1. Guitar Amp Sim Vst
2. Best Free Amp Sim Vst

14 of the Best Free Guitar Amp Sim VST Plugins available in 2020 February 12, 2020 RadioZane Off Product Review, Video, Get great tone with free plugins. Check out 14 of the best free guitar amp simulator plugins. These are some of the best guitar amp VST plugins available in 2020. Amp VST Effect With Bite British Valve Custom from Studio Devil is a free tube amp modeller based on the gain structure of the popular British Valve Rock amplifiers -like the infamous Marshall tube heads. This amplifier plugin has a lot of bite and attack making it perfect for classic rock and hard rock sounds. IGNITE AMPS Ignite Amps is a well-known developer of guitar VSTs and as you can imagine, they’ve got both free products and products you need to pay for. I tend to think of them as serving the sensibilities of metal guitarists, because let’s face it – most if not all the amp head VSTs they’ve created are based on metal amps. The 12 best virtual guitar amplifier plugins: top amp modelling software for guitarists and producers By Electronic Musician ( emusician ) 01 January 2020 Discover a dozen of the best amp and cab sims for a computer-based setup.

28th May 2020 @ 16:31 Aurora Commerce

Guitar...check. Audio interface...check. Computer...check.

A vast array of amps and effects to play with...let us help you out there with some a Guitar VST or two to keep you going. Oh, and did we mention that they're free? You might think it odd that a musical instrument retailer would point you in the direction of free stuff, but here at Dawsons Music we try to be a helpful bunch. At the end of the day, we're all musicians too (with a fair few divas).

Moving back to the FREE element of these guitar VST plugins, we know that there are vast libraries to explore. Unfortunately, this can make it all the more daunting to find one that you can get stuck into. Therefore, we've picked some that we hope will get you up and running in no time.

What does VST mean?

In short, Virtual Studio Technology (VST) is an audio plug-in that uses digital signal processing to simulate traditional studio hardware. From recreations of vintage analogue channel strips, renditions of prized microphones, from classic guitar stompboxes to modern-day tube amp behemoths, and a smorgasbord synths, there is a VST to match pretty much every audiophile's desires.

Using your digital audio workstation (DAW) of choice or standalone VST-hosting software such as Cantabile Lite or VSTHost, you can load up a graphical user interface (GUI) representation of the plugin and tinker with settings. With such a competitive market across both commercial and non-commercial VSTs, the standard of quality is high. Naturally, the beefier the plugin then the greater the computer processing power that you're going to need to minimise latency. Unless you're planning on crafting your magnum opus with unlimited tracks that all require unique plugins to establish your sonic masterpiece, you should be fine.

Audio interfaces

1. Focusrite

For those who want an audio interface that will get the job done, won't break the bank, and delivers exceptional performance in the process, check out our guide to the most excellent Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Generation. And if you're weighing up whether or not to go Scarlett or Clarett, then check out this useful guide to find out which one most suits you.

As well as all that, you can find information on the Focusrite Plug-In Collective too. Plugins galore and Focusrite just keep them coming too, thank you Focusrite!

2. Native Instruments

The team at Native Instruments are highly regarded for their impeccable KOMPLETE software which has aided many a producer/songwriter in their quest for a chart-topping hit, MASCHINE production controllers and workstations, KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard controllers, TRAKTOR DJ controllers, and of course, their impeccable KOMPLETE USB Audio Interfaces including Audio 1, Audio 2, and Audio 6.

For a limited time only, if you order and register a Native Instruments KOMPLETE Audio interface you get Guitar Rig 5 PRO absolutely free!

3. Presonus

Boasting a worthy reputation for producing outstanding audio interfaces on the market, Presonus know a thing or two about a thing or two. When it comes to software, they aren't too shabby about bundling their hardware with their legendary Studio One software either. As robust as they come yet supremely simple to get up and running, Presonus hardware and software is a dream for songwriters, producers, guitarists - everyone!

Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

For those who may be wondering what DAWs are out there, then if you're just getting off the ground you can't go wrong with something like Audacity. Getting your bearings with regard to working out how to get a signal from your guitar through your interface into your DAW can be tricky. However, Audacity is about as easy as it gets, offering the basics for you to get up and running.

