Free Vst Plugins Guitar Distortion
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When I first get started with music production, I wonder why some music producers would want to mess with a distortion effect in their tracks, perhaps, I initially have an understanding that there is a limit for how loud an audio signal can be, once this limit is reached, it would distort and produce an annoying, raspy, fuzzy loud sound that is unwanted for the hearing.
The TSE808 is emulating a famous tube screamer pedal. Read the included manual for more info. We all want the best sound, but getting a great guitar, amp, pedals and so on is quite expensive, so why break the bank when you can get some Virtual Instruments that will do the job. Of course, they will not sound EXACTLY like the real thing, but close enough! There are many Guitar VST 17 Best FREE Guitar VST/AU Plugins that actually sound Great!
This is where I got it wrong, I was thinking in terms of digital clipping, although not bad as sometimes the DAW peak meter can be somewhat pretentious (use your ear for accurate judgment), but it gets worse when your sound is being cut off when the signal reaches 0 dBFS (full-scale) on a meter, which results in an unsmooth distortion.
Welcome to the world of analog distortion where it is more forgiving in how it distorts when compared to digital, the output waveforms are “rounded” when it reaches the limit. Analog distortion is used creatively by musicians and recording engineers all the time.
Does that mean, you need to buy analog hardware to use a distortion effect, hell no! There are lots of VST plugin emulations that can act as close as possible to the real thing, and honestly, how you use them is strictly a matter of choice, just don’t overdo and trust your ears.
For example, you can use them to warm up your sound, by giving them more character and not too harsh type of sound, and you can also go the other way round, e.g creating an in-your-face, crunchy type of effect. Anyways, it is up to you on how you use it, let’s go over the best free and paid distortion effect VST plugins of the year 2020.
Please use the table of contents to navigate around!
Page Contents
- Distortion Effect Plugins (Paid)
- Chorus Effect Plugins (Free)
Distortion Effect Plugins (Paid)
Starting with…
1.) Trash2 + Expansions
The first giant on our list is the Trash2 distortion plugin by renowned Izotope, this new version is built to feature an entirely new sonic architecture, with optimized performance, pristine sound quality, and better support for modern hosts & formats.
Let’s deep dive into Trash 2 main features:
The edge Trash 2 has over other distortion plugin is that it combines the power of multi-band, dual-stage distortions, and advanced post-filtering for immediate sonic transformation. If you want a warm crunch on the midrange or you want to spice your low end without sacrificing the quality of the sound, then Trash 2 is what you want, it does the job without little to no side effects.
Ideally, you’ll want to use distortion for your guitar or perhaps basses, well, that’s an old story, you can use it for your drums, synths, woodwinds and more as long as it musically connects the rest of the element in the mix.
What if you could design your distortion algorithms? With Izotope Trash 2, you can simply draw in, tweak, and create a plethora of distortions, if you are like me, I’ll go over the 60+ distortion algorithms and adjust to your heart desire.
Creating a distortion algorithm is one thing, morphing sound from one object with the Convolve module is another thing, with this module you can load any .wav or .aiff file into Trash 2, and create a powerful sonic characteristic of your wildest imagination onto any track or instrument., all done with a single mouse click. Also, the Convolve module includes over 100 impulse responses—a collection of amps, objects, animal sounds, and mouth shapes that are ready and waiting to transform your sound.
Another interesting thing about Trash 2 is that you can control the frequencies you want into distortion or tame the ones you don’t want. On top of that, you get over 20+ sweepable filters for tons of tonal options that range from clean and warm to fat and juicy to harsh and clipping.
What I do not like about Trash 2 is that there are lots of options to play with, just too many to count, so, if you are looking for an advance distortion plugin, then Trash 2 is the way to go, if you are looking for something simple and snappy, then I’ll recommend using either Ravage or Distortion Snapin, which are both covered on this list.
