Top 10 Most Playable Guitar Plugins 2019

• Best Vst Plugins For Metal Guitar Plugins
• Best Vst Plugins For Metal Guitar Strings
• Guitar Vst Plugin

Every professional composer or producer has been in a situation where they need to add some cool guitar parts to their production. Even though guitars and guitar gear are at their peak at the moment with high-quality stuff that can be found for everyone’s pocket, let’s face it – sometimes owning a whole ton of pedals, amps and cabs is just not so convenient when you are on a deadline and crunching hours of work.

Virtual Studio Technology is one of the best examples of the unbelievable advances in technology that have accompanied in the 21st century. In today’s article, we’ve gathered as many as seven (or 10 in fact) of the best Guitar amp VST plugins, which should be on the computer of every guitar sound fanatic! Top 10 Most Playable Guitar Plugins 2019 Every professional composer or producer has been in a situation where they need to add some cool guitar parts to their production. Even though guitars and guitar gear are at their peak at the moment with high-quality stuff that can be found for everyone’s pocket, let’s face it. Shattered Glass Audio Ace This VST guitar plugin brings together the best of the 1950s: it is tweed, all-tube, with a 5Wamp. This particular module comes with some of the most basic and standard amplifier mods. With this plugin, you can adjust the amount of feedback and grid stopper resistors. 10 (Realistic) Best Free Electric, Metal, & Acoustic Guitar VST Plugins Ever Written by Cameron Mayo Adding music to your tracks was once pretty difficult, but thanks to guitar VST plugins and the many free downloads options, you can find the perfect instrument for your new song. Bias FX 2 is probably the best guitar VST plugin in my opinion in terms of value. It offers hundreds of different amp sims and effects pedals that you can mix and match in one convenient package. The user interface is the best I’ve seen in any amp simulator plugin. It’s clean, intuitive, and slick, making the learning curve seamless. Jun 10, 2020 Let’s take a look at some of the best guitar VST plugins you can try in 2020. What is the best guitar VST you need to try? As a guitar-specific tool, IK Multimedia’s Amplitube 4 is the one to beat. While Positive Grid’s BIAS AMP 2 arguably wins out purely on sound quality, the added effects and other tools make Amplitube 4 the full package.

And honestly, most of us in the industry are always on some deadline. So setting up a rig, saving your setup, mic positions, etc. just doesn’t cut it and it’s too slow. That is where plugins and software solutions come in handy and that’s our topic for this post, so let’s dig in. This is our top 10 list of the most playable and usable guitar plugins of 2019 in no particular order.

1. IK Multimedia – AmpliTube 4

AmpliTube has been present for quite some time and it seems that the guys from IK Multimedia are investing more and more resources to upgrade it with each new iteration. The currently popular one is AmpliTube 4 and you can get yourself a lite version for free and then buy additional amps, cabs, speakers and pedals from their custom shop, which is like going to an actual guitar shop, only virtual.

You can truly create your own custom tone in a matter of seconds and you can place your cab in a room of your choice. There are tons of simulations ranging from licensed stuff by Fender, MESA Engineering, Orange, ENGL and Ampeg and some unlicensed stuff, but you can easily recognise there is also Marshall, Vox, Peavey and other stuff as well. Multiple mic positions to really capture the tone you want and all sorts of stuff.

One interesting thing here is the option to actually change the speaker models in your cab so you can have a Mesa Boogie Mark 4 head connected to an Orange 4×12 cab. But you can replace the speakers from Orange’s default to something like a Celestion Vintage 30 or Bluebacks or whatever you like. The options are truly limitless. There are also tons of pedal models ranging from overdrives, distortions, fuzz, boost, delay, reverb, chorus, you name it.

2. Positive Grid – BIAS lineup

Positive Grid is maybe the youngest player on the market of amp simulations, but they sure are very innovative and the fact that many top guitar players are endorsing them speaks very highly of their products. Their product range includes BIAS Amp 2, BIAS FX 2, and BIAS pedal. These lines of products are for more tech savvy players out there.

