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5 Best Solid State Amps for Metal

 


Most recommended
Fender Mustang I V2
  • 8” Fender Speaker
  • Reverb, Delay/Echo, Tremolo, Phaser Effects
  • USB Connectivity
A good choice too
Line 6 Spider V 60
  • 60-Watt Modeling Amp
  • Spider Remote Editor App For iOS And Android
  • 128 Custom Presets
A good choice too
Marshall Code 50
  • iOS And Android Integration
  • Controls – 3-Band EQ, Gain, Volume, Reverb
  • Has USB Port And Bluetooth
Marshall Code 25
  • Bluetooth & USB Connectivity
  • 14 MST Preamps And 4 MST Power Amps
  • 24 FX Models
Peavey Bandit 112
  • 12 Blue Marvel Speaker
  • Footswitchable Clean And Lead Channels
  • High And Low Gain Inputs

Choose the Best Solid State Amp for Metal

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Solid State Amps for Metal

10 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

30% of users selected Fender Mustang I V2, 20% selected Line 6 Spider V 60, 30% selected Marshall Code 50, 10% selected Marshall Amps Code 25 and 10% selected Peavey Bandit 112. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

Are you a metalhead looking for the perfect Solid State Amp For Metal? You’re in luck! This article will answer some of the most common questions about Solid State Amps. It also reviews some of the best models on the market and provides some useful tips to help you choose the right one for your needs. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Fender Mustang I (V.2) Electric Guitar Amplifier with Cable and Picks, 20 Watt

Introducing the Fender Mustang I (V.2) Electric Guitar Amplifier – your perfect home amplifier for those who want versatility and portability all in one!
This amp is perfect for a wide variety of applications, from practice at home to small gigs or studio recording. It features 20 watts of power through a 20 cm Fender Special Design speaker, with an oxygen-free copper conductor that provides superior tone.

You also get three different guitar effects – reverb, delay/echo, tremolo, phaser – each with its level control so you can dial in just the right sound for your playing style. The Mustang I (V.2) also has USB connectivity to allow audio recording output, as well as a built-in chromatic tuner so you’ll always be in tune!

Pros
  • versatile amp for home use;
  • portable model;
  • with pick sampler;
  • USB connectivity for audio recording output;
  • 20-cm Fender Special Design speaker;
  • provides ultra-low capacitance levels for superior tone;
  • provides reverb, delay/echo, tremolo, phaser effects;
  • oxygen-free copper conductors;
  • with molded strain relief;
  • flexible cable construction prevents twisting, kinking and tangling;
  • organic material pick;
  • tapered edges of pick allow a swift release from strings;
  • 3 guitar picks per package;
  • a built-in tuner, tap tempo, and headphone jack to boot.

Cons
  • can only be used on an attached wired PC/laptop;
  • inconvenient to save and edit preset files.


Line 6 Spider Wireless Ready Modeling Amplifier, V 60

Rock out with the Spider V 60, an all-in-one wireless-ready modeling amplifier. With fast and easy tone shaping and intuitive controls, you’ll be able to create your ideal guitar tones in no time.

128 custom presets give you a ton of options to work with, while tons of amp and FX models accessed through a simple menu make this amp perfect for players of all levels. You can also use it for electrics, acoustics, and music playback – it has everything you need to take your music to the next level.
Wireless-ready for Line 6 Relay transmitters, it features a full-range speaker system that sounds great no matter what you’re playing. Compatible with the Line 6 FBV 3 advanced foot controller, the Spider V 60 is a great amp for your next gig.

Pros
  • fast and easy tone shaping with intuitive controls;
  • 128 custom presets;
  • tons of amp and FX models accessed;
  • can be used for electrics, acoustics, and music playback;
  • with a built-in tuner, metronome, and drum loops;
  • includes Iconic rigs and artist tones;
  • wireless-ready for Line 6 Relay transmitters;
  • full-range speaker system;
  • compatible with the Line 6 FBV 3 advanced foot controller;
  • limitless number of amazing guitar tones;
  • can be combined up to 8 effects;
  • effects tones in stunning clarity;
  • an internal wireless receiver.

Cons
  • relay G10T transmitter sold separately;
  • built-in drum loops cannot be adjusted.


Marshall Code 50-50-watt 1×12″ Digital Combo Amp

Marshall is proud to introduce the CODE series combo amps! These beasts are equipped with 3-band EQ, cab 100 presets, 24 FX, and plenty of other features to allow you to dial in every tonal possibility.

