Get with the programmers
The Indonesian amp modellers have been working on something a lot less virtual in recent months
When you’re modelling an amp, do you observe the components and try to ‘recreate’ them individually, or is it more of a modelling/convolution process?
AA “We model our guitar amp algorithms on electronic schemas, but we chop all the processing stages into blocks. This way, we can achieve the best sonic quality possible while keeping the CPU usage low – it’s always a balance between sound quality and processing power.
“In analogue modelling, some parts need to be altered to sound good in the digital domain, so we put extra effort into the final tweaks. That’s why we prefer our modelling to be called ‘inspired by’ rather than ‘based on’ certain hardware. Many times, we’ve recreated schematics from a PCB and changed the components to make the algorithm just right.
“For the cabinets, we use convolution – it’s still the tried and true method for achieving the characteristics of speakers. But for the future, we’re researching a more dynamic method for convolution modelling.”
What were the biggest challenges you faced when creating your new Efektor bundle of guitar pedals?
AA “The biggest challenge is picking and tuning the pedals themselves, to cover the sound of each while keeping a significantly different range between them all. The pedals have only slight tonal differences, and that’s mostly seen in their parameter positions.”
A lot of readers won’t be using amp sims on guitar recordings. Do you have any tips for people who want to use an amp sim plugin on synths and other electronic instruments and sources?
AA “Some of us are electronic music producers too, and we still use amp sims on synth tracks. For example, robotic guitar leads à la Daft Punk are easily achieveable using a monophonic saw synth plugged into Amplifikation CM. Whistling vocal chops – Jack Ü-style – can be achieved using a cranked-up amp sim with the cabinets turned off. Or use Cerberus Bass Amp on your synth bass for added presence and to make it sit better in the mix.”
“In analogue modelling, some parts need to be altered to sound good in the digital domain”
You moved slightly out of guitar-only effects when you came out with your well-received EVE plugin EQs and Kratos Maximizer. Are you planning to release any more plugins for non-guitarists? AA “We’re currently more into guitarist-oriented plugins at this time, but studio effects are definitely still on our agenda!”
So what’s next for Kuassa? AA “Our upcoming product, Anymo Essential Guitar, is (surprisingly for us) an electro-acoustic guitar. We teamed up with the designer to develop a forward-thinking guitar which gives an authentic classic wooden guitar tonality and a head-turning quality in term of looks. In the future, this Anymo Essential Guitar will be powered with our range of effects to get the best of both worlds – Digital and Acoustic – to enrich sonic possibilities.”