Best Guitar Processors for 2020

Acoustic guitar sounds good and can fill a room with melodic sounds. The main thing is to configure it correctly. Electric counterparts lack this capability, so guitarists use dozens of different settings and effects to get the most out of their sound.

Some are helped by a pedalboard, while others, on the contrary, prefer to use a guitar processor. What product to buy - each user decides independently. But to help you choose, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best guitar processors for 2020.

What to choose?

Many aspiring musicians and some amateurs are faced with a number of problems when choosing between a guitar processor and a pedalboard. For the correct purchase, you need to make out the strengths of the first option.

• Compactness and light weight is the first advantage. Most processors meet this requirement. Of course, there are oversized models that have wide functionality, but even they exceed pedalboards in size. Because they do not require a dozen wires to each product.
• The second advantage is that the processors do not require switching, since all effects are programmed on the device itself. There will be no connection problems, and it also frees up useful space, which is important in tight spaces. A person only needs to configure and save the parameters.
• Control is carried out by simple pressing of buttons. To activate most of the functions, it takes a minimum of effort, just follow the instructions or watch the review on the Internet. Pedals are deprived of such an opportunity, to change the sequence of effects, all commutation is reconnected. This causes additional time and creates more problems. The same situation will arise when the musician decides to change the settings.
• Another advantage is the presence of a dozen effects that are already built into the processor, so you just need to select a specific option and play it. The pedals are capable of only one effect.
• The last advantage is the low cost of the product compared to a set of pedalboards.

Despite all the advantages, this device has disadvantages that can play a decisive role:

• The first minus is the sound, or rather its transformation. The guitar processor works in a digital way, as opposed to pedals that prefer analog. The advantage of the latter is that the sound is rich and dynamic. Of course, most modern processors have excellent software, but even this does not help to make the sound more expressive. Therefore, professionals prefer to spend a few minutes reconnecting pedalboards, but receive a quality melody. The pedal has good responsiveness in control, in contrast to the modern version, which functions with a slight delay.
• The second nuance of using is not always a simple setting of effects. A person will have to spend a lot of time and effort to understand each item and establish the correct value.To adjust the pedals, several special buttons are used, rotating them in different directions, a person will quickly find the desired value.
• Multifunctionality can play both a positive role and a negative one. Of course, the sheer number of effects will win over some newbies. But if you think about the practical benefits, then there will be none. Because not all aspiring musicians are able to benefit from hundreds of options, and that will not unlock the full potential of the equipment. Some representatives of the budget segment have low-quality performance of the effects. In pedalboards, each option has a practical meaning as there are not so many of them, which allows designers to focus on quality rather than quantity.

Design features of the guitar processor and varieties

After familiarizing yourself with the strengths and weaknesses, it is important to have an overall picture of the design and operation of the equipment. Knowledge will help you make the right choice and filter out unnecessary options.

The body is made of a metal box with a certain set of buttons and regulating elements. With their help, the device is controlled. To display information, a display is used, where the current information is displayed, this allows you to select the correct characteristics. Some manufacturers equip the product with multiple screens for easier control.

On the back of the case there are connection interfaces, you can turn on not only a musical instrument, but also a microphone or USB device. The main power source is a 9 V battery, type "crown". There are versions where AA format battery or USB cable is used.

The stores sell three types of guitar processors - desktop, rack, floor. The main difference between all these types is the way they are placed.

• Desktop devices are placed on a flat surface. The decision is due to the fact that to control the effects, tuning is done with the hands. It is important to provide easy access to the processor in order to reduce time costs and increase efficiency.
• The second option is rack-mountable. The design has similar parameters to the desktop version, only it is placed on special equipment called a "rack".
• The floor version assumes that you can tune with your hands, and switch effects by pressing the special keys with your foot, which simplifies work during rehearsals.

In addition to design, processors are divided into:

• Products for electric guitars;
• Acoustic instruments;
• Bass guitars.

There are no global differences in the principle of operation. This is the same product that processes the incoming signal and outputs it to headphones or to special equipment that is designed for amplification. The only difference is the set of effects. So if a person wants to connect an electric guitar device to the bass, then he will not be able to perform most of the settings.

What is the equipment capable of?

The main purpose of the product is to process the signal coming from a musical instrument and output it using various effects that are present in the software. The user can independently save their own chains and create them from scratch. If he does not want to do this, it is enough to use the preset options.

The processor functions not only with effects, it also simulates the sound of top manufacturers of guitars or various musical instruments, right up to the drum or piano. The option significantly increases the possibilities, but is suitable only for professionals.

