10 Best Guitar Amp For Metal (2024 Update)

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As a metal guitarist, finding the right amplifier can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, there are a few key points to keep in mind when searching for a guitar amp for metal.

Firstly, consider the wattage. Generally, metal amps need to have a higher wattage to handle the high gain and distortion associated with the genre. Look for an amp with at least 50 watts of power.

Secondly, pay attention to the EQ. Metal requires a lot of mid-range frequencies to cut through the mix. A good amp for metal should have a flexible EQ that allows for boosting and cutting of these frequencies.

Thirdly, look for an amp with a good distortion channel. Metal requires a lot of gain, so a good distortion channel is essential. The distortion should be tight and responsive, with plenty of sustain.

Fourthly, consider the speaker size. A larger speaker will provide more low-end response, which is important for heavy metal tones. Look for an amp with at least a 12-inch speaker.

Lastly, consider the brand and reputation. There are many brands that specialize in metal amps, such as Peavey, Mesa Boogie, and Orange. Do some research on the brand and read reviews to ensure you're getting a reliable and high-quality amp.

In summary, when looking for a guitar amp for metal, consider the wattage, EQ, distortion channel, speaker size, and brand reputation. By keeping these key points in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect amp for your metal needs.

10 Best Guitar Amp For Metal

1. Fender Frontman 10g Guitar Amplifier

The Fender Frontman 10G Guitar Amplifier is a high-quality piece of equipment designed for guitarists of all skill levels. This compact, lightweight amplifier packs a punch with its 10-watt power output and 1-6" Fender Special Design Speaker.

The amplifier features a single channel with intuitive controls, including a gain knob, overdrive select switch, volume knob, treble knob, and bass knob. These controls allow guitarists to customize their sound to their exact liking, whether they're playing rock, blues, country, or any other genre.

In addition to its powerful sound, the Fender Frontman 10G Guitar Amplifier also boasts a range of convenient features. It has a 1/4" instrument input, 2-band EQ, and 1/8" auxiliary input jack for jamming along with a media player or CD. The amplifier also has a 1/8" headphone output jack for silent practice, making it the perfect choice for musicians who want to practice without disturbing others.

The closed-back design of the Fender Frontman 10G Guitar Amplifier provides a heavier bass response, giving guitarists a full and rich sound that's perfect for live performances or recording sessions.

Overall, the Fender Frontman 10G Guitar Amplifier is a versatile and reliable piece of equipment that's perfect for guitarists of all skill levels. With its impressive sound quality, intuitive controls, and convenient features, it's a must-have for anyone looking to take their guitar playing to the next level.

2. Orange Amplifiers Da15h Dark Terror 15 15w Tube Guitar Amp Head

The Orange Amplifiers DA15H Dark Terror 15 15W Tube Guitar Amp Head is a powerful and unyielding piece of equipment that is designed to cater to the needs of heavy metal and rock guitar players. The amp head boasts a tube-driven FX loop and a high-gain preamp that deliver an uncompromisingly brutal sound that is both unhinged and ferocious.

At the core of the Dark Terror is a 15-watt all-tube power amp that is capable of delivering a rich and dynamic sound that is unmatched by solid-state amps. The amp head features two 12AX7 preamp tubes and a pair of EL84 power tubes that work together to produce a tone that is both clear and articulate, with plenty of power and headroom to spare.

One of the key features of the Dark Terror is its tube-driven FX loop, which allows guitar players to add external effects to their signal chain without sacrificing tone or clarity. This feature is particularly useful for guitar players who rely on pedals and other effects to shape their sound, as it ensures that their tone remains intact even when using external gear.

In addition to its powerful preamp and power amp sections, the Dark Terror also comes with a gig bag that makes it easy to transport and protect the amp head when on the road. This added convenience ensures that guitar players can take their sound with them wherever they go, without having to worry about damaging their equipment.

Overall, the Orange Amplifiers DA15H Dark Terror 15 15W Tube Guitar Amp Head is a top-of-the-line piece of equipment that is designed to meet the needs of even the most demanding heavy metal and rock guitar players. Its uncompromisingly brutal sound and powerful tube-driven FX loop make it a must-have for guitar players who demand nothing but the best from their gear.

3. Fender Champion 20 Guitar Amplifier

The Fender Champion 20 Guitar Amplifier is the perfect tool for shaping your sound and getting the most out of your guitar playing. With an EQ section that includes Bass and Treble controls, you can easily dial in the sound you want and make subtle or dramatic changes to your tone. The amplifier also features a range of built-in effects, including digital reverbs, chorus, vibratone, and delay, allowing you to add depth and dimension to your sound.

