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Difference between revisions of "Amplifier models list"

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Line 1,171: Line 1,171:
 
# Use the GEQ block (5-band type) to simulate the graphic EQ on the real amp. Band 80: 7, Band 240: -0.47. Band 750: -7.46. Band 2200: 2.36. Band 6600: 0
 
# Use the GEQ block (5-band type) to simulate the graphic EQ on the real amp. Band 80: 7, Band 240: -0.47. Band 750: -7.46. Band 2200: 2.36. Band 6600: 0
 
# Alternatively try the USA PRE Yellow model (Triaxis)
 
# Alternatively try the USA PRE Yellow model (Triaxis)
 +
# Cliff: "To match a Mark V on the IIC+ mode in V11.01:
 +
## Select the appropriate USA IIC+ Norm or Bright model (based on the Mark V switch).
 +
## Set Overdrive to about 8.0
 +
## Turn on Fat and Bright Switches.
 +
## You may need to fine-tune the Presence slightly as the presence network is very sensitive to the taper of the pot.
 +
## I had to set Presence to 5.59 to match the Mark V presence at noon."
 +
## [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-discussion/74069-fw11-iic-vs-mark-v-iic-not-getting-good-results-5.html#post909672 Source]
  
 
==USA Lead / Lead + / Lead Brt / Lead Brt + (based on Mesa Mark IV)==
 
==USA Lead / Lead + / Lead Brt / Lead Brt + (based on Mesa Mark IV)==

Revision as of 03:18, 1 September 2013

Template:16.13 Table of Amp Types


Contents

1987X Normal / Treble (based on Marshall 1987x Vintage Series)

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  1. Based on: Marshall 1987X Vintage Series, reissue of the Marshall 50w JMP Lead 1987. Features what many consider to be an “essential” mod to the tonestack of this Plexi. Both channels (Normal and Treble) are modeled. 4 inputs. Speakers: G12M, G12H, G12L
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
    • 35 (G12L)
  3. Original controls: Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume, Presence
  4. Notes: see Plexi
  5. Manual
  6. Marshall website
  7. Wikipedia
  8. Try cranking all tone controls
  9. Demo

5153 Blue / Green / Red (based on EVH 5150 III)

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  1. Based on: EVH 5150 III, made in collaboration with Fender, a holy grail of modern tone. 50w and 100w 6L6 versions. Modeled: Blue (medium gain), clean and Red (high gain) channels. Speakers: G12-EVH (G12H30)
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 49/107/128 (5150)
    • or G12Hs
  3. Original controls: Gain, Low, Middle, High, Volume, Presence, Resonance on 50w model only
  4. Specifications and website: "EVH 5150III heads and cabinets deliver the holy grail of tone - a truly clean channel, a super-heavy crunch channel and an off-the-scale overdrive channel you simply won’t believe. You get the incredible tones Eddie Van Halen has chased his whole life, as Eddie himself has defined and designed each of the 5150III amplifier’s three channels. Available in black or ivory, with an unmistakable look and sound that’s pure EVH"
  5. Cliff: "IMO, it's a very good amp. The build-quality is great and the design is very good. It is similar to the previous versions but voiced a bit different. Personally, I think all of the 5150's have more gain stages than necessary which just makes for unnecessary failure points but the "OMG, this map has sooo many toobz it must sound awesome" marketing makes it understandable. It's incredibly heavy though" Source
  6. EVH's personal settings
  7. Cliff: "A 5150 uses a fixed bias with no adjustment. Depending on the tubes used the bias can run from average to cold. The model uses average. Some people like a colder sound. If you prefer your amps biased cold, then reduce the bias parameter to taste" Source
  8. Information about the 5150 amp

59 Bassguy (based on '59 Fender Bassman)

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  1. Based on: 1959 Fender Bassman, a low-to-medium gain amp designed for bass but more widely adopted by guitarists. 5F6-A circuit, Bass and Normal channel, high and low input, Tweed era. Speakers: 4x10 or 2x12
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 32/33/99 (4x10)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Presence
  4. Try with a Treble Booster
  5. Fender website: "In early 1952, the Fender Bassman amplified a great new invention - the Fender Precision Bass guitar. At 50 watts, it competed easily with the common instrumentation of the day: horns, piano, small drum kit, and maybe even an electric guitar through a new 10-watt amp. Through the ’60s and ’70s, the original all-tube tweed 4x10” Bassman was popular with rock, country and blues guitarists as a reliably great-sounding and easy-to-use guitar amp. In the ’90s, Fender released an affordable ’59 Bassman reissue amplifier to great acclaim. Many guitarists, tired of experimenting with preamps, equalizers and effects racks, rediscovered the simple pleasure of plugging into a Fender tube amp. The reissue Bassman’s wide stage coverage, touch-sensitive dynamics and full-frequency swirl make it perfect for building great tone with almost any guitar or effect, and it remains a staple of the Fender guitar amp line to this day"
  6. Wikipedia
  7. Fenderguru.com: "The Fender Bassman is a legendary guitar amp known to both guitar and bass players. It was introduced in 1951, primarily targeted for bass guitar players and promoted as a bass amp for the Fender Precision Bass guitar, the first mass-produced electric bass guitar ever. During the different eras the Bassman amp came in many different shapes and configurations. Few other models experienced so many changes in terms of looks and tone. Unfortunately the Bassman was one of the first amps that CBS laid their hands on after buying the company from Leo Fender. A couple of things in the circuitry were immediately changed in 1965 when the AA165 and AB165 replaced the AA864, which by amp idealists is considered the best Bassman circuit of all times together with the legendary 59 tweed 5F6-A circuit. The bassman was a combo amp in the tweed era with the 1×15″ and 4×10″ speaker configurations. From the blonde era Fender made the Bassman as a amp head and 2×12″ closed cabinet. So what does the blackface Bassman sound like? Describing tone is best done with establishing a common and well-known reference point, for example the traditional blackface AB763 amps such as the Super Reverb and Twin Reverb. The Bassman is known for its simple, pure and raw tone. It is 50w loud with power supply and output transformers sized approx. as the Super Reverb and Bandmaster. The bass channel of the AB165 and AA864 is much mellower and deeper than the normal channel of any AB763 amps since it is voiced for bass guitars. The Bassman bass channel features a deep switch that can remove the lowest frequencies, which is practical when you’re playing loud and using different speaker cabinets where you need to adjust the lower bass. The normal channel is more relevant for guitar players. The Bassman sounds “browner” than the AB763-amps, particularly the AB165 model, and it has more preamp distortion and mids when the volume is turned up. The Bassman has significantly influenced the whole guitar amp industry since it was introduced. It’s tone stack, tube configuration, preamp and power section has inspired numerous amps builders including Jim Marshall, the founder of Marshall amps, who used the Bassman tweed 5F6-A circuit in 1958-1959 as template the legendary Marshall JTM45"
  8. Cliff: "Remember that all the models use the "High" input (Input '1' on Fenders). If you want to mimic the "Low" input lower Input Trim" Source

65 Bassguy (based on '65 Fender Bassman)

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  1. Based on: 1965 Fender Bassman, the blackface version with a different circuit design (AB165 circuit). Dweezil Zappa’s personal amp. Bass and Normal channel, high and low input. Speakers: 4x10 or 2x12
  2. Stock cabinet suggestion:
    • see 59 Bassman
  3. Original controls: see 59 Bassman
  4. Try with a Treble Booster
  5. Cliff: "Definitely not your father's Bassman. Has a pissed-off Marshall vibe to it" Source
  6. Fender website
  7. Wikipedia
  8. Cliff: "The 65 Bassguy has more gain than before. The 65 Bassguy was matched to a 65 Bassman that Dweezil sent me. It's a vicious amp that sounds more like a Plexi than a Fender. It's the infamous AB165 circuit which is very crunchy and bright and does not sound like your typical Fender. I was told it is stock" Source
  9. Fenderguru.com: see 59 Bassman
  10. Cliff: "Remember that all the models use the "High" input (Input '1' on Fenders). If you want to mimic the "Low" input lower Input Trim" Source
  11. Firmware 10 release notes: "This amp has a very peculiar feedback circuit that was not fully modeled before. The feedback is now fully modeled yielding the unique voice of this legendary amp"

AC-20 DLX Bass / Treb (based on Morgan AC20 Deluxe)

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  1. Based on: Morgan AC20 Deluxe. EL84 tubes. Speaker: Alnico Blue, G12H, Greenback
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 114
  3. Original controls: Volume, Cut (Axe-Fx: Hi-Cut), Bright switch, Normal/Brilliant switch, power scaling
  4. Website and audio samples
  5. Morgan website: "Based around the normal channel of an AC30 and voiced intentionally to be on the dark side, this amp provides the perfect combination of clean chime and AC30 grind. With the bright switch off and a good treble booster think Brian May. With the bright switch engaged think U2". And: "The AC20 Deluxe combines the choice of EF86 or 12AX7 frontend, Normal or Brilliant channel voicing and power scaling"
  6. The difference between the models is the position of the Brilliant switch.

Atomica High / Low (based on Cameron Atomica)

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  1. Based on: Cameron Atomica, a "brown sound" 100 watt amp. Modeled: low gain and high gain channels. Speakers: G12H
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
  3. Original controls: Thump (Axe-Fx: Depth), Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master, Gain, Edge (Axe-Fx: Bright), 3-way gain switch
  4. Saturation is engaged at default
  5. Youtube
  6. Cliff: "The Atomica can tolerate high MV because it is a "Jose-style MV". The Jose-style MV imparts a very high source resistance to the tone stack which causes much more insertion loss and therefore lower drive level into the power amp" Source
  7. Demo

Band-Commander (based on Fender Band-Master)

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  1. Based on: 1968 silverface Fender Band-Master. AB763 circuit, high and low inputs, Normal and Vibrato channels. Speaker: 2x12 (Jensen C12N)
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 19 (1x12)
    • 21/22/91/121/122 (Twin)
  3. Original controls (Vibrato channel): Volume, Bright switch, Treble, Bass, Tremolo controls
  4. Fender website: "The late-'50s tweed-covered Fender Bandmaster guitar amplifier combined great looks with sweet tone and powerful performance. Hailed as one of the true holy-grail amps among guitarists and collectors, vintage examples are rare and highly sought after. The new '57 Bandmaster amp now joins our prestigious Custom series, with all-tube hand-wired circuitry and premium components. We've faithfully reproduced the classic 5E7 circuit, which pumps about 26 watts through three 10" alnico-magnet speakers, and we enlisted Jensen to help create the P10R-F driver (a Fender exclusive), which is voiced for warm, sensitive response. The Bandmaster amp's harmonically rich clean tones are perfect for vintage rock, blues and country styles, and its naturally touch-sensitive overdrive tone sounds electrifying—especially when cranked up"
  5. Wikipedia
  6. Fenderguru.com: "The Bandmaster came with many different circuits during the blackface and silverface eras. The blackface head had a diode recifier, one normal channel and a vibrato channel with no reverb. In the silverface era the recitifier was changed from diode to tube and the vibrato channel got reverb. Hence, the name “Bandmaster Reverb”. As usual the later silverface models were modified to become cleaner and more powerful. The 70W model from 1978 with master volume and push/pull boost had a huge power transformer and big filter caps. It reminds us more of a classic 80w Twin Reverb than a Bandmaster Reverb, and it shared its circuit design with the Pro Reverb and Super Reverb at that time. A noticable difference in the vibrato channel between the early silverface Bandmaster Reverb and blackface Bandmaster is the extra gain stage in the silverface amps. This was also the difference between the first 1964 blackface AA864 Bassman and the following AB165. This gain stage was introduced as a part of the reverb recovery circuit, the V4 12AX7 to be exact, common for all the reverb amps of the blackface/silverface era. Amps with no reverb recovery stage cleaner sounding and will remain pretty clean when you turn up the volume knob above 4. The extra gain stage in the silverface Bandmaster Reverb amps contributes with tube distortion and compression in the preamp section when the amp is pushed. Not only is there more action in the preamp section, the silverface models also has more sag and looser response due to the tube rectifier. The Bandmaster Reverb head will remind you pretty much of the amps in the Pro Reverb, Super Reverb and Vibrolux Reverb where the sweet spot is to be found around 4 on the volume knob. Not all silverface amps were developed in a bad direction. Let’s study the blackface Bandmaster AB763 and Bassman AA864. They are similar in the way that both are clean sounding with just one 12ax7 tube in the preamp stage (vibrato ch in bandmaster and normal channel in bassman). The vibrato channel in the Bandmaster is even more clean than the Bassman because of the vibrato circuitry loading the signal chain and reducing the gain level in the premp section. Hence, the AA864 Bassman normal channel has more preamp “juice” and reaches the sweet spot at an earlier volume knob setting. The Bassman has a slightly bigger output transformer resulting in a firmer tone and more attack. A smaller output transformer will introduce sag and compression in the power amp section. The blackface Bandmaster is therefore ideal for those who look for a pure Fender clean sound without making ones ears bleed. The blackface and silverface Bandmaster is a big sounding amp with a flexible speaker impedance of 4 ohm, allowing anything between one and four speakers (8 ohm each) to be connected via the main and/or external speaker jack. This makes it possible to adapt to small and big stages and gigs just by configuring the speakers"
  7. Cliff: "Remember that all the models use the "High" input (Input '1' on Fenders). If you want to mimic the "Low" input lower Input Trim" Source