Some manufacturers provide the product with a special function that allows you to connect a condenser microphone. This allows you to record not only musical accompaniment, but also vocals, which will help budding composers organize their own studio at home.

To simplify the work, there are a number of auxiliary programs, they will help you tune a musical instrument using the tuner, set a certain beat with a metronome, record the part you have played, use the built-in synthesizer, etc. The number of auxiliary applications affects the final cost of the product.

Criterias of choice

First you need to decide on the style of music. The set of effects that will be present depends on this. If a person prefers light melodic music, then distortion is an extra option, but chorus will give an interesting and original sound. It is important to take into account that when a user plays in a team that does not get hung up on one style, the processor must be universal and have a variety of settings. This is the only way to achieve good sound, even at home.

Guitar playing is important and must be considered. It is easy for professionals in this regard, since they know what effects they need, and what is better to filter. It is more difficult for a beginner performer, as the variety can be confusing. The only advice is to find products with a standard set. The cost of such a device is minimal, and the ease of use will make it easier to find the correct settings.

Operation should be simple and the display should be easy to use. Nobody likes to sit for hours at a new device and not understand how to achieve this or that effect. The bright screen will help during live performances, as the user does not have to look closely at it, making adjustments easier.

The last criterion is the corpus. If a person plans to move a device from one studio to another, then it must be strong and withstand low falls. Of course, this will add weight, but the reliability will also increase.

Rating of budget options

VOX StompLab IB

An excellent processor that is powered by AA batteries and has a standard set of effects. The option is more aimed at novice users who play bass. The body is made of metal. Its thickness is not so great, therefore, if dropped frequently, the product will break. The equipment weighs 590 grams.

The average cost is 6 550 rubles.

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Source Audio SA126

Option designed for bass guitar. The product has many effects, and an intuitive interface that even a beginner can handle. Filter sweep range, attack time, etc. - all of this is offered by the Source Audio SA126. Power is supplied from a 9 V battery, which must be purchased separately. The body is made of metal and has good durability.

The average cost is 7,600 rubles.

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BEHRINGER V-AMP 3

Compact tabletop model designed for use with an electric guitar. The memory block contains about 32 amp models. The total amount of effects is 125, which is an excellent option for people who devote themselves more than a year to music. To make tuning the guitar easier, a person can use the built-in tuner. In addition to the control levers, the processor is equipped with a special display that will help you quickly make various settings.

Sold at a price of 7,600 rubles.

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VOX StompLab IIG

A popular model that will provide the user with excellent sound for the entire period of operation. Each element is made with high quality and leaves no questions. The product has 104 built-in effects, if you wish, you can use up to 8 options at once, including noise reduction. For fast and “quiet” tuning of the instrument, a chromatic tuner is used, which will tune the instrument without any problems. There is also an expression pedal that controls the wah effect and volume.

The average price is 10,000 rubles.

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Rating of expensive guitar processors

Boss GT-1

Reliable equipment suitable for amateurs and professionals. The device is equipped with an informative display. Works with an electric guitar only. The set includes a user manual and 4 batteries. The body is made of metal, which has good strength characteristics.

The average cost is 16,000 rubles.

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Zoom g3n

Floor-standing guitar processor designed for performances and rehearsals. The main advantage is the presence of three displays, which makes it possible to make settings quickly and efficiently. There are 70 preset effects and 10 realistic emulators, which is a plus.

The average price is 17,700 rubles.

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DIGITECH BP355 GUITAR MULTI-EFFECT

Professional device designed for better sound production. Placed on the floor, which is a convenient solution for most users. There are 70 preset effects. The display is only one, but large, this allows you to better see the current indicators and quickly make adjustments. Power is supplied from the battery, which prevents sudden shutdown.

It is sold at a price of 19,890 rubles.

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Line 6 Amplifi FX100

An expensive device that works with an electric guitar. Presets are configured using Android or iOS, which is the most successful solution, and allows you to use the device in places where there is no laptop or computer.

Thanks to this device, a person will receive an excellent tone and unique sounds, while maintaining speed and accuracy. The device supports all popular inputs and outputs, making it possible to connect it to almost any auxiliary equipment.

The standard set of presets is 100, but if a person uses the application, this number increases tenfold. Since the user can download or share with other musicians, this gives complete versatility.

The average price is 24,000 rubles.

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Finally

Playing the guitar is an exciting activity that can not only bring aesthetic pleasure, but also profit, if you channel your energies correctly. If you have experience with the guitar processors described in the rating, or more interesting options, tell us about it in the comments.