Key Features:
- Distort in ways you never dreamed with the Trash module’s 60+ distortion algorithms, perfect for transforming your sound into something never before heard
- Design your unique distortions, from massive to mild and everything in between, with a new, customizable, multiband Waveshaper
- Let your tracks inhabit any space or object with the new Convolve module. Choose from over 100 impulse responses or load your own to put your bass in a washing machine or your keys in a cave
- Find a new voice: make your audio speak and growl with two redesigned Filter modules, each one featuring new vowel formant filters, screaming peaks, node modulations, and more
- Start trashing your audio immediately with an extensive new preset library and an ear-friendly Limiter that ensures you can play without fear
- A Sampling of 30+ Impulses: Voodoo, Muck, Gravel, Big Wheel, Magnum, Taxicab, Powerman, Ignite…
- A Peek at 70 Patches: Electric Blaze, Hard Cider, Parasite, Filter Shred, Bleached, Ugly Couch…
System Requirements:
- Mac: OS X 10.8.5 Mountain Lion – macOS 10.15 Catalina
- PC: Win XP (32–bit Service Pack 3) – Win 10
- AAX (64–bit), AU, RTAS (32–bit), VST, VST3
Let’s get onto the next one…
2.) Subvert
Subvert comes bundled with a plethora of features to create a great distortion effect. It incorporates 5 effects: multimode distortion, FM ring modulator, digitizer, metallizer and multimode filter. Also, it offers three parallel channels of each effects chain as well as a rich modulation routing options. Rhodes organ vst free.
With its multi-channel layout and per-effect bypass option, you can readjust the order of effects in each chain in a variety of creative ways. On top of that, there are 15 effects processors, global EQ, numerous modulation options, and global randomizer.
Lastly, it has a multi-mode filter which gives you the possibility to set up multi-band effects patches where each channel is processing a different frequency range of the incoming signal. Bypassing certain effects within a chain allows you to globally reconfigure the order of effects, thereby giving you many options in setting up parallel and serial processing patches.
Unfortunately, there are way too many options in this plugin and a little hard on the eye, so, if you need something really simple, you might want to check other plugins on this list, other than that, it is a powerful plugin and gives you the flexibility to create an advanced distortion effect.
Key Features:
- Multi-Channel Distortion
- 3 Parallel Multi-Effects Chains
- Extensive Routing Options
- Extensive Modulation Options
- Global 3-Band Equalizer
- Scalable User Interface
- Win/Mac VST/AU 32/64bit
System Requirements:
- Mac: OS X 10.8 or higher (32 & 64-Bit / PPC not supported)
- Win: Windows 8 or higher (32 & 64-Bit)
- Minimum 2 GB RAM
- Minimum recommended CPU: Core 2 Duo, 2GHz
- CPU with SSE2 support
- VST/AU
3.) Ravage
Ravage is one of the most renowned and simple distortion plugins out there, it features six modeled distortion algorithms: Tube, Digital, Diode, Linear Fold, Zero Sq and Rectify, each with a different personality for adding grit and dirt to audio.
It also has a Drive control for pushing the signal harder, and depending on the level you aiming for, you can also experiment with the Destroy parameter for achieving an in-your-face type of distortion, just don’t overdo. There is also a high and low pass filter, as well as a Dark/Bright slider to weight the distortion’s energy.
One of my favorite features of this plugin is the Ravage’s Movement panel, which lets you assign modulators to one of eight destinations including Drive and Pan. You also can customize an LFO’s movement using nodes and curves to whip up customized patterns. To take your modulation further, Ravage offers playhead reversal, waveform smoothing, and pulse width manipulation.
Key Features:
- Heat things up with 6 distortion types: Digital, Tube, Diode, Lin Fold, Zero Sq and Rectify
- Add movement to parameters using custom-drawn modulation shapes
- Destroy parameter pushes the signal even harder through the distortion processor
- Pan the distortion across the stereo field
- Tailor the distortion response with filtering, input/output gain, and dark/bright weighting
- Reverse, Smooth and adjust Pulse Width for modulator signals
- Auto output control compensates level when Drive is increased
- Oversampling is set intelligently behind the scenes to ensure the best sound quality
System Requirements:
- Mac: 10.12 – 10.14 (Catalina not supported)
- Windows: 7, 8 or 10 (32 & 64-bit)
- VST/VST3/AU/AAX (Pro Tools 11.0.2 or higher)
- RAM: 8 GB RAM or more is recommended. Plus at least 8 GB hard disk space for installation.
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon 64 X2 or newer.
- Sample Rates: Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz, in both mono and stereo.
4.) Screamo
Screamo is an intuitive distortion plugin that features a few numbers of knobs to get a superb distortion effect, let’s get to know some of its features:
Smear: This is two resonant shelving filters that producers a talk-box-like effect when used with restraint or full-on screamer when pushed hard. You have the option to play with 3 different styles of smear effect: upward, downward or two-way frequency modulation.