Blanknshp Leeds (based on Blankenship Leeds 21)

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  1. Based on: Blankenship Leeds 21, a a boutique version of an 18W Marshall with a big sound at low power. Known for sounding “big” despite being relatively low power. Mercury Magnetics transformers, EL84, two channels. Speakers: 2x10 Jensen C10Q or Alnico Blue
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 7/11/13/15/20/24/25/28/55/83/93/94 (Alnico)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Tone (Axe-Fx: mapped to Treble)
  4. Cliff: "The model was matched to Dweezil's amp. He loaned it to me because it was one of his favorite amps and I can see why. It's a really cool amp" Source

Bludojai Clean / Lead (based on Bludotone Ojai)

File:OjaiBuddy150.png

  1. Based on: Bludotone Ojai, an exact clone of Robben Ford's Tan Dumble. Modeled: clean channel and OD channel. Speakers: G12-65 or EVM 12L
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 29/56 (G12-65), or try the G12-65 IRs in Fractal's Mad Oak Cab Pack (not a stock cab)
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
  3. Original controls: Volume (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Overdrive Level (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Treble, Middle, Bass, Ratio, Master Volume, Presence, Bright and Mid switches (clean), preamp boost
  4. Bludotone website
  5. Audio samples
  6. Firmware 10: "Both clean and lead modes were modeled with preamp boost (PAB) engaged as the owner prefers this. To disengage PAB change the tonestack type to Skyline"
  7. Scottl on The Gear Page: "The Ojai is an exact copy of Dumble #102. Robbens tan Dumble. It also requires the Dumbleator and specific capacitance cables to run to and from the Dumbleator (about 180-200pf per cable). This due to the large bright cap on the amp master. All controls are marked in silver sharpie for the exact settings of Robbens tone. The pot tapers are all 30% audio taper, except the treble control, presence, and the OD in/outs which are linear. Robben sets his mids at about 70K from ground. All my clips are recorded with the amp set both on the outside, and the trimmer on the inside, to be as close as possible to the Robben OD tone. One super important element is the correct setting of the internal gain trimmer that sets the amount of attenuation between V1 and V2. It should be between 25K and 26K to ground" Source
  8. Information from forum member AustinBuddy, owner of the original amp: "The model is of a 100w 6L6 BludoDrive Ojai by Bludotone amps, using Fractal's MIMIC process. The Ojai has the same schematic as the famous "Tan" boutique amp played by Robben Ford. It pairs well with the factory Rumble 4X12 cabinet. The amp was modeled with the preamp boost (PAB) set to ON for both clean and lead channels. You can defeat the preamp boost effect on tone by switching the tonestack voicing to "Skyline", which will also reduce gain. On the Ojai there is a bright cap on the Master Volume. As you turn the MV down, it will get thinner. This makes the MV even more sensitive than usual since there’s another interaction going on. To get the most range out of this amp, experiment with Master Volume and listen how it interacts with low or high Drive settings, similar to the real amp. The breakup range/tones between is wide and dynamic and can respond to your playing dynamics, getting crunchier as you dig in and cleaner as you play lighter. The amp's Bass response should increase noticeably as you turn up the Master Volume from the default MV position."

Boutique 1 / 2 (based on Matchless Chieftain)

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  1. Based on: Matchless Chieftain, a medium-gain amp, thick, yet crisp, with a fair amount of power amp breakup. The Boutique 2 model is modeled with a boost for more gain and high-frequency emphasis. Speakers: G12M plus G12H
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 26/30/117 (Matchless)
    • 84/116 (1xG12M)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Master, Bass, Treble, Brilliance (Axe-Fx: HiCut)
  4. Manual
  5. Based on a Vox circuit
  6. Wikipedia
  7. For more preamp distortion, lower Master and use Drive for Gain
  8. Demo

Brit 800 (based on Marshall JCM800)

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  1. Based on: Marshall JCM800, the vaunted model 2204. Bring the Master up for true 80's tone. Speakers: G12M, G12H, V30, T75
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/10/103 (G12M)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 39/50/73/74/129 (G12-T75)
    • Or try the Brit 800 IRs in Fractal's Mad Oak Cab Pack (not a stock cab)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Master
  4. Marshall website
  5. Wikipedia: Marshall
  6. Wikipedia: JCM800
  7. Try with a TS808 or Tube Drive block (set the Drive block to minimal Drive and full Level)
  8. Cliff: "It is a very bright model. However, it sounds exactly like the amp it was based on. If it is too bright, you can adjust the various tone controls and parameters to reduce the brightness to your tastes. They are designed to be run loud and the brightness decreases as the MV is increased. The sound of 80's hair metal for sure" Source
  9. Use the Saturation parameter to emulate the famous "Jose Arredondo mod" on the JCM800. Cliff: "The saturation switch switches in a zener diode clipping stage right before the tone stack. This is the Arrendondo Mod" Source
  10. Cliff: "Rips my head off here. I have to turn the presence way down. Check the MV. Too high and will get muddy" Source
  11. Cliff: "That "interference" is due to all the treble peaking used in the design. JCM800s have quite a bit of treble boost. When you first attack the string the note is unpitched. It's basically a brief explosion of noise. The treble boosting amplifies the upper frequencies of this noise burst which is what you hear. However, when you playing in a loud mix that treble boosting helps the sound cut. Modern designs use more carefully crafted treble boosting to retain the cut but tame some of the harshness of the attack. This is accomplished typically by putting a capacitor in parallel with the plate resistor(s) which rolls off around a few kHz. This preserves the treble boost in the upper midrange but softens the attack. I believe the SLO100 was one of the first amps to do this. You can see this in the Axe-Fx II as your Triode Freq parameters. You can soften the JCM800 attack by lowering the Triode Freq values. Most modern hi-gain designs use some form of HF rolloff like this. Another reason is that JCM800s use relatively low amounts of negative feedback (which is why they're so loud). This causes a treble boost in the power amp. Increase the Damping parameter to increase the negative feedback" Source

Brit 800 MOD (based on modded Marshall JCM800)

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  1. The JCM 800 modded to be "heavier" and "less strident"
  2. The mod: removal of the treble peaker
  3. Notes: see Brit 800

Brit Brown ("Brown Sound")

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  1. Custom Fractal model, a faithful recreation of the pure, raw "Brown Sound" - The Modded “#1” Marshall
  2. Orignally named "Brown". Renamed after addition of the FAS Brown model
  3. Saturation parameter is engaged by default
  4. Cliff: "Which, perhaps ironically, is not based on any specific amp" Source

Brit JM45 / JM45 JUMP (based on Marshall JTM 45)

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  1. Based on: Marshall JTM 45, made famous by Clapton and others; actually a modified Bassman design. 45W. Modeled: channel 1 (High Treble) and jumpering the 4 inputs. Speakers: G12M, G12H, G12L
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
    • 35 (G12L)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence
  • The JM45 JUMP type was modeled with the 4 inputs jumpered
  1. Try with a Tonebender or Treble Booster Drive block
  2. Marshall website
  3. Wikipedia: Marshall
  4. Wikipedia: JTM 45

Brit JVM OD1 / OD2, GN / OR (based on Marshall JVM410)

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  1. Based on the Marshall JVM 100-watt amp, a popular high gain 4 channel 100W head. OD1 GN: hot-rodded JCM. OD1 OR: extra gain. OD2 GN: lower mids than OD1. OD2 OR: more gain and lower mids than OD1. Speaker combo: V30 and G12H
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain, Presence
  4. Manual
  5. Marshall website
  6. Wikipedia
  7. JVM forum
  8. Cliff: "IMO, the reason the JVM sounds good is the plate cap on the second-to-last triode. That smooths out the tone considerably. The second-to-last triode is associated with "Triode 1 Freq" in the advanced parameters. You can adjust this to simulate adding a cap to the plate. The other thing that helps the tone is the 220K plate resistor on the last triode. This shifts the bias point down vs. a "classic" Marshall. Unfortunately the bias points aren't exposed to the user" Source
  9. Firmware 10 release notes: "Note that the Red modes of this amp are simply boosted versions of the Orange modes and can be reproduced by engaging the Boost switch or increasing the Input Trim parameter"
  10. Demo
  11. It's a very bright amp. Keep Presence low

Brit Pre (based on Marshall JMP-1)

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  1. Based on: Marshall JMP-1 preamp, a rack-mount preamplifier version of the Brit 900, OD2 channel. Crunchy “ZZ” tone
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions: n/a
  3. Original controls: Volume, Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence, Bass shift
  4. Manual
  5. Marshall website
  6. Wikipedia
  7. Cliff: "I actually used a Marshall tone stack for the model. The JMP-1 is a bit of an odd duck. It has a switchable, fixed tone stack equivalent to the knobs at noon followed by active tone controls. My advice is to simply play around with the tone stack. Try the "Vintage" tone stack as that will simulate switching out the fixed tone stack" Source

Brit Silver (based on Marshall Silver Jubilee)

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  1. Based on: Marshall Silver Jubilee (model 2555), a distinctive commemorative “25/50” anniversary 100W British amp model, slightly darker and higher gain than a JCM800. 100w, 1 input
  2. Notes: see Brit 800
  3. Joe Bonamassa settings
  4. Bonamassa preset by forum member ccroyalsenders

Brit Super (based on Marshall AFD100)

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  1. Based on: Marshall AFD100 100w dual-mode head. This is a remake of the amp used by Slash (believed to be a modified 1959 Tremolo) when recording Guns N' Roses' Appetite for Destruction album. The real AFD100 has two gain modes: AFD (modeled) and #34 (based on a JCM800 2203 used by Slash). 6550 tubes. Speakers: V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • Or try the Brit 800 IRs in Fractal's Mad Oak Cab Pack (not a stock cab)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Volume
  4. Manual
  5. Marshall website
  6. Wikipedia
  7. According to the AFD100 manual Slash sets all controls at around 6 on his amp
  8. It's a very bright amp
  9. Demo

Buttery (based on Budda Twinmaster)

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  1. Based loosely on a late 90s specimen Budda Twinmaster. Relies mostly on power amp distortion. Speakers: G12M, G12H
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
    • 84/116 (1xG12M)
  3. Original controls: Bass, Treble, Volume
  4. Manual
  5. Budda website
  6. Wikipedia
  7. Cliff talking about the Gen1 model: "I did the Buttery model by ear. I listened to some clips of Buddas (Matchbox 20, remember them?) and tweaked the model until I thought it sounded like one. Screwed around a little with the tube bias points until it had the right balance of harmonics and called it a day"
  8. Budda is now owned by Peavey

CA3+ Clean / Lead / Rhy (based on CAE 3+ SE)

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  1. Based on: CAE 3+ SE, a preamp designed by Custom Audio Electronics. Clean, rhythm and lead channels
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions: n/a
  3. Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master, Bright switch, post EQ (punch/presence)
  4. Manual
  5. CAE website
  6. The clean channel is based on a blackface Fender preamp

Cali Leggy (based on Carvin Legacy VL100)

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  1. Based on: Steve Vai's original signature Carvin Legacy VL100 amplifier. 100w, EL34. Speakers: V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 118
    • or try other V30s (or G12Ms)
  3. Original controls (Lead channel): Presence, Treble (11kHz), Mid (650Hz), Bass (80Hz), Drive, Volume
  4. Manual
  5. Carvin website
  6. Cliff: "The thing that makes a Legacy unique is the tone stack. It uses a "James" tone stack which is more like hi-fi tone controls" Source
  7. Audio demo
  8. To get a Steve Vai tone: keep Treble low, Bass high and use not too much Gain

Cameron Ch 1 / Ch 2 (based on Cameron CCV-100)

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  1. Based on: Cameron CCV-100, an amp its creator Mark Cameron calls “one pissed off amp". Modeled: both channels. Speakers: G12H
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
  3. Original controls ch 1: Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain, Master, Gain/Clipping switch, Bright switch. Original controls ch 2: Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain 1, Gain 2, Gain/Clipping switch, Bright, Master. Presence, Punch
  4. Manual
  5. Cameron Ch 2 has Saturation engaged by default
  6. Demo

CarolAnn OD-2 (based on Carol-Ann OD-2r)

