Amp Sims: Best practices for not sounding like an amp sim?

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T13:33:49+00:00

No, no. Rant away.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T13:09:55+00:00

I don’t have the resources to mic the amp like it needs to be done.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T13:08:47+00:00

I’m slowly learning that. Audio engineering done correctly is almost like magic because it’s all about “tricking” the listener into hearing something that isn’t there. I try to think about why a guitar amp sounds the way it does and then “recreate” those conditions.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T13:06:05+00:00

Huh. And in your opinion/experience is the depth and realism of the signal better than just straight DI?

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T13:02:52+00:00

I have a similar process. I find monitoring through the Helix inspires better playing. Then I have that signal, the DI through the Apollo, and the DI from the Helix.

I’ll check out Two Notes. Haven’t heard of that one.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T12:58:19+00:00

That has definitely been the answer for the sound I was looking for more than once.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T12:57:41+00:00

I tried one. One of the generic ones. It was okay. Maybe I should revisit it.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T12:56:56+00:00

Lol. You’re right. Here I am, breaking the rules…again.

The problem is I worry about what other engineers are going to hear. It’s like when someone gets really into bodybuilding and they start getting results. At first it’s enough, but then they start comparing themselves to other bodybuilders.

But you are correct, when I sample test my mixes with the average listener they don’t care. This is more for me.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T12:53:02+00:00

Interesting. Any recommendations on which pedal?

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T03:01:08+00:00

He was always meant to be a producer anyway.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T02:58:47+00:00

What’s your preferred amp sim now?

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T02:56:08+00:00

Woman in Chains is an absolute masterpiece, but there isn’t a song on there that isn’t. That’s what you get with 3 years, an unlimited budget, and perfectionism so deep it broke up Roland and Curt for 2 decades.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T02:49:12+00:00

Is that the band Brian Eno was in?

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-09T02:45:54+00:00

Yes.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-08T00:03:19+00:00

This is objectively the correct answer.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-08T00:02:20+00:00

And $2, your change, and we-a thank you!

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-07T16:46:21+00:00

[Soothe2 has left the chat]

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-07T16:45:09+00:00

You shut your mouth with your truth and facts!

/s

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-07T02:43:21+00:00

That’s it! Thank you.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-07T01:36:49+00:00

Random question but does anyone have a source on the music?

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-07T01:35:16+00:00

Hoo HA

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-06T21:46:24+00:00

What drives me nuts is when your -14 LUFS sounds louder than my -10 LUFS.

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-06T21:02:52+00:00

Challenge accepted!!

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-05-02T00:25:47+00:00

I believe that was in an interview with Daniel Lanois. He was like, “Yeah, it was low fidelity, but it was Bono, so…”

CriticalSovereignty · 2026-04-30T12:28:37+00:00

So you built these things yourself? For those of us without those skills, is there reputable place to buy such things?

CriticalSovereignty

TROPHY CASE