- DuckDuckGo enables you to search directly on 100s of other sites with our, '!bang' commands.!bangs are shortcuts that start with an exclamation point like,!wikipedia and!espn.
- Price: €299.99 (Max version) Standalone: yes. Win/Mac (64-bit only) Demo version.
The best part about having unique interests or being a part of a passionate group of people is that you occasionally get the spoils of the subsequent growing base of product or service developers of that particular interest. Guitar amplification VSTs and cabinet simulators are nothing new, but there is a growing community of independent designers of software instruments that are offering their products for free. There are too many to cover here in one article, so I’ve collected and tested 17 of the best sounding, best looking, and most widely known free amp simulators and tested them through a static speaker simulation consisting of the KeFIR cabinet simulator with Catharsis cabinet impulses.
In the case of Audiffex’s ampLion free an onboard speaker simulator was used as it could not be bypassed. My goal was to provide examples of the sound contrast between each amplifier in a high gain setting. To accomplish this, I have produced 2 videos of a heavy guitar riff, one in a complete mix and one with isolated guitars. What follows is a chronological description of each individual amp as it appears in each video.
The best metal guitar VST for most people is definitely PRS SuperModels by Waves. It’s hard to describe tones – so we end up using adjectives that make no sense unless you are a musician. Words like crunchy, smooth, screaming, thick, ice picky, and many more that just confuse anyone listening in on the conversation. But, does it djent?? Leave a like 👍, share and subscribe if you want more content like this! Tech specs: VST guitar: MusicLab Realeight Amp simulator: Fortin.
A word on cabinet sims, mixing, and distribution
While I largely have no preference in cabinet simulators, the most popular among other simulation enthusiasts seem to be Voxengo’s Boogex, and LePou’s LeCab2. Both of these are option rich in terms of sound shaping with equalization, filters, and panning. For my particular project I chose KeFIR because it worked more efficiently in my DAW for this particular project and presented the cabinet impulses without coloring them. I chose one impulse with more lower mid range response and one with more high end and then panned one to each side to simulate an actual mix scenario. No post processing has been used on the guitars. In a mix scenario, it would be ideal to find two or more contrasting amplifiers, cabinet impulses, or other simulated dynamics like microphone or room simulations to broaden the EQ spectrum of the guitar signal. Multitracking the guitar and contrasting low, mid, and high end tones while panning them to taste in the stereo spectrum is a very effective way of getting a great tone to sit well in a mix.
Some developers unfortunately disappear for various reasons so some of these VST’s may be harder to find than others because of broken links. With that said, in terms of acquiring these free VSTs, I want to state that I think it’s important to actually visit the original developer’s website or download area whenever possible. I think it’s important to support these independent developers and reward their hard work by at least visiting their site and familiarizing yourself with their products and business goals. If you like their product and the option is available, it’s always helpful to donate to these developers. This helps facilitate future projects and more awesome VSTs! There are MANY more free guitar oriented VST’s then mentioned in this article, but let’s take a look and have a listen to some of the more popular and readily accessible free amp VSTs.
17 Free Guitar Amp plugins (VSTs) in Heavy Mix
17 Free Guitar Amp plugins (VSTs) High Gain Examples - isolated guitars
THE AMPS IN ORDER
LePou LE456 is a dark but focused sounding preamp sim that ranks as one of my favorites. Based on a “famous German” amplifier, it excels in high gain and low midrange tones with loads of punch. There are 2 channels with 2 modes per channel. The clean tones have plenty of body that’s fit for thick jazz leads or lush chords. The crunch tones in low gain mode have JCM 800 style low end thump and percussiveness. The high gain is fit for all genres of modern metal and can be fine tuned with the focus, bottom, and bright switches that are also applicable for each channel.
LePou Legion is a midrange monster with great definition and plenty of high gain tone options. Legion has the best sensitivity to it’s tone shaping knobs in this collection. Legion by itself can providegreat tones for a complete high gain recording. Again, 2 channels and 2 modes per channel with tones ranging from classic metal to modern djent. Legion has a very active presence knob that can help shape very colorful lead tones. Legion is a great workhorse for metal when paired with the right cabinet impulses.