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  1. Based on: Carol-Ann OD-2r. The model was fine-tuned by the highly respected Alan Phillips himself. Overdrive channel, 50W, EL34 or 6L6 tubes. Speakers: EVM 12L or Celestion Classic Lead 80
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
    • 104 (Classic Lead 80)
  3. Original controls: Master, Pre Gain (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Drive (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Sparkle (clean and overdrive channel), Shift switch
  4. Manual
  5. Carol-Ann website
  6. Alan Phillips: "In the real world the OD2 is very very fussy on speaker choice too. The real world speakers of choice are EVM12L in a 1x12 rear ported and 2x12 with Celestion Classic Lead 80's. I found the 12L emulation did a pretty good job. Some of the others sounded so artificial with that model. Like a Rockman. Coupled with the right cab the emulated model does a good job of representing the basic tonal signature of the amp". And: "It's not a competitive model, it's a live demo of an OD2 as tweaked by me. Damn sight better than sound clips for auditioning to guys that haven't got the ability to get to a Dealer. Clearly it doesn't give you the full experience of the full amp, but is a good tonal taster. I repaired a Soldano SLO for him one day and when he came over my house to pick it up we just decided it would be a good idea to put a CA model in there. Having the actual builder involved kind of closes the loop fully. I'm happy to endorse that model because I put a lot of hours testing it and putting together a ton of technical information, fourier analysis graphs, frequency response graphs, schematics etc that would make validation of a mathematical model much easier. In reality even though the power amp and the preamp are modelled the pre-amp got the most effort. As I said in another thread, I tuned that by putting the axe in to the actual power amp of an OD2 and running that side by side with a full OD2. The final tweaks were made like that using parametric eq blocks that were hard coded in to the model. You could call that the icing on the cake and basically put the same level of tuning into the model as I do with a actual OD2. The only difference was I was using a GUI, not resistors and capacitors"
  7. Video demos

Citrus RV50 (based on Orange Rockerverb)

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  1. Based on: 50W Orange Rockerverb, a 50w head known for warmth and rich harmonics. EL34. Speakers: V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 53 (Orange)
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
  3. Original controls on dirty channel: Volume, Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb
  4. Manual
  5. Orange website
  6. Wikipedia
  7. Demo
  8. Demo

Class-A 15W TB (based on Vox AC-15 Top Boost)

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  1. Based on: Vox AC-15. The heart of this amp’s tone comes from its power section and no negative feedback. 15W, EL84 tubes. Speaker: Alnico Blue or G12M
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 7/11/13/15/20/24/25/28/55/83/93/94 (Alnico)
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 114
  3. Original controls: Volume, Cut (Axe-Fx: Hi-Cut), Bass, Treble
  4. Vox website
  5. Manual
  6. Wikipedia
  7. Wikipedia: "The "Top Boost" (or Brilliance) feature was Vox's optional addition of a circuit that introduced an extra gain stage and tone controls for bass and treble (as opposed to the single "tone" control of early AC30s)"
  8. This amp has no negative feedback (Damping is 0), therefore Presence turns into a Hi-Cut control
  9. Audio samples

Class-A 30W (based on Vox AC-30)

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  1. Based on: Vox AC-30, a combo that dominated the British Invasion. Gritty character, warm tone, great feel. 30W, EL84 tubes. Speakers: Alnico Blue or G12M
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 7/11/13/15/20/24/25/28/55/83/93/94 (Alnico)
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 114
  3. Original controls: Volume, Tone
  4. For authentic tone: leave the tone controls at noon and use Hi-Cut to cut treble
  5. Try with a Tonebender or Treble Booster
  6. Vox website
  7. Wikipedia
  8. This amp has no negative feedback (Damping is 0), therefore Presence turns into a Hi-Cut control

Class-A 30W TB (based on Vox AC-30 Top Boost)

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  1. Based on: Vox AC-30 TBX (Topboost)., created in response to demand for "More treble". Great highs and slightly reduced bass. 30W, EL84 tubes. Speakers: Alnico Blue or G12M
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 7/11/13/15/20/24/25/28/55/83/93/94 (Alnico)
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 114
  3. Original controls: Volume, Cut (Axe-Fx: Hi-Cut), Bass, Treble
  4. Instead of turning up Drive, try boosting the input signal before the amp, for example with Tape Dist or FET Boost
  5. Vox website
  6. Manual
  7. Wikipedia
  8. Wikipedia: "The "Top Boost" (or Brilliance) feature was Vox's optional addition of a circuit that introduced an extra gain stage and tone controls for bass and treble (as opposed to the single "tone" control of early AC30s)". And: "Though widely believed to be a Class-A amplifier, the AC30 is in fact a class A push-pull amp with cathode bias. It utilizes a quartet of EL-84 output tubes. The high bias condition is believed by some to be the source of the amplifier's famous immediate response and "jangly" high-end, though the lack of negative feedback, minimal preamp circuit, simple low loss tone stack, and the use of cathode biasing on the output stage play at least as large a role, if not larger. It's the Celestion "Blue" speakers that are integral to the AC30, and also contribute much to the sound of the unit. The two 12" 15-watt speakers, often overdriven and at the brink of their power handling capability, provide a cutting mid-range speaker sound that is immediate and sharp and a distinction from the Marshall or Fender-style amplifier"
  9. This amp has no negative feedback (Damping is 0), therefore Presence turns into a Hi-Cut control
  10.  Cliff: "I intentionally limited the midrange notch since, IMO, it's a design flaw in that tone stack. But you can recover that behavior by setting the Mid control fully CCW" Source "Furthermore, modern AC30's don't have this flaw. They use a Fender-style tone stack with a fixed mid resistor" Source
  11. Audio samples
  12. Demo

Comet 60 (based on Komet 60)

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  1. Based on: Komet 60. Speaker: Greenbacks, G12H, V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence, High Cut (not modeled), Touch Response

Comet Concourse (based on Komet Concorde)

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  1. Based on: Komet Concorde (which is based on a Trainwreck). EL34 tubes. Speaker: Greenbacks, G12H, V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence, High Cut (not modeled), Touch Response (Fast/Gradual)
  4. Website and audio samples
  5. Firmware 10.06 release notes: "This model was matched with the Response switch in the “Fast” position. To replicate the “Slow” position reduce the Input Trim to approximately 0.25"
  6. Pete Thorn "fast mode" video
  7. Pete Thorn "gradual mode" video
  8. Cliff: "The model does not have the hi-cut control." Source

Corncob M50 (based on Cornford MK50 II)

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  1. Based on: Cornford MK50 II, a boutique British amp. Plexi-meets-Modern tone with big cojones. 50w, 6L6. Speakers: 60w V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
  3. Original controls: Gain (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Overdrive (Axe_Fx: Over-Drive), Bass, Middle (500Hz), Treble, Master, Presence, Resonance (Axe-Fx: Depth)
  4. Manual (and suggested settings)
  5. Cornford website
  6. The Cornford model in the Standard/Ultra was a different one: RK100
  7. Demo

Das Metall (based on Diezel VH4)

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  1. Based on: Diezel VH4, a high-gain, boutique amp famous for its powerful, heavy, aggressive sound. 4 channels, 6550 tubes (or EL34 or 6L6). Speakers: V30 or G12-K100
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 54 (G12K100)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence (4kHz), Deep (80Hz), Bright switch (not on channels 3 and 4)
  4. Manual
  5. Diezel website
  6. Wikipedia
  7. The Das Metal model was done by schematic and/or by ear (Source). Other Axe-Fx II VH4 models are based on the real amp
  8. Demo
  9. Example settings

Deluxe Tweed (based on Fender Deluxe)

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  1. Based on a Fender Deluxe (5E3), the earliest and most popular of the so-called Tweed amplifiers. 12-15 watts. Speakers: Jensen P12R, C12N of Alnico Blue
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 14 81 (Deluxe)
    • 7/11/13/15/20/24/25/28/55/83/93/94 (Alnico)
    • 5/6/19 (1x12)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Tone (Axe-Fx: Treble)
  4. For Neil Young's Tweed Deluxe tone: crank both Drive and Treble
  5. Fender website
  6. Wikipedia
  7. Release notes firmware 8: "Note that this amp only has a single tone control. This is modeled by the Treble control in the Axe-Fx II. The Bass and Mid controls are functional and recreate the amp when set to noon. Also note that this amp suffers from extreme blocking distortion at or near maximum gain. This is common in very old designs. As it is virtually unplayable like this, the model uses a somewhat reduced level of grid conduction to lower the amount of blocking distortion and make the amp more playable at high Drive settings"
  8. Cliff: "I had to make some decisions on the model and what you have is based on what I felt offered the best starting point. You have the tools in the model to mold it to your preference. Add some bright cap, increase the input trim, etc. to achieve your own personal sonic goals. Hit the boost switch or increase input trim to simulate jumping the inputs" Source
  9. Fenderguru.com: "The Blackface Deluxe Amp is often misinterpreted as a Deluxe Reverb without reverb. It might seem so if you take a look at the front panel and the knob functions. But a closer study of the circuit design will reveal that the Deluxe Reverb vibrato channel has the extra gain stage (one half of the 12AX7 V4 tube) common for the Fender reverb amps. The wet reverb signal is mixed together with the dry signal which has gone through the 3.3MOhm resistor, therefore needing a gain boost before entering the phase inverter. This means one less tube in the Deluxe Amp in the preamp section that will contribute to sustaining harmonics, compression and sag. The Deluxe-Amp is therefore cleaner when played high on the volume knob. Still, the clean sound of these amps sound fairly similar goven a common EQ circuitry, phase inverter and power amp section. When the volume is pushed beyond 4-5 where the amps will differ in tone. The Deluxe will remain relatively clean, while the Deluxe Reverb breaks up in a typical blackface manner. Being a middle size Fender blackface amp the Deluxe has not been modified and experimented with so widely as other Fender amps. It’s power, clean headroom, physical size and tonal characteristics have matched the expectations of more players than any other tube or transistor guitar amp of any brand on this planet. It is said that the Deluxe Reverb is the nr 1 most used amp in recording studios. We can understand why. It is powerful enough to cut through in a band with a drummer and reaches the sweet spot at a reasonable volume. It has the typical blackface 60′s sparkling, scooped clean sound as it’s bigger brothers, just with more smooth breakup, sag and compression. The smaller brother Princeton Reverb is rolling off more top frequencies and breaks up earlier with more warmth producing a brownface type of tone. It can not really cut through with Albert Collins’ icy licks like the Deluxe"
  10. Cliff: "Remember that all the models use the "High" input (Input '1' on Fenders). If you want to mimic the "Low" input lower Input Trim" Source
  11. Relevant forum thread

Deluxe Verb (based on Fender Deluxe Reverb)

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  1. Based on: '65 blackface Fender Deluxe Reverb. Great, chimey tone with nice power amp breakup when you push the Master. AB763 circuit, 22W, low and high inputs, Normal and Vibrato channel. Speaker: 1x12 (Jensen C12Q, EVM 12L, JBL D120) or 2x10 (Jensen C10N, C10Q, P10R)
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 3/5/6
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
    • 21/22/121/122 (Twin)
    • 80/81 (Deluxe)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Reverb, Tremolo controls
  4. Fender website: "The 22-watt ’65 Deluxe Reverb amp is for rock, country or blues players who want a moderately powered amp they can crank up at the gig or in the studio. The full, snappy guitar tones heard on many famous recordings from Memphis to Abbey Road were made using the Deluxe amp. Features include dual 6V6 Groove Tubes output tubes, one 5AR4 rectifier tube, four 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 12AT7 tubes, one 12” 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speaker, dual channels (normal and vibrato), tube-driven Fender reverb, tube vibrato, two-button footswitch for reverb and vibrato on-off, black textured vinyl covering and silver grille cloth"
  5. Wikipedia
  6. Fenderguru.com: "The Deluxe Reverb 1×12″ has for decades been one of the most popular amps among all Fender amps, and its popularity is still growing as the demand for low wattage tube amps increases. The combination of size, weight and performance makes the Deluxe Reverb a true road warrior on gigs and practise. Since the year 2002 we have observed, by monitoring the amp market on US ebay, that low wattage amps have increased dramatically in popularity. Nowadays (2012) you can score a big 6L6 vintage Fender amp for the same price as a Deluxe Reverb or Princeton Reverb. We find it irrational. The PA was invented long time before that and guitar tones containing fuzz and distortion have been around since the sixties-seventies. Why has the desire for low wattage amps with 20-25 watts of tube power come up so late? Both the Deluxe Reverb (DR) and Princeton Reverb (PR) “survived” the CBS silverface periods with minor changes. Many people consider the silverface amps just as sonically good as the blackface models. Being almost a blackface amp with a new faceplate (wrong for collectors), the silverface models became popular value-for-the-money amps. Collectors hunt the blackface models and players hunt the silverface for it’s quality and price. The push/pull volume boost was installed in 1977 by CBS. The circuit was then significantly different from the blackface circuit. Hence, the price for this amp is lower than it’s predecessors. The DR is a small/medium-sized amp with an ability to deliver both sparkling clean tones and low wattage breakup at 22W with 6V6 tubes and relatively small transformers (power and output). It has found its way in to more recording studios, clubs and bars than any other Fender amp. It has met many players’ expectations. It is just powerful enough to cut through in practise in a band with a drummer and, unlike some bigger amps, it will reach its sweet spot at a reasonable volume. It has the typical blackface 60′s sparkle with a scooped clean sound just like the bigger Fender brothers, just with more smooth breakup, sag and compression. The smaller brother Princeton Reverb is rolling off more top frequencies and breaks up earlier with more warmth producing a brownface type of tone. It will not cut through the mix as easily as the stingin tone of the Deluxe Reverb"
  7. Cliff: "Remember that all the models use the "High" input (Input '1' on Fenders). If you want to mimic the "Low" input lower Input Trim" Source