However, many audio interfaces such as those provided by Focusrite, Native Instruments, and Presonus are all supplied with DAWs to get you up and running in a seamless fashion.

Let's check out those free VSTs

1. IK Multimedia: AmpliTube Custom Shop

Hats off to the team at IK Multimedia. Innovators from the very beginning, their range of audio plugins covers everything from complete studio tools to single instrument effects. The AmpliTube Custom Shop is their free offering of their renowned AmpliTube range of guitar VSTs. Loaded with 24 pieces of gear to get you up and running, which include a digital chromatic tuner, 9 stompboxes, 4 amps, 5 cab models, 3 mics and 2 rack effects units. You can expand your arsenal with more models as you progress, and the IK library includes authorized models from legendary brands such as Ampeg, Marshall, MESA/Boogie, Orange, Soldano, and Wampler to name but a few. There are even AmpliTube software options for iPhone/iPad and Android devices for when you're on the move.

2. Native Instruments: Guitar Rig 5 Player

If you don't know who Native Instruments are, then let's just say that they know a thing or two when it comes to audio software (and hardware but we're focusing on software here, alright). Their Guitar Rig 5 Player software is a trimmed-down free version of their powerful Guitar Rig 5 Pro suite (see above on how to get it for free for a limited time only).

Set out in a modular format, Guitar Rig 5 Player hosts the Jump Amp with Matched Cabinet, which looks and behave in a very similar fashion to a well-known British amp manufacturer's model. Dedicated effects include a distortion called the Skreamer (again based on a popular guitar effect), modulation effects, reverbs and delays, EQs and filters, dynamic controllers, and studio-based modifiers, tools and sidechain capability. Guitar Rig 5 Player is also expandable, with a range of add-ons available from Native Instruments' NI Online Shop.

3. SimuAnalog Guitar Suite

Moving away from the industry heavyweights we find non-commercial products such as the remarkable SimulAnalog Guitar Suite. Conceived as part of an academic research project and applied to musical instrument gear, we guitarists reap the benefits. Hooray! There are simulations of time-tested classics here from BOSS, Ibanez, Fender, Marshall, Univox and Oberheim. Memory requirements are minimal, and the audio quality is astonishing considering this is completely free. Check out the samples via the link provided and remember - it's free!

4. LePou Guitar Plugins / LeCab2

A gentleman from France by the name of Poulin is responsible for LePou Guitar Plugins and LeCab2 impulse loader. The man is an absolute wizard when it comes to crafting software-based guitar rigs. There are recreations of classic British high gain amps, modern day German engineered powerhouses, Californian boutique amps and the American high gain amps that have become a metal standard. The plugins play well with both Windows and Mac-based systems, they run smoothly, and they sound amazing. If you fancy getting your shred on, then you need to check this guy's wares out now!

5. TSE Audio - TSE X50

Another one for rockers and metallers to get stuck into, the TSE Audio TSE X50 is a fantastic digital emulation of a world-famous US guitar amp. The demo version is free with the option to upgrade should you wish to. TSE have included a detailed walkthrough video of the software, as well as a selection of demo tracks to give you a flavour of what it is capable of.

6. Fretted Synth Audio - FreeAmp 3 Full

FreeAmp 3 by Joseph DeHelian of Fretted Synth Audio is a Windows-based plug-in that boasts wide ranging tone shaping potential. The software boasts built-in amp types, different EQs with independent controls, a guitar synth, various compressors and gates, plus a plethora of effects to get stuck into including delays, reverbs, overdrives, etc. Something like this shouldn't be free, but it is, so fill your boots!

BONUS: 7. Ignite Amps - Emissary

The Emissary from Ignite Amps is a digital emulation of its hardware cousin, which was built for Ryan Huthnance (ludicrously talented guitarist who is in more bands than is sensible). The GUI is a 3D rendered model of the amp with the same control layout. Every effort has gone into minimising latency for flawless real-time performance. Check out the linked video for an idea of the immense power it is capable of. We could happily plug into this and while away many hours/days chopping through riffs with glee.

Hopefully, that lot should keep you ticking over...

