How to Choose a Processor for Your Guitar or Bass
Choosing a processor can be complicated, so at Mat Guitars we want to make the process easier for you. Here are a few tips that may help you choose the processor that best suits your musical style, your budget, the way you plan to use it and the connection options you need to integrate it with your setup.
MUSICAL STYLE AND INTENDED USE
When choosing a processor, it is important to think about what you mainly want to use it for:
For Live Performance: Although all processors are versatile, if your main goal is to play live, a floor-based unit such as the Line 6 Helix or the Hotone Ampero can be an ideal option thanks to its user-friendly interface and practical stage format.
For Recording: If, on the other hand, you mainly need it for recording, we would recommend looking at the Kemper brand, which stands out for its high level of fidelity when recreating classic amplifier sounds.
CHOOSING ACCORDING TO YOUR MUSICAL STYLE
One of the biggest advantages of modern processors is their versatility. Most of them offer a wide range of amplifiers, cabinets and assignable effects, allowing you to build a sound that works for almost any style of music.
To choose the right guitar or bass processor, it helps to think in the most realistic way possible. In other words, imagine the kind of rig you actually want to sound like. We should not forget that this is a virtual simulation, so the more realistic the setup, the better the final result tends to be.
A typical signal chain would start with gain and dynamics effects and finish with the amplifier (if you are working with a stereo rig, you may even be able to run two amps in parallel).
Modulation effects (chorus, delay, etc.) can be placed wherever you prefer in the chain, before or after the amp, just as you would with an analogue rig.
CHOOSE A PROCESSOR ACCORDING TO YOUR BUDGET
Depending on your budget, at Mat Guitars we would recommend taking a look at the following processor options.
If your budget is around €200:
- - Line 6 POD Express Guitar (for electric guitar) / POD Express Bass (for bass)
- - Hotone Ampero One
If your budget is between €200 and €500:
If budget is not your main limitation, and you want something more professional and advanced, we recommend:
WHAT TYPES OF CONNECTIONS DO PROCESSORS OFFER AND WHAT SHOULD YOU KEEP IN MIND?
Most processors offer several connectivity options, such as USB ports for recording, outputs for amplifiers and connections for external effects.
The connection layout of guitar and bass processors tends to share a number of common features, such as balanced outputs or USB ports that allow them to be used as audio interfaces or as an easier way to edit presets. This is actually one of the strongest points of these products, and one that is sometimes overlooked.
It is also worth remembering that each manufacturer has its own editing software, and these units are fully updateable. It is very common for brands to release new software versions from time to time, adding new amplifiers, pedals or features, and these updates are usually carried out by connecting the unit to your computer via USB.
On higher-end processors, such as the Kemper Profiler Stage or the Line 6 Helix, you will also find extra connectivity options that can be extremely useful, including XLR outputs, assignable send/return loops for integrating analogue gear, MIDI connections and inputs for expression pedals.
MAT GUITARS’ FAVOURITE PROCESSORS
Now that we have looked at the wide range of processors available, here is a quick selection of the three models that are most in demand and most appreciated by our team:
BOSS IR-2
A very simple and compact option for adding a virtual amplifier to the end of your analogue pedal chain. Because it is roughly the size of a single stompbox, the BOSS IR-2 fits very discreetly onto a pedalboard without taking up much space at all. Take a closer look here.
LINE 6 POD GO
One of the best-selling processors at Mat Guitars, both for guitar and bass. It has everything you need to handle live shows comfortably and with very good sound, while still keeping the price at a very reasonable level. It is one of those products that offers a lot without becoming overly complicated. Take a closer look here.
KEMPER PROFILER PLAYER
A reduced-format version of one of the true giants of amp modelling. The profiles it includes as standard sound spectacular, and it only takes a few minutes of listening to understand what this unit is capable of. Its compact size and mid-range price make it one of the most attractive options currently available on the market. Take a closer look here.
We hope this information has been helpful and has answered some of your questions.
If you are still unsure which processor is right for your guitar or bass setup, our team will be happy to help you find the option that best suits your needs. You can contact us through the following channels:
Phone: +34 954 902 550
Whatsapp: +34 647 639 532
E-mail: info@matguitars.com
And of course at our store in Mairena del Aljarafe, Seville
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