Fortin Plugin Vst
When news broke about Neural DSP teaming up with Mike Fortin to make an amp simulator, there were more than a few eyebrows raised. Mike Fortin isn’t a fan of amp modelling. He’s even quoted on Neural DSP’s website stating the fact, so could they really deliver a VST worthy of his name? Let’s find out.
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- Fortin Nameless Suite Plugin Vst Download
- Fortin Plugin Vst Plugin
Mike Fortin is highly regarded in the amp world and has built some of the most desirable amps around. He also has a range of excellent effects pedals. The Nameless Suite combines the Fortin Grind pedal with the Nameless amp model. Although it’s officially called Nameless, everyone has a pretty good idea which amp it’s based on (Google it if you don’t know).
Archetype ecosystem, Quad Cortex, Fortin Suite, Darkglass plugins, and more. The most powerful floor modeler on the planet. Learn more Find a dealer. Archetype: Cory Wong. Designed to offer a wide variety of options for players. AMPED ROOTS - FREE AMP SIM! Amped Roots Free is our first amp sim release and it comes with a free amp. We want everyone to experience our amp modeling quality and plug'n'play design. Just like with real amps you will not spend a lot of time tweaking. This plugin is made in collaboration with our good friend Ryan 'Fluf.
Line 6 Helix Native Guitar Amp (Win) Line 6 Helix Native Guitar Amp and Effects Plug-in 1.9.1 (Aug/2020) 64-bit (VST, VST3, AAX) Windows 7, 8, 10 Instructions: Just Install Direct Download (26MB). Chuggy demo of the Nameless Plug-in with a solo for kicks. Neural DSP Nameless Plug-In Custom Settings - '92 Gibson Explorer '76 RI - Gibson 500T Pickup.
Before we dive into the main components, let’s quickly run through the extra settings.
In the top right-hand corner, you can quickly change between the Grind, Nameless, and cabinet sections. You can switch each of the three sections on and off so you can also use each individual element with other plugins. Under those sit the controls for input and output levels, noise gate (always essential with a high gain amp), stereo/mono mode, oversampling and the preset list. The noise gate works very well in keeping things clean when you aren’t playing and allows you to really tighten up palm mutes.
The Grind Pedal
A single knob boost pedal might not seem very exciting, but switch it on and you quickly realise one knob is all you need. Turn it up too high and things get out of control but at around half way up it really tightens things up and brings out an extra edge to the amp tone. It’s great for creating a tight rhythm tone but also works well when you need a very precise and articulate lead tone. If they sold it as a standalone plugin I think it would be very popular. I tried it with some other amp plugins with the same great results.
The Fortin Nameless
Next comes the star of the show, the Nameless. If you are looking for a good clean sound then you need to look elsewhere. This amp really doesn’t do clean. I highly doubt anyone buying the Nameless Suite is going to be bothered by that but it is worth mentioning. On it’s lowest gain settings you’ll find a lightly driven tone. I actually really liked this sound and the way it reacted to my playing. It sits well in the mix for those mellower moments while still retaining an edge to the sound. Turn up the gain and things get brutal very quickly. This isn’t a highly polished distortion. It’s rough with a metallic clang and a really sharp edge to the tone. If you want the perfect aggressive modern metal guitar tone then you’re pretty much there right from the start. The default settings are a great starting off point and most people would only need to tweak them slightly to taste.
Two gain controls plus the pull-out MVC (master volume) control let you really dial in the distortion perfectly. It takes a little time to understand how they work together but they allow much more control than a single gain knob would. Presence, bass, middle and treble controls help you to shape your tone once you have set the gain to your liking and they all have a pretty big impact on the sound. They aren’t subtle so they allow very extreme tone shaping.
The Cabinet
In the cabinet section, Neural DSP could have opted for a basic cabinet simulation but they have taken things much further. The first thing you notice is there are two of everything. You can use it in mono mode but there is also the option of stereo micing the cabinet with totally different setting on each side. You can also pan each section wherever you want them to be in the mix. This creates all kinds of possibilities. Although you can’t change the speakers, you can switch between six different microphones, adjust their position and distance and also set the volume levels. This gives you plenty of ways to massively change your tone. As if this wasn’t enough, you can also load your own impulse responses. They really have tried to give you as many options as possible to fine-tune your tone whilst also keeping the plugin easy to use.