One of the standout features of the Fender Champion 20 is its versatility. With 17 different amp models to choose from, you can easily switch between clean and mean tones to suit any genre of music. Whether you're playing blues, rock, metal, or anything in between, this amplifier has you covered.

The Fender Champion 20 also includes a range of convenient features that make it easy to practice and play along with your favorite tracks. The auxiliary input allows you to plug in your MP3 player or other external device and play along with your favorite songs, while the headphone output lets you practice privately without disturbing others. Additionally, the headphone output mutes the speaker output, so you can practice without any distractions.

The open back cabinet of the Fender Champion 20 is also a great feature, allowing you to store extra cables and other small accessories. This makes it easy to keep everything organized and within reach, so you can focus on your playing.

Another great thing about the Fender Champion 20 is that it comes with a 5-year transferable warranty from Fender. This provides you with peace of mind knowing that your amplifier is backed by a reputable manufacturer and will be covered in case of any defects or issues.

Finally, the classic Blackface styling of the Fender Champion 20 adds a touch of elegance to your setup. The amplifier looks great in any setting and is sure to turn heads when you start playing. With its versatile range of features and classic design, the Fender Champion 20 is an excellent choice for guitarists of all levels.

4. Rockville G-Amp 40 Combo Amp W/ Bluetooth/mic In/usb/footswitch Bundle + Rmc-Xlr Wired Microphone & Cables.

The Rockville G-AMP 40 Guitar Combo Amplifier is a powerful and versatile tool for musicians looking for a high-quality sound. This package includes not only the amplifier, but also the Rockville RMC-XLR High-End Metal DJ Handheld Wired Microphone, making it perfect for live performances or recording sessions.

The G-AMP 40 offers a range of inputs and controls, including a ¼” guitar input, ¼” microphone input, and ¼” headphone output. The master volume control adjusts the volume on all channels, while separate controls for guitar volume, bass, mid, and treble allow for fine-tuning of the sound. The effect knob offers Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, and Tremolo options, while the Delay/Reverb knob allows the user to select delay or reverb and adjust the intensity. The Gain volume function is available when the Drive channel is selected, and the reverb volume control adjusts the reverb level on both channels. The mic echo control adjusts the echo only on the mic input, and the mic level control adjusts mic volume only.

The G-AMP 40 also features a built-in Bluetooth MP3 player, as well as USB and SD card playback options, making it easy to play and jam along to your favorite songs. The LED status indicator shows when the amplifier is in clean or overdrive mode. With 40 watts RMS power and a 10” speaker, the G-AMP 40 delivers a powerful and clear sound.

The Rockville RMC-XLR High-End Metal DJ Handheld Wired Microphone is a fully metal wired mic that comes with two 100% OFC Copper Mic cables (XLR to ¼” + XLR to XLR), a mic clip, and a plastic carry case. The microphone features an M-56 cartridge, a neodymium magnet, and a uni-directional polar pattern. Its frequency response is 80 – 13Khz, with an impedance of 600 Ohms ± 30% and a sensitivity of -72 ± 3dB.

The plastic carry case protects the mic during transportation, while the mic clip is heavy duty and standard size, making it stand-mountable. The XLR to ¼” and XLR to XLR cables are both 10 feet long, made of 100% OFC oxygen-free copper, and deliver a crystal-clear, distortion-free signal.

Overall, the Rockville G-AMP 40 Guitar Combo Amplifier and RMC-XLR High-End Metal DJ Handheld Wired Microphone bundle offers a professional and versatile sound system that is perfect for musicians of all levels.

5. Marshall Kilburn Ii Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Black (1002634)

The Marshall Kilburn II Portable Bluetooth Speaker in black (1002634) is a high-performance audio device that is perfect for music lovers who are always on the go. This premium speaker is specifically designed to deliver exceptional sound quality in a portable form factor.

One of the standout features of the Marshall Kilburn II speaker is its included components. The device comes with a double-ended coil cord that features 3.5mm stereo plugs. This allows users to easily connect the speaker to a variety of audio sources, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The coil cord is a convenient addition that ensures users have a reliable way to connect their devices to the speaker, even if they don't have access to Bluetooth.

The Marshall Kilburn II speaker is powered by a battery, which makes it ideal for use while traveling or on the go. The device is designed to provide up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is more than enough for extended listening sessions. The battery is also easily replaceable, which means that users can swap it out when it runs out of juice.