Dirty Shirley (based on Friedman Dirty Shirley)

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  1. Based on: Dirty Shirley amp by Dave Friedman of Rack Systems, designed to be an ultra Fat Sweet sounding Classic Rock Amp. 6L6, 40w, single channel. Based on a JTM-45. Speakers: G12M, G12H
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence
  4. Website: "Designed to to be a Fat sounding Classic Rock Amp"
  5. Demo
  6. Friedman website

Division13 CJ (based on Divided by 13 CJ11)

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  1. Based on: Divided by 13 CJ11, which is based on a high-performing 1959 tweed Fender amp made in Fullerton: “Tweed” meets “EL34” meets “Master Vol” in a 1x12 combo. 11w, single channel. Speaker: G12M
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 84 (1xG12M)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Master
  4. Divided by 13 website: "When asked, by Corky James, amongest others, "Can you take my favorite 1959 tweed amp from Fullerton and instead of the controls being Volume Tone make it Volume Treble Bass, give it more clean headroom, a wider range of usable overdrive (throw in a little EL 34), make it a little louder with fuller, tighter low end, and put a master volume in it so i can play at all levels and dial in and hit the sweet spot of whatever speaker i am using at the time, mostly a G12M Celestion"
  5. Cliff: "It is a bassy amp. Works best with single coils" Source
  6. Cliff: "That's what a CJ11 sounds like. You increase the LOW CUT FREQ to reduce the fuzziness on bass notes but then it won't sound like the real thing" Source
  7. Demo

Dizzy V4 2 / 3 / 4 (based on Diezel VH4)

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  1. Based on: Diezel VH4. Channel 2: said to be great for gritty funk, dynamic clean. Channel 3 (Diezel Heavy): higher gain but still big dynamic range. Channel 4: a monster of gain which still has great definition and authority. 100w, 6550 tubes (or EL34 or 6L6). Speakers: V30 or G12K100
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 54 (G12K100)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence (4kHz), Deep (80Hz), Bright switch (not on channels 3 and 4)
  4. Manual
  5. Diezel website
  6. Wikipedia
  7. This one is matched to a real VH4 (Source)
  8. Demo
  9. Example settings
  10. Model based on original "Blue Face VH4" amp supplied by forum member jharpersj, Source

Double Verb (based on Fender Twin Reverb)

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  1. Based on: Fender Twin Reverb, an indispensable icon, known for amazing cleans. Based on the Vibrato channel. '66 blackface, AB763 circuit, low and high inputs, Normal and Vibrato channel, 100W. Speakers: 2x12 (Jensen C12N, JBL D120, EVM-12L)
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 21/22/121/122 (Twin)
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
    • 6/19
    • 91 (Twin)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Bright switch, Reverb
  4. Fender website: "This amp has seen action in every imaginable venue and remains indispensable to this day. Be it rock, jazz, country or anything else, this is what a clean electric guitar sounds like - or add an upside-down Stratocaster guitar and a fuzz box ... The 85-watt (at 4 ohms) reissue ’65 Twin Reverb features four 6L6 Groove Tubes® output tubes, four 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 12AT7 preamp tubes, two 12” 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speakers, dual channels (normal and vibrato), Fender reverb, vibrato, two-button reverb and vibrato on-off footswitch, tilt-back legs, black textured vinyl covering and silver grille cloth"
  5. Wikipedia
  6. Fenderguru.com: "If an alien came to earth and wanted to hear an American guitar sound, I’d play him my Twin with a set of Jensens. This was stated by a happy Twin Reverb owner on Harmonycentral.com. It could have been our own words. The Twin Reverb is the king of Fender blackface amps. Having two pairs of 6L6, the popular and traditional two-channel AB763 circuit design, a diode rectifier and enormous transformers (power & output), it offers tons of clean headroom and volume for unmiked gigs and really big stages. Where the other Fender amps break up at around 4 on the volume knob, the Twin stays clean up to almost 6 and will hold up against heavy drummers and bass players with clean notes sharp as a knife edge. This is exactly what the amp is made for, being played unmiked in in a gospel band in a 300-seat church every Sunday. It is designed not break up like the other Fender amps. You need to have your expectations set correctly to be able to appreciate the evil Twin. Warning nr 1) Weight. The big transformers and speakers makes this amp weigh around 40kgs, a burden too big for many gigging players who cannot (yet) afford a crew of roadies. Warning nr 2) Volume and clean headroom. If you want tube amp breakup and smoking tones with no pedals you will experience many fights with your band mates and club owners. Just as the other Fender amps the Twin needs to operate in its sweet spot up to sound sweet. After carrying a Twin Reverb on to the stage, the least you should deserve is to crank the bastard. Sadly, we are seldom offered the opportunity to turn the volume above 3 on a Twin Reverb. Instead we have played many nights with a thin and unpleasant tone, even worse with a sparkling, clean sounding strat. If you are one of these players, you should find some mods on this page interesting. With just a few simple tricks you can make your Twin break up earlier like the more versatile Pro Reverb 2×12 and Deluxe Reverb 1×12"
  7. Cliff: "After CBS bought Fender the new engineers set out to "fix" those lousy designs with all that nasty distortion. The first of these amps were late '68 or early '69 IIRC. They increased the negative feedback, changed bias points, added MV, etc. The new designs were much cleaner and much less desirable IMO. Blackface Fenders from the mid '60s are the most desirable because they have that nice breakup. Silverface Fenders are not particularly prized and are often modded to turn them into Blackface circuits" Source
  8. Cliff: "Remember that all the models use the "High" input (Input '1' on Fenders). If you want to mimic the "Low" input lower Input Trim" Source
  9. The model is based on forum member LVC's '66 Twin Reverb that was tuned up by Andy Fuchs
  10. Try switching off the Bright switch when playing at loud volume

Energyball (based on Engl Powerball)

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  1. Based on: Engl Powerball, a very high-gain German model with lots of bass, great for aggressive, drop-tuned riff work. Modeled: lead channel. 100W, 6L6 tubes. Speakers: V30 or custom V60
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Punch Depth, Bottom, Open or Focused (boosts 300-500 Hz) mode
  4. Manual
  5. Engl website
  6. Wikipedia

Euro Blue / Blue Mdrn / Red / Red Mdrn (based on Bogner Ecstasy 20th Anniversary)

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  1. Based on: Bogner Ecstasy, based on the 20th Anniversary model. Blue / Red: Structure switch set to V(intage). Blue Mdrn/ Red Mdrn: Structure switch set to M(odern). Speakers: V30 
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • or G12Ms
  3. Original controls: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Bright switch, Structure switch (gain reduction), Old/New Style switch, Excursion switch, Gain switch, Plexi Mode
  4. Manual
  5. Bogner website: "20th Anniversary Ecstasy: we consider this model to be the new "Flagship" in the Ecstasy line with the most organic and open sound yet. Available as an option to the base model the 20th Anniversary has a plexi panel with gold background and is housed in a slightly larger head shell for an iconic and classic vintage vibe. To further celebrate our 20 year anniversary this series is offered in white tolex with a classic salt & pepper grill at no additional up charge which applies to the cabinet as well if ordered together with a head. All other color and grill options are available for the usual up charge, however the Metal Grill option is not available. The 20th Anniversary is our finest evolution of the Ecstasy line that started with the 100B, then 101B, and Classic Options. However, the 20th Anniversary model features it's own unique circuit and many refinements never before seen. In the past few years many new boutique capacitors have come on the market such as the Sozo brand which focus on replicating the vintage toneful capacitors from the 60's. These new capacitors are very expensive and mostly hand made in their construction so we were intrigued to hear how they sounded. We purchased all the available brands and meticulously went trough the entire audio signal chain of our Ecstasy circuit incorporating these vintage style capacitors into the design"
  6. Wikipedia
  7. It's a dark amp, turn up Presence
  8. The Bright switch will not only brighten the tone but also adds gain. Its impact decreases as Drive is turned up
  9. Check this site for video demos of the Bogner Ecstasy Blue and Red and pedals. These explain the amp controls clearly (same as the pedal equivalents)
  10. Try Blue with high Master Volume
  11. Here's how to use these models as drive blocks (pedals) instead of amps: Like the Bogner pedals? You got them already!

Euro Uber (based on Bogner Uberschall)

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  1. Based on: Bogner Uberschall, the high gain channel of this 120W head, heavy grinding lows and insane gain. EL34 tubes. Speakers: V30 plus G12T75 (Uberkab)
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 50/51/52/129/120/131 (Uberkab)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence
  4. Manual
  5. Bogner website: "Uberschall is the German word for Super Sonic and we designed this amp primarily for extreme, heavy and aggressive styles of music. Detuned or baritone guitars crave this amp. Also, be sure to check out the matching Uberkab 4x12 speaker cabinet below. Two versions are available, the UBERSCHALL with it's traditional clean and super high gain channels and the TWIN JET with a semi clean to hot rod gain and super high gain channel configuration. While the super high gain channels are identical there is more flexibility and control on the TWIN JET as well as a additional controls for the power amp section. We unleash mayhem with the super aggressive high gain channel with gain, bass, middle, treble, volume and presence controls. You think you've heard BASS before, no way, the UBERSCHALL can crush on demand. Even with extreme gain and volume this channel stays massively focused and resists mushing out from the heaviest right-hand attack. Power comes from a throaty EL34 output section. Go ahead, try and hide from the UBERSCHALL it will seek you out, relentlessly, while you sleep, in this life and the next... But all will soon embrace the UBERSCHALL and we will wonder how anyone tried to play standard tuning, 7-string or drop tuned guitar without it. Our UBERKAB is perfectly matched for the thunderous UBERSCHALL. This 4x12" straight front speaker cabinet features a black front speaker grill with silver piping and a combination of front loaded Celestion Vintage 30's and G12T75's wired at 16 ohms. This combination unleashes the aggressiveness of the UBERSCHALL amp, plus helps to maximize the low end and give great cutting power to the mids and highs. Our standard Bogner 4x12" cabinet, with Vintage 30's, also sounds great with the UBERSCHALL"
  6. Wikipedia
  7. Bogner: "One of the most unique items is our "Presence" control. It's an amazing combination of a midrange-presence control. As you sweep through its range you will notice an incredible variety of tones this one control allows. For an extremely aggressive sub-harmonic bass and scooped-midrange sound, keep the presence off or very low. A huge 3-dimensional tone can be found by running the presence around 2 o'clock. Pushing the "Presence" control to maximum will allow you to cut a sonic path through the mix by reinforcing your midrange and slightly rolling off the sub-bass. Trust us: REALLY check out the presence control to unleash the hidden secrets of the UBERSCHALL. The "Midrange" control is very interactive with all the other tone controls, you can go from a hollow scooped-mid setting to an aggressive in your face and on your throat kind of intensity. The "Bass" control allows almost a sub-harmonic low-end to be added, at high volumes be sure to keep the bass down a bit to keep your tone focused like a laser beam"
  8. Check this site for a video demos of the Bogner Uberschall pedal. It explains the amp controls clearly (same as the pedal equivalent)

FAS 6160 (based on Peavey 5150)

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  1. Custom Fractal model, a modified version of the PVH 6160 - less fizzy than the original, with a bouncier feel

FAS Big Hair

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  1. Custom Fractal model, mids without mud. Revive the 80s metal scene. (Spandex not included)
  2. Cliff: "It was a total guess. I just tuned it by ear. It's just my idea of what 80's hair metal might sound like"

FAS Brown

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  1. Custom Fractal model, the original BROWN model from the Axe-Fx Standard/Ultra

FAS Crunch

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  1. Custom Fractal model, Fractal Audio's take on the ultimate British-sounding amp. More dynamic/open plus more gain

FAS Lead 1

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  1. Custom Fractal model, neutral high-gain lead with a tight midrange

FAS Lead 2

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  1. Custom Fractal model, hot-rodded British lead sound with a tonestack by Custom Audio Electronics
  2. Presumedly based on the Mesa Boogie Triaxis

FAS Modern

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  1. Custom Fractal model, a high-gain hybrid, equally well-suited to modern rhythm and lead work
  2. Cliff: "This model is my interpretation of the ideal modern metal tone. In the digital realm we are not constrained by the limitations that face tube amp designers so we are free to implement designs that would be nearly impossible with a tube amp. The Axe-Fx II modeling includes a variety of general purpose filters that I can place anywhere in the signal path. So I put some second-order filters in there to tighten up the tone. Implementing second-order filters in a real tube amp is difficult and costly so is rarely seen" Source

FAS Modern II

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  1. Tighter version of the popular FAS Modern model with a 5150-style bass boost in the tone stack

FAS Rhythm

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  1. Custom Fractal model, combines the best features of the British and USA crunch models

FAS Wreck

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  1. Custom Fractal model, the original WRECKER 1 model from the Axe-Fx Ultra