The Sound
All these features would be useless if the sound wasn’t any good, I’m pleased to report it is. After recording a basic track I opened up some of my other amp sim plugins so I could compare the tones. After hours spent trying to get a similar tone from three other plugins, using many different amp models, I gave up. I don’t know how they’ve achieved it but the Nameless Suite has a different tone to everything else I tried. Whenever I thought I had a similar sound I’d switch back to the Nameless and realise there was still something missing from the other amp simulator’s sound. They really nailed the ‘amp in a room’ feel and tone in a way nobody else seems to have managed yet. The tone seems to carry extra weight and body and the distortion sounds far more lively. I’d expect to hear the Nameless being used on some major label recordings because it gives you all the benefits of using a modeller but sounds extremely authentic. I think many people would struggle to get such a good recorded tone from their real amps.
Where the Fortin Nameless really comes into its own is with downtuned riffs. If you use an extended scale guitar or just tune your regular guitar down from standard tuning, you’ll know how difficult it can be to avoid a muddy sound. This is where the Grind pedal and the wide-ranging tone controls come into play. It’s very easy to dial out the mud and make even the lowest tunings sound articulate and cut through the mix. This could be a game changer for a lot of metal guitarists and producers.
The Price
I wouldn’t normally focus on the price of a product but I’ve seen a number of comments on forums saying the Nameless Suite is too expensive for a single amp model. There are other options available where you can buy numerous amp sims in one package. They usually come with a range of effects pedals and cabinet simulations too so I can understand where the comments are coming from. I believe they’re missing the point though. Sure, if you are looking for as wide a range of sounds as possible then you are better off looking elsewhere. What the Nameless Suite offers is one very good boost pedal, an amp model unlike any other which was created with the help of one of the world’s best amp builders, and a cabinet section which gives you plenty of ways to finish shaping the end tone. You might lose out in quantity but the quality more than makes up for it. I’d happily trade any number of ‘almost there’ models for the perfect ‘just right’ single model. Take a look at the price of Mike Fortin’s real amps. They certainly aren’t cheap but those who can afford them and are looking for the tones they achieve will happily pay the price. It should be the same with software. If it gives you the sound you are searching for, then does it matter if it doesn’t also include hundreds of other sounds you don’t need? Personally, I think it’s very good value for money. It allows you to get a great tone very quickly and spend more time playing than tweaking. And when you do want to tweak your sound there are plenty of ways to fine tune it.
Conclusion
If you want a million options or a beautiful clean tone then this isn’t the plugin for you. If you want an insanely brutal metal guitar tone from an easy to use package then look no further. This is the amp plugin all other’s will be striving to match as far as modern metal is concerned. Even if you already own a nice amp, the Neural DSP Fortin Nameless Suite would make a great addition to your recording rig for ease of use and unmatched modern metal tones in the virtual world. They have put together the ideal package for anyone who uses low tunings and is sick of being buried in a mix, whilst also making it versatile enough for everyone else. Neural DSP and Mike Fortin have just raised the bar and all other plugin manufacturers will have to work hard to try to reach this level.
Rating 9/10
The Neural DSP Fortin Nameless Suite is currently available from Neural DSP for €99 – Please visit them HERE
To save €10 off any Neural DSP plugin, click HERE
Read the review of the NTS Suite HERE and Archetype Plini HERE
Neural DSP Fortin Nameless Suite Demo Videos
With the explosion of popularity with amp simulator plugins in 2019, there’s a virtual sea of choice when it comes to choosing an amp sim for your recording, practicing, and jamming needs.
For recording metal especially, amp sim plugins are as popular as ever with guitar players in the heavy genres.
Why Amp Sims Are So Popular
The reason being the convenience, tonal versatility and palette of heavy tones on offer without racks of expensive gear.
Even the die-hard tube amp purists out there are beginning to switch over to virtual rigs for their recordings.
With all this choice in the modern-day plugin and VST world, which amp simulator plugins are best for metal players?
What This Post is About
In this post, I have taken the time to round up a selection of the best amp simulators which are best for metal players, including high-gain and killer sounding modern amps and effects.
