It is that time again. Time to survey the web to find the best VST based Guitar Amp FX. I do this every 5 - 10 years or more often when a need may arise (as it has now).
Based on my exhaustive research over the past day , I have concluded that the best VST Guitar Amp FX available today is.... wait for it....
Positive Grid BIAS FX 2 Pro Effects Modeling Plug-in. 40% off sales effective now, although looks like Back Friday sales in the past were lower which is not a point in their favor in my purchase decision. But this is not high priced software so I think I can get over that.
But here comes the potential show stopper. As we all do, before buying I visited the user forum. There are some very upset people over there. Positive Grid is having problems with its user base! No so much the "sounds" but the SUPPORT is a big issue. Now you need to understand, I have had bad experiences in the past with Guitar software\hardware deals found on-line. I am still on the rebound from a nasty break-up with Line 6 gear, so I am not looking to get back on that horse any time soon.
So while this new package sits in my cart and I work with the demo, I just got a $10 off coupon from Positive Grid to reduce the sale even further. But when I apply the coupon which I got this morning, it tells me that it expired last month!
I blame all this on COVID! This damn virus is messin with my music!
Hope you are all healthy and able to carry on in this new normal.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2024, Cubase 13, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
The Positive Grid stuff has come up free several times in the past on the Focusrite Plugin Collective.
You're right Steve, I have the BIAS FX 2 Lite in my account from about a month ago, must check again but I am virtually certain I had to uninstall it as I couldn't get it to open correctly which I put down to my desktop being over 10 years old, though most plugins will work ok.
Desktop does seem to meet the min spec,
Windows 7 (SP1) , Windows 8 or Windows 10 Format: Standalone and plugin: Audio Units, VST, RTAS, AAX Native 4GB of RAM minimal, 8GB or more recommended 1.5GHz Dual core processor minimal, 2.0GHz Dual core or more recommended 250MB free disk space for per version (32 or 64 bits) Internet connection is required to activate license and access Tone Cloud, Positive Grid Desktop products don’t support offline activation at this moment. It can run under offline mode after activation and disable Tone Cloud.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2024, Cubase 13, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
Thanks for the suggestions. I have looked at both these and way too many more. Over the years I have used several products always on the hunt for that elusive tone we guitarist crave. Only to conclude that tone 1) initiates in the fingers not in the circuits and 2) rich tone can not be generated by digital effects (sound is very subjective) and 3) you can spend thousands to find one single sound.
So I appreciate as much as the next guy how much of a compromise these present. But a boy needs his toys.
I notified support that the coupon they sent was expired. The next day they sent me a new one which works. I will likely push the button today.
If you have a minute you guitar players may appreciate this...
With it you can actually change the sound of your recorded guitar. I have used it a number of times now and it does a fantastic job at finding the exact sound you are looking for, well at least it did for me.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up. Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Hi Mario, thanks for weighing in. The Positive Grid Bias FX 2 has a similar feature to the BlueCat Audio ReGuitar, called Guitar Match. In reviews these compare favorably. Pricing is also very similar.
I have a cover I am working on right now that I plan on using this new purchase. I will let you know when I put it up on soundcloud. In the cover I will be playing along side David Gilmour. So that may help you understand why I need my tone turned up a notch or two and on it best behavior.
So.... I have ordered the Spark hardware amp from Positive Grid. It apparently runs the software amp modeling as well as being a stand alone amp. A good friend in the music biz bought one and has raved about it's versatility and sound quality. He too, like me, is into home recording in his studio. We've known each other for decades and have recommended things to each other in the past. I'm looking forward to getting the Spark and playing with it. I knew when I ordered it, that it would be a long wait as the company was having supply issues. Fully disclosed on their website and stating that it could be 3 to 6 months until we received the amp. They have kept me updated and the most recent info said the shipment has left the factory and is headed to the distribution center. When it comes in, I will be more than happy to post a review on the amp.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Herb, in my research of the Positive Grid Bias FX2 I have come upon all types of discussion regarding the Spark - lots of buzz indeed. Good luck and I look forward to your review.
Pushed the button and got the Pro Version of Positive Grid FX2. At $109 is was more expensive than the Std version and cheaper than the Elite Version. But I hate buying software which shows you all the stuff you don't have since you didn't pay for the upscale version and the Std version is pretty stripped down. I had been working with a demo version for the past day or two so no big surprises and no buyers regrets (so far).