Fox ODS I / II (based on Fuchs Overdrive Supreme)

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  1. Based on: Fuchs Overdrive Supreme, based on an amp that's based on an amp ;-). The "II" is the same model with the MID switch OFF. Overdrive channel, 50w, 6L6 tubes. Speakers: G12-65 or EVM 12L
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 29/56 (G12-65) or try the G12-65 IRs in Fractal's Mad Oak Cab Pack (not a stock cab)
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
  3. Original controls: Gain (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), High (pull: mid boost), Mid (pull: gain boost), Low, Input (Axe-Fx: Over-Drive), Brite switch, Deep switch, Rock/Jazz switch, Master, Accent (presence/edge) 
  4. Fuchs website
  5. Manual
  6. Demo
  7. Firmware 10 release notes: "Model II is the same as the FOX ODS I model but with the “MID” switch off"

Friedman BE / HBE (based on Friedman BE-100 Brown Eye / Hairy Brown Eye)

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  1. Based on: amp by Dave Friedman of Rack Systems, what many call “the ultimate modded Plexi” by Dave Friedman of Rack Systems. HBE: the amp’s alternate voicing with a gain boost. A killer hi-gain tone in your arsenal. EL34, 50 or 100W. Speakers: G12M, G12H, V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence. Switches: FAT, C45, SAT
  4. Website
  5. Demo
  6. Demo
  7. This amp was previously named "Marsha"
  8. From a Premier Guitar review: "With all the versatility and power it offers, what really sets it apart is its Presence control. The knob doesn’t simply boost highs and add shimmer, it adds more girth, dimension, gain, and perceptible volume. Taming the Brown Eye’s high-gain settings only required lowering the Presence knob, which softened the high-end response and eased off the screaming gain a bit" Source
  9. Cliff: "The BE/HBE has a fixed depth circuit that gives a lot of bass boost. The model defaults the Depth to match this" Source
  10. The HBE mode is a second input on the amp, with a preamp triode boost for additional gain
  11. Friedman website

Fryette D60 L / M (based on Fryette Deliverance 60)

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  1. Based on: Fryette Amplification Deliverance 60 in the "Less" resp. "More" mode. 60W, KT88 or 6550 tubes. Speakers: Eminence P50E 
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
  3. Original controls: Gain 1 (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Gain 2 (Axe-Fx: Over-Drive), Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Depth, More/Less switch
  4. Manual
  5. Fryette website
  6. Wikipedia
  7. Fryette was previously named VHT
  8. Audio demo

Gibtone Scout (based on Gibson Scout)

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  1. Based on: Gibson GA17RVT Scout (1964). If you love vintage clean tones, this 17-watter got 'em. 17w, two inputs. Speaker: 1x10
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 3/4 (1x10)
    • 84/115/116 (1xG12M)
  3. Original controls: Reverb, Tremolo, Volume, no tone controls

Herbie CH2+ / CH2- / CH3 (based on Diezel Herbert)

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  1. Based on: Diezel Herbert, 3-channel head (ch 2 with +/- modes), called looser and more familiar than the VH4. 180w, EL34. Speakers: V30 or G12K100
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 54 (G12K100)
  3. Original controls: Gain (not on channel 1), Bass, Middle (1 kHz), Treble, Master, Presence (> 3kHz), Deep (120Hz), Mid-Cut (not modeled), Gain Boost switch (not modeled)
  4. On the original amp channel 2- with gain at around 35% gives you a cranked Plexi tone, and at around 60% JCM800 tone. Channel 2+ gets you into VH4 territory
  5. Manual
  6. Diezel website: "It's main difference from the VH4 models are in voicing, circuit design, and general layout. Overall the Herbert has a more familiar, slightly looser feel than the VH4, without losing much of the Diezel signature definition and tightness. Simply put, the amp is a player's amp, forgiving and ready for whatever one's soul and mood desires"
  7. Wikipedia
  8. Demos on this page
  9. Example settings

HiPower Brillnt / Jumped / Normal (based on Hiwatt DR103)

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  1. Based on: Hiwatt DR103, an amp with an unique tone-stack and a brilliant chimey tone. Normal and Brilliant channels. 100w, 4 inputs. Speakers: 4x12 Fane
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 42 (Hiwatt)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence
  4. Hiwatt website
  5. Wikipedia
  6. Cliff: "I have a 1974 Hiwatt DR-103. The model is based on that. It is one of the Harry Joyce, Hylight era models. Still has the original tubes. Closet find and sounds glorious"
  7. Hiwatt DR103 review
  8. Need more gain? Use the Brilliant channel and crank the Master Volume
  9. The jumpered type wass modeled with the 4 inputs jumpered

Hot Kitty (based on Bad Cat Hot Cat 30r)

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  1. Based on: Bad Cat Hot Cat 30r (channel 2), voted by Guitar Player as "the sedcond best combo of all time". 30w, EL34, cathode bias. Speaker: Bad Cat proprietary Celestion
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 85 (Bad Cat)
  3. Original controls: Gain/Level, Bass, Middle, Treble, Cut, Master
  4. Bad Cat website: "Hot Cat 30 and 30R are both built into the same 17", 16-gauge steel chassis. If Bad Cat has a flagship, this is it. We started with one of the nicest most touch responsive clean channel ever designed and added our 5-way tone selector, enabling the ability to tailor the amp to bright single coils or thick warm double coils. We've added a master volume that can be engaged and utilized to drive channel one into all shades from clean to soft pushed overdrive and beyond. The little secret that loyal users of the Hot Cat have known for years is that the clean channel crunches like the sounds found on vintage 70's vinyl. Channel two is a pure Class A EL34 high gain. The same sweet harmonically rich gain only now with an added mid-range knob to help you dial into a rich scooped thump"
  5. Manual
  6. Demos

Jazz 120 (based on Roland JC-120)

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  1. Based on: Roland JC-120, the only solid-state-based model in the collection; a quintessential clean tone. 120W (stereo: 2x 60W). Speakers: 2x12 "silver" Roland
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 27 (Roland)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Bright switch, Chorus and reverb controls
  4. Manual
  5. Roland website including video demo
  6. Wikipedia
  7. The real amp has no Master Volume so crank the Master control

JR Blues (based on Fender Blues Junior)

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  1. Based on: Fender Blues Jr., a gutsy little classic with dual EL84s. 15W. Speaker: C12N or P12R
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 79 (JR Blues)
  3. Original controls: Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain, Volume, FAT boost
  4. Fender website: "The 15-watt Blues Junior has long been a favorite grab-and-go tube amp perfect for the studio and small gigs that need a little extra growl and punch. This limited-edition model is covered in two-tone red and black vinyl, with black grille cloth and a top-mount black control panel with front-reading text. Other premium features include warm overdrive, real spring reverb, simple controls and a single 12" Eminence Wizard™ speaker that delivers gorgeous clean tone and warm, full British overdrive"
  5. Wikipedia: "The Blues Junior is a professional tube guitar amplifier introduced in 1995 by the Fender company. It is aimed at achieving the warm, tube-driven tone common in many styles of American blues and blues rock dating back to the 1950s, while remaining both portable and affordable. Fender frequently releases limited editions of the Blues Junior. All have the same electronic components [1] and specifications but have cosmetic changes and often a different speaker, at varying prices. The Fender Blues Junior is most similar to the Fender Blues Deluxe, which adds a "drive" channel, an effects loop, and uses 6L6GC output tubes for 40 watts of rated output.[2] The Fender Blues Junior was introduced after the Fender Pro Junior, but has entirely different circuitry other than EL84 output tubes rated at 15 watts"
  6. Use the JR Blues model with no Damping (no negative feedback) to make it sound like an Egnater Rebel 20. Cliff: "The Eggie is very similar to a Blues Jr. Basically the same preamp with some minor tweaks" Source
  7. Cliff: "The Blues Jr. amp has a fixed presence circuit. IIRC it's equivalent to about 2.5 on the presence knob" Source

MR Z 38 Sr (based on Dr. Z MAZ 38 SR)

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  1. Based on: Dr. Z MAZ 38 SR, popular with country and roots players. EL84 tubes, 38W. Speakers: Alnico Blue plus G12H
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 7/11/13/15/20/24/25/28/55/83/93/94 (Alnico)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
    • 114
  3. Original controls: Volume, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Cut, Reverb
  4. Manual
  5. Dr. Z website: "The Maz 38 is one of Dr Z's most enduring designs. It is the perfect combination of sound and power. 4 EL84s with no negative feedback give you a wide pallet to work from. The 38 has enough clean headroom to make for a great pedal platform and gives up the goods for a great drive sound at reasonable levels. The 38 can satisfy many different styles and playing approaches. You are able to dial in mid 60s blackface sounds as well as UK flavored chime. The Dr. Z MAZ-38 is a truly versatile amp for the working or studio musician. Whether your forte' is Blues, Country, Roots, or Rock, The MAZ 38 Senior will fit the bill"
  6. Wikipedia
  7. YouTube
  8. YouTube
  9. This amp has no negative feedback (Damping is 0), therefore Presence turns into a Hi-Cut control
  10. Cliff: "Dr. Z is the quintessential country amp" Source

Nuclear-Tone (based on Swart Atomic Space Tone)

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  1. Based on: Swart Atomic Space Tone, a cool little, gritty, stylishly retro all-tube combo. Use with Bias Trem! 20w, 6V6. Speaker: G12M
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 115 (1xG12M)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Tone (Axe-Fx: Treble), and reverb and tremolo controls
  4. Swart website: "This amplifier has 20w of twin 6V6 power in high Class A biased AB and brings some of the most soulful, rich, near three-dimensional tone you have ever heard. This has to be one of the most expressive amplifiers made to our knowledge, and we've tried more than a few. TUBE REVERB and TUBE TREMOLO, something virtually nonexistent in today's marketplace, is just part of the picture. Includes a 12" Custom British Vintage Series BV-25m that screams TONE with body and soul; This amp has excellent breakup (wait till you hear the samples). This all new circuit is housed in a lacquered TWEED pine cab with dark Tweed panels. This amp is in its own league." And: "The idea of the Atomic Space Tone hit me when I was working on a vintage Gibson Scout guitar amp. It had Reverb, Tremolo, and 15 watts of pure rocking vintage tone power but only three preamp tubes and two EL-84 output tubes. I thought to my self - I have never seen an amp that could do so much with so little and sound surprisingly good. But I knew it could be even better. I knew something could be built revolving around my favorite little tone generator, the 6V6. I sent a note of thanks to my cohort for the inspiration for one of the best amplifiers I have ever built and the only thing I have found to equal the soul and amazing tone of the ST-6V6se but with MORE power"
  5. Firmware 10 release notes: "Based on a Swart Atomic Space Tone. As with the actual amp the bias tremolo is particularly effective"
  6. Online manual
  7. Audio samples
  8. Cliff: "It's unique character comes from the PI. It's a cathodyne phase inverter so it doesn't drive the grids as hard" Source

ODS-100 Clean / LD Mid / Lead (based on Dumble OD Special)

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  1. Based on: Dumble OD Special, HRM version, serial number 213. A coveted but rare amp brand made famous by Robben Ford. Clean and OD channel. "Mid" model: OD channel with the "Mid" switch engaged. Speakers: G12-65, EVM 12L
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 29/56 (G12-65) or try the G12-65 IRs in Fractal's Mad Oak Cab Pack (not a stock cab)
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
  3. Original controls: Volume (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Bass, Middle, Treble, Overdrive Level (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Ratio, Master Volume, Presence, Bright and Mid (deep) switches
  4. Wikipedia
  5. Previous to firmware 10 the ODS models were based on the Bludotone Ojai (now a separate model)
  6. Firmware 10 release notes: "The ODS-100 models were redone and matched to a Dumble Overdrive Special, S/N 0213. This particular amp is a 100W “HRM” version. The lead channel was matched with the preamp bypass (PAB) engaged which bypasses the input tone stack. Note that the clean channel has a bright cap on the Master Volume. This causes the tone to get brighter as the MV is reduced and vice-versa"
  7. Cliff: "The ODS100 has two drive controls, one is right at the input, the other is in the lead boost section." Source
  8. Cliff: "I hate to admit it but there is something special about a real Dumble. I don't know what it is but there is something in the voicing. The various clones I have are cool and have their own thing going but they don't sound like the Dumble. Hard amp to play though. Very unforgiving but tremendous clarity" Source
  9. Cliff: "They call HRM "Hot Rubber Monkey" but what it really means is "Hot Rod Marshall". The HRM Dumbles have a fixed Marshall tone stack at the output of the lead channel. This gives a little scoop to the mids" Source

Plexi 100w / 50w / MJyump (based on Marshall Super Lead 1959)

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  1. Based on: Marshall Super Lead 1959, the classic "Plexi" amp head that gave rise to “the stack”. '69 100w and 50w heads. Normal channel and Treble (High) channel, 4 inputs. Speakers: G12M, G12H, G12L
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
    • 35 (G12L)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence
  4. Marshall website
  5. Manual
  6. Wikipedia
  7. Cliff (about the Plexi model in the Standard/Ultra): "One of the first mods people make to real 'Plexi' Marshalls is to "clip the bright cap". The bright cap varied over the years, supposedly depending on what was lying around in the shop. The model defaults to the bright cap in the circuit. If you turn off Bright you're effectively clipping the bright cap. The bright cap in Marshalls can be very bright and harsh. However, if you crank the Master you might find the extra brightness helps compensate for the power amp getting darker"
  8. Cliff: "It's the way a Plexi is supposed to sound. That's due to the cathode follower. That raspiness helps it cut through in a mix. I own three of them and they are that fizzy" Source
  9. Cliff: "Don't be afraid to turn the bass all the way down or the treble all the way up. Just like with the actual amp. For example, on the normal channel of a Plexi most people turn the bass way down. Otherwise it's too flubby" Source
  10. Try the Brit JM45 tonestack to get a modded Plexi tone
  11. The jumpered types were modeled with the 4 inputs jumpered.