LePou Lecto is a very accurate representation of one of the most popular U.S. made high gain amplifiers. Lots of low end thump and a ton of gain. It has 2 channels with 3 modes per channel and a resonance knob that effects the relationship with the speaker cabinet. Lecto was great for huge, chunky high gain power chords but was a bit one dimensional. I found the best use of Lecto was in tandem with another amp like Legion that emphasized more midrange. Lecto sounded great with an overdrive sim like the TSE 808 (by The Serina Experiment plugin developers) in front of the Lecto signal. This gave it a more focused low end and a bit more percussive attack.
LePou SoloC is a 3 channel tube preamp simulator with midrange emphasis and less gain than the 3 previous amp sims. It excels in note articulation but needs post processing or a series of heavier voiced impulses to coax out any bottom end. Again, this would pair nicely with the LE456 or Lecto for a balanced sound in a high gain mix. By itself, the SoloC would be great for an alternative rock style mix or dialed back for blues tones.
LePou HyBrit qualifies as the most versatile and possibly the overall best sounding amp sim on the list. As it implies, the HyBrit is a hybrid of 2 styles of British amplifier with the ability to blend between the voicings of the 2 styles. I wouldn’t consider HyBrit a high gain sim, but it has plenty of gain that doesn’t squelch the huge character of the British power amp sound. The EQ is very responsive and the blending adds very unique dynamics. The power amp section sounds big, warm, and punchy. The HyBrit would sound great by itself in almost any style or pair seamlessly and charismatically with almost any other amp sim for a huge presence.
Nick Crow Lab 7170 is a very modern sounding high gain amp sim with a simple yet responsive interface. 7170 has a great balance of low end and midrange attack that cuts through a mix without low end flub. 7170 has gain to spare and a huge power amp sound that adds an element of percussiveness to the high gain tones. The overall tone lends itself to more note articulation than punch for a sort of modern gain version of a “brown” sound.
Nick Crow Lab 8505 adds top end and more gain for a more lead oriented tones. 8505 has a bit more scratch and crunch in a rhythm setting. 8505 has a healthy low end that doesn’t overwhelm and sits naturally with a bass in the mix. If you were going to use the 8505 exclusively in a track, plan on using a bit of EQ and possibly a filter to get some of the scratch out of the tone. Both of the Nick Crow Lab amps reacted very well with post processing and/or an overdrive unit in front of it for modern metal tones.
The Serina Experiment TSE X50 for my taste and musical applications ranks highest on my list of high gain amp sims. Coupled with the TSE 808 overdrive plugin by The Serina Experiment, the X50 is almost flawless for achieving any range of modern metal and rock sounds. The X50 has a healthy and flexible amount of EQ frequency range, a great sounding power amp, and ample gain that doesn’t overwhelm the tone shaping process. If I had to pick one of these amp sims to complete an album length recording with, it would be TSE X50. The Serina Experiment developer puts a great deal of detail into being able to choose between 4 different power amp tube types, an optional “mod” for its RED channel, a tube bias knob, and the ability to disable the power amp section. TSE also produces the TSE X30 preamp which is a high gain monster and deserves recognition as well.
Ignite Amps NRR1 is a 3 channel tube preamp simulation. NRR1 has a big sound with a healthy low end that doesn’t lose it’s articulation. The EQ section is a bit more subtle in its tone shaping and though it does have a boost option, the gain seems a bit more British voiced than modern. NRR1 had a great clean channel with warm low end.
Ignite Amps Anvil is the more brutal big brother of the NRR1 providing more gain, punch, and presence. Anvil is also more versatile in its tone shaping options and EQ response. Anvil provides thick high gain rhythms and the ability to shape great lead tones as well. There is a much more “live” feeling to the midrange and a very deliberate edge that can be dialed in or dialed back.
Acme Bar Gig C-15 was probably the biggest surprise of the collection that I reviewed. It has a decidedly modern high gain that I would say is the most accurate dynamic representation of an actual tube amp in a live setting. That is to say, when playing my guitar through my monitors, the C-15 felt very authentic in its percussive response. It sits well in a mix without post processing and dials in several quality high gain sounds across the EQ spectrum. It’s as effective with leads as it is rhythms. It doesn’t claim versatility. This thing is for heavy tones, plain and simple, and it does it VERY well.