Calvin, CEO of Positive Grid here. I am overwhelmed and truly appreciate your support for Spark. It is clear that we have not been communicating effectively about delays and obstacles that have prevented us from shipping your Spark. I sincerely apologize for keeping you waiting for so long.
There are things we will—and must—do better. From here on out, I promise to do everything within our power to keep you 100% informed. Here is an update I want to share with you directly. What happened?
In November and December of 2019, the early response for Spark far exceeded our expectations. We had to significantly increase our production capability, operation and logistics, and solve resource challenges.
In January and February of this year, the COVID-19 outbreak hit which closed our factory and many vendors in our supply chain, dramatically affecting our production capability. Once the production issue was resolved, the pandemic had spread worldwide, affecting our logistics and shipping.
As a small team, it has been very challenging to navigate the large scale uncertainties of producing and shipping in the world today. But we should, and we will get better. This I personally pledge to you.
What's happening now?
We have ramped up production and shipping extensively. Most pre-orders (90%) will be shipped by the end of July. The remaining orders will ship by mid-August.
We are revamping our order tracking system and customer service team to make it easier for you to track your order, and to be more responsive to you when you have questions so that we can reply in a timely manner.
Some customers received tracking numbers many weeks prior to their amp's delivery. Tracking numbers were automatically generated the moment our warehouse received a shipping order. We are working to improve the process to ensure tracking numbers are not created until they are in fact scanned and in the shipping process.
Yes, we are shipping Sparks in the order they were received, and based on their location in the world. We did make an operational mistake and shipped a few hundred units out of order. We’ve fixed that and it won’t happen again.
Looking forward
We are doubling the warranty on Spark to Two Years as a thank you for your support.
We will post communications every week until everyone has received their Spark.
Spark is created with the vision of a smarter way to play and jam. We have many new developments in the pipeline, and we’re committed to adding new features, sounds, software and firmware updates on a regular basis.
This has been an incredible learning experience for me and for our company. As a group of forward-thinking musicians who are passionate about creating new experiences for guitar players, we hate to disappoint you. We are working hard every day to make our customer experience equal to the quality of our Spark amps.
Thank you, once again, for your continued patience and support.
Sincerely, Calvin Abel CEO, Positive Grid
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Herb, much if not all of that is already on the Web in several forums, but thanks for sharing.
I have not seen how they are handling the price discount which is now applied to newly ordered units verses what you paid months ago?
My biggest concern here (and understand I only have a concern cause I have been at this game a long time), how will they support this unit when it gets out there. Other company's in the past (and I won't mention who (Line 6) ) would generate a product, release in mass and then move on to the next new thing and abandon the first product. But you know that.
Isn't the Spark very much like the Amplify of several years ago? How's that working out? And by the way, my messy break-up was with the Firehawk FX which I just today dug out of the closet to place in the trash with a dead power supply. Also placing my POD in the trash along side it.
So I am very hopeful that things will not run the same course. Heck, I just sent $109 for the Bias FX so I have a bit of skin in the game now. Let us know how it all works out for you.
I have a Line 6 Pod 2 that has been a faithful companion through several decades now. I bought it used on eBay and it's still cranking. My Mesa Boogie is a good 30+ yrs old and it still blows smoke with the best. I hope that my Spark lives up to the hype and lasts as long as the other 2 amp/processors I have.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I have a Line 6 Pod 2 that has been a faithful companion through several decades now. I bought it used on eBay and it's still cranking.
My POD died years ago and my FireHawk died a week ago. I am preparing to trash both now. What are the chances you would be interested in the following item? Sorry picture is upside down. Do you know what this is? It too is heading to the trash making me heartsick.
POD and the FB4 in a box heading to the post office to find a new home and hopefully new life with one of our Forum Members with a knack for tinkering.
I have a Line 6 Pod 2 that has been a faithful companion through several decades now. I bought it used on eBay and it's still cranking.
My POD died years ago and my FireHawk died a week ago. I am preparing to trash both now. What are the chances you would be interested in the following item? Sorry picture is upside down. Do you know what this is? It too is heading to the trash making me heartsick.
Thanks.... but yeah, I've actually got the floor board for it. You should sell it on E-bay and make a few bucks. That's where I got mine from.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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, I have concluded that the best VST Guitar Amp FX available today is.... wait for it....
This damn virus is messin with my music! 
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