Log InCreate An Account
  1. News
  2. »
  3. NAMM 2018
  4. »
  5. Virtual Effects
  6. »
  7. Positive Grid

NAMM 2018Positive Grid releases BIAS Amp 2 - Virtual Amp Designer

-
Positive Grid

Positive Grid has released BIAS Amp 2, the first major update to their flagship virtual amp designer. BIAS Amp 2 features a component emulation engine that allows users to design their own custom amp from the circuit level, swapping tubes, transformers, tone stacks and more to create a custom amplifier designed specifically for the individual needs of each guitarist.

"BIAS Amp's revolutionary engine has the potential to remove the barrier between guitarists and their ideal tones", said Sean Halley, Director of Product Marketing. "The major updates and new features we've added to BIAS Amp 2 offer a greater level of customization than has previously been possible in the world of digital guitar processing". He continues, "The new features and updates in BIAS Amp 2 - including our partnership with Celestion - have all been developed with an eye on increased dynamics and touch sensitivity, and a more refined and complete tone-making experience."

BIAS Amp 2 features a completely redesigned user interface, new tubes and transformers, a new speaker cabinet module with multi-mic capability and open back/closed back emulation, new custom Celestion speaker cabs, new RTA eq, and a new updated Amp Match process designed to get better results in less time.

Bias Amp 2 is available in three different versions (compare them here):

  • Standard: $99.
  • Professional: $199.
  • Elite: $299.

YouTube.com/watch?v=4h_f7iXOmno

YouTube.com/watch?v=5UygeTfcSBM

Discussion

Discussion

Discussion: Active
Zig
Zig
15 August 2018 at 3:49am

I've been using the Bias Amp 2 demo software for some time and compared it to Mercuriall's U530, Spark and Amplion. All of these software guitar emulators have pros and cons. One can get a decent sound out of all of them.

In terms of realistic, useful sounds, Bias Amp and U530 both win over Spark and Amplion. In terms of programmability, Bias Amp wins hands down. Why? The sounds can be customised so that any fussy guitar player can dial in exactly the tone he/she wants from super clean to fizzy Fender to American grit and British tones. Amplion and U530 just don't have the tweak-ability as Bias Amp. You get more for your money, so to speak.

However, I still prefer U530's sound overall with my favorite distortion pedal running in the analog chain before going into my D./A converter. It has more punch and realism. Don't get me wrong, in a mix, both the U530 and Bias Amp sound authentic, with the Bias Amp being a bit more Marshall-like than the U530 and Spark, but when listening to the software on its own, one can tell that neither of them are 'real' amps. Although most people probably can't tell the difference, I can. There are certain random and intermittent overtones a real amp played live emits not to mention the air being pushed in your face from 12" guitar speakers moving back and forth. That said, I am happy to use Bias Amp on a CD because I don't have to mic up my amp and fiddle with microphone positioning for hours.

Zig
Zig
17 August 2018 at 12:10am

Just to update my previous post. I had ordered a Marshall DSL100H. Because it is on back order, I was bored and took sample sounds from the Marshall amp and dialed in the same sounds with the Bias software. In terms of dynamics, grunt, fizzle and overtones, the Bias amp delivered an almost identical copy of the Marshall DSL. In a mix, the extremely minute differences will not be noticeable. In fact, between the same Marshall DSL amp, there will be minute tonal differences, thanks to the tubes. Also, the minor differences were to Bias's advantage. I could dial out the harsh Marshall fizziness or put more into the tone. You can't do that on the real amp. I therefore cancelled the Marshall amp and ordered a Bias Amp mini.

Please log in to join the discussion

News & Deals Related To This Item

Positive Grid updates BIAS FX 2 to v2.7.0 - new effects and Apple Silicon Support
02 Nov 2023
Positive Grid BIAS FX 2 now with new Tone Engine and updates - Free 14 day trial available
24 May 2023
Positive Grid announces Spark GO - Ultra Portable, AI-Powered Guitar Amp & USB Audio Interface
31 Mar 2023
Positive Grid releases Omnyss - Sonically Disruptive Amp & Effects Collection for BIAS FX
18 Oct 2022
Positive Grid announces Spark MINI – Smart, Battery-Powered Guitar Amp & Bluetooth Speaker with Multi-Dimensional Sound
23 Feb 2022
Positive Grid releases RIFF – Portable Guitar Audio Interface and Music Creation Rig
20 Jan 2022
Positive Grid announces Experience Jimi Hendrix Official Gear Collection for Spark and BIAS FX 2
15 Oct 2021
Positive Grid Celebrates 10th Anniversary with New Products, the Return of Spark Pearl, 'Ignite Sessions' Video Series debut, and more
02 Sep 2021
Positive Grid offers Spark Amp Gear Drop firmware and app update for Spark users
28 Jul 2021
Positive Grid Spark Final Countdown - Last Chance for 25% Off and Live Stream Series
13 Aug 2020
Positive Grid releases BIAS FX 2 Mobile App - Transform your iPhone into a full Guitar Amp & Effects Rig
21 May 2020
Positive Grid offers BIAS FX Mobile free 90-day trial download
25 Mar 2020
Positive Grid unveils Spark: The Smart Guitar Amplifier and App featuring Intelligent Technology
30 Oct 2019
Positive Grid Offers Free Limited Time Trial of Full Version of BIAS FX Mobile Amps & Effects App
16 Apr 2019
Positive Grid releases BIAS FX 2 Guitar Amp and Effects Processor Featuring Guitar Match Emulation
21 Mar 2019
Positive Grid Offers Free Download of X Drummer for iPad from December 15 – 17, 2018
14 Dec 2018

Show more...