Magix Vandal amp sim = Winner in terms of sound quality so far

[Silenceborn]

Hey guys, I just wanted to say that, recently I did try the StudioDevil AMP sim demo again, and man! what a beast it is, I have demoed the previous version before, and though there were some good tones there, I was not that impressed, but this new version is completely different to my ears and I bought my copy right after I demoed it (though it was a bit expensive(149$) for my limited budget at the moment), and I have to say I really like the tones I can get from this great piece of software. Especially I liked that IR part, very innovative options to tweak with great results. Very convincing and lively tube feeling, great job Gallo Engineering Team! and keep up the wonderful job!

These days I'm using Vandal and now also StudioDevil AMP for almost everything, and when I compare my tracks before and after Reamping with these new plug-ins, I really can not go back and use what I was using before as amp sims anymore, Big names are there, but their products can not give the best result everytime, some of these non-famous or even unknown pieces of software can do miracle that even the biggest names in the industry can not. That is the fact I have learned.


Cheers

[bobbybland]

+1 for Vandal

[Franzel]

Hey guys, I just wanted to say that, recently I did try the StudioDevil AMP sim demo again, and man! what a beast it is, I have demoed the previous version before, and though there were some good tones there, I was not that impressed, but this new version is completely different to my ears and I bought my copy right after I demoed it (though it was a bit expensive(149$) for my limited budget at the moment), and I have to say I really like the tones I can get from this great piece of software. Especially I liked that IR part, very innovative options to tweak with great results. Very convincing and lively tube feeling, great job Gallo Engineering Team! and keep up the wonderful job!

These days I'm using Vandal and now also StudioDevil AMP for almost everything, and when I compare my tracks before and after Reamping with these new plug-ins, I really can not go back and use what I was using before as amp sims anymore, Big names are there, but their products can not give the best result everytime, some of these non-famous or even unknown pieces of software can do miracle that even the biggest names in the industry can not. That is the fact I have learned.


Cheers

examples?

.....what he said!

[Hink]

Studio Devil is now teamed up with Sony, got an email about it yesterday.

Last night I went to shut my DAW down around 2am, I sat down to noodle around some and Vandal happened to be open and next thing I knew I heard the birds chirping. In my mind (YMMV) Vandal is not the best sim at all, in fact I no longer think of it as a sim.

I think Vandal is the first true guitar amp software, not a sim but virtual amp. I don't think it's as "modeled" as sims are. Everytime I plug into it I like it more, the closest thing I can say negative about it is the stomps. But here's the rub, I never liked pedals, I use to put big letters on my guitar back in the day "8NEFX" and I dislike the stomps in Vandal for the same reasons. Back then my best path was an active guitar with nothing in between allowing the pre-amp on my guitar to tickle my tubes nads. With my POD and other sims to achieve this properly I needed to use the stomps included.

Vandal is quickly becoming my goto and for all the reasons I like a physical amp. Between not being overly bloated with so many choices and responding both to my playing and my tweaking more like a physical amp I think sais well on the right track here.

[rectus_dominus]

I tried Vandal tonight, and all I can say that I love it. The interface is clean, the CPU consumption is half of the rivals, and the sound is awesome.
Vandal seems like it was designed precisely and usability was the first aspect.

[sightlessness]

I think Vandal is the first true guitar amp software, not a sim but virtual amp. I don't think it's as "modeled" as sims are. Everytime I plug into it I like it more, the closest thing I can say negative about it is the stomps.

Now that's a bold statement! But I'm with you. So far, this thang is so awesome, I just can say wow.

If AT3 were a lot less CPU heavy, I could try it and compare it to Vandal properly. But from what I've heard so far, Vandal is the greatest.
(I have a quad core and AT3 still gives sound issues, like random clipping sounds here and there).

Hopefull I will purchase Vandal. I need it asap.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

(I have a quad core and AT3 still gives sound issues, like random clipping sounds here and there).

Please log a support request, that shouldn't happen. There is probably a way to fix it on your existing system or verify any bug that could be tickled if that's the case. Thanks.

[Steviebone]

@Hink:

Never mind the FX or stomps... they aren't the best. However, that said, its quite easy to load the stomps of your choice before Vandal and the FX of your choice after. Ok, this isn't as convenient as an all-in-one... so what? It works great, is more flexible and can suit to taste!

