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I've finished a new amp sim plugin based on three vintage amps from the Rocky Mountain Music Museum. I'm looking for beta testers who have a recording setup with either Mac (AU) or Windows (VST), and who would be willing to test the plugin in exchange for a free copy of it when it's released.
This sim is centered around Jazz players, as clean sounds are the focus, covering traditional jazz, folk, and similar genres. The amps we modeled for this first version (there will be two more) are the Gibson Saturn, Silvertone 1344A, and the Oahu Valco, in a collection called Noir Tones.
I hope I'm not breaking any rules by posting this. If so, I apologize!
If interested, please write me at [email protected]
Thank you!
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06-09-2025 09:38 PM
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I'm interested!
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Thank you Dirk! Could you send me an email at [email protected] ? I don't think I can get your email address from the forum. If I can, then I just can't figure it out.
Originally Posted by Dirk
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We're past the beta testing stage - thank you so much for those who tried it out, and we'll be releasing very soon!
-Craig Patterson
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I‘m struggeling atm with a ground problem and a new DAW. Can I try after my probs are solved? I‘ve already got your links. Cheers
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You bet! Let me know directly if you have any trouble once you're up and running.
-Craig
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Great, I guess next week! Can‘t wait to try it. By the way, will there be a standalone version?
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We're building one, and hoping to get it released at the same time as the plugins.
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My impressions of the NOIR-AMPS plugin:
Installation:
Simple. The sleek file installed itself on my Mac and runs smoothly in Reaper. No complicated maneuvers, which is always a big advantage!
Interface:
The interface is straightforward and very clear: the parameters of the respective amp model are located in the upper part, while the lower part provides access to various microphone types, which can be selected similarly to a mixing console. The microphone variations and their different volume and positioning options open up a multitude of possibilities for tweaking the sound. Very interesting and kept simple. The different amps are selected by clicking on the respective amp graphic. The visual design of the interface feels a bit 'home made' and could be improved a bit, in my opinion. But that is, of course, purely cosmetic; nevertheless, a professional design should also be considered in the development of a plugin.
Sounds:
The three rare vintage amps deliver the typical sweet-dark tonal characteristics of the early 1950s, true to their originals. One should take the time to experiment with the settings: While the Gibson model initially sounded completely uninspiring to me and I immediately liked the Silvertone ('Durango'), I was able to generate very beautiful and extremely authentic vintage sounds from all amp models with just a few adjustments. I actually like the 'Durango' model best: a very unique sound with a sweet midrange spectrum that can also be pushed into a sweet edge of breakup. This amp, just like the 'Kalamazoo Saturn' model, has a tremolo that generates a dreamy tremolo effect. Vintage tremolos can subtly change frequencies without being perceived as an effect. The Durango excels at this. Finally, the 'Maui Valveco' (Valco) is quite simple with its soft and warm sound. This amp has got a „drive“-knob to add some bite, which can be useful for some players.
My 2cts:
Three rare vintage amps from the early days of amplifiers have been emulated here, and Craig has done a great job. The amplifiers sound warm and authentic and in no way digital. They respond dynamically, with detail and react as one would expect from a tube amplifier. I cannot say to what extent the originals have been reproduced faithfully as I have never played any of these amps in their original form. But to me these amplifiers, especially the Durango, sound absolutely like Americana, Rockabilly, and overall the music of the 1950s. It's quite crazy; with this model, I automatically played 'Sleepwalk' and really enjoyed the authentic sound! Jazz musicians will also find joy in the very puristic, warm amplifiers. It's interesting that in the world of amp sims, clean vintage amplifier types are hardly to be found (apart from Neuraldsp ToneKing), and the Noir amps are therefor a real innovation.Last edited by Stefan Eff; 06-23-2025 at 06:00 AM.
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Thank you Stefan, for your kind review, and for taking the time to go through the plugin. That effort is very much appreciated! If it's okay with you, I'd like to use portions of this review on the website. Please let me know if that's not okay.
Well, it's finally time! The plugin is now released, and there's a 14-day demo available for anyone who'd like to hear what we've done. It's on sale for a limited time. The plugin uses neural training, circuit modeling, and IRs to try to get the best of all possible worlds.
The downloads, both trial and regular, are available on the product page here: Amp Sim Noir Tones — Sonatura
As before, I'm not trying to spam the forum with ads, so if this, or parts of it, are inappropriate, please feel free to remove or edit.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the beta test!
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Thanks, you‘re welcome. Originally Posted by SonaturaAudio
It's an honor to be able to help. All the best for your project!
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