Bias Amp 2 features amps and cabs ranging from boutique clean combos over to insanely high gain heads. Compared to other guitar amp simulations out there, here you can really dig into amp electronics and change the types of preamp section tubes, power amp sections, transformers, gain staging and tone section so you can start with a classic amp model and end up with something fully customised to your needs. I am yet to see other developers doing this with their products.

The top selling point of Bias Amp 2 is amp matching. If you have an actual hardware amp in your studio and you really like the tone of it, you can capture the impulse response of your guitar amp into BIAS Amp 2 and use it in a digital domain, save it as a preset and you’re good to go.

BIAS Pedal is a product that enables you to create your own drive, modulation or delay pedal by tinkering with various components and then save it as your custom creation to use with BIAS Amp 2.

BIAS FX 2 is sort of a combination of the previous two products mentioned. Basically it is a comprehensive collection of guitar amps, cabs and pedals so you can create your own custom guitar rig for any purpose. You can also load your own creations from BIAS Amp 2 and BIAS Pedal and use them inside BIAS FX 2.

There is also the option of Tone Cloud where you can upload your presets and share them with the community and I have to say that there are some amazing products there.

One great option that the BIAS lineup offers is Guitar Match. What it does is that it enables you to completely re-shape the tone of your actual instrument before the amp. So for example you have a single coil Strat but you need some beef of a humbucker Les Paul. No problem, just follow the instructions on the screen and you’ll have it. Les Paul into a Telecaster? Sure thing! Telecaster into a metal shredding speed machine? They have you covered.

3. Emissary – Ignite Amps

This one’s a freebie but don’t think just because it’s free it’s mediocre. From personal experience I can tell you that this one is a true gem and we mentioned it in our top 10 free plugins post. Emissary is truly engineered for the mosh pit because this is a fully high-gain metal machine. The guys at Ignite amps really know their stuff because they actually build hardware amp heads and Emissary is their best-seller. So they wanted to create a software version that does justice to the real thing.

One drawback (sort of) of this amp is that it only simulates the head with its preamp and power amp sections. But this is where the guys from Ignite Amps have joined forces with STL Tones so you can have their NadIR plugin for cab impulse responses bundled with Emissary also FOR FREE! They’ve got you covered with that and NadIR comes with some really good IRs but you’re not limited to only those because you can load many others that are available online, either as freeware or you can buy some really excellent collections. Give it a shot, you can’t lose!

4. Fortin Nameless Suite – Neural DSP

Mike Fortin is the mastermind behind some of the most aggressive sounding amplifiers in recent history and his precisely engineered brutality has become a staple to some of the industry’s most legendary names. His uncompromisingly built tube amplifiers are coveted by some of the most notoriously aggressive players on the planet. If you’re looking for a mean hard-rock or metal machine then look no further.

Along with the amplifier and cab simulations you get Fortin Amplification’s Grind, Hexdrive and ZUUL pedals to enhance that high gain tone. Cab sim module of the suite can also load third party IRs next to the already featured ones with 6 mic positions.

5. Parallax – Neural DSP

Saturation knob free vst. What Fortin Nameless is to metal guitar players, Parallax is to bass players. Parallel bass processing has been used for decades. Dual rigs or multiple plugins are configured to distort treble for clarity and aggression and compress lows for a massive foundation. This is why Parallax provides everything you need to design the ultimate bass tone. It also features a cab sim section for creating that real low-end thump to your bass guitar. This one is brand-new so give it a go.

There are tons of starting presets from some of the most respected bass players and music producers to give you world-class bass tones in a matter of seconds. If you are a gigging musician and you don’t want to drag all of your expensive gear on the road, Parallax (just like Fortin Nameless) comes as a standalone software, not just a plugin, so you can plug into your laptop and you’re ready to rock.

6. PRS SuperModels – Waves

You are all familiar with Waves being one of the best mixing plugin developers out there and guitar players among you know who Paul Reed Smith is and how much of an impact he has as a guitar designer with his PRS models. But maybe you didn’t know that Paul Reed Smith also designs some really beautiful guitar amps and Waves engineers have joined forces with him in order to bring you a really amazing suite of guitar amp and cab simulations.

