Lately and up until mid February, the rather costly Plugin Alliance/Brainworx Ampeg model of the VR (stripped down version, to be precise) is free using the AMPEG-FOR-FREE code at checkout - I did a dedicated thread in the recording section for those who are interested.
Anyway, since many people regard their VST/Ampeg models as some of the best digital versions if not the best so far, I decided to do a blind test of a simple groovy downtuned riff (Devil's Dance by Metallica, for reference) using both the plugin with the neutral DI and my VT Bass:
As mentioned before, one is the export of the plugin with their included 8x10 IR processing the neutral output, the other is the analogue VT Bass pedal by Tech 21 shaping the tone and no VST emulation. Both are WAV files.
Yes, I have to say I am quite impressed by what the plugin can print. I chose an overdriven tone as I think that's where other models can start lacking a bit of depth.
DISCLAIMER: both channels went through some bus compression and loudness maximiser (LoudMax) and although it does flatten their original differences, I think there's a couple of points for that: first, the "louder is better" perception is less likely to happen when listening to the files. Second, there is a degree of post-processing and compression usually happening during mixing, so that's what's likely to happen to recorded tracks anyway.
Let me know what you think, vote in the poll and add any further comment as post. I will reveal the answer later
I'll also mask the public poll results to avoid possible bias
It'd be nice if you also comment which one you prefer, regardless of what you think it is, and what to you sounds closer to standing in front of an Ampeg fridge, if you have enough experience (@JimmyM - sorry for mentioning you every time, but I think you know a few things on that
)
BONUS TRACK: this is the sum of both channels inverting one of the two phases:
Pretty killer! Although it might be a bit too scooped when listened in a in the mix if used by itself. But that punch is really something else!
Anyway, since many people regard their VST/Ampeg models as some of the best digital versions if not the best so far, I decided to do a blind test of a simple groovy downtuned riff (Devil's Dance by Metallica, for reference) using both the plugin with the neutral DI and my VT Bass:
As mentioned before, one is the export of the plugin with their included 8x10 IR processing the neutral output, the other is the analogue VT Bass pedal by Tech 21 shaping the tone and no VST emulation. Both are WAV files.
Yes, I have to say I am quite impressed by what the plugin can print. I chose an overdriven tone as I think that's where other models can start lacking a bit of depth.
DISCLAIMER: both channels went through some bus compression and loudness maximiser (LoudMax) and although it does flatten their original differences, I think there's a couple of points for that: first, the "louder is better" perception is less likely to happen when listening to the files. Second, there is a degree of post-processing and compression usually happening during mixing, so that's what's likely to happen to recorded tracks anyway.
Let me know what you think, vote in the poll and add any further comment as post. I will reveal the answer later
I'll also mask the public poll results to avoid possible bias
It'd be nice if you also comment which one you prefer, regardless of what you think it is, and what to you sounds closer to standing in front of an Ampeg fridge, if you have enough experience (@JimmyM - sorry for mentioning you every time, but I think you know a few things on that
)BONUS TRACK: this is the sum of both channels inverting one of the two phases:
Pretty killer! Although it might be a bit too scooped when listened in a in the mix if used by itself. But that punch is really something else!
Last edited:
So at 8:9 it's almost a tie...