Acme Bar Gig Series 60 is an amp that I’m not sure how to approach in terms of describing it sonically. The best way to describe Series 60 is an amp designed for extreme metal. This amp would exceed in an old school death metal mix or in a “grind” style setting where single note rhythms are more prevalent. The EQ section is moderately responsive but ultimately, this amp is more focused on delivering an extreme amount of gain. Even when using different impulses, the characteristics of the Series 60 overwhelmingly dictated the tone more than the impulses.
Acme Bar Gig Dick Head perhaps doesn’t belong in a high gain collection, but it has enough gain to make an impact in a metal setting. It truly excels in a blues, jazz, and classic rock format. What most stands out is how it responds to volume and power amp gain increase and how you can feel the response in your playing. It has a treble booster onboard that acts more like an overdrive to push the gain into metal territory. In a mix, Dick Head might be more appropriate in a mix with a heavier sounding amp. By itself, it makes a great classic rock and blues amp with an emphasis on lower midrange tones.
Acme Bar Gig Shred Suite is a collection of 6 different amp heads with interchangeable characteristics. You can combine components from 6 different amplifiers to create your ideal tone. While there are many good tones to be had, it was a bit difficult to coax a convincing heavy tone out of the Shred Suite. It’s easy to forgive considering the absolutely awesome high gain tones from C-15. Except for high gain, the Shred Suite was a lot of fun to work with and offers a lot of options for those seeking great classic rock, blues, jazz, and alternative tones.
Free Djent Guitar Vst
Kuassa’s Amplifikation Lite gets the “hidden gem” award in the collection. It has a surprising range of tones, a responsive EQ section, 3 channels, and it’s own internal speaker simulator that is bypassable. Amplifikation Lite works splendidly by itself or in tandem with another amp for high gain tones. It also has enough gain and EQ versatility for very effective lead tones. Dialing back the gain gave a great hard rock tone. It was hard to get a bad tone out of Amplifikation Lite. It’s very presence rich and has a thick gain that doesn’t get muddy or scratchy.
Audiffex ampLion Free is a simulation of a high gain American amplifier with 5 channels, 2 cabinets, 2 variable position microphones, a noise gate, and automatic output volume setting. AmpLion Free was capable of delivering great high gain tones and the interface was intuitive and fun. It provided great alternative and classic rock tones as well. It lacked a bit of punch but had a wide dynamic response with the help of the onboard speaker cabinet simulator. With a bit of post processing, ampLion free is very capable of sitting nicely in a heavy mix.
BTE Audio’s Juicy 77 gets the “less is more” award for a very simple interface that deceivingly provides a huge tone. Juicy 77 has a warm sounding power amp that adds body and grit that’s accentuated by the “Thump” knob that adds low end punch and articulation. The preamp provides plenty of gain but never thins out the sound. Juicy 77 also has it’s own onboard cabinet simulator with some great sounding impulses. What really surprised me was the note articulation at higher gain and overall musicality of Juicy 77. It’s not the heaviest in terms of gain, but one of the more realistic sims in terms of tone.
So in conclusion, there are a lot of very talented developers making life very easy for guitar players and the landscape is just starting to form. I could produce a whole other series of articles based just on effects and cabinet impulses. Much of what I wrote in this article is highly subjective based on taste and our respective gear, but the idea is to introduce cost effective alternatives to getting a great guitar tone. Many of these developers have other quality amp sims and effects for sale that rival the quality of the big name developers. I hope we can keep this community growing by supporting these independent developers in any way we can. Here are some links to the developers in this review.
LePou - http://lepouplugins.blogspot.com/
The Serina Experiment - http://www.theserinaexperiment.net/plugins.html
Kuassa - http://www.kuassa.com/
Acme Bar Gig - http://www.acmebargig.com/
Audiffex - http://www.audiffex.com/
Ignite Amps - http://www.igniteamps.com/
Nick Crow Lab - https://sites.google.com/site/nickcrowlab/
BTE Audio - http://www.bteaudio.com/index.html
With the explosion of popularity with amp simulator plugins in 2019, there’s a virtual sea of choice when it comes to choosing an amp sim for your recording, practicing, and jamming needs.
For recording metal especially, amp sim plugins are as popular as ever with guitar players in the heavy genres.
Why Amp Sims Are So Popular
The reason being the convenience, tonal versatility and palette of heavy tones on offer without racks of expensive gear.