There are three models in the collection, Dallas, V9 and Archon. Dallas gives you that nice Americana clean boutique and light overdrive sound. V9 is more classical with sounds ranging from clean, to standard rock, whilst the Archon covers all of your needs for high-gain sounds. Each amp comes with a cab sim section but you can also load your own IRs for more customised tones. This is the only collection out there officially licensed by Paul Reed Smith and the only one out there that actually features PRS amps. If they’re good enough for Alex Skolnick and Devin Townsend, they’re good enough for the rest of us.

7. Guitar Rig 5 Pro – Native Instruments

Guitar Rig was my first entry into the world of guitar amp simulations back when I was starting out 10 years ago and I have fond memories of it. It basically gives you almost the same options as the other products on this list, with many amps, cabs and FX to choose from. There is also a free version which you can utilise for some clean and standard drive tones but real fun starts with the full version of course.

If you own Native Instruments Komplete bundle, chances are that you already have Guitar Rig 5 in your collection. Maybe this post reminds you that you can utilise it from time to time and that you can get some really great tones from it if you don’t want to hunt down other products from this list.

8. Helix Native – Line 6

Line 6 are well-known for their top-notch products for guitar players and bass players alike and many of their products are on pedalboards of a lot of A-listers out there.

Helix is their latest iteration in guitar amp modeling which builds and enhances on the legacy of the fan-favourite POD series. If you don’t own a Helix hardware unit, fear not because Helix Native is a 1 to 1 recreation of the actual unit because this is an actual DSP software that’s built into the hardware version. The only difference is that you’re using your computer CPU and you have it as a plugin.

It comes packed with tons of different amp and cab simulations, effects and a never-ending list of presets to get you started. It will give you tons of inspiration and make your guitar sessions a whole lot easier. It doesn’t look as fancy and inspiring as others on this list, but it does give you a great tone.

9. ReValver 4 – Peavey

ReValver is sort of the underdog on this list because I am yet to meet a composer or guitar player who actively uses it, but don’t let it discourage you from trying. ReValver is actually a rock-solid collection of amplifiers licensed by Peavey, ranging from Americana clean amps like Peavey Classic 30 over to high-gain 6505+ destruction. There are also some unique discontinued models like Peavey XXX and JSX endorsed by Joe Satriani. The focal point of this collection is the Peavey amps of course but you can buy additional models based on Marshall, Fender, Orange, Vox and others with tons of pedals and FX from their Amp Store.

ReValver was actually the first plugin to feature an actual instrument modelling with their ACT technology which enables you to totally change your instrument’s sound. There are models ranging from Peavey’s original creations such as Van Halen’s first Wolfgang, many classical guitar models like Strats, Teles and Les Pauls over to metal shredding guitars with active pickups, acoustic guitars, and bass guitars of course.

You can really create some amazing sounds with this collection and for the tech-savvy you can really dig into the schematic of the amplifiers to change tubes (or valves if you’re in the UK), transformers, gain staging, preamp and power-amp sections, you name it. You can also load your own cab IRs if you don’t want to use Peavey’s bundled cabs.

10. Brainworx – Lineup Of Guitar Amp Models

We all know Brainworx as one of the top-dogs when it comes to mixing plugin development but they have made some AMAZING guitar amp model plugins over the years, both for UAD platform and native users. Each amp is modelled to sound as realistic as their hardware counterparts and some of those amps include models supported and licensed by Friedman, Suhr, Diezel, Fuchs, Ampeg, ENGL, Chandler Limited and many other models not licensed but well recognisable like MESA Boogie and Marshall.

If you are a UAD user and own an Apollo interface you will highly benefit from your Unison high impedance input because it models the actual input circuit of a real guitar amp which acts as if you are plugging your guitar into an actual thing. But for those of you who don’t use the UAD platform, fear not because Brainworx has started re-modelling their UAD amps for native users as well and more models are coming every month! By the way, their Rockrack guitar modelling software comes in a free version to get you started!

Now, what are you waiting for? START ROCKING!

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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?/free-cinematic-brass-vst.html.

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

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.

Best Vst Plugins For Metal Guitar Plugins

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.

Best Vst Plugins For Metal Guitar Strings

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.

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?

Guitar Vst Plugin

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.

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.

Thanks for Reading