In addition to its excellent connectivity options and battery life, the Marshall Kilburn II speaker boasts a range of other features that make it a top-of-the-line portable audio device. The speaker is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which ensures that it can connect to a wide variety of devices with ease. This also allows for high-quality streaming of music and other audio content.

The Marshall Kilburn II speaker is also designed to deliver exceptional sound quality. The device features a powerful woofer and two tweeters, which work together to produce rich, full-bodied sound. Users can also adjust the bass and treble settings to fine-tune the audio to their liking.

Overall, the Marshall Kilburn II Portable Bluetooth Speaker in black (1002634) is a top-of-the-line audio device that is perfect for music lovers who want to enjoy high-quality sound on the go. With its excellent connectivity options, long battery life, and superior sound quality, this speaker is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.

Best Guitar Amp For Metal FAQs

How do tube and solid-state guitar amps compare for playing metal music?

Tube and solid-state guitar amps have their own unique characteristics that can affect how well they perform for playing metal music. Tube amps are known for their warm, natural tone and dynamic response, which can be great for achieving that classic metal sound. They also tend to have higher output levels, which can be important for driving heavier distortion and achieving the desired level of saturation. On the other hand, solid-state amps are often more reliable and durable, making them a good choice for touring musicians. They also tend to have a more consistent tone at all volume levels, which can be helpful for playing in different venues. Ultimately, the choice between tube and solid-state amps will depend on personal preference, playing style, and other factors such as budget and portability. Both types of amps can be great for playing metal music, but it's important to do your research and try out different options to find the one that works best for you.

What are the best guitar amps for producing heavy metal tones?

As a musical genre that is characterized by its aggressive and distorted sound, heavy metal requires guitar amps that can produce powerful and articulate tones. Some of the best amps for achieving heavy metal tones include the Peavey 6505, the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, and the Orange Rockerverb. These amps are designed to deliver high gain and tight low-end response, which are essential for producing the heavy and aggressive sound that characterizes heavy metal music. Additionally, these amps often come with built-in effects like reverb and distortion, which can help to shape and refine the tone of the guitar. Ultimately, the best amp for producing heavy metal tones will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the guitarist, as well as the particular style of heavy metal music they are playing.

What are the key features to look for in a guitar amp when playing metal music?

When looking for a guitar amp to play metal music, there are several key features to consider. Firstly, the wattage should be high enough to produce the necessary volume and distortion for the genre. A minimum of 50 watts is recommended. Secondly, the amp should have a high-gain channel for maximum distortion and sustain. Thirdly, the EQ should be able to shape the tone to suit the player's preferences, with emphasis on the low-end frequencies for a heavy sound. Fourthly, the amp should have a good reverb and/or delay effect for adding depth and atmosphere to the sound. Finally, the speaker should be able to handle the high volume and provide clarity in the mid-range frequencies. Overall, a metal guitarist should look for an amp that has high wattage, high gain, good EQ, effects, and a quality speaker to achieve the desired sound.

What is the ideal wattage range for a guitar amp when playing heavy metal?

The ideal wattage range for a guitar amp when playing heavy metal depends on various factors such as the playing venue, the style of playing, and the desired sound. Generally, a range of 50 to 100 watts is suitable for most heavy metal gigs, but some may prefer higher wattage for larger venues or more aggressive playing styles.

A high wattage amp provides more headroom and clarity at higher volumes, which is essential for achieving a tight and defined sound in heavy metal. However, it's important to note that wattage alone doesn't determine the quality of the sound, as other factors such as speaker size, tube or solid-state technology, and distortion pedals also play a significant role in shaping the tone.

Ultimately, the ideal wattage range for a guitar amp when playing heavy metal depends on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the performance. It's recommended to experiment with different wattage amps and settings to find the perfect tone for your playing style.

Which guitar amp brands have the best reputation for producing high-gain sounds?

There are several guitar amp brands that have established a reputation for producing high-gain sounds. Marshall, Mesa Boogie, and Peavey are among the most notable brands in this category. Marshall is known for its iconic British crunch and distortion tones, which have been used by countless rock and metal guitarists. Mesa Boogie, on the other hand, is renowned for its innovative high-gain amplifiers, which offer a wide range of tonal options and incredible sustain. Peavey is another brand that has made a name for itself in the high-gain amplifier market, thanks to its powerful and versatile designs that are favored by many metal guitarists. Other notable brands that are worth considering include EVH, Orange, and Randall. Ultimately, the best guitar amp for high-gain sounds will depend on personal preference and playing style.

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