Up next is the Drive control which makes your drum loops or synth cut through the mix, this won’t work for all synth or percussion loop for sure, you just have to pay careful attention to details when applying the control. For example, you can push your signal from subtle saturation to extreme overdrive.
Also, you don’t have to worry about syncing, the Smear, Drive, and Makeup controls are all synced together allowing you to create tempo-synced scream effects that would normally be very complex to achieve with normal plugin routing.
I also love the way you can add more control to the distortion, for example, Screamo features the Shape, Speed and Smooth knobs for controlling and designing how you want the waveform to look like, It’s possible to create a slowly evolving talk-box effect or crazy fluttering overdrive – and everything in between.
Key Features:
- 25 Creative Presets for one-click transformations
- 3 Smear modes
- 3 Distortion types
- 5 Sync modulation wave shapes with adjustable start points
- Sync speed control with straight, triplet and dotted rhythms
- Real-time output level display and gain
- Full PDF Manual & Tutorial video
System Requirements:
- VST Windows 7 or higher (32 / 64 bit)
- VST / AU Mac OSX 10.7 or higher (64-bit only)
- AAX – ProTools 11 or higher
5.) Devastor 2
Devastor 2 is a plugin by the D16 Group, and it is built with multiband distortion unit in mind, it has full control over multiband processing, which can greatly enhance your sound,
The way Devastor work is that it has nine different connection topologies between its filters and diode-clipper. So, you can either process the signal before or after it gets fed into the diode-clipper, but some of the configurations even allow the filters to work alongside the clipper, which greatly increases the possible sonic palette.
Whether you plan on using it on a percussion loop, guitar, synth and whatever you can think, it can be used to improve the character of the sounds, just make sure you are gently applying it, this way, you can achieve more of a warmth and detail in your sound without introducing unwanted distortions, but if you are looking for something rugged and jagged, you can also push up the knobs accordingly.
Another great thing about Devastor is that D16 Group has built special antialiasing techniques to the output signal to make sure it was devoid of aliasing, this way, it sounds more interesting, warm, and musical, enjoy away.
Key Features:
- Probably the best diode-clipper emulation on the market today
- Analog-modeled filters of extremely high quality (refined filter models)
- Dynamics flattener (with improved peak detection and more natural envelopes)
- Optional output limiter
- Tag-based preset browser
- Two alternative GUI sizes
- MIDI-learn functionality throughout
- 9 different topologies of connections for filters and the diode-clipper
- 64bit internal processing
- Ultra-low aliasing output
System Requirements:
- Win: OS version Win 7, Win 8, Win 10
- Mac: OS version 10.7 and later
- CPU 1.5 GHz with SSE (Multicore system 2.0 GHz recommended)
- RAM 4 GB (8 GB Recommended)
- Software AU / VST / AAX compatible host application (32bit or 64bit)
6.) FabFilter Saturn Distortion Unit
The next distortion plugin on our list is the Saturn Distortion Unit by Fabfilter, it offers a range of numerous high-quality distortion models, which are inspired by the vintage sound of tubes, tape, and guitar amps. To top that, you get three creative distortion styles, with which you can smudge, stretch, crush, rectify, and clip your sounds in weird and unimaginable ways.
There is also a multiband design and per-band feedback module, which can help you narrow down on how you want the distortion applied to your track, on top of all this, you also have the ability to blend in modulation for a great warm and superb distortion effect.
Key Features:
- Sixteen different distortion styles, from subtle saturation to heavy guitar amps and bit crushing
- Multiband processing (up to 6 bands)
- Per-band drive, mix, feedback, dynamics, tone, and level controls
- Per-band solo and mute options
- Optional HQ mode (8x oversampling)
- Mid/side processing
- Interactive multiband display
- Easy-to-use interface, using our innovative what-you-use-is-what-you-see concept
- Endless modulation options, with all the 16-step XLFOs, XY controllers, envelope generators, envelope followers
- Easy drag-and-drop modulation with 50-slot modulation matrix
- Over 150 presets
- Modulation source signal visualization
- Interactive MIDI Learn
- Unique per-component presets
- Available in VST, VST3, Audio Units, AAX Native and AudioSuite formats (all both 64-bit and 32-bit), as well as RTAS (32-bit only)
System Requirements:
Windows:
- 32-bit: Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP
- 64-bit: Windows 8, 7 or Vista (x64)
- VST 2/3 host or Pro Tools
Mac OS X:
- 32-bit: OS X 10.5 or higher
- 64-bit: OS X 10.6 or higher
- AU or VST 2/3 host or Pro Tools
- Intel processor
7.) Distortion Snapin
Every kiloHearts plugin I have tried always have a form of simplicity, and to be honest, they are good and straight to the point. Distortion Snapin is one of their product and offers 5 different distortion shapes, which can be used to add a tinge of edge or rip things apart.
