Universal Audio’s amp sim pedals are an inexpensive path to convincing tube amp sounds | Engadget

The one factor to notice right here is that you could solely replace the pedals’ firmware utilizing the desktop app over USB. Which might be for the higher, since I’ve discovered that the Bluetooth connection to the cellular app could be a bit unstable. A latest firmware replace improved the scenario, but it surely nonetheless drops on occasion.

The last item to say earlier than we transfer on to the sounds is the construct high quality. The UAFX modelers are simply absolute bricks. While any stompbox price its salt goes to be fairly rugged and made out of steel (they must survive being repeatedly stepped on, in spite of everything), these are in a category of their very own. They’re fairly a bit heavier than your common pedal, are solid from extraordinarily dense aluminum and would undoubtedly trigger some critical harm if dropped on an uncovered toe – barefoot gamers beware.

Alright, so we’ve established that they’re nicely constructed, characteristic glorious connectivity choices (all three are stereo as nicely) and sound nice, however what’s it in regards to the sound that units them other than the remainder of the amp modelers on the market? Well, the brief reply is, the texture.

I do know, that’s a bit nebulous, however there’s one thing about the best way these pedals reply to your taking part in that feels extra pure and genuine than many modelers, even these primarily based on impulse responses (IRs). An IR can get you a terrific sounding amp or cab sim, however as a result of they’re primarily based on audio recordsdata, they are typically much less dynamic than the true deal. The UAFX pedals clear up significantly in case you flip down the amount in your guitar, or play very delicately. And they creep into break up as you begin taking part in tougher.

They additionally take impact pedals extremely nicely, which isn’t one thing you possibly can assume in my expertise, particularly in terms of dust. My Fuck Overdrive and Part Garden fuzz pedals posed no problem, and actually the overdrive in all probability sounded higher although the UAFX modelers than it does via my Blues Jr.

This is the place we’ve got to cease lumping the three pedals collectively, although, as a result of all of them sound extremely totally different from one another. No one is best than the opposite, however your private choice will dictate which is your best option for you. Do you need crisp clear tones that you could pair with iconic spring reverb and vibrato? The Dream ‘65 is the ticket. Need tremendous vivid chimy sounds that be pushed into basic blues-rock crunch? Then it’s the Ruby you’re searching for. And in order for you darker, dirtier sounds, go for the Woodrow.

Personally, I’m into the Dream. Its cleans are pristine and superb. And when paired with the built-in spring reverb emulation it turns into an ideal machine for surf rock or extra ambient types the place your pedalboard is doing numerous the heavy lifting. It’s additionally a wonderful car for funk and soul the place you need one thing sharp that may minimize via the combo with out stealing the highlight.

Even although I’ve a board stuffed with fancy reverbs and a tremolo pedal I’m head-over-heels for, I really nonetheless discovered myself turning to the built-in variations of the Dream fairly steadily. The spring reverb right here is as near the true factor as you’re gonna get. It drips and rattles similar to the spring in my Blues Jr and I don’t assume I may choose it out as a digital impact in a blind style take a look at. The vibrato (which, once more, is definitely tremolo) is equally nice. It has a heat classic really feel that’s nearer to the tube-power vibrato of yore, than my new-school tremolo.

I additionally assume that the three totally different increase channel choices and 6 totally different cab simulations provide the most tonal versatility of the three pedals. Pairing the inventory increase with the GB25 cab delivers glorious clear tones even at greater volumes. But flip to the lead mod and go together with the EV12 cab and you may rip a reasonably searing solo.

The pedal even begins to interrupt up a bit in case you hit it with too scorching of a sign. But it doesn’t clip the best way that, say, a digital audio interface would. Instead, it type of crackles similar to an actual amp may. It’s these good little touches that make the UAFX pedals so convincing.