Magix has announced the release of Vandal, a unique virtual guitar and bass amplifier plug-in for Windows and Mac OS X that avoids working with simple impulse responses. Every individual step - each tube, every amplifier stage, even the speaker coils - is virtualized.

Vandal also offers detailed effects and stomp boxes (several overdrive and distortion effects, different compressor effects, EQ, chorus, phaser, wah-wah, delay, reverb, lo-fi and many more) and advanced microphone settings in an easy-to-use interface that lets you forget that you are using a software amplification.

Magix says that most conventional software amps work on the basis of sterile-sounding impulse responses, which leave no space for the details in the characteristic sound of guitars and basses. All instruments tend to sound the same and exciting sound properties are replaced by standardized algorithms. Vandal is different. Physical modeling technology guarantees that everything, from the signal input, stomp boxes and tube amplifier to the microphoned loudspeakers and studio effects added in post production are all displayed and played in top quality.

Custom amplification: Implement your own ideas in amp design
Want to combine components from different amplifiers and customize details yourself? Want to build your own custom amp or build a copy of a well-known model? With Vandal, it's easy. Vandal is based on a variable concept for amps and cabinets. This lets users adjust sound individually and change and manipulate it according to their ideas. Of course, the program also includes various presets compiled by experienced musicians and producers, giving users a head start and allowing them to obtain fantastic results quickly.

Intuitive program interface
The intuitive program interface is based on workflows that are optimized for guitar and bass players who are familiar with these kinds of work processes from working with hardware. This makes it easy to get started with the program. All important functions are clearly displayed and leave enough room for implementing sound ideas of your own - hook up your guitar or bass and simply start playing.

Two worlds, one software: Amplifier for bass & guitar
When starting Vandal for the first time, you can choose between two amplifier models. The guitar and bass amps are extremely flexible and can be adapted to the individual needs of any musician. Whether bass or guitar, with Vandal you'll get the best of both worlds.

Countless effects & stomp boxes
The real world has produced many of the "stomp box" devices popular with guitarists and bassists. Magix also included a rich palette in Vandal. Magix researched real models for inspiration, but were also guided by their own ideas about sound, designing completely new models. Distortion effects that don't always sound good "before" the amp are usually attached to the end of the signal chain. That's why Magix integrated an additional, comprehensive effects rack at the end of the signal path.

Top performance - low consumption
Worries about system load, CPU, hard drive, and RAM shouldn't be part of making music - you'll get the best results when you concentrate on what's important - playing. Vandal guarantees top performance at the lowest possible resource consumption. Thanks to physical modeling technology and a small program size, you can use Vandal for any production or session, in multiple ways and as often as you please, without having to worry about overtaxing the system.

Pricing & Availability

Vandal costs €169.99 / $199.99 / £169.99 and is available for Windows (XP, Vista & 7) and Mac OS X (10.5+ / Intel-only) in VST and AU effect plug-in formats. On Windows Samplitude 11 Silver is also included.