Problem:
How to find out which amp, effect, profile,... sounds best?
Why is it a problem?
If we compare an inexpensive amp, effect device or whatever with and expensive one - a lot of strange things happened:
-Most of us assume that the more expensive gear MUST sound better
-So we actually play better with the more expensive gear when we compare
-In many cases is the better amp, effect... only louder (an old trick in any shop to sell you a more expensive amp)
I recently compared an very expensive boost pedal (400Euro) with my old boost pedal (129Euro) - and the more expansive one sounded much better!
I was fooled too - I should have known better.
Solution:
1) If you check an amp, profile, effect or whatever - don't play your guitar into all this gear!
What???
Yes, play a very short riff or chords (max 5 seconds) into a looper pedal
By using the looper you eliminate player better with the great gear.
2) Use a foot switcher to be able to switch between the devices under test - don't plug cables.
The ears are fooled very fast - so you need to instantly switch between the different gear.
(For profiles put the ones to compare side by side - e.g. create a performance - don't browse thru your rigs)
3) Our ears are fooled by loudness.
To be able to compare amps, effects, profiles, ...
The audio level must be the same - elsewhere will the louder win (in most cases) - and surely if they sound very close or even the same.
Any audio meter will do - today there are level meters available for our smartphones.
You need to match all level within 0.1db!
You may find that some profiles are only louder than others - not better.
Some amps sound the same when you use about the same level, gain and set the EQ similar
And can surely save a lot of money.