Ranking of the best guitar processors for 2020

A guitar processor is a special functional equipment that is used by beginner musicians and professionals. Functions and combinations are combined inside the compact housing. They can be used at any time while playing the guitar, they can be combined and added to memory. Music stores offer a wide selection of devices from different brands and capabilities, even with built-in synthesizers. Which processor is better to choose? What to look for? Only a specialist or an experienced guitarist will help you figure it out. Let's try to make out in the article the characteristics of popular models and new products, make a rating of the best quality guitar processors for 2020. We will rely on the functionality, description, cost of models and customer reviews.

What is this device?

A guitar processor is a device that combines a different number of effects, through which the sound of a guitar is converted into electrical signals with processing. The instrument is connected to the input of the device, and a modified sound is heard at the output of the guitar. Multiple effects can be applied simultaneously to process sound. The processor body "contains" amplifiers with emulations, pedal actions, cabinets. When combining, do not remember the order and keystrokes - it is enough to save the combination you like in the device's memory.

Types of processors

There are external and embedded processors. Internal include special computer emulator programs. External devices are connected separately, they are digital and analog. Analog devices are inexpensive, configured manually, and require an additional power supply. They are preferred by guitarists of the last century. There are several reasons: the sound is soft and warm; you can quickly configure the processor; the result is expected, the sound is necessary.

Digital devices are much more expensive, but they are widespread among young musicians. The devices are portable, lightweight, quick to set up, have many modulations and effects compared to tube ones, and perfectly emulate analog sound.

Among the effects and functions should be noted: changing the pitch and timbre; adding whistle and psychedelic sound; equalization of sound frequency in amplitude; simulate the sound of several instruments at the same time. Factory and user settings in the processor are stored in the guitar block memory. You can change the custom settings yourself.

Safe use rules

Improper use can damage the device. The device should not be placed in a damp, unventilated room with a high temperature, near magnetic fields and strong vibrations, in a dusty room, in the sun, away from radio receivers and TV stations.The sensor can only be connected using the power supplies specified in the instructions. The regulators should be pressed or twisted without undue effort, smoothly. Use a dry, clean cloth to care for the product. Do not wipe the processor with flammable polishes, liquid detergents, solvents. It is not allowed to get moisture, drops of liquid inside the device.

TOP 3 budget guitar processors

3rd place - BEHRINGER ULTRA-DI PRO DI4000

Feature: professional, 4-channel
Manufacturer: China
Price: 6 990 rubles

The device is designed for installation in the studio and at premium concert venues. In addition to the guitar, you can connect any musical instrument for a clean and powerful sound. A direct box with four channels belongs to professional equipment. Each of the channels has a pair of inputs (XLR and ¼ "TRS), a pair of outputs (¼" line out and XLR balanced). Powerful OT-1 transformers are installed at the outputs, which are responsible for full galvanic isolation. The device is connected directly to a 3 kW amplifier. Harmonic distortion ranges from 0 - 0.005%, noise ratio is 95 dB. In the range of 10-50 kHz, the amplitude and frequency of the audio signal are perfectly flat. To eliminate interference, it is better to choose a short wire when connecting to the processor input. Device dimensions: length 48.3 cm, width 44.5 cm, height 21.5 cm. Box weighs 2.1 kg.

• quality;
• professional;
• inexpensive;
• converts the uneven signal to balanced.

• suitable for amplification and frequency of sound,
• does not contain effects.

2nd place - JOYO GEM BOX II

Features: 80 programs, budget, semi-professional
Manufacturer: China
Price: 8 290 rubles

The JOYO portable effects processor is a device containing 66 types of effects + 8 modules, 23 types of overdrive with legendary amplifiers (there are 7 of them) and 80 programs, of which 40 are user-specific, 40 are from the manufacturer. Modules include Equaliser, Noise Gate, Delay and Reverb, FX Module, Gain Simulator, Distortion, Modulation. Let's add 10 metronome rhythms and 40 drum rhythms. - at the output we get a semi-professional sensor. A tuner is built inside, through which the instrument is tuned; there is an expression pedal. The device is powered by 4 AA batteries or a 9V power adapter. The length is 23.5 cm, the width is 14.5 cm, the height is 5.5 cm. The weight is small - 727 g. The kit includes the processor itself with a pedal, instructions, power adapter. The plastic case accommodates a bright LCD screen and a headphone jack, a 180-second memory cell.

• easy;
• functional;
• build quality;
• rubber pedal;
• steel switches;
• bright screen.

• plastic case and other elements;
• batteries and adapter sold separately.

1st place - KORG AX-5 B

Features: 58 effects, 80 programs and ease of settings
Manufacturer: Japan
Price: 6990 rubles

A budget-priced portable bass guitar suitable for both beginner and professional guitarists. Inside there are 58 types of effects with variations, 16 types of bass amplifier emulation. You can use up to 6 actions with variations at the same time, plus volume pedals and noise cancellation. The parameters of each effect are editable in four categories (gain-drive, pre-effect, delay-reverb, modulation). The product uses its own REMS technology. With it, sound notes are modeled in more detail. An expression pedal is built-in and controls volume and other parameters with Quick Assign. The device is suitable for the stage. All the potential is contained in 40 factory presets, they can be used instantly. In addition, your own combinations are stored in 40 user programs. When you switch programs with a sound delay, the sound is not interrupted.

The front panel consists of a value display with identification of the program number; effect on / off buttons; volume control wheels; program selection and effect control pedals. The expression pedal is accompanied by an indicator light. The rear panel has three connectors: INPUT (instrument connection), OUTPUT for connecting headphones or an amplifier, DC9V, where the AC adapter is connected. The device is powered by 4 AA batteries or a 9V power supply. Overall dimensions are: length 25.1 cm, width 14.2 cm, height 4.3 cm. The device weighs only 340 grams. The manufacturer presents two ranges of goods: in red-gold and burgundy-gray colors.

