Using an amp simulator plugin

These can be extremely creative mixing aids – here’s how the major types of instrument sound through virtual re-amping

01 >

Amps are a prime candidate for drum processing, adding body and room sound and getting that muchneeded ‘air’ to the room. Check our examples of drums and all the following instruments in the video version of this tutorial.

02 >

Musical synths aren’t that far from guitar sounds, so can be great when piped through an amp. Particularly, it’s the choice of stompboxes in a modern-day amp sim that bring out the unlimited nature of synths, and there’s also no end of effects to apply.

03 >

Bass – whether synth or guitar – is more at home when pushed through a bass amp. Whack up the distortion, if preferred, and go to town, adding that sense of space with reverb and mic positioning.

04 >

Percussion can benefit from staple guitar effects like flanging and phasing – especially when added to the very top end, for a smoother sound. Distortion may not go as far on percussion, but the room sound of a well-miked virtual amp works wonders.

05

Vocals can be anything from lush and creamy to brash and overdriven when sent through an amp. Here, as with synths, the only limit is your imagination, as there’s an entire virtual studio full of sophisticated effects to send vocal tracks through.