With an AUX input, British Class A power stage, and state-of-the-art technology, this amp will give you everything you need for your live or studio performances. The CODE also offers a choice of digital amp models and power amps, so you can create any tone you can dream up.
Plus, with 14 MST preamps, 4 MST power amps, and 8 MST speaker cabinets available for use, the possibilities are endless. And if that’s not enough for you, the CODE also comes with editor/librarian software that lets you tweak every detail of your tone.

Pros
  • equipped with 3-band EQ;
  • cab 100 presets 24 FX;
  • allows to dial in every tonal possibility;
  • AUX input;
  • British Class A power stage;
  • with state-of-the-art technology;
  • headphone output;
  • has 14 MST preamps, 4 MST power amps and 8 MST speaker cabinets;
  • with USB port and Bluetooth;
  • iOS and Android integration;
  • fully programmable CODE;
  • offers a choice of digital amp models and power amps;
  • various choices of glistening clean;
  • vintage crunches and modern high gain options;
  • combines authentic modeling of classic and contemporary Marshall tones.

Cons
  • footswitch sold separately;
  • may be too loud for small rooms.


Marshall Amps Code 25 Amplifier Part (CODE25), Black

The Marshall CODE 25 is a marvel of modern engineering, giving you authentic modeling of the tones that made Marshall an industry leader in guitar amplifiers.

With 14 MST preamps, 4 MST power amps, and 100 presets, this amp can do it all: from recording in a studio to rocking out at a gig. The Marshall Gateway Software makes it easy to connect via USB and 8 MST speaker cabinets let you unleash the power of this amp.
But it doesn’t stop there- with Bluetooth connectivity, you can also use the CODE 25 as a DAW interface to record and stream audio from your computer. The 24 FX models give you all the flexibility you need to dial in your tone, while the intuitive layout and easy-to-use control panel make creating your perfect sound a breeze.

Pros
  • authentic modeling of Marshall tones with pro quality FX;
  • great for recording and practice;
  • 14 MST preamps;
  • can stream music from the iOS or Android device;
  • 4 MST power amps;
  • 100 Presets;
  • Marshall Gateway Software;
  • connection via USB;
  • 8 MST speaker cabinets;
  • connection via Bluetooth;
  • can be used DAW interface to record and stream audio from computer;
  • 24 FX Models;
  • easy to use;
  • intuitive layout;
  • free App for iPhone or Android to control amp remotely.

Cons
  • unpleasant tone on the low E and A strings;
  • can cause distortion by high volume.


Peavey Bandit 112 Guitar Combo Amp

Looking for a great-sounding and reliable guitar combo amp that’s easy to take with you wherever you go? Look no further than the Peavey Bandit 112. This flexible amp comes with an external speaker, so you can crank it up, and it also features Reverb with level control to give your sound some extra depth.

The Footswitchable clean and lead channels let you change tones on the fly, while the high and low gain inputs provide lots of options for different guitars. And if you need to patch in some additional effects, the ¼” stereo Speaker Simulated Direct Out jack is there for you.
Finally, TransTube emulation circuitry gives your playing a vintage feel, while 3-band passive EQ on each channel lets you dial in just the right sound.

Pros
  • reliable, portable, nice-sounding amp;
  • flexible amp and easy to carry around;
  • with an external speaker;
  • reverb with level control;
  • footswitchable clean and lead channels;
  • high and low gain inputs;
  • 12 Blue Marvel speaker;
  • ¼” stereo Speaker Simulated Direct Out jack;
  • TransTube emulation circuitry;
  • 3 band passive EQ on each channel;
  • with level control Footswitch optional;
  • provides the ability to change the tone from vintage to modern.

Cons
  • noticeable hiss with slightly turned up reverb;
  • recommend for small gigs.

Buyer’s Guide

What are the Solid State Amps for Metal?

Solid State Amps for Metal are amps that use transistors as their main amplifier. They are typically louder and can have more distortion than other types of amps. This makes them perfect for heavy metal music, which needs an amp that can deliver a lot of power without breaking up.

These devices can be useful for recording and practicing as well. They allow you to record your music in high quality, while still being able to produce heavy sounds when needed.

A Solid State Amp is made up of two parts: a power supply unit (PSU) and an output stage amplifier that converts electrical energy into sound waves through loudspeakers or headphones. The most common type of solid-state amp for metal uses transistors as its main amplifier, although there are other types such as vacuum tube amplifiers using tubes instead of transistors; these tend not to be used much anymore due to their greater cost compared with solid-state devices, but they have some advantages over transistor amps including better tone quality at higher frequencies.