How I Choose Them
- Most metal presets – which software provides enough modern tones in one package
- Best sound – the most authentic and realistic guitar tones for recording and practicing
- Features -depth of customization, amount of presets and effects
- Most value – for the price which offers the most ‘bang for your buck’
- Key features – standalone version, free demo, unique innovative features
Always Try The Free Demo
The best amp simulator plugin is the one that sounds best to your ears and tailors to your requirements the most as a recording guitarist.
So I always recommend giving the free demo version a spin before opening your wallet for a potential purchase.
So without further ado, here’s a selection of popular amp simulators in 2019 for getting a modern and selection of killer high gain metal tones.
Let’s get into it in no particular order….
#1- AmpliTube 4
- Price: €299.99 (Max version)
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac (64-bit only)
- Demo version: yes
Amplitube 4 has long been a heavy favorite within the amp sim community especially with metal players. It is regarded as a premium software with hyper-realistic guitar tones, bundles of features, and the ability to modify all components of your rig for ultimate tone tweaking.
Main Features
- Accurately emulated amplifiers and stompbox effects
- ‘Cab Room’ – in-depth cab, microphone, and room ambiance customization
- Rack effects
- Built-in recorder and DAW
- Easy to use interface
- Save and modify presets
- Downloadable content via the ‘IK Custom Shop’
- Hardware Support for MIDI foot controllers
With all these great features, Amplitube 4 is the top option for a sweet metal amp plugin for genuine metal tones and unlimited amounts of tone sculpting customization for professional recording in any DAW.
Which Version is Best
Each version includes all the standard features mentioned above. The differences with each version are the number of amps, effects and presets that are available for dropping into your custom rig.
Amplitube 4 offers a handy free demo for road testing a few amps and effects for getting a feel for things.
If you become convinced there is the option to upgrade to the premium versions later or purchase and download additional amp packs and effects to your rig via the IK Custom Shop.
The Base Version (€49.99)
The Base version is the most affordable version out the pick. The problem is, when it comes to modern metal amps, high gain stompboxes and effects the choices are very light.
There is enough to get you started with a handful of unofficial Marshall type British amplifiers. But when it comes to metal amps, there is only one modern metal amp (although it is based on a Mesa Boogie.)
If you are new to amp sims then this is a great program to dip your toe and get you going.
Deluxe Version (€299)
The Deluxe version is the next step up offering 140 pieces of gear with a large range of amps, cabinets, microphones, stompboxes, and effects.
All this gear is Amplitubes unofficial presets so no official skins, unfortunately. However, the presets sound authentic which are emulated versions of popular amps, cabs, effects, and microphones.
Again only a few metal amps to choose with most of the selection of amps being American vintage amps with a few modern high gain amps. Which brings us to the last version…
Best Option: Amplitube 4 ‘Max’ (€299)
The Max version, in my opinion, is the best bundle containing 300 pieces of gear although it is the most expensive investment.(See Max version full list here)
The ‘Max’ version contains the Deluxe version and all the awesome official amp packs including the sick sounding official Mesa Boogie pack (list below.)
- Official Mesa Boogie Pack – (6 official Mesa Boogie Amps)
- Amplitube Metal – Amplitubes unofficial high-gain amps and cabs
- Orange amps bundle – Official Orange amp bundle
- Slash – Official Slash Marshall amps and effects
- Jimmi Hendrix Pack – Collection of historic Fender Amps
- Official Ampeg bass pack – Ampeg amp and bass cabs
This version offers the most and valuable presets that will satisfy the metal players with a line of amps from Mesa Boogie, ENGL, Soldano, Orange, etc.
AmpliTube 4 – Official Mesa Boogie Pack
Conclusion
AmpliTube 4 is an ‘all in one’ amp sim for taking care of your metal recording needs. You will have to invest a fair bit for all the additional metal content through the IK Custom Shop or the ‘Max’ version. However, Amplitube 4 focuses on authenticity, aesthetics, and sonic realism ideal for metal tone purists. Hence why it is regarded as one of the best amp simulators money can buy.
#2 – BIAS FX 2
- Price: = $299
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac
- Free Demo: yes
BIAS FX 2 is an updated complete guitar tone studio VST plugin equipped for complete tonal customization.
