3 Ways to Instantly Improve Your Amp Sim Guitar Tone
If you're recording guitar at home, an amp sim can be a life saver.
Amp sims are affordable, take up no physical space, and deliver amazing sounding guitar tones, without the setup or knowledge needed to mic and record a real amp.
But even the best amp sims can sound bad if not used correctly.
Today, we're going to go over three simple steps that can dramatically improve the tone you get from any amp sim.
But first, do you feel like your home studio is missing something or could be better? Download your free copy of the Home Studio Starter Guide HERE and unlock your home studios true potential.
Set the Input Level Right
Setting your input level correctly is one of the easiest ways to improve your amp sim tone, but it’s often overlooked.
Too low, and your tone can sound weak and noisy. Distorted tones can be difficult to get too.
Too high, and you risk digital clipping or oversaturating the amp which will cause harsh or fizzy tones. Clean tones can become impossible to achieve.
Amp sims are designed to behave like real amps. Getting the input level just right helps them respond more more naturally, like a real amp would.
Start at the source. Make sure the DI signal isn't clipping your interface. Many amp sims recommend setting the input just below clipping. I've found around -12dB to -18dB works well in most situations, but check the plugin's manual. Some developers provide specific input guidelines.
Once your input is set, bypass the amp sim and listen to the DI. It should sound clean, strong, and free of clipping.
Every amp sim and interface behave a bit differently, so trust your ears and use your best judgement.
Choose the Right Cab & Mic
Just like in real life, the cabinet has a massive impact on tone.
Most amp sims allow you to change the cabinet or load IRs (Impulse Responses). Cycle through a few, you'll likely be shocked by how much the tone changes.
Many amp sims also let you:
Choose between mic types
Adjust mic placement
Load external IRs (snapshots of real mic'd cabs)
Cabinet and mic selection often affects your tone more than the amp model itself.
Here are a few tips:
Closed-back cabs = Tighter sound, more low-end punch
Open-back cabs = Airier, more natural feel
SM57 style mics = Mid-focused, great for rock and metal
Ribbon mics = Smoother, darker tone, great for jazz, blues, or more mellow styles
Condenser mics = Brighter, more detailed, ideal for clean tones and genres like pop, indie, or acoustic
If your amp sim has a mic placement feature, play around with it.
Closer to the center = Brighter and more aggressive
Towards the edge = Warmer and smoother
Unlike recording a real amp, where you might only have one cab and mic available, amp sims offer a huge range of combinations to explore.
Finding "the right" amp and cab can be fun, don't be afraid to try out different combinations of amps, cabs, and mics. You might accidentally stumble upon your dream guitar tone.
Shape the Tone With EQ
Real amps require some EQ to sit right in the mix, and the same goes for amp sims.
If your amp sim doesn't include post-EQ, load an EQ plugin after it to fine-tune your tone.
Start with these two essential EQ moves:
High-pass filter (low cut) around 60-100 Hz. This removes rumble and frees up space for the kick and bass.
Low-pass filter (high cut) around 8-12 kHz. This smooths out harsh, fizzy top-end.
These alone can make your tone sit much better in a mix. However, sometimes you need to shape a little more.
Too harsh or nasally? Try cutting between 2-4 kHz
Too scooped or hollow sounding? Try boosting around 500 Hz to 1 khz
Always EQ in the context of the mix. It's okay to solo the track if you're having trouble hearing, but make sure the changes still work when everything's playing together. Eventually your ear will know exactly what to listen for and you won't need to solo.
Final Thoughts
Getting great tone from an amp sim doesn't have to be complicated.
Start with the right input level, find the cab and mic combo that works best for your style, and polish the tone with a few smart EQ moves.
With a little time and ear training, you'll be amazed at how much better your tracks can sound.
Do you have a favorite amp sim? If you do, leave a comment below and let me know what it is!
-Anthony