So, there we have it, plenty of food for thought with regard to guitar plugins. It's close to Christmas (unless you're reading this at a different time of year and its nowhere near that time), so if you or the guitarist in your life wants some new gear but you've already blown your budget on mince pies and fizz (why?), there's always free guitar VST plugins.

For anyone who has stumbled upon this article who isn't a guitarist, there are loads of other types of VSTs too, check some out here.

If we've given you a flavour of what's on offer and you fancy diving into a full music production suite, then check out our Computer Music > Software.

If you liked that, then you might like this

For those who like to tweak their tone on-the-fly, check out our handy guide to 'Reamping Your Guitar or Bass'. Tom Quayle guides you through the process that offers greater flexibility in the studio.

For any information on 'Building Your Own Pedalboard', we give you the full rundown and even include a nifty little diagram too.

Plus, if you're flummoxed as to how to get the best use out of your amp's effects loop, then we've even got an article on that too. Believe it or not it's titled 'How to Use the Effects Loop On Your Amp' (do you see what we did there?)

Related Articles

Below is a round up of the best free and paid amp sims for playing guitar using a computer instead of the old school method of playing through a “real” amp.

Amp sims have come a long way in recent years. Their realism and sound quality has improved immensely to the point where it can be impossible to distinguish them from the real thing.

Not all amp sims are on the same level, and none can achieve every possible guitar tone or specific kind of sound.

Some sims are better than others for certain types of music, and some end up sounding great for things you wouldn’t expect.

Basically it all just comes down to a ton to testing to see which amp sims are the best for the particular sound that you are going for; there’s not one “best” amp sim for everything.

There are way more amp sims on the market for guitar (not so much for bass amp sims) than you’d think, so let’s get this list started.

Additionally, depending on the amp sim you are using, you may also need to use a separate cabinet loader and some impulse responses (cabinet simulations).

If you’re new to all this, here are some tips for making guitars sound better with amp sims. You’ll need a good equalizer (like the free DDMF IIEQ Pro EQ) and it helps to have a tubescreamer pedal in front with high gain amps (like the free TSE 808 pedal). And of course you’ll need a digital audio workstation to work in; here’s a list of free DAWs that can get you started making music in no time.

Free Amp Sims

LePou Amp Sims – There are five amp sims included in the LePou plugins package, including simulations of a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, an ENGL Powerball amp, and a Marshal amp. There’s also a free IR loader for cabinet simulations but it’s only available in 32-bit. A good alternative is NadIR from Ignite Amps.

Brainworx bx_rockrack V3 Player – The Brainworx V3 Player is the free version of their bx_rockrack V3 amp sim collection. It includes a bunch of presets for several amp sim models. The limitation with the free version is you can’t adjust any of the parameters other than the volume. But the presets cover a number of tones and sound really good, and you can always use other plugins and EQs to shape the tone outside of the plugin.

Amplitube 4 Free – You can get access to some free gear from IK by installing their AmpliTube Custom Shop, with the free version of AmpliTube 4 that includes 4 amps, 5 cabinets, 9 stomp boxes, 3 mics and 2 rack effects. But beware, it’s like a gateway drug that induces buying more gear from IK.

Voxengo Boogex – The Voxengo Boogex amp sim is one of the better options for a free amp sim plugin. It includes a built-in reverb module, a noise gate, a cabinet IR loader that supports 3rd party IRs, and a spectrum analyzer. It’s available in VST, AU, and AAX formats for PC and Mac.

Mercuriall Tube Amp Ultra 530 Free – Mercuriall Audio offers a free version of their U530 amp that simulates the ENGL E530 preamp. The free version has a number of limitations but it still works and sounds quite good with a very minimal amount of tweaking. Mercuriall also offers some other free amp sims, including ones for the Marshall JCM800.

Ignite Amps – There a number of really good free plugins available from Ignite Amps. They have everything from an IR loader, a bass amp, tube amps, pedals, and even a vintage tube equalizer.

AmpLion Free – Audiffex offers a free version of their AmpLion amp modeling software. One advantage with it over most other free amps is that it can be used as a standalone application without having to use a DAW. They also offer some other free gear, including a bass amp, and a bunch of simulated pedals, cabinets and microphones.