The original BIAS FX was a popular amp sim within the metal recording community for an endless selection of options for creating any players virtual dream metal rig.
Features
- Genuine sounding emulated amps and effects
- A grand total of 200 presets
- 100 amplifiers and cabs (34 high gain amps)
- 100 effects total
- Tone Studio – create and download custom rigs from the online community
- ‘Guitar Match’ – Alters your guitars core sound to vintage single coils or humbuckers
- Recorder
- Looper
BIAS FX 2 is the new incarceration packing tons of high gain amplifiers modeled from popular amp brands such as Mesa Boogie, Engl, Diezel, Soldano, Bogner, and many more.
When it comes to choice, the software features 100 amps (34 high gain modern amps) with 100 effects allowing all the possible tone any metal player could need.
Screaming leads, heavy rhythm, ambient cleans, experimental effects the possibilities are endless with the amount of customization on offer with this package.
Guitar Match
‘Guitar Match’ is a new innovation feature unique to any amp sim. How it works is Guitar Match ‘samples’ your pickups then altering your core tone to a selection of 17 classic guitars to choose from.
For example, can alter your warm EMG humbuckers to a classic clean Telecaster single coil pickup for a brighter and more ambient clean tone adding some sparkle to your sound.
Bias FX does not just emulate amps… it can now emulate guitars! What a time to be alive!
Conclusion
BIAS FX2 is a premium amp simulator with tons of editing and tonal customization. This software directly rivals Amplitube 4 in terms of realism and having the ultimate platform for building your dream rig.
#3 – BIAS AMP 2
- Price: $269 (Elite version)
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac
- Free Demo: yes
For technical amplifier purists out there, BIAS Amp 2 takes amplifier tinkering and tweaking to a whole new level.
This amp sim plugin stands out from other programs as you have the ability to build your custom dream amplifier from the ground up. Everything in close detail!
For example, you can modify intricate components such as the pre and power tubes, transformers, biasing, EQ shelf-frequencies, etc all impacting on the overall tone and performance of your dream amp.
Features
- Intricate and deep tone sculpting
- ‘Amp Match’ – upload an mp3 file to create a custom amp to that tone
- Tonecloud – download and upload presets to and to the online community
- Standalone version
- 100 amp match features
- Official Celecestion speaker impulses
Keep in mind, this program is not a ‘build your dream rig’ plugin as there are no masses of effects and stompboxes.
Although it features a good selection of reverbs from small ambiance to long lush reverbs.
It’s more of a ‘build your dream amp’ sim as a stepping off point which you can either load another amp sim plugins alongside for adding effects and additional details around your dream amp.
Integration with BIAS FX
For ultimate tone customization, you could import your dream custom amp from BIAS AMP 2 into any version of BIAS FX.
Meaning you can add your dream amp into BIAS FX for adding the effects and ‘icing on the cake’ details to your dream rig which are lacking in BIAS AMP 2.
Conclusion
BIAS AMP 2 is perfect for tube amp lovers who want an immerse editing experience for creating a custom core amplifier from the ground up. It is not for users looking for the all in one tone library VST plugin like BIAS FX, Amplitube 4, Helix Native, etc. However, is an excellent software for crafting that perfect tube amp tone for jamming and recording.
#4 – Helix Native (Line 6)
- Price: $399 (Elite version)
- Standalone: no
- Win/Mac
- Demo version: yes
The Helix Native by Line 6 features 60 amps, 30 cabinets, and 100+ effects. Offering plenty of core presets for endless amounts of metal tones for your dream virtual rig.
All the presets are Line 6 reincarnated versions of popular amp companies… Mesa Boogie, Peavey, Engl, Bogner, Soldano, Orange, and many more.
The tones I must say are notably responsive and genuine to their modeled counterparts. You can create an army of metal presets that sound genuine as any other amp sim on the market today.
Features
- 60 amps, 30 cabs, 100+ effects
- Upload Impulse Responses (IR)
- Realistic amp emulations
- Versatile in sounds
Another good feature is you can upload custom impulse responses to improve on the current selection of sounds if they are not to your taste adding more flexibility.
