Re: [Harp-L] Interesting PC-based Amp Simulation freeware found

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

JohnnieHarp wrote:
<Thanks to all that posted or emailed suggestions re: PC Amp simulation software.
<
<In Richard Hunter's recent post he mentioned VST plug-ins. In
<searching for freeware that might do the job I did come across a VST
<plug-in that I quite like called FreeAmp 2.5. This is my first
<experience with VST plug-ins and didn't know about them until this
<ÂprojectÂ. This freeware utility is the sort of thing I was looking
<for but with many more features than I would have expected.
...
<Let me know what you think. I'm interested to hear how those that
<have/use the Âreal thing or have experience with other software
<products, find this software.

Good pick Johnnie.  I have FreeAmp2.5 in my VST plugins folder as well, and it's one of the best freeware VST plugins for this purpose--competitive in many respects with commercial offerings.  You're going to have a lot of fun.

The fact is that amp modeling software--whether in this form or as offered in hardware packages like the Line6 POD or my fave, the Digitech RP series--is mature technology that was plenty good enough for pro use almost a decade ago, and is now gettting stronger and more functional on the same schedule as any software--meaning a big bump in power every 6-12 months.  I very much doubt that anyone can tell at this point whether the sound they're hearing on record was produced by an amp modeler or a "real" amp.

The value for money offered by tools like this is incredible.  Like I said, have fun.

And by the way, don't sell your great tube amp in a sudden fit of excitement resulting from your discovery of the new stuff.  A great sound is a great sound, period, and a great tube amp makes a great sound.  The second-best thing about this new technology is that it's cheap enough to make it unnecessary to sell your great tube amp to buy it.  (The best thing is that it sounds great--if it didn't, it wouldn't matter whether it costs a fortune or a pittance.)   That's why this technology is potentially part of everyone's aresenal.

Within the next few years, devices that load VST plugins like FreeAmp 2.5 will sell for a couple of hundred dollars, and you'll be able to have an arsenal of great-sounding amp models and effects at your feet for a fraction of what one great amp would cost you.  It's the golden age of gear, right now.   

Regards, Richard Hunter





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