Play electric guitar - through a complete system

What do we mean by that? With a complete system we are talking about a portable multi-effects device (or pedal) with integrated electric guitar amplifier model types. These complete systems are equipped with practical features such as effects, tuners and loopers.

Complete systems can be divided into two main categories: The amplifier model types used are generated using modeling or reproduced by so-called amplifier model profiles / captures. New sounds are available on the modeling devices via updates from the manufacturers. Profiles and captures are usually created, exchanged or offered in purchasable packages by a large user community.

Advantages and disadvantages of complete systems

Compared to our five other categories, this solution has the following

advantages:

compact all-in-one solutions with practical foot switches for changing presets
Lots of amplifier model models and effects and practical tools such as tuner and looper are integrated.
high-quality sounds on high-end devices
for home, the studio, rehearsal room and stage
suitable for solo (singer-songwriter) and the band
robust enclosure
headphone output
modern, can be updated by software

disadvantages:

Large complete systems with extensive equipment and very good-sounding amplifier model and effects are quite expensive.
Complete systems are heavily dependent on usability and their software (if there are no updates from the manufacturers, the concept of complete systems can reach its limits).

You decide:

To make it easier for you to decide which system is right for you, we have listed the advantages and disadvantages:

Complete systems with modeling

Pro:

Detailed sound design of modeled amplifiers.

Cons:

The quality of the modeled components depends on the DSP power and manufacturer updates.

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Complete systems with profiling/capturing

Pro:

1 to 1 profiles/capture of real amplifiers per sound.

Cons:

If you still want to fine-tune the sound after profiling/capturing, you have to add an EQ “on top” of the signal or profile/capture it again.

Learn more

Expert opinion:

The great thing about the complete systems is their universal applicability! Whether at home with headphones or on stage with a large PA, modern complete systems such as the Quad Cortex from Neural DSP, the Fender Tone Master Pro Board, the Kemper Profiling Amplifier or the ToneX Pedal from IK Multimedia are all-in-one solutions for flexible electric guitarists.