• easy;
• vast potential;
• comfortable in using;
• average price;
• the presence of an autochromatic tuner for adjusting the reference tone.

• only suitable for bass guitar.

Comparison Chart of Budget Guitar Processors

TOP 3 expensive guitar processors

3rd place - Boss RC-505

Feature: live performance, 5 tracks, 99 memory locations
Manufacturer: Taiwan (China)
Price: 37 490 rubles

The overall dimensions of the device are compact: 42 x 21 x 6.8 cm, with a weight of 1.4 kg. Looper will easily take its place on the table of the modern performer. The device produces a powerful sound, suitable for concerts in the hall, club, at parties. The characteristics recorded 5 stereo tracks, control of the effects of INPUT FX input signals, recorded TRACK FX tracks, several modes of sound playback, 8 types of control. Stereo tracks are controlled separately, volume control is also individual. You can play them simultaneously. All tracks have tempo synchronization and playback modes: single, multi, reverse, one-shot, etc. The data is contained in special cells for phrases, there are 99 of them. Modules and combinations are saved as user settings, professionals reconfigure and load any of the cells while performing on stage. Phrases are exported / imported to PC. At the back there are mono, stereo, XLR inputs for power, an additional stereo AUX jack. The device is powered through the network. The USB socket connects a cable leading to a PC, external pedals, midi sensors. The manufacturer put the device itself, the AC adapter and user instructions in the package.

• powerful;
• suitable for live performance;
• convenient simple control panel;
• manual flexible control.

• there are no pedals;
• power supply only from the mains.

2nd place - JOYO GEM BOX III

Feature: for professional musicians
Manufacturer: China
Price: 32 390 rubles

The instructions clearly state: use the device only with an AC outlet of the correct voltage, via an AC adapter. The adapter should be directed at 9V DC. Do not use the device during thunder or lightning. The processor uses intelligent reverse modeling. In this case, it is possible to adjust 61 modulation of the preamplifier, with nine effect modules. The total number of effects is 157, the number of preset tones - more than 300, preset patterns - 26. The processor supports various modes of the expression pedal. To expand the capabilities, firmware update and recording to a sound card via USB audio are used. The visual impact is enhanced by the 3.5-inch color screen. There are 12 buttons installed under the screen to control the device. With their help, you can quickly and easily go to the desired result or modulation. The expression pedal is on the right, the classic footswitches are on the bottom. Classes are performed with headphones that can be connected through a special connector.The device supports third-party IR pulses for 16-24-32-bit, 10 metronome rhythms, 40 drums, LOOPER function with 52 seconds memory. On the rear panel, you can see 12 input / output connectors. To control and add effects, the Joyo Studio program is provided. It is installed on a stationary PC. The device is connected to a PC via a USB cable.

• operation from the network, you can supply power from the 9V unit, 1A batteries;
• multi scoring;
• extensive range of built-in modules, programs, tones and custom settings;
• suitable for electric guitars;
• the possibility of updating;
• the ability to connect third-party additional devices and mixers.

• not detected.

1st place - KORG Kaoss Pad KP3 +

Features: 150 Effects and Touch-Pad Control
Manufacturer: Japan
Cost: from 34 850 rubles

A portable processor from a well-known musical instrument company will appeal to professional guitarists and DJs. The sampler is controlled in real time using the touch-Pad function. The sampling rate is 48 kHz / 24 bit. The model has been popular for many years. Combinations and timbres are used to simulate electronic music. Actions are powerful and easy to control. The additional information section indicates that the device has a touch panel, 8 memories and 150 effects. Combinations allow you to simulate a turntable, spice up the rhythm, fill in pauses and breaks when DJing, and much more. A high quality sampler with a bunch of modes is built inside. Pad Motion function records control manipulations and plays them back; FX Release tends to naturally decay the reverb; Mute mutes the instrument and outputs only the effect sound. The modes add expressiveness and richness to the sound during performance. For work in the studio, the Hold function is provided to remember the result. The tempo is automatically adjusted.

Inside the device there are 8 memory locations for quick change of effects. The panel screen allows operation in various lighting conditions thanks to LED backlighting. Expands the capabilities of the device by installing an SD / SDHC memory card, additional software and a USB MIDI port, which allows you to use the processor as a powerful MIDI controller. In addition to USB MIDI, there is a line-in / RCA input, a microphone input, and a headphone output. Dimensions length / width / height are 22.6 x 21 x 4.9 cm, respectively. The weight of the device is 1.3 kg. The main panel is made with a protective coating. It reliably protects against splashes, water, mechanical damage. The device is powered by DC9V AC adapter or batteries. When comparing with the previous version of Kaoss Pad KP3, we note in the new version of Kaoss Pad KP3 + an additional 22 programs.

• professional device;
• flagship model;
• multifunctionality;
• renowned manufacturer;
• quality in relation to price;
• panel illumination works in the light and in the dark;
• the possibility of expanding functions;
• use of additional memory;
• includes a protective cover for the touch panel;
• suitable for DJ mixing.

• not detected.

Best Expensive Guitar Processors Comparison Chart

Conclusion

When considering the main and technical characteristics of guitar devices popular in 2020, it should be noted the quality, versatility, and expanding the capabilities of the device.

Professional musicians prefer to choose products with great functionality. For beginners, inexpensive, easily customizable processors with memory capacity and basic combinations of effects and sounds are the way to go. What to focus on? Which device to choose? Experience and professional qualities will help.