The Helix has a logical and notably low-key interface which makes dragging dropping presets easy and customizing is a breeze with the movable sliders making customizing a simple process.
The Pricing
As great as the Helix is and deserves a spot on this list, I would say the $400 price tag is a little too steep in my personal opinion. I would say a price range of $150 – $250 would be somewhere more appropriate.
However, for a complete tone studio library, the Helix is a fantastic option and offers tons of value for the high price tag and is up there with the best amp sim plugins on offer.
Conclusion
Helix Native is ideal metal players looking for an ultimate guitar tone library plugin. Although the interface and visuals are not on par with other sims, however, the authenticity and depth of customization and quantity of presets make it a strong contender.
#5 – Overloud TH3
- Price: $269
- Win/Mac
- Standalone: yes
- Demo version: yes (15-day trial)
Overloud TH3 may not be at the same level as popularity as Amplitube or Bias FX in the amp sim community.
However, this is software has stepped up its game from the previous version boasting the most presets of any of the choices on this list. And with this comes a wide variety of sounds and tones.
Overloud TH3 features accurate versions of classic metal amps from Mesa Boogie, Peavey, Engl, Diezel, Randall, etc for massive metal variety.
All emulated to a high level of realism and tonal responsiveness for easily creating a legendary custom metal rig.
Features
- Tons of amps and dynamic effects
- Genuine amp and effect tones
- Online community for important and exporting presets
- Support for MIDI foot controllers
- Live option for playing live
- Standalone version for quick jamming
The interface has been redesigned and uncluttered all unnecessary distractions for easily dragging and dropping presets into your rig without any navigation problems.
There are tons of loaded features straight out of the box. This sim also does not sell you any additional content unlike other sims and is slightly more affordable than other larger sims on this list.
Presets
- 1000 custom presets
- 89 amps
- 50 cabinets
- 77 pedals and rack effects
- 18 microphones
Conclusion
Overloud TH3 Is ideal users looking for a reliable and premium amp sim for a variety of metal tones with simple navigation and tons of presets. It may not be the most popular sim compared to other premium software. However, It is very worthy of having a spot on this list.
#6 – Emissary (Ignite Amps)
- Price: Free
- Standalone: No
- Win/Mac
The Emissary was released in 2014 and to this day is still a very popular metal plugin continuing to receive praise from the online guitar recording community.
The Emissary plugin is a single emulated modern high gain amp head fully equipped for sculpting any style of metal.
Sound
The amps core tone is known for emulating the sound of a ballsy and aggressive tube amp perfect for enabling with any style of metal.
Although it sounds just as good with rock, clean and milder tones the plugin is really at home when used for aggressive metal tones.
Besides the great versatility of sounds on offer, let’s not forget this plugin is completely free for download and use on your tracks right away.
This software is not meant to be a tonal library like other programs, It’s simply to deliver one great sounding and versatile amp with the beauty of no cost up front.
Need a Cab Sim?
Fortin Vst Plugin Free
Keep in mind, you will need a cabinet simulator for pairing with the amp head plugin in order to get the best sound.
For this, I recommend the NadIR cab simulator which is another popular choice for a solid cabinet sim for pairing with your amp head plugins.
Conclusion
This software is a fantastic and popular free amp sim plugin within the metal recording community. Simply drop it in your DAW as a plugin for brutal tones without paying top dollar. This option is great if you are new to the world of amp simulators to test the sound and how to configure them which can lead to a paid program down the line.
#7 – The Nameless Suite & NTS Suite
- Price: $99 each
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac
- Free demo: yes (each offer 14-day trial)
For this selection, I couldn’t decide which plugin to choose between both of these metal monsters, so as a Brucie bonus, I included them both!
The Fortin amp sim series brings forward two epic and brutal sounding amp simulators covering virtual amp purists perfectly for the genres of rock, heavy rock and of course metal.
Both amps are aggressive, high gain, modern voiced, versatile and drapped in metal tones. Both versions also include virtual pedals being an overdrive, noise gate and boost for further tone shaping control. Vst guitar pedal free.
The Nameless suite and the NTS are two separate plugins costing $99 a piece integrated with a handy standalone version for using the software independently outside of a DAW.