Personally, as far as I'm concerned, Sascha can drop all that stuff and focus on what makes Vandal great... the virtual amp. I plugged a hollow-body Rick into Vandal for the first time the other day. Wow. Infinite, and I mean truly infinite sustain (as in never fade!)... with constant evolving tonal character, realistic feedback and pickup interaction. Very very tube-like.

But is any amp sim really an exact substitute for a tube amp? Well, in a word, no! And who cares? I say get rid of the whole simulation stereotype. It's a new type of amp. Period.

Its like electronic drums. Will they really ever play like real drums? Of course not. But they have plenty of positive features, and once you get past the need to constantly COMPARE them to real drums and simply play them as another percussive instrument... great things can happen.

Amp sims are the same animal of sorts. I think it's time we stopped comparing them to real amps. Instead, see what kind of music you can make with them. Just one more tool in the toolbox. And Vandal is a really really good one IMO.

Personally, I don't understand all the hoopla about AT3, the ruling favorite around here. But then maybe that's exactly my point. No two people will like the same real world amp. Same is true with software. Perhaps we should stop comparing everything and just focus on what works well for each individual. And tagging the word simulation to the end of a software project may do it a dis-service.

Now, I'm patiently awaiting word from Sascha on the release of the MIDI fixes for us non-Samp users!

And btw, how is the daughter doing?

Cheerio!

[guitarzan]

I think Vandal is the first true guitar amp software, not a sim but virtual amp. I don't think it's as "modeled" as sims are. Everytime I plug into it I like it more, the closest thing I can say negative about it is the stomps.

Now that's a bold statement! But I'm with you. So far, this thang is so awesome, I just can say wow.

I just got my audio interface working 100% again and tried Vandal first thing, and I agree! "Not a sim but virtual amp" - that's a good way to put it , Hink - seems like something dynamic and real is actually happening (even in headphones) rather than just a simulated occurrence. Has dynamic feel, missing from most "sims".

I kind of like the overdrive stomps (especially the Halvar), myself, but indifferent to the other pedals. They sound OK - kind of generic, but in a good way, kind of like Boss - but I just don't really use flangers and all that stuff much.

[sascha]

Now, I'm patiently awaiting word from Sascha on the release of the MIDI fixes for us non-Samp users!

It's fixed in the common code base (v1.103), which is already released in the Sam11.1 version. We're pretty close now.

Never mind the FX or stomps... they aren't the best.

Some stomps were improved. All distortion/overdrive pedal got a way better texture now. And the phase shifter/tremolo thing also sounds much better.
And I just added a 'vintage plate' reverb to the rack fx in v1.104, which I think is pretty good (I don't say that often)

All seems to be fine currently. I'm waiting for some updated graphics for the Mac demo next week, testing will be done in the meantime. It then only depends on how far the windows installer can be built (not up to me) and how far the internet guys can set it all up.

And btw, how is the daughter doing?

Fine, I guess. She's watching the wedding of the Swedish princess

[Hink]

Now, I'm patiently awaiting word from Sascha on the release of the MIDI fixes for us non-Samp users!

It's fixed in the common code base (v1.103), which is already released in the Sam11.1 version. We're pretty close now.

Never mind the FX or stomps... they aren't the best.

Some stomps were improved. All distortion/overdrive pedal got a way better texture now. And the phase shifter/tremolo thing also sounds much better.
And I just added a 'vintage plate' reverb to the rack fx in v1.104, which I think is pretty good (I don't say that often)

All seems to be fine currently. I'm waiting for some updated graphics for the Mac demo next week, testing will be done in the meantime. It then only depends on how far the windows installer can be built (not up to me) and how far the internet guys can set it all up.

And btw, how is the daughter doing?

Fine, I guess. She's watching the wedding of the Swedish princess

to be fair I wasn't saying that the stomps were bad, I said I didn't like them for the same reason I don't like real stomps...meaning they are too good.

However sascha, I still cannot automate Vandal parameters in Samplitude after installing the latest patch. I try the "automate next parameter" in the dropdown and it doesn't work

[Hink]

I think Vandal is the first true guitar amp software, not a sim but virtual amp. I don't think it's as "modeled" as sims are. Everytime I plug into it I like it more, the closest thing I can say negative about it is the stomps.

Now that's a bold statement! But I'm with you. So far, this thang is so awesome, I just can say wow.