Prince Tone NR / Rev / Twd (based on Fender Princeton)

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  1. Based on various Fender Princeton amplifiers: one without reverb, a '66 reverb edition and a tweed version. Circuits: 5F2-A, AA964 (modeled after early CBS “Silverface” model, pre-CBS design and components). Class A, low wattage, single-ended power section. Speakers: Jensen C10N
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 3 (1x10)
    • 77/78 (Princeton)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Tone (Axe-Fx: Treble)
  4. Fender website
  5. Wikipedia
  6. Fenderguru.com: "The Princeton Reverb is the smallest blackface/silverface Fender amp with both tremolo and reverb. With a 10 inch speaker run by a 12-15W dual 6V6 amp, it delivers a true “American” Fender tone with punchy, responsive lows together with chimey highs. When it is cranked it tends to sound a bit “browner” than the bigger two-channel amps, meaning more breakup in the lower frequencies and mid-focused tone. Much of this is due to an unefficient phase inverter circuit design. Compared to many bigger Fender amps the Princeton Reverb (PR) went through the CBS/silverface periods with very little changes. Originally the Princeton Reverb came with Jensen C10N, C10r, Oxford 10L5 or Oxford 10J4. Personally we favor the vintage Jensen C10n speakers due to the huge clean tone and big bottom end caused by the large magnet and 1,5″ voice coil. A vintage 1966 Jensen C10n matches the amp and cabinet size perfectly and you get a classic, scooped fender blackface tone from a little amp. Personally we mostly play our Princeton Reverbs at volume 5-6 with a decent amount of tube amp distortion (caused by preamp, power amp, transformers, rectifier all together). The amp delivers a thick sustaining tone where single notes are clean and chords are crunchy. A 12″ speaker will push more air and give you a bigger sound with more low ends, particularly more lower mids. A 12″ can normally handle more power than a 10″ at both lower and higher frequencies. The 12″ speaker is slightly harder to drive and if you’re really into a soft touch and finger tips you’ll probably appreciate the dynamics of a 10″ more than with a 12″. An interesting effect with 12″ speakers is the “3D” sound effect. While 10″ speakers can be front directional (depending on cabinet also) there is a better spread with 12″ speakers which contributes to a better sound on stage. People will hear you better wherever they are positioned relatively to the amp. A 15″ speaker has even more spread and it will cut through skin and bone. We have never heard anyone who upgraded to a 12″ go back to 10″. The Princeton Amp is often misinterpreted as a Princeton Reverb without reverb. Just by looking at the front panel and the knob functions it might seem so. A closer study of the circuit design will reveal that the Princeton Reverb has an extra gain stage (one half of the 12AX7 V3 tube) just after the dry and the wet reverb signals are mixed. This means that there is one extra tube stage that can cause preamp gain and contribute to the tone with sustaining harmonics, compression and sag. Hence, the Princeton-Amp is cleaner than the Princeton-Reverb when the volume is pushed beyond 3-4. The volume knob is less sensitive on the Princeton Amp, and you can play them on volume 7-8 still sounding clean"
  7. Cliff: "Remember that all the models use the "High" input (Input '1' on Fenders). If you want to mimic the "Low" input, lower Input Trim" Source

PVH 6160 Block (based on Peavey EVH 5150)

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  1. Based on: Peavey EVH 5150 "block", the high-input lead channel of an amp named after the criminally insane. 6L6, 120W. Speakers: Sheffield 1200
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 49/107/128 (5150)
    • or G12Ms / G12Hs
  3. Original controls: pre- and post-Gain, Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence, Resonance
  4. Wikipedia
  5. Information about the 5150 amp
  6. Firmware 10 release notes: "Based on “Block Letter” EVH 5150. This model has been renamed PVH 6160 Block”

PVH 6160 II (based on Peavey 6505+)

File:PEAVEY 6505+.png

  1. Based on: Peavey 6505+ (identical to the EVH II), called the new standard for "brutality and agression". 6L6, 120w. Speaker: Sheffield 1200
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 49/107/128 (5150)
    • or G12Ms / G12Hs
  3. Original controls: Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Resonance, Gain, Master
  4. Peavey website
  5. Manual
  6. Cliff: "Chris Quigley's 6505 was the reference amp. It's my amp now. It's a very good sounding one" Source

Recto Orange / Red, Vintage / Modern (based on Mesa Dual Rectifier)

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  1. Based on: a 2-channel and a late 3-channel model of Mesa Boogie's Dual Rectifier, a high-gain masterpiece with crushing power and tighness. Orange and Red channels, Vintage and Modern modes. Speakers: V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 104 (Classic Lead 80)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence/HiCut (see below)
  4. Manual
  5. Mesa website
  6. Wikipedia
  7. Cliff: "Real Rectos are bassy/fizzy beasts but that tone works great for certain genres" Source
  8. Firmware 10 release notes: "All Recto models have been reworked. Note that the Orange Modern and Red Modern models have no negative feedback and therefore the Presence control is a Hi Cut control. The operation of this control is reversed as compared to the actual amp. If the amp’s Presence control is fully clockwise the corresponding setting of the model’s Hi Cut control is fully ccw. Also note that the model’s Hi Cut control has about twice the range of the actual amp so fully ccw on the amp is equal to about noon on the model. As noted in the paragraph on MIMIC, the Modern modes are highly sensitive to MV setting. Higher MV settings result in more midrange focus while lower MV settings produce a more scooped tone. It is recommended to experiment with the MV setting to achieve the desired tone while compensating for the level increase/decrease with the Level control"
  9. Demo
  10. Cliff: "If you are using the Modern modes be very careful with the MV. If you turn it up too high it will flub out really quick. If in doubt reduce the MV. Compensate with the Level control" Source
  11. Cliff: "The Modern mode in Rectos has no negative feedback so there's a huge bass boost from the speaker impedance. Fortunately you can reduce this by reducing the LF Resonance on the Spkr tab which is something you can't do with the real amp without trying different speakers or cabinet" Source

Ruby Rocket (based on Paul Ruby Rocket)

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  1. Based on: Paul Ruby Rocket, a Trainwreck Rocket clone (similar to a Vox). Speakers: try Alnico
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 7/11/13/15/20/24/25/28/55/83/93/94 (Alnico)
    • 114
  3. Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Cut
  4. Website
  5. Trainwreck Rocket information
  6. Video

Shiver Cln / Ld (based on Bogner Shiva 20th Anniversary)

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  1. Based on: Bogner Shiva Clean, 90w 20th Anniversary model, Clean: powerful shimmering cleans. Lead: a sweet, rich-sounding amp with aggressive, English-style midrange punch. KT88 tubes. Speakers: V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
  3. Original controls for Clean channel: Bass, Treble, Volume, Master, Presence, Bright switch (less to none effective the higher Drive is set). Original controls for Lead channel: Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume, Master, Presence, Bright switch (less effective the higher Drive is set but still noticeable). Boost, Mode and Shift controls on the original amp are not modeled
  4. Manual
  5. Bogner website
  6. Audio samples
  7. Wikipedia
  8. It's a dark amp, try turning up Presence

Solo 100 Clean / Lead / Rhy (based on Soldano SLO-100)

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  1. Based on: Soldano SLO-100 (Super Lead Overdrive), noted for its hot-rod chrome chassis and aggressive rhythm tone. Normal (Clean / Crunch) and snarling Lead channel, 100W. Speakers: 12" Eminence 
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 45/46 (Soldano)
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master, Presence, Bright switch (Normal channel)
  4. Soldano website: "While setting that standard (we’ve been told) we created a modern classic. Unchanged in over twenty years, the SLO’s remarkable sound, award-winning innovative design, and flawless construction make it simply the finest amplifier money can buy. And the SLO’s tone, construction, and reliability have made it the heart and soul of many of Rock, Metal, and Electric Blues’ most creative and celebrated players. It’s because of this that you’ve been hearing the SLO 100 on your favorite records since 1987. From Clapton to Van Halen, from Warren DeMartini to Lou Reed – and from you to Mike Soldano himself, the SLO is simply the player’s choice. The SLO-100 offers two channels, Normal and Overdrive, each with independent Preamp gain and Master Volume controls. The Normal channel has a Bright switch and a Clean / Crunch gain selector switch. Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presence controls provide the tone shaping"
  5. Wikipedia
  6. Cliff: "The SLO-100 is the loudest amp I've ever used. It feels like there's a small nuclear explosion going off inside when ever you hit a power chord. It's a wicked amp but not something I would recommend for anything but large gigs. If you like the SLO-100 model you might want to try the Recto models too. It's not widely known but the Rectifier preamp is a derivative of the SLO-100. Some minor changes but the basic topology is identical"
  7. Cliff: "I have a really good SLO-100. An original black faceplate version. Pristine condition. That amp was one of the primary amps used in the G2 modeling development. It was by studying that and a really nice JCM-800 that I finally figured out the secret to cathode follower" Source
  8. Cliff: "Many people find SLOs too bright. The "Warren Haynes" mod is a popular mod to reduce the brightness" Source
  9. Emulating Warren Hayes' tone
  10. Cliff (talking about the Depth control, firmware 10): "Mine doesn't have the depth mod but I used the values from the schematic I have and I believe the schematic is correct" Source
  11. Cliff: "SLOs are brittle at low volumes. When you crank them up it smooths out. The problems is at cranked volumes they can kill small animals" Source
  12. Carol-AnnAmps: "The secret of the SLO is the arch enemy of most you guys, volume. It has to be run hard with less preamp gain. It transforms into a gorgeous amp like that. It was designed as a large stage/stadium amp. Cue Warren Haynes. Running one at your local pub is going to give results that are very thin and buzzy. I would imagine the best tones from the axe model will probably be achieved by increasing the master and backing off the preamp, just like the real deal." Source Cliff: "Yup, this is why the MV defaults to a higher setting than other MV amps." Source

Solo 88 Rhythm (based on Soldano X88)

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  1. Based on: the rhythm channel of a Soldano X88R preamp
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions: n/a
  3. Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume
  4. Soldano website
  5. Wikipedia
  6. Cliff: "Solo 88 RHY is based on an X88R since the rhythm channel of an X99 is identical to an SLO 100. FWIW, I have two X88Rs and the model agrees with both" Source

Solo 99 Clean / Lead (based on Soldano X99)

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  1. Based on: the clean and lead channels of a Soldano/Caswell midi-motorized Soldano X99 preamp
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions: n/a
  3. Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume
  4. Soldano website
  5. Wikipedia
  6. Cliff: "The rhythm channel of an X99 is identical to a SLO 100" Source

Spawn Nitrous (based on Splawn Nitro)

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  1. Based on: Splawn Nitro, lots of saturation and big lows, with KT-88 power tubes. Overdrive channel, 100w. Speakers: G12M, G12-65, V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 29/56 (G12-65) or try the G12-65 IRs in Fractal's Mad Oak Cab Pack (not a stock cab)
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
  3. Original controls: Resonance, Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master, Gain
  4. Splawn website: "All the Splawn tone with more saturation and voiced for a bigger low end and low mids"
  5. Manual
  6. Audio samples

Spawn Q-Rod 1st / 2nd / 3rd (based on Splawn Quickrod)

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  1. Based on: Splawn Quick Rod, an amp with bold body and a bit of bite. 100w, two channels. Channel 2, 1st gear: "Plexi", 2nd gear: "Hot Rod JCM 800", 3rd gear: "Super Hot Rod 800". Speakers: G12M, G12-65, V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 29/56 (G12-65) or try the G12-65 IRs in Fractal's Mad Oak Cab Pack (not a stock cab)
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
  3. Original controls: Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Solo, Volume, Gain, Mode
  4. Splawn website: "Signature Splawn tone with lots of bite, strong mids and 3 gear versatility"
  5. Manual
  6. Audio samples

