Something can emulate without being 1:1. A complete 1:1 emulation is a clone. And even if something doesn’t accurately portray the same interface it could still accurately create the sound. While the best of the best would advertise itself as being a clone, would have the same UI, and have the same sound, I’d take something with the same sound even if the UI is different, especially if it provides even more enhancements missing on the original. I get this with the Softube.djanthonyw wrote: Mon Sep 15, 2025 4:12 pmvitocorleone123 wrote: Mon Sep 15, 2025 3:59 pm For the last time: the comparison video compared plugins using the same settings and did not compare how close the plugins can get to the hardware regardless of the settings. Both are interesting, but the "does it match the settings" one is less interesting because not every plugin in the comparison is designed to be a 1:1 emulation. There needs to be two comparisons made, and then people could draw more useful conclusions. As it is, that comparison is just half of the information.
If an emulation doesn't match a hardware unit at the same settings, then it's not an accurate emulation. I've tested many of the plugins in the shootout using various settings and none of them compare like Acustica's Sand does. I do wish an algorithmic option did compare like Sand does, because I prefer algorithmic options whenever possible, but none of them get as close with the same settings or otherwise.
This information shouldn’t be some new revelation. Good luck to you out there.