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V-AMPIRE/V-AMP PRO/V-AMP 2
5. AMP/SPEAKER SIMULATION
BRIT HI GAIN: Compare this model with a Marshall JCM 800.
Although the original was renowned mainly for its distorted
sounds, this amp also sounds very good with low gain settings.
Its good at reproducing Steve Ray Vaughans and Michael
Landaus sounds. In distortion mode it sounds like Gary Moore in
his early days, but its also good for heavy metal.
BRITISH CLASS A 15 W: Another Vox model, based on the
first channel of an AC 15 from 1960. Unlike the AC 30 this amp
had only one 12" speaker, instead of two, and produced a
warmer sound. Tip: to make this simulation sound as authentically
as possible, leave the BASS and MID controls in mid-travel
position and vary the TREBLE control only.
RECTIFIED HI GAIN: This model is based on a 1994 Mesa
Boogie Dual Rectifier Trem-O-Verb featuring a modern, high-
gain sound that also comes over well in a band context. The tone
control is post-gain, which allows you to tailor distorted sounds
to great effect. This amp is perfect for heavy metal, but also for
Steve Lukather sounds. The best-known user of this amp is
Dream Theaters guitarist John Petrucci.
RECTIFIED HEAD: This simulation is modeled on a Mesa Boogie
Dual Rectifier top. Unlike the Trem-O-Verb, this amp produces a
more modern high-gain sound. The tone control is most effective
at high gain settings.
MODERN HI GAIN: Here, too, the tone control is post-gain,
allowing the extremely distorted sound to cut through the mix.
The MODERN HI GAIN sound is ideal for playing Grunge, but is
also used by guitarists such as Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.
Among others, Steve Lukather, Nuno Bettencourt and Steve Vai
have all popularized the Soldano sound. If youre playing a
Gibson Les Paul, MODERN HI GAIN sounds best when you
turn down the volume control on the guitar a little.
SAVAGE BEAST: Engl is well-known for amps that really cut
through. The Savage 120 in particular has built up a large
following among guitarists. For some time now Ritchie Black-
more has been a major endorser of this German company, and
Randy Hanson, the best Hendrix since Jimi, also swears by this
amp. The unique feature of the Savage is its extreme power and
is therefore highly popular with heavy metal guitarists. Silent
Force/Sinner guitarist Alex Beyrodt has been an enthusiastic
Engl user for years. An amp for making yourself heard!
FUZZ BOX: This sound is not actually based on any one amp,
but on a particular fuzz box. Jimi Hendrix was one of the first
guitarists to recognize the potential in this legendary broadband
transistor distortion. The humming distortion sound of the FUZZ
BOX has returned to popularity with Alternative Rock and Grunge.
CUSTOM HI GAIN: This sound goes back to a 1969 50-Watt
Marshall Plexi modified by Jose Arrendondo. Arrendondo was
none other than Eddie Van Halens guitar technician. The unique
features of this amp are its fine mid-range sounds and its ability
to produce the ultimate in gain without making the sound muddy.
Warning: highly addictive!
ULTIMATE V-AMP: From clean to brutal hi-gain, this brute
covers the entire range. The ULTIMATE V-AMP is basically a
souped-up rectifier amp.
ULTIMATE PLUS: Those who find the ULTIMATE V-AMP too
tame will find enough gain here for an overdose.
DRIVE V-AMP: This simulation is based on a more modern
high-gain lead amp producing a soft but precise sound with
plenty of drive, making it ideal for lead guitar work. The DRIVE
V-AMP is modeled on the Mesa Boogie Mark III.
CALIFORNIA DRIVE: Based on the Mesa Boogie Mark II c, this
is purely a simulation of its drive channeldefinitely the right
choice for Santana songs.
CRUNCH V-AMP: This amp is ideal for modern blues or jazz.
Its sound is not too subtle, but not in-your-face eitherits
crunchy, thats all.
CUSTOM DRIVE: This simulates the Dumble Overdrive
Specialan amp that was at the top of many guitarists wish-list
but beyond their financial means. Dumble amps are hand-made
and can be custom-built for the individual guitarist. What weve
done here is simulate the drive channel of one of these rare
Dumble amps.
CLEAN V-AMP: Here we have managed to simulate the sound
of a Roland JC-120 and comine it with our BRIT CLASSIC model.
The result is the brilliance of a transistor amp which, however,
features the cutting power of a Marshall Plexi. Turn the GAIN
control clockwise and the Marshall comes in.
CALIFORNIA CLEAN: This model is based on the clean channel
of the Mesa Boogie Mark II c. It sounds a little like a Fender, but
has more of a punch in the mid-range.
TUBE PREAMP: Sound engineers were quick to recognize
the appeal of tubes. They used tube amps to add warmth to all
kinds of sounds. This amp model is not only for refining guitar
sounds. Try putting a vocal track through the V-AMPIRE/V-AMP
PRO/V-AMP 2 and give it the finishing touch with TUBE PREAMP.
CUSTOM CLEAN: This simulation is of the clean channel on
our Dumble amp. A clean sound that really cuts through, especially
when used with compressor attack settings around 2 ms.
PREAMP BYPASS: In this setting, no amp simulation is se-
lected. This makes it possible, for example, to play through an
external guitar preamp and only use the effects or the speaker
simulation. To activate the PREAMP BYPASS, press TAP and
TUNER.
Fender, Vox, Marshall, Mesa Boogie, Gibson, Soldano, Matchless,
Dumble, Budda, Tweed, Engl, Roland and the names of musicians and
groups are registered trademarks belonging to the respective owners and are in
no way associated with BEHRINGER.
5.2 Speaker descriptions
The sound of any guitar combo depends largely on the type
and combination of speakers used. In the past 50 years there
has been widespread experimentation to find out what type of
speaker is best suited to any one specific guitar sound and in
what way the sound is modified when a certain speaker is
combined with others.
+ When you select an amp simulation, an appropriate
speaker simulation is activated automatically (see
tab. 5.2). Otherwise, the authenticity of the sound
could be affected by an unsuitable cabinet
especially if you are using headphones. Naturally,
you can combine the amp simulations with other
cabinets according to taste.
The character of a loudspeaker is a combination of its power
rating, impedance, sound pressure and size, as well as the
material it is made of. 8", 10" and 12" speakers have established
themselves as the best sizes for electric guitar amplification.
The following table shows a list of all speaker cabinets on the
V-AMPIRE/V-AMP PRO/V-AMP 2.