By 
DemonFX Simple Review – The Modern day £50 Modeller Killer?
Introduction
We have a fantastic review for you today! In this article, we will be looking at the DemonFX Simple. A zero-watt amp sim! A super small unit that has a lot of sounds built in and also a huge amount of features! The DemonFX Simple is aimed at those players who want a direct-to-desk solution but without all the buttons, screens, and digital effort that comes with digital modelling! Unlocking a truly vast array of sounds in a tiny and super affordable package!
This unit was loaned to us by the amazing guys over at Affordaboard! If you like what you read and hear, then you can pick one up over on their website! All the links you need will be at the bottom of the article!
So why don’t we dive in and go over what this thing is and all the features and controls that it has? Then let’s hear what it sounds like! Finally, I will give you my thoughts on the DemonFX Simple and let you know if I think it is a good choice if you want to go down the “Straight to Desk” route.
The DemonFX Simple
The Simple is made by DemonFX, a Chinese pedal manufacturer who produces pedals that are heavily inspired by other types of pedals. So what is the DemonFX Simple? Well, it is a zero-watt, all-analog amp sim which is heavily inspired by the DSM & Humboldt Simplifier. It contains the same three amp models and three cab models. As well as giving you the option to change the value type and mic positioning. It also has stereo output and FX loops, which allow you to create a full stereo rig within a pedalboard footprint!
I think before we go into its features, we should run through the controls, and believe me, just like the DSM & Humboldt Simplifier, there are a lot on here. We are going to break it up into two sections. The controls on top of the Simple and the side controls:
TOP:
- Mic Position: Adjust the left and right Mic positions for each Cab.
- Stereo Cab Sim: allows you to change between 3 Cab Sims for the left and right output.
- Value Switch: Changes the valve type in the preamp.
- Resonance: Controls the low-end and resonance peak.
- Presence: Adjusts the hi-mid response and adds some sparkly into your sound.
- Volume: Adjusts the output level of the unit.
- Treble: Adjusts the Higher frequencies of the pre amp.
- Mid: Adjusts the middle frequencies of the pre amp.
- Bass: Adjusts the lower frequencies of the pre amp.
- Style: Change the preamp type between 3 amps.
- Gain: Adjust the amps gain for the select amp type.
More on the DemonFX Simple
Let’s take a look at the controls around the side of the device! Because the DemonFX has even more inputs and outputs around the sides!
SIDE:
- Headphone In: Allows you to plug headphones in.
- Aux In: Plug in a 3.5mm aux cable for playback.
- Phone Level: Adjust the headphone output. No effect on the master outputs.
- Return: A stereo return for your effect. Go between Pre amp and power amp .
- Send: A mono send for your effects.
- Input: The main (mono) input for your guitar.
- Spread: Switched between Mono and a Stereo output.
- XLR Output: A stereo XLR output to run to your speakers or PA.
- Power In: Standard 9v power jack to run the unit.
- FX Thru: Gives you the option to use the Preamp only and bypass the Cab Sim.
DemonFX Amp Choices!
The DemonFX Simple has three amp choices that you can pick from. The first being the “AC Brit,” which is their take on a Vox AC30. The next one is the “American,” which replicates a classic Fender Blackface amp, like a Deluxe Reverb. Finally, you have the “MS Brit,” which is a Marshall Plexi sound. The amp model can’t be changed per channel. The left and right channels will be the same amp model.
As far as cab choices, you have three options. A 2X12, 4X12, or 1X12. However, because it is in stereo, you can select different cab options for the left and right channel! Meaning you could have a 1X12 in the left channel and a 2X12 in the right channel. I couldn’t find what each cab was based on, but I would imagine the 2X12 is Fender Twin-inspired and the 4X12 is a Vintage Marshall Cab.
There is also the option to change the valve type for each amp model. You have three options: 6L6, EL34, and KT88. Three of the most popular tube types for guitar amps. Each type brings its own unique sounds and feel to the device. As with the amp models, this isn’t able to be changed per channel.
Valve Options and More!
Other options that you can do are the left and right mic position/axis, a 3-band EQ, and a Resonance and Presence control. It has all the options that you would expect on any amp and mic’d cab. If stereo isn’t your thing, you have the option to run the unit in mono. This combines the left and right channels into one. This switch is referred to as “Spread” on the Simple.
As we said above, the DemonFX Simple is clearly based on the DSM & Humboldt Simplifier. Which retails for £349! You can find the DemonFX Simple online for around £60. A huge saving if it can compete!
The Sounds
For the demo songs, I used the DemonFX Simple straight into our interface! I didn’t use any pedals! All the drive and sounds you are hearing are from the Simple itself. I did add a bit of reverb and delay in post after. However, the bulk of the sound is from the DemonFX Simple.
After that, we go through the sounds. We run through each amp type and show you the sounds you can get from each. Going through the valve types and cab types on each. I tried to spend a good amount of time on each amp, going through all the settings and making sure to give a good example of each control and option.
After that, we then go through some of the sounds you can get from the DemonFX Simple using a few pedals with it. I used a Boss Blues Driver (Full Review) into the front of the Simple and then the JSA Auld Spark (Full Review) in the FX Loop.