Even the die-hard tube amp purists out there are beginning to switch over to virtual rigs for their recordings.
With all this choice in the modern-day plugin and VST world, which amp simulator plugins are best for metal players?
What This Post is About
In this post, I have taken the time to round up a selection of the best amp simulators which are best for metal players, including high-gain and killer sounding modern amps and effects.
How I Choose Them
- Most metal presets – which software provides enough modern tones in one package
- Best sound – the most authentic and realistic guitar tones for recording and practicing
- Features -depth of customization, amount of presets and effects
- Most value – for the price which offers the most ‘bang for your buck’
- Key features – standalone version, free demo, unique innovative features
Always Try The Free Demo
The best amp simulator plugin is the one that sounds best to your ears and tailors to your requirements the most as a recording guitarist.
So I always recommend giving the free demo version a spin before opening your wallet for a potential purchase.
So without further ado, here’s a selection of popular amp simulators in 2019 for getting a modern and selection of killer high gain metal tones.
Let’s get into it in no particular order….
#1- AmpliTube 4
- Price: €299.99 (Max version)
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac (64-bit only)
- Demo version: yes
Amplitube 4 has long been a heavy favorite within the amp sim community especially with metal players. It is regarded as a premium software with hyper-realistic guitar tones, bundles of features, and the ability to modify all components of your rig for ultimate tone tweaking.
Main Features
- Accurately emulated amplifiers and stompbox effects
- ‘Cab Room’ – in-depth cab, microphone, and room ambiance customization
- Rack effects
- Built-in recorder and DAW
- Easy to use interface
- Save and modify presets
- Downloadable content via the ‘IK Custom Shop’
- Hardware Support for MIDI foot controllers
With all these great features, Amplitube 4 is the top option for a sweet metal amp plugin for genuine metal tones and unlimited amounts of tone sculpting customization for professional recording in any DAW.
Which Version is Best
Each version includes all the standard features mentioned above. The differences with each version are the number of amps, effects and presets that are available for dropping into your custom rig.
Amplitube 4 offers a handy free demo for road testing a few amps and effects for getting a feel for things.
If you become convinced there is the option to upgrade to the premium versions later or purchase and download additional amp packs and effects to your rig via the IK Custom Shop.
The Base Version (€49.99)
The Base version is the most affordable version out the pick. The problem is, when it comes to modern metal amps, high gain stompboxes and effects the choices are very light.
There is enough to get you started with a handful of unofficial Marshall type British amplifiers. But when it comes to metal amps, there is only one modern metal amp (although it is based on a Mesa Boogie.)
If you are new to amp sims then this is a great program to dip your toe and get you going.
Deluxe Version (€299)
The Deluxe version is the next step up offering 140 pieces of gear with a large range of amps, cabinets, microphones, stompboxes, and effects.
All this gear is Amplitubes unofficial presets so no official skins, unfortunately. However, the presets sound authentic which are emulated versions of popular amps, cabs, effects, and microphones.
Again only a few metal amps to choose with most of the selection of amps being American vintage amps with a few modern high gain amps. Which brings us to the last version…
Best Option: Amplitube 4 ‘Max’ (€299)
The Max version, in my opinion, is the best bundle containing 300 pieces of gear although it is the most expensive investment.(See Max version full list here)
The ‘Max’ version contains the Deluxe version and all the awesome official amp packs including the sick sounding official Mesa Boogie pack (list below.)
- Official Mesa Boogie Pack – (6 official Mesa Boogie Amps)
- Amplitube Metal – Amplitubes unofficial high-gain amps and cabs
- Orange amps bundle – Official Orange amp bundle
- Slash – Official Slash Marshall amps and effects
- Jimmi Hendrix Pack – Collection of historic Fender Amps
- Official Ampeg bass pack – Ampeg amp and bass cabs
This version offers the most and valuable presets that will satisfy the metal players with a line of amps from Mesa Boogie, ENGL, Soldano, Orange, etc.
AmpliTube 4 – Official Mesa Boogie Pack
Djent Guitar Vst
Conclusion
AmpliTube 4 is an ‘all in one’ amp sim for taking care of your metal recording needs. You will have to invest a fair bit for all the additional metal content through the IK Custom Shop or the ‘Max’ version. However, Amplitube 4 focuses on authenticity, aesthetics, and sonic realism ideal for metal tone purists. Hence why it is regarded as one of the best amp simulators money can buy.