But what are the differences and which one to choose? Let’s discuss them both…
The Nameless Suite
The Nameless suite to this day is a popular metal plugin for unleashing a saturated modern tone on your tracks.
When it comes to tone, the nameless suite to my ears is modeled to sound like the classic ‘Peavey 5150’ with a beefy sounding 4×12 cabinet.
The Nameless has been regarded by the amp sim community as the ‘tighter’ and more ‘controlled’ version perfect for lower tunings for chugging, djent, and metalcore.
The amps sound is certainly tighter across all frequency ranges and is more at home with modern and heavier detuned versions of metal.
The NTS Suite
The NTS Suite is the newer alternative choice featuring the benefit of a second channel for sparkling clean tones and a different tonal personality compared to the original Nameless amp.
The NTS suite is modeled to sound like a ‘Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier’ and has a noticeably trebley top-end and a more saturated tone lending itself well to more extreme styles of metal such as thrash and death metal for example.
Which to Choose?
Both amps are awesome sounding high gain tube amp plugins perfect for sculpting any metal tone. Your choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and which tones you prefer.
Conclusion
Both options are affordable amp simulators for amazing heavy tones without paying the price for a premium amp simulator plugin. Although their price is small the sounds you can create can be huge.
#8 – Peavey Revalver 4
- Price: $99
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac
- Free demo: yes
Peavey amp fans and enthusiasts look no further! Here I bring to you the catalog of official Peavey amplifiers in simulated form for your enjoyment.
Peavey has historically produced some of the best metal amps over their existence, providing the heaviest and brutal guitar tones to the masses.
Well, as you expect from Peavey Revalver 4, some of the classics included in this package are the: 6505, Valveking, 5150 and many more classic Peavey beasts.
You also get unofficial amp brands modeled from classic models from Vox, Marshall, Diezel, and, Mesa Boogie which is unexpected but nice to have.
Features
- Large selection of amps, cabs, and effects
- Realistic ReValver engine
- Microphone selection, positioning, and ambiance controls
- Upload impulse responses
- Standalone version
- Modify your guitars core tone to sound like a different guitar
- Rack effects
- Slick interface
- Schematic designer
Conclusion
Peavey Revalver 4 is an honest and great value software with tons of features and presets without paying $300+. This is a great option for beginners getting into amp emulation and for the advanced users alike.
#9 – Scuffham S-Gear
- Price $129
- Standalone: yes
- Win/Mac
- Free demo: yes (15-day trial)
Scuffham S-Gear is another popular software placed in the affordable bracket on this list.
Concerning the metal players, the software boasts emulated amps sounding similar to a Mesa Boogie, Soldano, Marshall and a vintage Fender amp offering a nice palette of tones.
Features
Fortin Plugin Trial
- 5 versatile pro studio amps
- Rackmount effects (reverb, delay, modulation)
- Load your own impulse responses
- Includes a cab simulator
- Versatile option of tones
The stand out amp from the bunch is the ‘Wayferer.’ This amp can go from heavy chugging to crystal clear tones cleans and vintage crunch all from the one amp.
The new version of Scuffham S-gear includes rackmount effects (modulation, reverb, and delay) all integrated into a simple and easy to use interface.
I must admit, This is not the most flashy option on the list but for the price, the value is definitely there for an affordable virtual amp for playing metal. The best thing to do is give the demo a try and let it convince you.
Conclusion
S-Gear has been praised for its professional sound at an affordable price. It has been used by beginners learning the ropes or advanced users wanting to try something different.
Do You Play Bass?
Fortin Plugin Vst Plugins
Now we have come to the end of the list, as a guitar player do you play a bit of bass on the side? Then you must read my post…
I round-up the best and most valuable amp simulators if you are a recording bass player. These amp sim plugins are the best choices for any bass player who wants great DI bass tones.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there’s a lot of choice for acquiring an amp sim for a great sounding, saturated high-gain goodness and a variety of heavy tones.
Fortin Plugin Vst Download
I have always loved the convenience, versatility, and sound of amp sims from the first time I tried Guitar 4 Pro.
But not with the sea of virtual amp simulators due to their rise in popularity, there’s now almost too much choice on offer.
So with that, the take-home point again is to always try the demo version to see which software meets your tonal and recording needs out of all these options I have mentioned.