If you like what you see and hear below, please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel! It massively helps out the site and allows me to continue making these sound samples and reviews.
What are my thoughts?
The Design
Looking at the DemonFX Simple, you might think that there are a lot of controls, and you would be right! There is so much to change and alter on this device. It is all fairly simple to understand, very amp-like with a few valve and mic controls! However, it is very compact! This is a good and bad thing! I will talk about the downside of this shortly; however, the upside is that it is a very small and compact unit! It is around the same size as the average compact Boss Pedal. Meaning it will fit on most pedalboards with ease!
Build quality, it feels really good for the price actually! The case is entirely folded metal, meaning it should take knocks and drops very well! All the inputs and jack plugs feel super secure and tight. I do not think any cable will be falling out of these anytime soon. It is the same story with the switches and knobs as well! I am actually surprised how well the DemonFX Simple feels and how well it is built!
"It can sound good with some manipulation; however, it didn’t sound great and wasn’t a sound I enjoyed!"
The Sounds
Where does the DemonFX Simple excel? Cleans! Just wow! If you want those classic 80s cleans, this is the perfect device for it! I was able to get those nice, clean chorus guitar sounds we all secretly love with the DemonFX Simple. Think Rockman clean! Add a nice chorus in the loop and crank the volume, and you will get a super clean and very 80s clean!
However, if you are after some nice crunch and overdrive sounds, then the DemonFX Simple is also great for you. Turning the gain up, and you will venture into some slightly overdriven sounds. Which can be cleaned up a bit using the guitar’s volume. However, high gain is where it starts to fall over. Adding a pedal to the front end to push it into further overdrive, you do start to verge onto that fizzy and “fake” sound. It can sound good with some manipulation; however, it didn’t sound great and wasn’t a sound I enjoyed!
More on the Sounds
On the note of gain, the DemonFX Simple doesn’t have a huge amount of gain built in! I would say you will be okay from crystal cleans all the way to slightly pushed, but for anything, you will need to start using some effects and extra help. Something to push the front end! Even with the gain up max, it is still fairly clean!
I didn’t think (and hopefully the sound samples above show this) that the Presence and Resonance controls adjusted the sounds as much as I was used to on an actual amp. I could also say the same about the Tube/Valve selection. There is a minor sound change but wouldn’t say it was a huge difference. While we are on this subject, let us go through a few more issues that I found with the DemonFX Simple.
The Drawbacks
As I said above, the Simple is very compact; this means it doesn’t take up much space on your pedal board. Having said that, the controls can be hard work to read and use under low lighting or if you are in a rush! Some of the labels and controls are very close together! Even after using it as much as I have, I still don’t know the controls of hand! I still have to double-check when I am adjusting something that I am adjusting what I want to adjust!
You may think the DemonFX Simple has it all. You have one-stop choice for sounds. However, there is one thing missing from this unit! Reverb! I get why they haven’t put it in, to keep the unit small and compact; however, without some kind of reverb or slap delay, it is very, very sterile! Great for funk and not much else! You will be using a reverb pedal with this device!
Now, I think the Stereo cab selector could be useful. However, in all the time I was using and playing with the DemonFX Simple, not once did I really have them different! I think it would have been better to have a joint switch for the cab to control both channels and then a switch to control a mic type choice! This would have allowed more sounds from the three cab options!
"I would be happy to have this in my gig bag or case as a backup solution!"
Final Thoughts
If you want a super clean platform, this is great! In fact, I would compare it to the classic rock man sound! Super clean and can get a nice crunch sound, and with the right pedal, some nice overdrive sounds. However, if you are after high gain or metal sounds, then I would say that you would be better off looking at another solution! Not saying you couldn’t make it work with the Simple, but you may find yourself fighting for it to sound good!
So who would want to buy the DemonFX Simple? I would be happy to have this in my gig bag or case as a backup solution! If you use a digital solution and want to run a backup, the DemonFX Simple is small, easy to use, and super affordable! So I think it makes the perfect backup solution! Could you use it as your main amp sound? I think you could but would have to spend a bit of time dialling the sound in! However, I do think if you are willing to spend a little bit extra money, then there are some much better options out there! Like the Boss IR-2 (Review Here) or the MXR Rockman!
Conclusion
So that is my review on the DemonFX Simple. It has its flaws and falls over a few hurdles; however, does any of it matter when you see the price? Considering you can pick these up for around £50. It is a killer option! Add it to your rig and you will have so many options and will be able to create a huge-sounding rig for not a lot of money! I honestly think this is an amazing studio addition! It is Simple (pardon the pun), affordable, and super simple to use. This makes it perfect for getting quick and simple sounds for demos and recording!
Once again, thanks to Affordaboard for sending this over! I wanted to try the DemonFX Simple, so I asked if I could borrow one! If you want to pick one up for yourself, then you can check them out at the link below! As well as a huge amount of other pedals! You can also check out our reviews of their pedals! The 800 Drive (Full Review) and The Filthy Rat (Full Review)
If you want to support the site then please give us a follow on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube.
DemonFX Simple Links:
Check out our other Articles here