It is as simple as that, if you need something complex, then you can check one of the distortion plugins above.
System Requirements:
- CPU: 2 GHz or faster
- Memory: 1 GB or more
- Operating System: Windows (7 or newer) or Mac OS X (10.7 or newer)
- A VST / Audio Unit / AAX compatible DAW
- Supported formats: AAX / AU / VST2 / Snapin
Chorus Effect Plugins (Free)
8.) Temper Distortion
Temper is a modern digital distortion plugin by the Team at Creative Intent, it features a rich saturation stage and a unique phase distortion. You can use the variable saturation curve to add warmth and edge to your sound and let the phase distortion bring character and clarity through your mix.
It also features a simple resonant lowpass filter and a feedback path to drive the intensity of the tone.
If you are a plugin developer, I would want you to know that the open source is widely available, you can contribute and glance through the code, you can even the tweak it to your use cases, that is the beauty of open-sourcing.
Video Sneak Peek:
Features:
- Unique Phase Algorithm: Temper delivers a unique phase distortion algorithm that adds energy and clarity to any element of your mix.
- Before & After Visualisation: Temper’s design features a real-time comparison of your input and output audio spectrum to help you see your sound.
- Multiple Formats: Available in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX for both Windows and Mac OS X.
System Requirements:
- Windows: 64-bit VST2, VST3, AAX
- macOS: 64-bit AU, VST2, VST3, AAX
- Microsoft Windows 8.1 or newer, and
- MacOS 10.9 or newer. Note: Catalina
- compatibility and AAX support for Remnant is coming soon.
9.) Rangebastard (Free Distortion Treble Booster Plugin)
When it comes to emulating distortion effects, I give Distorque Audio 90% rating, and now they present Rangebastard which is an emulation of a Dallas Rangemaster with added controls for tweaking or for use as a full-range booster, an overdrive, and more. Also, it supports both mono, and stereo, and has 2x oversampling.
About Rangematser
The Rangemaster was a Germanium transistor treble boost developed in the 1960s. It and similar effects have been used by Eric Claption, Brian May, and many more great guitarists. It’s most often used to drive a distorted tube amp into more distortion, while boosting the upper-mids for a screaming lead sound.
Features:
- emulation of a Dallas Rangemaster
- overdrive
- full-range booster
- 2x oversampling always on
- Input Level – This is a volume control on the input of the effect. You can adjust this to compensate for different pickups, different input levels, etc. It can also be cranked to overdrive the simulated transistor.
- Input Filtering – This adjusts the amount of filtering that is used on the input, which gives the ‘treble boost’ frequency response. Turn it down for a full-range boost, or put it at maximum for the normal Rangemaster sound.
- Treble – This allows you to roll off some of the high ends. This is useful to avoid harsh distortion if you are using the effect as an overdrive. You can also turn this down along with the Input filtering control for a mid or bass boost.
- Transistor – This lets you pick between two simulated transistors
- Stereo/Mono – This switches the effect between Stereo and Mono operation.
- Grid Current – Turning this above zero activates an emulation of tube grid limiting clipping. That’s the tube distortion caused by the Rangemaster overdriving the input of a tube amp. The higher the control, the more distortion.
- Pickup – This emulates the interaction between the Rangemaster and guitar pickups. For the most accurate tone, set this to match the kind of pickup that you’re using. The ‘None’ setting turns off the pickup filtering, emulating running a buffer before the effect or using an active pickup.
System Requirements:
- PC and VST only.
10.) TAL-DAC (Free Bit-Crusher)
TAL-DAC is a free bit crusher and sample rate reducer by TAL Software.
It is based on the TAL-Sampler sound engine, and emulates a sample recorded on a low sample rate with reduced bit depth, and upsamples it to the desired host sample rate.
Also, it is possible to choose different algorithms for the upsampling process to emulate the characteristics of different samplers.
Features:
Free Vst Plugins Guitar Distortion Vst
- A low and high shelf EQ together with an AMP Drive in the reconstruction section allows it to approximate the sound character of different sampler AMP’s.
- Also, it is possible to emulate hot recorded signals using the input volume knob.