#2 – BIAS FX 2
- Price: = $299
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac
- Free Demo: yes
BIAS FX 2 is an updated complete guitar tone studio VST plugin equipped for complete tonal customization.
The original BIAS FX was a popular amp sim within the metal recording community for an endless selection of options for creating any players virtual dream metal rig.
Features
- Genuine sounding emulated amps and effects
- A grand total of 200 presets
- 100 amplifiers and cabs (34 high gain amps)
- 100 effects total
- Tone Studio – create and download custom rigs from the online community
- ‘Guitar Match’ – Alters your guitars core sound to vintage single coils or humbuckers
- Recorder
- Looper
BIAS FX 2 is the new incarceration packing tons of high gain amplifiers modeled from popular amp brands such as Mesa Boogie, Engl, Diezel, Soldano, Bogner, and many more.
When it comes to choice, the software features 100 amps (34 high gain modern amps) with 100 effects allowing all the possible tone any metal player could need.
Screaming leads, heavy rhythm, ambient cleans, experimental effects the possibilities are endless with the amount of customization on offer with this package.
Guitar Match
‘Guitar Match’ is a new innovation feature unique to any amp sim. How it works is Guitar Match ‘samples’ your pickups then altering your core tone to a selection of 17 classic guitars to choose from.
For example, can alter your warm EMG humbuckers to a classic clean Telecaster single coil pickup for a brighter and more ambient clean tone adding some sparkle to your sound.
Bias FX does not just emulate amps… it can now emulate guitars! What a time to be alive!
Conclusion
BIAS FX2 is a premium amp simulator with tons of editing and tonal customization. This software directly rivals Amplitube 4 in terms of realism and having the ultimate platform for building your dream rig.
#3 – BIAS AMP 2
- Price: $269 (Elite version)
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac
- Free Demo: yes
For technical amplifier purists out there, BIAS Amp 2 takes amplifier tinkering and tweaking to a whole new level.
This amp sim plugin stands out from other programs as you have the ability to build your custom dream amplifier from the ground up. Everything in close detail!
For example, you can modify intricate components such as the pre and power tubes, transformers, biasing, EQ shelf-frequencies, etc all impacting on the overall tone and performance of your dream amp.
Features
- Intricate and deep tone sculpting
- ‘Amp Match’ – upload an mp3 file to create a custom amp to that tone
- Tonecloud – download and upload presets to and to the online community
- Standalone version
- 100 amp match features
- Official Celecestion speaker impulses
Keep in mind, this program is not a ‘build your dream rig’ plugin as there are no masses of effects and stompboxes.
Although it features a good selection of reverbs from small ambiance to long lush reverbs.
It’s more of a ‘build your dream amp’ sim as a stepping off point which you can either load another amp sim plugins alongside for adding effects and additional details around your dream amp.
Integration with BIAS FX
For ultimate tone customization, you could import your dream custom amp from BIAS AMP 2 into any version of BIAS FX.
Meaning you can add your dream amp into BIAS FX for adding the effects and ‘icing on the cake’ details to your dream rig which are lacking in BIAS AMP 2.
Conclusion
BIAS AMP 2 is perfect for tube amp lovers who want an immerse editing experience for creating a custom core amplifier from the ground up. It is not for users looking for the all in one tone library VST plugin like BIAS FX, Amplitube 4, Helix Native, etc. However, is an excellent software for crafting that perfect tube amp tone for jamming and recording.
#4 – Helix Native (Line 6)
- Price: $399 (Elite version)
- Standalone: no
- Win/Mac
- Demo version: yes
The Helix Native by Line 6 features 60 amps, 30 cabinets, and 100+ effects. Offering plenty of core presets for endless amounts of metal tones for your dream virtual rig.
All the presets are Line 6 reincarnated versions of popular amp companies… Mesa Boogie, Peavey, Engl, Bogner, Soldano, Orange, and many more.
The tones I must say are notably responsive and genuine to their modeled counterparts. You can create an army of metal presets that sound genuine as any other amp sim on the market today.
