#ampsimulator

We've got the latest release from EarthQuaker Devices for you all today - this is the Easy Listening Analog Amp Simulator!! This one is little, but may just be the final piece of gear you need in your arsenal…review and demo out now, cheers!!

In the world of guitar amplification, few names carry as much weight and reverence as MESA/Boogie. Now, guitarists worldwide can rejoice as MESA/Boogie's iconic amps step out of the Tone Lab and into the limelight with the all-new Reference Signature Collection for TONEX.

A Legacy of Tone

For decades, MESA/Boogie amplifiers have been the gold standard for tone, sought after by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Now, with the Reference Signature Collection, that legendary tone is within reach like never before.

Five Timeless Icons

This collection features five of MESA/Boogie's most iconic amplifiers, meticulously captured and recreated with the latest AI Machine Modeling Technology. From the classic crunch of the 1984 Mark IIC+ to the earth-shaking power of the early '90s Triple Rectifier, each amp offers a distinct sonic palette ready to inspire. 1. 1984 Boogie® MARK IIC+™

The 1984 Boogie MARK IIC+™ stands as a testament to MESA/Boogie's enduring legacy in the world of guitar amplification. Revered for its versatility and unmistakable tone, this iconic amplifier has left an indelible mark on the rock and metal landscape. Captured with precision and finesse, the MARK IIC+™ Tone Model in the Reference Signature Collection delivers the same raw power and dynamic range that made the original a favorite among guitarists like James Hetfield, John Petrucci, and Steve Lukather. 2. Early '90s Boogie® Mark IV™

The Early '90s Boogie Mark IV™ represents a pinnacle in MESA/Boogie's amplifier design, offering unparalleled versatility and tone-shaping capabilities. From its distinctive lead channel to its lush reverb, the Mark IV™ has been a staple in studios and on stages worldwide. Now, guitarists can experience the full spectrum of its sonic capabilities with the Mark IV™ Tone Model in the Reference Signature Collection, meticulously captured and finely-tuned for maximum impact. 3. Early ‘90s MESA Engineering® DUAL RECTIFIER® (2 channel)

The early '90s MESA Engineering DUAL RECTIFIER® revolutionized the world of rock and metal with its thick, high-gain tones and unparalleled dynamics. From its aggressive crunch to its searing lead tones, the DUAL RECTIFIER® has been a go-to choice for guitarists seeking maximum sonic impact. With the DUAL RECTIFIER® Tone Model in the Reference Signature Collection, players can harness the same earth-shaking power and explosive sound that defined an era. 4. Early ‘90s MESA Engineering® TRIPLE RECTIFIER® (2 channel)

The early '90s MESA Engineering TRIPLE RECTIFIER® takes the iconic Rectifier sound to new heights with its massive power and unbridled aggression. Known for its tight low end and searing high-gain tones, the TRIPLE RECTIFIER® has become a staple in the arsenals of hard rock and metal guitarists worldwide. Now, guitarists can tap into the full sonic fury of the TRIPLE RECTIFIER® with the Tone Model in the Reference Signature Collection, capturing every nuance and detail of this legendary amplifier. 5. Boogie® Limited Edition King Snake™

The Boogie Limited Edition King Snake™ pays homage to a bygone era of tone, offering players a glimpse into the past with its warm cleans and rich, vocal-like sustain. Modeled after Carlos Santana's original "Budokan" Mark I, the King Snake™ is a true collector's item, with only 600 examples ever produced. Now, guitarists can experience the same magic with the King Snake™ Tone Model in the Reference Signature Collection, capturing the essence of Santana's historic sound in exquisite detail.

Fine-Tuned Perfection

Behind the scenes, MESA's own Doug West, affectionately known as the "Tone Boy," has painstakingly fine-tuned each amp to perfection. With over 40 years of experience at MESA/Boogie, Doug's expertise ensures that every Tone Model in this collection captures the essence of its real-world counterpart.

Unparalleled Versatility

With over 70 Tone Models to choose from, guitarists can explore a universe of tone, from classic rock to modern metal and everything in between. Plus, advanced effects, including drive, chorus, delay, and reverb, allow players to sculpt their sound with precision.

The Ultimate Playground for Guitarists

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, the MESA/Boogie Reference Signature Collection for TONEX offers endless possibilities. Compatible with all TONEX versions, including the free TONEX CS, this collection is the ultimate playground for guitarists seeking to unlock their full potential.

