Ranking of the best guitar processors for 2022

The guitar processor is a special functional equipment that is used by novice musicians and professionals. Functions and combinations are combined inside the compact body of the device. They can be used at any time while playing the guitar, combined and added to memory. Music stores offer a wide range of devices of different brands and capabilities, even with built-in synthesizers. Which processor company is better to choose? What to pay attention to? Only a specialist or an experienced guitarist will help you figure it out. Let's try to analyze the characteristics of popular models and new products in the article, rank the best quality guitar processors for 2022. We will rely on the functionality, description, cost of models and customer reviews.

What is this device?

A guitar processor is a device in which a different number of effects are combined, 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. You can apply several effects to sound processing at the same time. The processor case "contains" amplifiers with emulations, pedal actions, cabinets. When combining, you should 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. The internal ones include special computer programs-emulators. External devices are connected separately, they are digital and analog. Analog devices are inexpensive, manually configured, and require an additional power source. 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 an order of magnitude more expensive, but have become widespread among young musicians. The devices are portable, lightweight, quick to set up, have many modulations and effects compared to tube ones, perfectly emulate analog sound.

Among the effects and functions it should be noted: changing the pitch and timbre; adding whistle and psychedelic sound; equalization of sound frequency by amplitude; imitation of the sound of several instruments at the same time. The factory and user settings in the processor are stored in the guitar unit's memory location. User settings can be changed independently.

Safe Use Rules

Incorrect operation may damage the device. Do not place the device in a damp, unventilated room with a high temperature, near magnetic fields and strong vibration, in a dusty room, in the sun, away from radios and TV stations. The sensor can only be connected using the power sources specified in the instructions. Regulators should be pressed or twisted without undue effort, smoothly. Use a dry, clean cloth to clean the product. Do not wipe the processor with combustible polishes, liquid detergents, solvents. Do not allow moisture, drops of liquid to enter the device.

TOP 3 budget guitar processors

3rd place - BEHRINGER ULTRA-DI PRO DI4000

Feature: professional, 4-channel
Manufacturer: China
Cost: 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 clear and powerful sound. Direct box with four channels belongs to professional equipment. Each channel has a pair of inputs (XLR and ¼" TRS), a pair of outputs (¼" line 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 of 95 dB. In the range of 10-50 kHz, the amplitude and frequency of the audio signal is perfectly even. 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, height 21.5 cm. The box weighs 2.1 kg.

• qualitative;
• professional;
• inexpensive;
• converts an uneven signal into a balanced one.

• 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
Cost: 8 290 rubles

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

• light;
• 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
Cost: 6990 rubles

A budget-priced portable bass guitar instrument suitable for beginners and professionals alike. Built-in 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 reduction. The parameters of each effect are edited into four categories (gain-drive, pre-effect, delay-reverb, modulation). The product uses proprietary REMS technology. With it, sound notes are modeled in more detail. An expression pedal is built in and controls volume and other parameters with the Quick Assign function. The device is suitable for the stage. All the potential is contained in 40 factory presets, they can be used momentarily. In addition, your own combinations are stored in 40 user programs. When switching programs with a sound delay, the sound is not interrupted.

The front panel consists of a value display with program number identification; effects on/off buttons; volume wheels; program select and effect control pedals. Turning on the expression pedal is accompanied by a light indicator. There are three connectors on the rear panel: 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 g. The manufacturer presents two ranges of goods: in red-gold and burgundy-gray colors.

• light;
• extensive potential;
• comfortable in using;
• average price;
• the presence of an autochromatic tuner for setting the reference tone.

• only suitable for bass guitar.

Comparison table of budget guitar processors

TOP 3 expensive guitar processors

3rd place - Boss RC-505

Feature: live performance, 5 tracks, 99 memories
Producer: Taiwan (China)
Cost: 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. The 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, parties. The specifications include 5 stereo tracks, INPUT FX input effects control, TRACK FX recorded tracks, several sound playback modes, 8 control types. Stereo tracks are controlled separately, volume control is also individual. You can play them at the same time. All tracks have synchronization with the tempo 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, any of the cells are reconfigured and loaded by professionals during the performance on stage. Exported/imported phrases to PC. At the back there are mono, stereo, XLR inputs for power, an additional stereo AUX connector. The device is powered through the network. The USB socket connects the cable leading to the PC, external pedals, midi sensors. In the packaging, the manufacturer put the device itself, the network adapter and user instructions.

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

• no pedals;
• mains power only.

2nd place - JOYO GEM BOX III

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

The instructions clearly state: use the device only with an AC outlet of the correct voltage, through an AC adapter. The adapter must be directed to a direct current of 9V. Do not use the device during thunder or lightning. The processor uses intelligent reverse modeling. In this case, it is possible to adjust 61 preamplifier modulations, with nine effect modules. The total number of effects is 157, the number of preset tones is more than 300, the preset models are 26. The processor supports various expression pedal modes. To expand the capabilities, a firmware update and recording to a sound card via USB audio is used. The visual effect is enhanced by a 3.5-inch color screen. To control the device, 12 buttons are installed under the screen. With their help, you can easily and quickly 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, which can be connected through a special connector. The device supports third-party IR pulses at 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. Joyo Studio is provided to control and add effects. It is installed on a desktop PC. The instrument is connected to a PC via a USB cable.

• mains operation, you can supply power from a 9V block, 1A batteries;
• multi effective;
• an extensive range of built-in modules, programs, tones and user 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 controls
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 frequency is 48 kHz / 24 bits. The model has been popular for many years. Combinations and timbres are used to model electronic music. Actions are powerful and easy to control. In the additional information section, it is indicated that the device has a touch panel, 8 memories and 150 effects. Combinations allow you to create an imitation of a turntable, add spice to the rhythm, fill in pauses and breaks in DJing, and much more. Inside is a high quality sampler with a bunch of modes.The Pad Motion function records manipulations in the control and plays them back; FX Release aims for a natural decay of the reverb; Mute mutes the instrument and only outputs the effect sound. The modes add expressiveness and richness to the sound during performance. For studio work, the Hold function is provided to remember the result. The tempo is adjusted automatically.

Inside the device there are 8 memory cells for quick change of effects. The screen on the panel allows you to work 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 that 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 compared with the previous version of Kaoss Pad KP3, we note in the new version of Kaoss Pad KP3+ additional 22 programs.

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

• not detected.

Comparison table of the best expensive guitar processors

Conclusion

When considering the main and technical characteristics of guitar devices popular in 2022, one should note the quality, versatility, and expansion of the device’s capabilities.

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