Features
- 60 amps, 30 cabs, 100+ effects
- Upload Impulse Responses (IR)
- Realistic amp emulations
- Versatile in sounds
Another good feature is you can upload custom impulse responses to improve on the current selection of sounds if they are not to your taste adding more flexibility.
The Helix has a logical and notably low-key interface which makes dragging dropping presets easy and customizing is a breeze with the movable sliders making customizing a simple process.
The Pricing
As great as the Helix is and deserves a spot on this list, I would say the $400 price tag is a little too steep in my personal opinion. I would say a price range of $150 – $250 would be somewhere more appropriate.
However, for a complete tone studio library, the Helix is a fantastic option and offers tons of value for the high price tag and is up there with the best amp sim plugins on offer.
Conclusion
Helix Native is ideal metal players looking for an ultimate guitar tone library plugin. Although the interface and visuals are not on par with other sims, however, the authenticity and depth of customization and quantity of presets make it a strong contender.
#5 – Overloud TH3
- Price: $269
- Win/Mac
- Standalone: yes
- Demo version: yes (15-day trial)
Overloud TH3 may not be at the same level as popularity as Amplitube or Bias FX in the amp sim community.
However, this is software has stepped up its game from the previous version boasting the most presets of any of the choices on this list. And with this comes a wide variety of sounds and tones.
Overloud TH3 features accurate versions of classic metal amps from Mesa Boogie, Peavey, Engl, Diezel, Randall, etc for massive metal variety.
All emulated to a high level of realism and tonal responsiveness for easily creating a legendary custom metal rig.
Features
- Tons of amps and dynamic effects
- Genuine amp and effect tones
- Online community for important and exporting presets
- Support for MIDI foot controllers
- Live option for playing live
- Standalone version for quick jamming
The interface has been redesigned and uncluttered all unnecessary distractions for easily dragging and dropping presets into your rig without any navigation problems.
There are tons of loaded features straight out of the box. This sim also does not sell you any additional content unlike other sims and is slightly more affordable than other larger sims on this list.
Presets
- 1000 custom presets
- 89 amps
- 50 cabinets
- 77 pedals and rack effects
- 18 microphones
Conclusion
Overloud TH3 Is ideal users looking for a reliable and premium amp sim for a variety of metal tones with simple navigation and tons of presets. It may not be the most popular sim compared to other premium software. However, It is very worthy of having a spot on this list.
#6 – Emissary (Ignite Amps)
- Price: Free
- Standalone: No
- Win/Mac
The Emissary was released in 2014 and to this day is still a very popular metal plugin continuing to receive praise from the online guitar recording community.
The Emissary plugin is a single emulated modern high gain amp head fully equipped for sculpting any style of metal.
Sound
The amps core tone is known for emulating the sound of a ballsy and aggressive tube amp perfect for enabling with any style of metal.
Although it sounds just as good with rock, clean and milder tones the plugin is really at home when used for aggressive metal tones.
Besides the great versatility of sounds on offer, let’s not forget this plugin is completely free for download and use on your tracks right away.
Free Djent Guitar Vst
This software is not meant to be a tonal library like other programs, It’s simply to deliver one great sounding and versatile amp with the beauty of no cost up front.
Need a Cab Sim?
Keep in mind, you will need a cabinet simulator for pairing with the amp head plugin in order to get the best sound.
For this, I recommend the NadIR cab simulator which is another popular choice for a solid cabinet sim for pairing with your amp head plugins.
Conclusion
This software is a fantastic and popular free amp sim plugin within the metal recording community. Simply drop it in your DAW as a plugin for brutal tones without paying top dollar. This option is great if you are new to the world of amp simulators to test the sound and how to configure them which can lead to a paid program down the line.
#7 – The Nameless Suite & NTS Suite
- Price: $99 each
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac
- Free demo: yes (each offer 14-day trial)
For this selection, I couldn’t decide which plugin to choose between both of these metal monsters, so as a Brucie bonus, I included them both!
The Fortin amp sim series brings forward two epic and brutal sounding amp simulators covering virtual amp purists perfectly for the genres of rock, heavy rock and of course metal.
Both amps are aggressive, high gain, modern voiced, versatile and drapped in metal tones. Both versions also include virtual pedals being an overdrive, noise gate and boost for further tone shaping control.