- This plug-in can be used on a wide range of audio material, but it’s especially useful and authentic on drum sounds.
- Recording stage with input volume control and soft clipper (adds odd harmonics).
- Variable recording sample rate (1000Hz-44100Hz).
- Variable recording bit-depth (4bit-16bit) with different algorithms (mu-law, mu-law delta, linear).
- Reconstruction section with different reconstruction methods (hold, variable, linear, S1000/sinc).
- Very steep reconstruction filters (optional).
- AMP drive (add’s even and odd harmonics to the signal).
- A high- and low shelf filter (12dB).
- All non-linear components are 8x oversampled to avoid aliasing.
Useful Related posts:
28th May 2020 @ 16:31 Aurora Commerce
Guitar..check. Audio interface..check. Computer..check.
A vast array of amps and effects to play with..let us help you out there with some a Guitar VST or two to keep you going. Oh, and did we mention that they're free? You might think it odd that a musical instrument retailer would point you in the direction of free stuff, but here at Dawsons Music we try to be a helpful bunch. At the end of the day, we're all musicians too (with a fair few divas).
Moving back to the FREE element of these guitar VST plugins, we know that there are vast libraries to explore. Unfortunately, this can make it all the more daunting to find one that you can get stuck into. Therefore, we've picked some that we hope will get you up and running in no time.
What does VST mean?
In short, Virtual Studio Technology (VST) is an audio plug-in that uses digital signal processing to simulate traditional studio hardware. From recreations of vintage analogue channel strips, renditions of prized microphones, from classic guitar stompboxes to modern-day tube amp behemoths, and a smorgasbord synths, there is a VST to match pretty much every audiophile's desires.
Using your digital audio workstation (DAW) of choice or standalone VST-hosting software such as Cantabile Lite or VSTHost, you can load up a graphical user interface (GUI) representation of the plugin and tinker with settings. With such a competitive market across both commercial and non-commercial VSTs, the standard of quality is high. Naturally, the beefier the plugin then the greater the computer processing power that you're going to need to minimise latency. Unless you're planning on crafting your magnum opus with unlimited tracks that all require unique plugins to establish your sonic masterpiece, you should be fine.
Audio interfaces
1. Focusrite
For those who want an audio interface that will get the job done, won't break the bank, and delivers exceptional performance in the process, check out our guide to the most excellent Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Generation. And if you're weighing up whether or not to go Scarlett or Clarett, then check out this useful guide to find out which one most suits you.
As well as all that, you can find information on the Focusrite Plug-In Collective too. Plugins galore and Focusrite just keep them coming too, thank you Focusrite!
2. Native Instruments
The team at Native Instruments are highly regarded for their impeccable KOMPLETE software which has aided many a producer/songwriter in their quest for a chart-topping hit, MASCHINE production controllers and workstations, KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard controllers, TRAKTOR DJ controllers, and of course, their impeccable KOMPLETE USB Audio Interfaces including Audio 1, Audio 2, and Audio 6.
For a limited time only, if you order and register a Native Instruments KOMPLETE Audio interface you get Guitar Rig 5 PRO absolutely free!
3. Presonus
Boasting a worthy reputation for producing outstanding audio interfaces on the market, Presonus know a thing or two about a thing or two. When it comes to software, they aren't too shabby about bundling their hardware with their legendary Studio One software either. As robust as they come yet supremely simple to get up and running, Presonus hardware and software is a dream for songwriters, producers, guitarists - everyone!
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
Vst Guitar Distortion Plugins Free
For those who may be wondering what DAWs are out there, then if you're just getting off the ground you can't go wrong with something like Audacity. Getting your bearings with regard to working out how to get a signal from your guitar through your interface into your DAW can be tricky. However, Audacity is about as easy as it gets, offering the basics for you to get up and running.
However, many audio interfaces such as those provided by Focusrite, Native Instruments, and Presonus are all supplied with DAWs to get you up and running in a seamless fashion.
Let's check out those free VSTs
1. IK Multimedia: AmpliTube Custom Shop
Hats off to the team at IK Multimedia. Innovators from the very beginning, their range of audio plugins covers everything from complete studio tools to single instrument effects. The AmpliTube Custom Shop is their free offering of their renowned AmpliTube range of guitar VSTs. Loaded with 24 pieces of gear to get you up and running, which include a digital chromatic tuner, 9 stompboxes, 4 amps, 5 cab models, 3 mics and 2 rack effects units. You can expand your arsenal with more models as you progress, and the IK library includes authorized models from legendary brands such as Ampeg, Marshall, MESA/Boogie, Orange, Soldano, and Wampler to name but a few. There are even AmpliTube software options for iPhone/iPad and Android devices for when you're on the move.