What are the Solid State Amps for Metal?

There are many different Solid State Amps for Metal on the market. Some popular brands include Marshall, Peavey, and Orange. While there are many different options to choose from, it is important to do your research before you buy one so that you get the best amp for your needs.

Advantages to Solid State Amps

There are many advantages to using a Solid State Amp for metal. Some of the most notable benefits include:

  • Cleaner sounds with less distortion
  • It is easier to dial in a great tone
  • More power and headroom
  • Can be used for a wider range of styles, from classic metal to death metal

Of course, there are also some disadvantages to consider before making your purchase. Solid State Amps can be more expensive than tube amps, and they usually don’t have as much character or warmth. However, if you’re looking for an amplifier that will give you accurate, consistent tones without any unwanted noise or distortion, then a Solid State amp is worth considering.

Considerations to Review Before Purchasing a Solid State Amp

Sound Quality

Solid State Amps are generally considered to have great sound quality, but that is not always the case. There’s a common misconception that solid-state amps don’t perform as well as tube amps when it comes to tone and feel, but these days many manufacturers produce high-quality models in this area.

If you want a pure metal amp with no distortion or fuzz then look for something like an Orange Crush Mini Guitar Amplifier (or any other Orange product).
These types of products tend to be great for blues music too because they have clean tones without feedback or hissing noises at higher volumes which can easily ruin your performance if you aren’t careful!

Sound Quality

The best way to test out how good an amp sounds before you buy it is to go to a music store and try out as many different models as you can.

Features and Effects

Solid State Amps come with a variety of features and effects which can be useful for certain styles of music. For example, if you’re into metal then you might want an amp that has built-in distortion or overdrive to give your sound more crunch. Moreover, some of these effects can be controlled via knobs on the front panel so it’ll be easier than ever before to get just what you need from your equipment!

Other features to look out for include: Reverb (which can make your music sound more spacious), Delay (for creating a sense of depth and texture), Chorus (to add some extra life to your sounds), and Tremolo (a type of vibrato that can be used to great effect on lead guitar lines).

Some amps also come with USB connectivity, allowing you to record directly into your computer or even use amp modeling software to emulate the sound of different types of amplifiers. This can be handy if you want to experiment with new sounds or don’t have access to a range of different amps.

Just remember that not all features are useful for every style of music – so think about what sort of tones and effects you want before you buy. Generally speaking, the more features an amp has, the higher the price will be so it’s important to think about what you need before spending too much money!

Power

The power of an amp is measured in watts and is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new model. If you’re looking for an amp to use at home or in small venues then you don’t need anything too powerful – a 20 – 50 watt solid state amp should be more than enough. However, if you want to play larger shows then you’ll need something with more grunt – a 100 watt+ Solid State Amp would be ideal.

It’s also worth considering how loud the amp can get before it starts to distort. This is known as the “headroom” and is usually measured in decibels (dB).

Most amps will have a rating somewhere on the front panel next to their power output – so if it says something like “75 watts at 0 dB” then this means that the headroom is 75 dB. This would be enough for most venues but not all. It might also say something like “100 watts or more with no distortion” which means there’s an extremely high amount of headroom (over 100 dB) [1].

Power

The best way to find out how loud your amp can get before distorting is by testing it in person, but remember: you don’t want anything too powerful because it could cause permanent hearing damage!

Design and Build Quality

The design of an amp is usually a matter of personal preference, but there are some things that you might want to look out for. For example, if it has wheels then this can be handy because moving around on stage will be much easier than trying to carry all your equipment at once! You should also check how heavy the amp is before purchasing – lighter amps tend to be cheaper and more portable whereas heavier ones offer better sound quality (but cost more money).

Some people prefer amps with wooden cabinets because these models have a warmer tone than those made from plastic or metal. However, wood doesn’t always last as long so if longevity is important then consider buying something else such as steel or aluminum instead – they may not sound as good but they’ll last longer!

Finally, take a look at the build quality of the amp before making your purchase. This includes things like the quality of the materials used and how well it has been put together. If you can find an amp with a durable casing then it’ll be less likely to break down on stage (or in transit).