Experience the Legacy Today

Overloud introduces TH-U Made In Rock NG30, a plugin meticulously crafted to emulate the legendary AC30 amplifier famously used by Oasis at the Locomotive Studios. Part of the esteemed Made In Rock private collection, this amp embodies the essence of rock history, having graced the stages of iconic artists like White Snake, Noel Gallagher, and Judas Priest over the last two decades.

The plugin features the NG30 amplifier model, faithfully capturing the nuances of the original '63 AC30, including its three channels: Normal, Brilliant, and Vibrato/Tremolo. The matched cabinet model is based on the Vox Blue Bulldog 30W Alnico speakers, capturing their unique brilliance and character. With a bank of presets showcasing the sounds of famous songs played with this iconic amp and 15 additional models including overdrives, modulation, and reverbs, TH-U Made In Rock NG30 offers endless sonic possibilities.

Guitar Rig is likely one of the most famous amp simulator plugins in the market. Despite various brands like IK Multimedia, Positive Grid, Brainworx, Neural DSP releasing their own amp simulators, Guitar Rig, launched in 2004, has maintained high visibility in the guitar software market, updating to version 7 this year.

The Guitar Rig 7, released three years after version 6 in 2020, brings some notable updates. The Intelligent Circuit Modeling (ICM) technology, introduced in Guitar Rig 6, is expanded to include more amps. According to Native Instruments, ICM uses machine learning to precisely replicate the feel of hardware. Additionally, features added through a collaboration with iZotope catch attention. The 'Kolor' saturation plugin, adding color to the tone, includes two settings from iZotope's Trash. Moreover, the Maximizer module from Ozone is incorporated, providing effective control over guitar track volumes.

Guitar Rig has traditionally stuck to a rack-style interface design. However, version 7 introduces a sidebar on the right, allowing users to see the signal flow of connected modules at a glance. Users can drag and rearrange modules easily by looking at the sidebar.

Amp Modeling Quality in Guitar Rig 7 Pro

As of 2023, most amp simulators already deliver high-quality sound. However, Guitar Rig's amp modeling leans towards convenience rather than hyper-realism. This doesn't mean Guitar Rig sounds bad; it provides well-crafted and clean tones. Compared to products like Amplitube or Brainworx, Guitar Rig offers a smoother feel with less gritty texture. The noise gate effectively manages noise without compromising the overall tone.

If you're seeking ultra-realistic amp sounds or the raw feel of a tube amp, Guitar Rig's sound might not align with your preferences. However, for composers and producers needing clean and organized guitar recordings, it's incredibly convenient. Regarding mic positioning, unlike Amplitube's extensive options, Guitar Rig offers two mic settings with the ability to blend distances. While this may be a limitation for users wanting intricate control, it's a user-friendly feature for those who prefer adjusting mic distance and room tone with a single slider. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex-POrZDAmI

Diverse Presets Offered

One standout feature that sets Guitar Rig apart is its multitude of presets. Unlike some products that focus on amp head settings and basic effects, Guitar Rig shines when it comes to incorporating various FX modules in a rack-style setup. Starting from simple guitar effect pedals like overdrive, distortion, delay, and reverb, Guitar Rig allows users to explore harmonic exciters, synthesizers, and unique spatial effects. Even without delving into individual module settings, the default presets provide a wide range of tones. This is a significant advantage for composers and producers, offering the opportunity to experiment with a plethora of effects almost at the level of synthesizers. Guitar Rig is not limited to guitars; it can be used as an effective effects processor for drums, EP, and other instruments, thanks to presets tailored to different input styles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lqNCIswZaI

Input/Output Gain Staging

Amp simulators respond richly to input gain control, and Guitar Rig is no exception. While it tends to deliver clean tones, pushing the input gain provides enough room for gritty tone shaping. However, for experiencing the effects of various modules and presets, excessively raising the input gain is unnecessary. Desired effects can be achieved with minimal gain. Output gain staging is also convenient. Avoiding clipping issues is easily managed with built-in limiters, Ozone's maximizer, and volume modules. Balancing the volume gap between clean and driven tones is effortlessly achievable.

Conclusion on Guitar Rig 7 Pro