2. Native Instruments: Guitar Rig 5 Player
If you don't know who Native Instruments are, then let's just say that they know a thing or two when it comes to audio software (and hardware but we're focusing on software here, alright). Their Guitar Rig 5 Player software is a trimmed-down free version of their powerful Guitar Rig 5 Pro suite (see above on how to get it for free for a limited time only).
Set out in a modular format, Guitar Rig 5 Player hosts the Jump Amp with Matched Cabinet, which looks and behave in a very similar fashion to a well-known British amp manufacturer's model. Dedicated effects include a distortion called the Skreamer (again based on a popular guitar effect), modulation effects, reverbs and delays, EQs and filters, dynamic controllers, and studio-based modifiers, tools and sidechain capability. Guitar Rig 5 Player is also expandable, with a range of add-ons available from Native Instruments' NI Online Shop.
3. SimuAnalog Guitar Suite
Moving away from the industry heavyweights we find non-commercial products such as the remarkable SimulAnalog Guitar Suite. Conceived as part of an academic research project and applied to musical instrument gear, we guitarists reap the benefits. Hooray! There are simulations of time-tested classics here from BOSS, Ibanez, Fender, Marshall, Univox and Oberheim. Memory requirements are minimal, and the audio quality is astonishing considering this is completely free. Check out the samples via the link provided and remember - it's free!
4. LePou Guitar Plugins / LeCab2
A gentleman from France by the name of Poulin is responsible for LePou Guitar Plugins and LeCab2 impulse loader. The man is an absolute wizard when it comes to crafting software-based guitar rigs. There are recreations of classic British high gain amps, modern day German engineered powerhouses, Californian boutique amps and the American high gain amps that have become a metal standard. The plugins play well with both Windows and Mac-based systems, they run smoothly, and they sound amazing. If you fancy getting your shred on, then you need to check this guy's wares out now!
5. TSE Audio - TSE X50
Another one for rockers and metallers to get stuck into, the TSE Audio TSE X50 is a fantastic digital emulation of a world-famous US guitar amp. The demo version is free with the option to upgrade should you wish to. TSE have included a detailed walkthrough video of the software, as well as a selection of demo tracks to give you a flavour of what it is capable of.
6. Fretted Synth Audio - FreeAmp 3 Full
FreeAmp 3 by Joseph DeHelian of Fretted Synth Audio is a Windows-based plug-in that boasts wide ranging tone shaping potential. The software boasts built-in amp types, different EQs with independent controls, a guitar synth, various compressors and gates, plus a plethora of effects to get stuck into including delays, reverbs, overdrives, etc. Something like this shouldn't be free, but it is, so fill your boots!
BONUS: 7. Ignite Amps - Emissary
The Emissary from Ignite Amps is a digital emulation of its hardware cousin, which was built for Ryan Huthnance (ludicrously talented guitarist who is in more bands than is sensible). The GUI is a 3D rendered model of the amp with the same control layout. Every effort has gone into minimising latency for flawless real-time performance. Check out the linked video for an idea of the immense power it is capable of. We could happily plug into this and while away many hours/days chopping through riffs with glee.
Hopefully, that lot should keep you ticking over..
So, there we have it, plenty of food for thought with regard to guitar plugins. It's close to Christmas (unless you're reading this at a different time of year and its nowhere near that time), so if you or the guitarist in your life wants some new gear but you've already blown your budget on mince pies and fizz (why?), there's always free guitar VST plugins.
For anyone who has stumbled upon this article who isn't a guitarist, there are loads of other types of VSTs too, check some out here.
If we've given you a flavour of what's on offer and you fancy diving into a full music production suite, then check out our Computer Music > Software.
If you liked that, then you might like this
For those who like to tweak their tone on-the-fly, check out our handy guide to 'Reamping Your Guitar or Bass'. Tom Quayle guides you through the process that offers greater flexibility in the studio.
For any information on 'Building Your Own Pedalboard', we give you the full rundown and even include a nifty little diagram too.
Plus, if you're flummoxed as to how to get the best use out of your amp's effects loop, then we've even got an article on that too. Believe it or not it's titled 'How to Use the Effects Loop On Your Amp' (do you see what we did there?)