Tips for Purchasing a Solid State Amp for Metal

Make sure to read reviews before making a purchase. There are good product reviews that can help you know the pros and cons of the products in the market. At times, what manufacturers claim their products do may not be true. For example, some brands may advertise having more power than they have (e.g., 50 watts advertised but only 30 watts RMS).

Tips for Purchasing a Solid State Amp for Metal

Consider getting a combo amp over separates, as this will save you money on purchasing an extra speaker cabinet or cabinets for your amplifier head(s). If you need more than one channel then consider buying two separate amps instead of one large multi-channel Solid State Amp because it is usually cheaper and easier to carry around two small boxes rather than one large box with multiple channels.

Why Solid State Amps are Better Than Tube Amps for Metal?

Solid State Amps have many advantages over tube amps for metal. They are much more consistent in their sound, they don’t break down as often, and they are a lot lighter so they are easier to transport.

Tube amps can be temperamental and difficult to keep in tune, whereas Solid State Amps always deliver the same sound no matter how hard you push them. Tube amps also require regular maintenance, such as replacing tubes and adjusting the bias, which can be a hassle. Solid State amps rarely need any adjustment or servicing once they are set up correctly.

Finally, Solid State Amps are much lighter than tube amps, making them much easier to transport from gig to gig. This is especially important if you play live a lot and travel with your amp [2].


FAQ

Are solid state amps good for metal?

Solid State Amps are great for metal! They can provide tight, punchy tones that are perfect for shredding and riffing. Additionally, they often have a lot of features that are great for metal players, such as built-in reverb and distortion.

Do any pros use Solid State Amps?

Yes! Many professional metal guitarists use Solid State Amps to get their signature sound. Some notable examples include Gus G., Herman Li, and Marty Friedman. Solid State Amps are great for metal players of all levels.

Why did Dimebag like Solid State Amps?

Dimebag was a metal pioneer, and he often used Solid State Amps to get his signature tone. He found that they were able to provide the tight, punchy sound that he wanted for metal music. Additionally, Solid State Amps are often very affordable, which is why they remain popular among metal guitarists today.

How long do solid-state amps last?

Solid State Amps typically have a longer lifespan than Tube Amps. This is because they don’t contain any tubes that can wear out over time. As long as you take care of your Solid State Amp, it should last for many years. The pros recommend checking your Amp’s settings every few months to make sure that the knobs aren’t too tight, which could cause damage.

Are Solid State Amps worse?

No, Solid State Amps are not worse than Tube Amps. They both have their unique strengths and weaknesses. Some guitarists prefer Tube Amps because they can provide a more natural sound, while others prefer Solid State Amps because they are more affordable and durable. Ultimately, it is up to the individual guitarist to decide which Amp works best for them.

Is Katana a Modeling amp?

No, Katana is not a modeling amp. It is a Solid State Amp. Amp models are digital recreations of the sound of various classic amps. They allow you to choose from different amplifier types and then tweak their settings to create your unique tone. Solid State Amps do not have any built-in amp models, but they do often have a variety of built-in effects that can be used to create your signature sound.

Where are BOSS Katana amps manufactured?

BOSS Katana amps are manufactured in Japan. Boss is a Japanese company, and they have a long history of manufacturing high-quality guitar gear. All of their products are made with the utmost attention to detail and precision.

Does the boss make a tube amp?

No, Boss does not make a tube amp. They only make Solid State Amps. Tube amps are more popular than Solid State Amps, but they require more maintenance and have shorter lifespans. Solid State Amps are simpler to use and often last longer than Tube Amps.

Useful Video: The Top 6 Best Solid State Amps For Tone Snobs

Conclusion Paragraph

This guide has covered a lot of information about Solid State Amps for metal, but there is still much to be learned. The best way to learn more is by asking questions and trying out different products in person. Remember that even the most expensive equipment may not make you sound good if you don’t have talent or practice hard enough. Also, keep in mind that there is a lot of talk about “tone”.

A good tone for metal comes from many factors including guitar, amp, and effects settings; the type of distortion used (fuzz vs drive); your playing style; and even what strings you use! It can be difficult to describe exactly why one person’s rig sounds great and another’s sounding terrible. So, don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you.


References:

  1. https://www.tonestart.com/best-solid-state-amp-for-metal/
  2. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guitar-101-what-is-a-solid-state-amplifier-pros-and-cons-of-solid-state-amplifiers-and-the-best-solid-state-amp-for-guitar-players#what-is-the-difference-between-tube-amplifiers-vs-solidstate-amplifiers