Vadim Taranov Amp Simulation – Vadim Taranov offers several free VST plugins in 32-bit that simulate amps such as the ENGL Invader, Marshall JCM800, ENGL E530, Peavey 5150, and more.

Paid Amp Sims

Amplitube 4 – Price: $149-$299, with frequent sales

Amplitube has been among the top brands for guitar amp sims for some time, with over two dozen available amps and a crapload of cabinets, speakers, mics, and effects. Amplitube 4 is a very comprehensive set of software with over a hundred paid add-ons and packages. The sheer number of choices and tweaking options with Amplitube can be overwhelming. See my AmpliTube 4 Review for more information and a video demo.

Scuffham S-Gear – Price: $129

A lot of people that use amps sims often and are familiar with the different brands consider S-Gear to be one of the best options around. S-Gear includes 5 amps, an IR loader with cabinet sims and a few effects. They offer a 15-day fully functional trial.

Thermionik – Price: $35 per 5-amp bundle, or $9 per amp

Thermionik includes 30 total amps to choose from. They come in sets of 5 amps for $35 with the option to make your own bundle or buy each individually for $8.99. There’s also a complete bundle package with everything for $149, which also includes an IR loader, cabinet sims, a clipper, and EQ as well. Kazrog’s plugins don’t have sexy graphics like the other brands but their sound quality is top notch. Amp models include Fender, Marshall, Peavey, Mesa Boogie, ENGL, Vox, and more.

BIAS – Price: $69-$169

BIAS is a bit different in that it also offers an amp matching feature to capture any miked amp or recorded track. 36 HD amp models are included in the amp package, plus effects cabinets, mics and tons of customization options.

Guitar Rig 5 Pro – Price: $199

Guitar Rig 5 from Native Instruments is a complete guitar amp modelling package that features 17 amp models, 27 cabinets, 8 microphones and 54 stompboxes and rack effects.

Brainworx Amps and Pedals – Price: $49-$249

There are several different guitar amp and pedal simulations available from Brainworx over at Plugin Alliance, but they are some of the more expensive options on this list.

Line 6 Helix Native – Price: $399

Helix Native has a ton of amps and effects that can be used in a DAW independently from Line 6 hardware. It includes over 60 guitar amps, 30 cabinets, and 100 effects. There is no standalone version so a DAW is required, but it can load 3rd party IRs. There is no free version to try but there is a 15-day fully-functional demo.

Waves GTR3 – Price: $129

Guitar Amp Sim Vst

The Guitar Tool Rack from Waves includes over 30 amps, 30 Cabs, and 25 stompboxes. The have models for Fender, Vox, Mesa/Boogie, Marshall, and others.

Avid Eleven MK II – Price: $499

If money is no object and you are a Pro Tools users, than Avid’s Eleven MK II amp modelling software may be just what you’re looking for. It includes over 30 amps, 18 cabinets and 10 microphones. Works with Pro Tools only.

Peavey Revalver – Price: $99

Revalver 4 is the latest version of Peavey’s own amp modeling software. You can buy amps separately or with a bundle package. As you’d expect, there are a bunch of Peavey amps available, along with a bunch of cabinets and some effects. You can get started with a couple of amp modules and some gear for free.

TSE X50 – Price: $69

TSE X50 includes two amp sims, the Peavey 5150 and ENGL E530. There’re also 3 pedals, an EQ, delay, and tuner. The built-in IR loader comes with some really nice cabinet simulations and you can load your own. See my TSE X50 Review for more information and a video demo.

Mercuriall Tube Amp Ultra 530 – Price: $59

The Mercuriall Tube Amp Ultra 530 is based on the ENGL E530 preamp. The plugin also includes 8 cabinet models and three tube choices.

AmpLion Pro – Price: $99

The paid version of AmpLion’s amp software features simulations of 9 guitar preamps, 7 power amps, 12 speakers, 8 microphones and 30 effects.

TH3 – Price: $249

Best Free Amp Sim Vst

Overloud’s epic TH3 amp software includes an epic 203 models, with 69 guitar amplifiers and 3 bass amplifiers, 35 guitar cabinets and 2 bass cabinets, 75 pedal and rack effects, and 18 microphone models, with up to four mics on each cabinet.