone-stack is after the preamp. For the classic California lead sound turn the drive up and back of the Master a bit so that most of the distortion is coming from the preamp USA LEAD 2: Similar to USA Lead I but with the “treble shift” engaged. This shifts the response of the treble control lower and gives a slightly different character to the tone. There is also a “treble peaker” on the input stage which slightly boosts the high frequencies giving this type a little more cut
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| RECTO ORANGE
RECTO RED |
= Mesa Boogie 2-channel (old, small logo) Dual Rectifier: Vintage Orange channel (rhythm) / Modern Red channel (lead)
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| SOLO 100 | = Soldano Super Lead Overdrive (SLO-100)
Based on a high-gain hot-rod with a chrome chassis, this amp is noted for its snarling lead sound. Also great for aggressive rhythm work, this type “chugs” nicely without getting muddy. Pair it with one of the 4x12 cabinet simulations for modern rock tones
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| SPEC OD1
SPEC OD2 |
= Dumble Overdrive Special: Clean / Lead
SPEC OD1: Based on a coveted but rare lead head that was made famous by Larry Carlton and others. Another amp with a very strange tone-stack, this amp has a singing voice and is great for modern blues/fusion work. This is the clean channel SPEC OD2: The overdrive channel of the above
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| EURO BLUE
EURO RED |
= 20th Anniversary Bogner Ecstasy (XTC): Blue Channel / Red Channel
EURO BLUE: Based on a German high-gain amp, these amps pay homage to the British amps but with lots more gain and more high-frequency emphasis. This type simulates the overdrive channel with the boost and “structure” switches off. Note: the description in the manual refers to the amp sim before firmware 9.0. In firmware 9.0 this amp sim was modeled after the Bogner XTC 20th Anniversay Blue channel EURO RED: As above but with the boost and structure switches on. This one has lots of gain and plenty of low-end chunk along with a crispy top-end. Great for modern metal. But: the description in the manual refers to the amp sim before firmware 9.0. In firmware 9.0 this amp sim was modeled after the Bogner XTC 20th Anniversary Red Channel
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| UKGC30 | = Laney GC30V
Based on a great British amp introduced in the 90’s this amp is a strange marriage of a USA style pre-distortion tone-stack, British voicing and a Class A power amp. Best for blues and lower-gain rock leads, has nice sustain qualities. Can get muddy at high drive levels, decrease the bass to compensate
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| BUTTERY | = Budda Twinmaster
Loosely based on an 18-watt amp that gained notoriety during the late 90’s. This type is a low-gain amp that relies mostly on power amplifier distortion. Try a drive in front for smooth lead sounds
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| FAS METAL | = Fractal Audio Systems Custom Model
A custom type similar to a British type but with more gain for more grind. This simulation features quite a bit of high-frequency emphasis along with a modified British tone-stack. Capable of searing rhythm and lead tones
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| FAS BIG HAIR | = Fractal Audio Systems Custom Model
Spandex, studded wrist bands, pyrotechnics and your Axe-Fx are all you'll need to relive the 80's metal scene. This custom type has a unique voicing and tone-stack that emphasizes mid frequencies without getting muddy. Now plug in and shred!
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| FAS HELLBEAST | = Fractal Audio Systems Custom Model
A radical custom type with an unconventional tone-stack
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| FAS SUPERTWEED | = FAS Custom Model
Like a vintage Tweed amplifier on steroids
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| FAS FUSION | = Fractal Audio Systems Custom Model
A smooth, thick tone good for fusion/blues solo work
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| FAS CLEAN | = FAS Custom Model
Combines the best features of the Blackface and the USA Clean into a hybrid clean tone that’s great for a variety of uses
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| FAS CRUNCH | = FAS Custom Model
A hybrid British/USA crunch sound
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| FAS LEAD 1 | = FAS Custom Model
A neutral high gain lead with a tight midrange
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| FAS LEAD 2 | = FAS Custom Model
More gain and more sizzle
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| FAS MODERN | = FAS Custom Model
A high gain hybrid tone that’s equally suited to modern rhythm and lead work
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| JR BLUES | = Fender Blues Jr
Based on a modern all-tube combo amp with two EL84 output tubes and a single 12” speaker. This amplifier has become an instant classic because of its gutsy tone at manageable volumes
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| BRIT PRE | = Marshall JMP-1 preamp. The power amp is from the JCM 800
Based on a rack-mount preamplifier version of the Brit 900. The preamp gained notoriety for its crunchy tone and was made popular by ZZ Top
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| ENERGYBALL | = ENGL Powerball Lead Channel
Based on a very high-gain German amplifier. Lots of bass, great for aggressive, drop-tuned riff work