The Nameless suite and the NTS are two separate plugins costing $99 a piece integrated with a handy standalone version for using the software independently outside of a DAW.
But what are the differences and which one to choose? Let’s discuss them both…
The Nameless Suite
The Nameless suite to this day is a popular metal plugin for unleashing a saturated modern tone on your tracks.
When it comes to tone, the nameless suite to my ears is modeled to sound like the classic ‘Peavey 5150’ with a beefy sounding 4×12 cabinet.
The Nameless has been regarded by the amp sim community as the ‘tighter’ and more ‘controlled’ version perfect for lower tunings for chugging, djent, and metalcore.
The amps sound is certainly tighter across all frequency ranges and is more at home with modern and heavier detuned versions of metal.
The NTS Suite
The NTS Suite is the newer alternative choice featuring the benefit of a second channel for sparkling clean tones and a different tonal personality compared to the original Nameless amp.
The NTS suite is modeled to sound like a ‘Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier’ and has a noticeably trebley top-end and a more saturated tone lending itself well to more extreme styles of metal such as thrash and death metal for example.
Which to Choose?
Both amps are awesome sounding high gain tube amp plugins perfect for sculpting any metal tone. Your choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and which tones you prefer.
Conclusion
Both options are affordable amp simulators for amazing heavy tones without paying the price for a premium amp simulator plugin. Although their price is small the sounds you can create can be huge.
#8 – Peavey Revalver 4
- Price: $99
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac
- Free demo: yes
Peavey amp fans and enthusiasts look no further! Here I bring to you the catalog of official Peavey amplifiers in simulated form for your enjoyment.
Peavey has historically produced some of the best metal amps over their existence, providing the heaviest and brutal guitar tones to the masses.
Well, as you expect from Peavey Revalver 4, some of the classics included in this package are the: 6505, Valveking, 5150 and many more classic Peavey beasts.
You also get unofficial amp brands modeled from classic models from Vox, Marshall, Diezel, and, Mesa Boogie which is unexpected but nice to have.
Features
- Large selection of amps, cabs, and effects
- Realistic ReValver engine
- Microphone selection, positioning, and ambiance controls
- Upload impulse responses
- Standalone version
- Modify your guitars core tone to sound like a different guitar
- Rack effects
- Slick interface
- Schematic designer
Conclusion
Peavey Revalver 4 is an honest and great value software with tons of features and presets without paying $300+. This is a great option for beginners getting into amp emulation and for the advanced users alike.
#9 – Scuffham S-Gear
- Price $129
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac
- Free demo: yes (15-day trial)
Scuffham S-Gear is another popular software placed in the affordable bracket on this list.
Concerning the metal players, the software boasts emulated amps sounding similar to a Mesa Boogie, Soldano, Marshall and a vintage Fender amp offering a nice palette of tones.
Features
- 5 versatile pro studio amps
- Rackmount effects (reverb, delay, modulation)
- Load your own impulse responses
- Includes a cab simulator
- Versatile option of tones
The stand out amp from the bunch is the ‘Wayferer.’ This amp can go from heavy chugging to crystal clear tones cleans and vintage crunch all from the one amp.
The new version of Scuffham S-gear includes rackmount effects (modulation, reverb, and delay) all integrated into a simple and easy to use interface.
I must admit, This is not the most flashy option on the list but for the price, the value is definitely there for an affordable virtual amp for playing metal. The best thing to do is give the demo a try and let it convince you.
Conclusion
S-Gear has been praised for its professional sound at an affordable price. It has been used by beginners learning the ropes or advanced users wanting to try something different.
Do You Play Bass?
Now we have come to the end of the list, as a guitar player do you play a bit of bass on the side? Then you must read my post…
I round-up the best and most valuable amp simulators if you are a recording bass player. These amp sim plugins are the best choices for any bass player who wants great DI bass tones.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there’s a lot of choice for acquiring an amp sim for a great sounding, saturated high-gain goodness and a variety of heavy tones.
Djent Guitar Vst
I have always loved the convenience, versatility, and sound of amp sims from the first time I tried Guitar 4 Pro.
But not with the sea of virtual amp simulators due to their rise in popularity, there’s now almost too much choice on offer.
So with that, the take-home point again is to always try the demo version to see which software meets your tonal and recording needs out of all these options I have mentioned.