I just got my audio interface working 100% again and tried Vandal first thing, and I agree! "Not a sim but virtual amp" - that's a good way to put it , Hink - seems like something dynamic and real is actually happening (even in headphones) rather than just a simulated occurrence. Has dynamic feel, missing from most "sims".

I kind of like the overdrive stomps (especially the Halvar), myself, but indifferent to the other pedals. They sound OK - kind of generic, but in a good way, kind of like Boss - but I just don't really use flangers and all that stuff much.

[sascha]

I said I didn't like them for the same reason I don't like real stomps

I recall an interview with The Cure's Robert Smith (early 90s or so), saying he doesn't use stompboxes for their sound, but for their colour

However sascha, I still cannot automate Vandal parameters in Samplitude after installing the latest patch. I try the "automate next parameter" in the dropdown and it doesn't work

Please check that the basic steps like in my example vid apply to your situation:


When you start with Vandal from scratch, the 5 remote params in the console are routed to nothing. VST automation should read 'remote 1' - 'remote 5'. When you assign something in the midi view of the plugin, these params change their name, provided that you gave them a new one by clicking their label.

It doesn't interest Vandal who turns a remote knob; be it you, VST automation or external midi.

Does the above example get you further?

[Dean Aka Nekro]

I think Vandal is the first true guitar amp software, not a sim but virtual amp. I don't think it's as "modeled" as sims are. Everytime I plug into it I like it more, the closest thing I can say negative about it is the stomps.

Now that's a bold statement! But I'm with you. So far, this thang is so awesome, I just can say wow.

If AT3 were a lot less CPU heavy, I could try it and compare it to Vandal properly. But from what I've heard so far, Vandal is the greatest.
(I have a quad core and AT3 still gives sound issues, like random clipping sounds here and there).

Hopefull I will purchase Vandal. I need it asap.

I find using a real Overdrive/Boost pedal and specifaclly a Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor (with the OD/Boost pedal in the loop to isolate its noise) before going into my interface/DI box, hitting the virtual amp's front-end as i do the real things i own. This is great for keeping the Gain-Stage in good order i find as someone mentioned - it is very important. If you have an Overdrive /Boost pedal then try it and see if works for you. FWIW i also use a buffered Line-Driver also.

Edit: Not directed at you Hink the above, man as im sure we talked pedals on a different thread mate (GR4 IIRC), but anyone else who don't like virtual stompboxes do give it a try

I have tried Vandal Amp out and enjoyed it, however i won't be buying a license for it simply because i don't need it. Regarding all the virtual amps available atm = its healthy and the bar is being raised and this is surely a good thing for us guitar players Be it Freeware, the smaller developers like Studio Devil/Gallo Engineering or IK, NI, Softube, Magix...etc. There are certainly useful tones available in most of them. Out of preference i still use real amps and mic'd up speaker cabinets mainly but ReValver Mk II, Ampeg SVX, BoogieX and a few of the freeware solutions see use and actually both can complement one another really well. Same as anything analogue with digital equivalents, tape being probably the closest comparison. Embrace both and like Hink mentioned if you want something to sound exactly like what it is based upon then really your best off buying the actual real thing but if your going for ballpark area with expanded options then i think digital amplifier/mic'd cabs are great and getting better and better. Having preferences is one thing but whining on about how one is inferior to the other is just BS. I don't get why people moan about it since it gets you nowhere and the moaner's are usually the sort that prefer to moan than just jam out and play

Nekro/Dean > Best of both worlds is where its at for me

[Hink]

I said I didn't like them for the same reason I don't like real stomps

I recall an interview with The Cure's Robert Smith (early 90s or so), saying he doesn't use stompboxes for their sound, but for their colour

However sascha, I still cannot automate Vandal parameters in Samplitude after installing the latest patch. I try the "automate next parameter" in the dropdown and it doesn't work

Please check that the basic steps like in my example vid apply to your situation:


When you start with Vandal from scratch, the 5 remote params in the console are routed to nothing. VST automation should read 'remote 1' - 'remote 5'. When you assign something in the midi view of the plugin, these params change their name, provided that you gave them a new one by clicking their label.

It doesn't interest Vandal who turns a remote knob; be it you, VST automation or external midi.

Does the above example get you further?

I'll let you know, when the wife goes to bed I'll check, thanks