So it’s 3 a.m. and also you’re sitting in your condo with a killer new riff in your head. However the neighbors already hate you and your guitar – particularly between bedtime and breakfast. To the rescue comes the EarthQuaker Straightforward Listening, a one-knob amp simulator that covers many roles.

Simply string collectively your favourite pedals (or pedalboard) earlier than the enter and plug your headphones into the output jack. You’ll be rewarded with pro-grade tone, and the neighbors received’t hear a factor.

Effectively-named, the Straightforward Listening simply plugs in; there aren’t any digital menus or IR/software program sims of amps and mics. All you do is energy the small-footprint field with a normal 9-volt adapter and also you’re off to Jamsville.

Designed to re-create the tone of a ’65 Deluxe Reverb EQ’d flat, there are two most important makes use of for the all-analog Straightforward Listening – with headphones and your favourite pedals for silent jamming, or as a DI, because of its mono and stereo TRS outs for plugging right into a PA, recording interface, or mixer. What makes the pedal so intriguing is its low value and that capability to work fantastically along with your favourite stompboxes. That in itself is gold. – Pete Prown

This text initially appeared in VG’s November 2025 concern. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.