Suhr Badger 18 / 30

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  1. Based on: Suhr Badger, 18w and 30w models, single channel. The 18w has a EL-84 powered tube rectifier. The 30w has a solid state rectifier. Speakers: V30
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 85 (1xV30)
  3. Original controls: Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain, Power (controls Power Scaling), Drive (acts as Master with Power at 10)
  4. When increasing Gain, turn down Bass
  5. Suhr website
  6. See website for suggested settings
  7. Manual Badger 30
  8. Manual Badger 18
  9. Adam Cook (firmware 7.01): "Because of the no-negative feedback design of this amp the Master knob is VERY powerful when it comes to altering the tone of the amp. When you crank it up the mids get much more pronounced and you get a real warm fat singing lead tone. But it still responds incredibly well to the volume knob so when you back that down all of a sudden the highs and lows become more pronounced as it cleans up. When I saw Guthrie use this amp his "clean channel" consisted of using a volume pedal to back off the input and his full volume tone was singing high gain. You can totally do that with this amp model now" Source
  10. Demo by Pete Thorn
  11. Cliff: "The Badgers were MIMIC'd with power scaling at full. The knobs are a bit confusing on a Badger. The knob closest to the input jack is labeled "Gain". It is equivalent to the Drive knob in the Axe. The knob labeled Drive is the Master Volume" Source
  12. For 100% clean sounds, use the Badger 30 instead of the Badger 18

Super Verb (based on Fender Super Reverb)

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  1. Based on: pre-CBS 1964 blackface Fender Super Reverb, AB763 circuit, 40w, low and high inputs, Normal and Vibrato channel. Speakers: 4x10 Jensen C10R, C10Q, P10R
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 89/100 (Super)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Bright switch, tremolo controls
  4. Fender website: "This faithful recreation of the legendary Blackface Super Reverb of 1963-1968 is a must-have for vintage enthusiasts and Stratocaster guitar slingers, but players of all styles enjoy its shimmering tone. The 45-watt Super Reverb’s medium output and stage-filling sound make it the perfect amp to crank up for club gigs or the concert stage. Features include dual 6L6 Groove Tubes output tubes, one 5AR4 rectifier tube, four 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 12AT7 tubes, four 10” 8-ohm Jensen P10R speakers with alnico magnets, dual channels (normal and vibrato), tube-driven Fender reverb, tube vibrato, two-button footswitch for reverb and vibrato on-off, black textured vinyl covering with silver grille cloth, and tilt-back legs"
  5. Wikipedia
  6. Fenderguru.com: "The AB763 Super Reverb is a very popular Fender amp due to the huge tone, robustness and the pure tone from the traditional blackface AB763 amp design. The AB763 design is also to be found in some silverface amps between 1967 and 1969. The later silverface circuits were changed further by CBS to become cleaner, harder and thinner sounding, specially if one compares amps at the same volume and EQ setting. If you’re into sparkling clean tones, a silverface can do the job just as well as a blackface amp. The blackfaces have more growl and a distorted, cranked tone. It is heavy to carry with the 4×10″ speakers and massive iron transformers. The height also makes it difficult to carry, making you sweat when hauling it between gigs. It’s a big sounding amp with a potential for being very loud and bassy given the right (wrong) speakers. The nature of the 4×10″ speaker configuration is a directional tone with screaming treble right forwards and backwards and unfortunately little spread. A lot of deep bass is produced by the bigt cabinet while the important mids are fairly low, a scooped tone. Many players are stupid and increase the volume to compensate for the lack of spread and mids. This will introduce even more bass and sharp treble. Playing the Super Reverb is not supposed to be easy… Despite all the difficultness with this amp there will occasionally be gigs, perhaps outdoors or at a big stage, where the amp won’t hurt anyone in a radius of 3 meters. You are allowed to turn the volume beoynd 4 where the amp comes alive. We remember these occasions as our happiest musical moments. The notes bounce off our strings and we are musically and physically connected with the amp just using the pick attack and guitar volume to roll back and switch between rythm and solo. Perhaps a transparent boost pedal to take us into David Gilmour land with sustain, harmonics and a creamy tone. You can physically feel the dynamic response from one of the best vintage Fender amps of them all. But only if you know how to tame this beast"
  7. Cliff: "I modeled the Super with V1 pulled as most people pull V1 so the amp has more grunt. Turn down the MV to make it cleaner" Source
  8. Cliff: "The Super Reverb model is "Diaz Modded". IOW, I pulled V1. This gives the amp a lot more gain so it's not surprising you're getting breakup at around 1.5. You can un-mod the model by turning down the MV Trim to around 0.5" Source
  9. Cliff: "Remember that all the models use the "High" input (Input '1' on Fenders). If you want to mimic the "Low" input lower Input Trim" Source
  10. Several forum members recommend using the "magic six" settings: Volume 6, Treble 6, Middle 3, Bass 2 (6, 6, and 3x2=6). And Bright switched on

Supertweed

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  1. Ported model from the Ultra, a vintage tweed on stereoids.

Supremo Trem (based on Supro 1964T)

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  1. Based on: Supro 1964T, a cool classic, built in Chicago by Valco, originally inteded for bass. Speakers: 6" oval speaker, 12" or 15" Jensen
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 18/95 (Supro)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Tone (Axe-Fx: Treble)
  4. Youtube
  5. Firmware 10 release notes: "Renamed “SUPER TREM” model to “SUPREMO TREM” to avoid confusion with other models"

SV Bass (based on Ampeg SVT)

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  1. Based on: Ampeg SVT, a bass head used for decades by famous bassists the world over. Super Vacuum Tube bass amp, 300W. Speakers: 8x10
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 66/67/68/109/110/111/112/113 (bass cabs)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Bass, Mid (and Mid Frequency), Treble, Master
  4. Ampeg website
  5. Manual

Thordendal Mdrn / Vint (based on Fredrik Thordendal’s specifications)

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  1. Based on: Fredrik Thordendal’s (Meshuggah) specifications, two modes
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions: n/a
  3. Original controls: n/a
  4. Cliff: "It's not a DAR model. It's a custom model based on input from Fredrik" Source

TripTik Classic / Clean / Modern (based on Carol-Ann TripTik)

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  1. Based on: Carol-Ann Triptik, all 3 voicings. EL34, 50w or 100w, three channels. Speakers: not specified
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
  3. Original controls: Gain (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Drive on channels 2 and 3 (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Master, Classic/Modern voicing switchg
  4. Carol-Ann website
  5. Website: "This 3 Channel Amplifier is our idea for a true rock amp that is capable of reproducing both timeless classic rock tones to modern high gain tones with a super tight and crushing low end. The design of this amplifier is a true ground up design and has not been inspired by any other amplifier out there. It is an original back to the drawing board design." And: "The amp features two identical overdrive channels that both have a switch that sets the particular channel to either 'Classic' or 'Modern' voicings. The 'classic' voicing has a little less gain and low end and will produce 70's and 80's British rock tones with a very wide and complex sound stage with no buzz or brittle high frequencies. The 'Modern' setting has more gain and low end for those more modern heavy rhythm, dropped tunings. This channel also makes for a superb liquid lead channel with incredible sustain and harmonic bloom"
  6. Audio samples
  7. Cliff: "This TripTik is badass. Dumble meets Marshall with a sprinkle of 5150 power amp" Source
  8. Cliff: "I think what people like about this amp is the same reason people like the BE/HBE. These amps share the same aggressive low-cut on the input and then add bass back in the power amp. This gives clear bass response without getting flubby." Source
  9. Information from the owner: "Start with the bass/mid/treble/pres at noon, don't be afraid to push the pres or mids up a bit. Alan's amps are pretty big and 3d sounding so you may have to bring down the bass/depth/gain a tad" Source
  10. Model based on 50W EL34 amp supplied by forum member jharpersj, Source
  11. Alan Phillips from Carol-Ann commenting on the model: http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-discussion/71086-10-09-trip-tik-you-kidding-me-2.html#post872042

Tube Pre

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  1. Based on: a completely neutral, low-gain tube preamp, useful for “warming up” various sources or to act as a power amplifier
  2. Cliff: "The Tube Pre model is neutral. The "Vintage" tone stack is flat. The Tube Pre model uses the Vintage tone stack. The Vintage tone stack is a passive EQ model but it has a flat response when the controls are at noon. If you want "active" EQ you need to set the type to Active Source
  3. Because it's neutral you can use the Tube Pre if you need power amp simulation without a preamp

Two Stone J-35 (based on Two-Rock Jet 35)

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  1. Based on: Two-Rock Jet 35, 35w tube amp, 6L6 tubes. Modeled in the lead mode with the “Bypass” switch engaged; the Bypass switch bypasses the input tone stack to give a more focused lead sound. Speakers: G12-65
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 29/56 (G12-65) or try the G12-65 IRs in Fractal's Mad Oak Cab Pack (not a stock cab)
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
  3. Original controls: Treble, Mid, Bass, Gain (Axe-Fx: Input Gain), Master, Lead Gain (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), pull bright/mid/deep
  4. Manual
  5. Two-Rock website: "A peerless small venue or studio amp, specifically designed to deliver killer Two-Rock tone at a lower volume than any other series in the line. It can produce 22W through 2 6v6's or 35W through 2 6L6's. The Jet 22 and 35 have a Custom Reverb-type circuit but are more basic in their features. The Jet does not include the EQ1/EQ2 switch and has a simpler feature layout than the CR V3. It offers the basic EQ settings - bass, mid & treble - and it is closer to the EQ2 or the CR Sig in voicing. Same serial effects loop as the Custom Reverb, and same all-tube spring reverb. The Jet 35 has a pull bright, mid and deep boost, as well as the bypass and lead switches availble by a "pull" pot on the front of the amp"
  6. Cliff: "Yes, it's very smooth but there's this unique chirp or something that I've never heard in an amp before. When you hit the note there's this blast of high end that rapidly decays so it has an almost vocal quality. The frequency shaping is very different than most other amps" Source
  7. Cliff: "The Two Rock is the most unique amp I've ever modeled. Almost like a violin but with this really cool chirp on the pick attack" Source
  8. Videos

TX Star Lead (based on Mesa Lone Star)

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  1. Based on the lead channel of a Mesa Lone Star. 6L6 tubes (Classic version). Speakers: Mesa C90
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
    • 104 (Classic Lead 80)
  3. Original controls: Drive (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Gain (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Master, Voicing
  4. Manual, with sample settings
  5. Mesa website: "Tone! Big as Texas! Wide as the Rio Grande. Clear as the bell that rang over the Alamo. Unstoppable as a rising Texas flood. Yeah, that's some bold proclamation. But the Lone Star® backs it up. Just as our Mark I sprang from the Black Face era and took classic guitar tones to a new level, the Lone Star took the next step forward, crystallizing perfect sound that's haunted you for years. As guitar players, we live for those elusive moments of divine musical inspiration, where you become one with the interaction between your guitar and amplifier and it magically transcends you and your playing to a level well beyond your normal plane. You know the ones…. Those moments of unbelievable gratification where your tone is so amazingly right and the feel of your strings are so perfectly connected to your fingers that you become an unbridled channel of soulful musical expression. These are the moments that truly motivate us as players and keep us coming back to the art of playing guitar! It is in this exact spirit that we have created the Lone Star! The Lone Star is an amplifier of such extravagant tone and seductive feel that we can almost guarantee that you will experience divine inspiration and effortless expression every time you plug into it! It is that amazing! From its innovative custom circuitry, down to its new classic retro/vintage looks, the Lone Star was designed to be the new defining vintage/boutique amplifier from the original boutique amp builder"
  6. Wikipedia
  7. YouTube video: Andy Timmons' Lone Star settings. Try with a BB drive block 
  8. Demo by Andy Timmons

USA Clean 1 (based on Mesa Mark IV)

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  1. Based on: Mesa Boogie Mark IV (Rhythm 1 channel), a beautiful clean-sounding model that can pushed into warm clipping. Speakers: Mesa C90
  2. Stock cabinet suggestion:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
    • 104 (Classic Lead 80)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Bright switch. Graphic Equalizer not modeled
  4. Manual
  5. Mesa website
  6. Wikipedia1 Wikipedia2
  7. Cliff: "The MK V is basically a compendium of previous Mesa amps. There may be minor differences in tone due to circuit layout but nothing a few tweaks to the EQ can't fix" Source
  8. Cliff: "Having owned multiple Mark IV's, multiple Triaxis's and a variety of other Boogie products, I can tell that the Mark series in general are a bitch to dial in. Once you figure them out though they are great amps. IMO, the key to a MKIV is to use the TMB to get the feel and the EQ to get the tone" Source
  9. John Petrucci videos

USA Clean 2 (based on Mesa Triaxis)

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  1. Based on: Mesa Boogie Triaxis preamp Rhythm Green channel (“Vintage Fat Rhythm" or "old Black Face")
  2. Stock cabinet suggestion: n/a
  3. Original controls: Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence, Master. Dynamic Voice (EQ) not modeled
  4. Mesa website
  5. Manual
  6. Wikipedia1
  7. Cliff: "I used a Triaxis for, shoot, I dunno, over a decade before designing the Axe-Fx. I have two of them. So I'd say I'm pretty familiar with the tones. To my ears (and my measurement equipment), the Axe-Fx models are spot-on" Source

USA IIC+ Bright / Norm (based on Mesa Mark IIC+)