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| RECTO NEW | = Mesa Boogie 3-channel Dual Rectifier, Red "Modern" channel
Based on the modern version of the Dual Rectifier amps. Some minor circuit changes made this version slightly more aggressive than the original
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| HAD ODS 1 | = Dumble Overdrive Special
Revised model based on detailed analysis of a very rare Dumble Overdrive Special as used by the likes of Larry Carlton and Robben Ford
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| WRECKER 1 | = Trainwreck Express
Based on another very rare and expensive amp designed by Ken Fischer
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| BRIT JM45 | = Marshall JTM45
Based on a legendary British Blues amplifier. This amp was actually a copy of the American “bass” amp that many guitar players were using but with different output tubes and transformer. Made famous by Eric Clapton and others
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| DAS METALL | = Diezel VH4
Based on a high-gain, boutique German amplifier famous for its aggressive sound
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| PLEXI 2 | = Marshall Super Lead (Alt) Model 1959
Similar to Plexi 1 but with a different “bright cap” value and different transformer model. Lower gain and more “vintage” sounding
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| SV BASS | = Ampeg SVT
Based on the Ampeg SVT (“Super Valve Technology”) that is used for decades by famous bassists the world over
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| CA3+ RHY
CA3+ LD |
= Custom Audio Electronics 3+ SE: Rhythm Channel 2 / Lead Channel 3
CA3+ RHY: Based on a boutique rackmount preamp made by Bob Bradshaw. This models Channel 2 / based on channel 2 (Rhythm) of the 3+ SE preamp by CAE CA3+ LD: This models Channel 3 / based on channel 3 (Lead) of the 3+ SE preamp by CAE designed by Bob Bradshaw
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| Eggie R20 | = Egnater Rebel 20
Based on the Egnater Rebel 20 20W amplifier head, offering perfect proof that good things really DO come in small packages, (or in this case, DSP packages)
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| USA IIC+ 1
USA IIC+ 2 |
= Mesa Boogie Mark II Lead: Pull Bright off / Pull Bright on
USA IIC+ 1: Based on an early model of the USA type famous for its smooth overdrive sound. This model is with the Pull Bright off USA IIC+ 2: This model is with the Pull Bright on
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| FRYER D60L
FRYER D60M |
= VHT Deliverance 60: Less mode / More mode
FRYER D60L: Based on Fryette Amplification D60 in the “Less” mode FRYER D60M: Based on Fryette Amplification D60 in the “More” mode
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| MR. Z 38 SR | = Dr. Z Maz 38 Sr.
Based on a boutique amp popular with country and roots players / based on the Dr. Z Maz 38 SR, an amp popular with country and roots players
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| EURO UBER | = Bogner Ubershall, high-gain channel
Based on the aggressive "High Gain" channel of a 120W head, this model is reminiscent of an 800, modded for heavier, grinding lows and what some call insane gain
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| PVH 5105 | = Peavey 5150, Lead channel, hi-input
Based on a popular amplifier designed with the help of EVH / based on the high input lead channel of a high gain amp with the same name as an album so called for the California police code for "criminally insane
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| Solo X99 Clean
Solo X99 Rhythm Solo X99 Lead |
= Soldano X99 Preamp: Clean / Rhythm / Lead
Based on the Clean / Rhythm / Lead Channels of a very highly regarded rack mount preamplifier
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| Corncob R100 | = Cornford RK100
Based on a boutique British amplifier, the Cornford RK100, which is said to have a Plexi-Meets-Modern tone and feel with both subtlety and big cojones
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| CAROLANN OD2 | = CarolAnn OD-2r, Overdrive Channel
Based on the celebrated OD2 from CarolAnn Amplifiers as designed by the highly respected Alan Phillips
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| CITRUS RV50 | = Orange Rockerverb 50, Dirty channel
We find that this model, based on the "dirty" channel of the 50W head offers all the warmth, tonal quality and rich harmonics generated by the valve-based original
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| SHIVER CLN
SHIVA LD |
= Bogner Shiva: Clean channel / Lead channel
SHIVA CLN: Based on the 90 watt anniversary model of this versatile amp, this model does powerful shimmering cleans SHIVA LD: Based on the lead channel of this amp -- sweet rich sounding with an aggressive English style midrange punch
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| 1987X MOD | = Marshall 1987X Plexi (Bright channel with Bright casp removed)
This model based on the 1987X Plexi features what many consider to be an "essential" mod to the amp's tonestack
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| MARSHA BE
MARSHA HBE |
= Marsha by Rack Systems: Brown Eye / Hairy Brown Eye
MARSHA BE: The Rack Systems Marsha is a new amp by renowned rig builder/amp modder/designer Dave Friedman. This guy knows tone! Here is the amp's Brown Eye channel MARSHA HBE: The Marsha's Hairy Brown Eye channel is chock full of even more attitude with some pretty wicked gain on tap
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