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  1. Based on: Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ Lead, a US-made amp famous for its smooth overdrive sound. Models: pull bright OFF / ON. Speakers: EVM 12L
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
    • 104 (Classic Lead 80)
  3. Original controls: Gain (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Drive (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Master, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence, Bright switch pullout, Treble Shift. Graphic equalizer and Gain Boost not modeled
  4. Manual
  5. Mesa website
  6. Wikipedia1 Wikipedia2
  7. Use the GEQ block (5-band type) to simulate the graphic EQ on the real amp. Band 80: 7, Band 240: -0.47. Band 750: -7.46. Band 2200: 2.36. Band 6600: 0
  8. Alternatively try the USA PRE Yellow model (Triaxis)
  9. Cliff: "To match a Mark V on the IIC+ mode in V11.01:
    1. Select the appropriate USA IIC+ Norm or Bright model (based on the Mark V switch).
    2. Set Overdrive to about 8.0
    3. Turn on Fat and Bright Switches.
    4. You may need to fine-tune the Presence slightly as the presence network is very sensitive to the taper of the pot.
    5. I had to set Presence to 5.59 to match the Mark V presence at noon."
    6. Source

USA Lead / Lead + / Lead Brt / Lead Brt + (based on Mesa Mark IV)

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  1. Based on: Mesa Boogie Mark IV. Tight, focused, hi-gain sound, great for fusion and rock leads. LEAD+: Mid Gain switched on. LEAD BRT: pull Bright. LEAD BRT +: Mid Gain and pull Bright. Speakers: Mesa C90
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
    • 104 (Classic Lead 80)
  3. Original controls: Drive (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Lead Drive (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, pull Bright switch. Presence Shift not modeled. Graphic Equalizer not modeled
  4. Manual
  5. Mesa website
  6. Wikipedia1 Wikipedia2
  7. Use the GEQ block (5-band type) to simulate the graphic EQ on the real amp. Band 80: 7, Band 240: -0.47. Band 750: -7.46. Band 2200: 2.36. Band 6600: 0
  8. Cliff: "The MK V is basically a compendium of previous Mesa amps. There may be minor differences in tone due to circuit layout but nothing a few tweaks to the EQ can't fix" Source
  9. Lead/Lead Brt models are modeled with Mid Gain off. The + models have Mid Gain switched on
  10. Cliff: "Having owned multiple Mark IV's, multiple Triaxis's and a variety of other Boogie products, I can tell that the Mark series in general are a bitch to dial in. Once you figure them out though they are great amps. IMO, the key to a MKIV is to use the TMB to get the feel and the EQ to get the tone" Source
  11. Firmware 10 release notes: "All Mesa Mark lead models have been reworked and renamed for clarity. Note that the models are modeled with the amp’s Pull Shift knob disengaged. To replicate the function of the Pull Shift, set the Depth to zero. Also note that the Presence control (as in the actual amp) is neutral when set to 5.00 (noon). Turning the knob CCW decreases the amount of presence and vice-versa. By comparison, most amps are only able to increase presence and the control is neutral when set to zero"
  12. John Petrucci videos
  13. Cliff: "Everything but the presence shift is there. There are different models for Mid Gain and Bright. To get both you would use the USA Lead Brt + model." Source

USA Pre Green / Yellow (based on Mesa Triaxis)

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  1. Based on: Mesa Triaxis preamp, Lead 2, Green ("Mid Gain Mark IV Lead") and Yellow ("Classic MKII Lead") modes
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions: n/a
  3. Original controls: Drive (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Lead Drive (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence, Master. Dynamic Voice (EQ) not modeled
  4. Mesa website
  5. Manual
  6. Wikipedia 
  7. Cliff: "I used a Triaxis for, shoot, I dunno, over a decade before designing the Axe-Fx. I have two of them. So I'd say I'm pretty familiar with the tones" Source
  8. Firmware 10 release notes: "Based on Mesa Triaxis LD2 modes. Note that these were modeled with the Triaxis Presence control at maximum as this control is actually a hi-cut control. Also note that the mid control in the model has far more range than the preamp. At a value of 5.0 the responses will match but the amount of mid cut on the Axe-Fx is greater"
  9. Cliff: "I did NOT use a Boogie power amp model with these as I always preferred using my Triaxis (I have two of them) with a more typical tube power amp. My favorite power amp with the Triaxis was a VHT 2502 so the power amp model is very similar to that" Source
  10. Use the GEQ block (5-band type) to simulate the Dynamic Voice control on the real preamp. Band 80: 7, Band 240: -0.47. Band 750: -7.46. Band 2200: 2.36. Band 6600: 0
  11. Firmware 10.02: "Changed USA Pre Green and USA Pre Yellow amp models to have power amp sim active by default (Supply Sag nonzero)"

USA Rhythm (based on Mesa Mark IV)

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  1. Based on: Mesa Boogie Mark IV (Rhythm 2 channel), THE California crunch rhythm sound. Rhythm channel 2 with “Fat” switch OFF. Speakers: Mesa C90
  2. Stock cabinet suggestion:
    • 41/43/44/47/48/51/53/59/62/63/65/60/70/71/72/108/125/126/127/130/132 (V30)
    • 8/12/105/106/119 (EVM)
    • 104 (Classic Lead 80)
  3. Original controls: Gain, Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence. Graphic Equalizer not modeled
  4. Manual
  5. Mesa website
  6. Wikipedia1 Wikipedia2
  7. You can use the GEQ block (5-band type) to simulate the graphic EQ on the real amp, although the Graphic EQ is often not used on the Rhythm 2 channel. Band 80: 7, Band 240: -0.47. Band 750: -7.46. Band 2200: 2.36. Band 6600: 0
  8. Cliff: "The MK V is basically a compendium of previous Mesa amps. There may be minor differences in tone due to circuit layout but nothing a few tweaks to the EQ can't fix" Source
  9. Cliff: "Having owned multiple Mark IV's, multiple Triaxis's and a variety of other Boogie products, I can tell that the Mark series in general are a bitch to dial in. Once you figure them out though they are great amps. IMO, the key to a MKIV is to use the TMB to get the feel and the EQ to get the tone" Source
  10. John Petrucci videos

Vibrato Lux (based on Fender Vibrolux Reverb)

File:FENDERVIBROLUXREVERB.png

  1. Based on: 1963 blackface Fender Vibrolux Reverb, legendary amp called the "little Vibrro-King". 6L6, low and high inputs, Normal and Vibrato channels. Speakers: 2x10 (Jensen C10Q) or Oxford 1x12
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 82/90 (Vibrolux)
    • or EVM 12L
  3. Original controls (Vibrato channel): Volume, Bass, Treble, Bright switch, Reverb, Speed, Intensity
  4. Fender website: "The Custom Vibrolux Reverb is more a modern interpretation of a classic Fender rather than a reissue; connoisseurs call it a “little Vibro-King.” Turn it up when you want to soar, or turn your guitar down to play clean with this super-responsive 40-watt all-tube amp. The more dynamic your style, the more you’ll love its ability to whisper or scream in response to changes in your pick attack. Features include dual 6L6 Groove Tubes output tubes, five 12AX7 preamp tubes, one 12AT7 tube, two 10” 8-ohm Jensen P10R speakers with alnico magnets, two independent channels (normal and bright), reverb and vibrato (both channels), 4-ohm external speaker jack, two-button footswitch and tilt-back legs"
  5. Fenderguru.com: "The 35w blackface Vibrolux Reverb (VR) is the smallest member of the blackface/silverface 6L6 Fender amp family. Its strength lies in the sweetness and early breakup caused by the smaller transformers than the Super Reverb, Vibroverb and Pro Reverb. The Vibrolux is quite similar to the Pro Reverb 2×12″ except for the smaller speakers and a smaller power transformer delivering less 6L6 plate voltage. Hence, less clean headroom. 10″s provide a more scooped, responsive, punchy and sparkling sound than 12 inch speakers. The 12″s are fuller, warmer, has more mids and a more three-dimensional tonal spread. Like all silverface amps, the Vibrolux Reverb was modified in the CBS periods to increase the clean headroom. The Vibrolux Reverb has become a very popular amp since The ToneQuest Report published the article “Under 40 Watt of Whoop Ass“, awarding the VR as the most preferred low wattage Fender amp"
  6. Cliff: "Remember that all the models use the "High" input (Input '1' on Fenders). If you want to mimic the "Low" input lower Input Trim" Source
  7. The Vibrolux is very similar to the Vibroverb. It was used to record Sultans of swing

Vibrato Verb (based on Fender Vibroverb)

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  1. Based on: 40w Fender Vibroverb, great for clear or grinding cleans and gutsy blues. 6G16 circuit, low and high inputs, Normal and Vibrato channels. Speakers: 1x15 (Jensen C15N, JBL D130, Eminence) or 2x10 (Jensen C10Q)
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 18/31/87/88/123 (1x15)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Reverb, tremolo controls
  4. Fender website
  5. Wikipedia
  6. Fenderguru.com: "Stevie Ray Vaughan’s musical influence has made the Fender Vibroverb the most sought after and hyped of all Fender amps. He played many other amps too, Super Reverb, Dumble and Marshalls. In studio he used dozens of amps that were thrown at him. For some reason the Vibroverb has become the most famous and is now widely associated with his signature tone (though you can reproduce his tone with most Fender amps with the right speakers). On the vintage amp market on US eBay the blackface Vibroverb sells for three to four times as much as the price for other 6L6 Fender amps, sometimes even more than the legendary 4×10″ narrow panel tweed Bassman. Since Fender did not continue the Vibroverb after the CBS takeover in 1965, most likely because players didn’t desire 1×15″ amps at that time, there are only a few blackface Vibroverb amps out there. Given the hype and popularity, these few Vibroverbs are extremly valuable and collectable. So, what is so special with the Vibroverb? First, the 15″ speaker sets it apart from most guitar amps. While most guitar amps have multiple 10″ and 12″ speakers the Vibroverb came with one big Jensen C15n or JBLd130f, the last one with a aluminium dust cap that can be hard to tame. Otherwise the blackface Vibroverb is very similar to the other blackface and silverface AB763 Fender amps. In fact, there aren’t any different features or technical improvements in the Vibroverb that justifies its popularity. It’s all about emotions. But that’s what music is all about; emotions. The Vibroverb belongs to the 6L6 Fender family. It is powerful and loud, but in a different way than the 10″ and 12″-amps. The Vibroverb did not sell very well in 64 and 65. Players probably thought the amp was suited for bass amps, we’re not sure. The Vibroverb did score among steel guitar players at the time. The 15″ speakers are firm in the bass and have lots of sparkle but most importantly, they have an enormous spread carrying the lower mids to anyone on stage. Mid frequencies is exactly what you need on stage in an electrical band. The mids will blend in nicely with the bass, drums, piano and horns. It will not interfer with the bass like a 4×10″ setup does. Of course this is a matter of taste, but a guitar tone with strong mids will contribute to a rich overall melodic footprint in an electrical band"
  7. Cliff: "Also remember that all the models use the "High" input (Input '1' on Fenders). If you want to mimic the "Low" input lower Input Trim" Source

Vibrato-King (based on Fender Vibro-King)

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  1. Based on: Fender Vibro-King, famous for crystal cleans and powerful overdrive. Speakers: 3x10
  2. Original controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Middle, Fat switch (no Bright switch), tremolo controls, reverb controls
  3. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 98 (Vibro-King)
  4. Fender website: "Fender introduced the Vibro-King in 1993 to great acclaim, marking a return to a great hand-wired amp tradition while including a previously unavailable selection of sought-after features. In the two decades since, guitarists and amp aficionados everywhere have prized the enduringly classic Vibro-King as one of the most touch-sensitive amps ever, with sparkling-clean shimmer at lower volumes and powerfully thick overdrive when cranked up. Fender now celebrates those two decades of great tone with the 20th Anniversary Vibro-King. Fender and Jensen collaborated on the amp's trio of warmer-sounding 10" speakers, and a finger-joined solid-pine cabinet increases resonance. Other premium features include all-tube hand-wired circuitry, custom Schumacher® transformers, and much more"
  5. Cliff: "Remember that all the models use the "High" input (Input '1' on Fenders). If you want to mimic the "Low" input lower Input Trim" Source
  6. Cliff: "The model is based on the custom version which has higher plate voltages which causes more overdrive on the power tubes. It’s modeled with the Fat switch on. Turning off the Fat switch reduces the gain by about 4 dB so set input trim to around 0.6"

Wrecker 1 (based on Trainwreck Express)

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  1. Based on: Trainwreck Express, designed and built by the late, great Ken Fischer. Speakers: G12M, G12H 
  2. Stock cabinet suggestions:
    • 36/37/38/58/60/61/96/101/102/103 (G12M)
    • 16/34/57/64/120/124 (G12H)
  3. Original controls: Volume, Bas, Mid, Treble, Presence, Bright switch
  4. FAQ
  5. Trainwreck website
  6. Cliff: "The Trainwreck depends on power amp distortion. The OT has a high impedance which causes the power tubes to enter clipping early. I would not recommend using that model as preamp"
  7. YouTube clip