Common Audio’s amp sim pedals are an reasonably priced path to convincing tube amp sounds

The one factor to notice right here is that you would be able to 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 is usually a bit unstable. A latest firmware replace improved the scenario, however it nonetheless drops every now and then.

The very last thing to say earlier than we transfer on to the sounds is the construct high quality. The UAFX modelers are simply absolute bricks. Whereas any stompbox price its salt goes to be fairly rugged and made out of metallic (they need to 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 forged from extraordinarily dense aluminum and would positively trigger some critical harm if dropped on an uncovered toe – barefoot gamers beware.

Alright, so we’ve established that they’re properly constructed, characteristic wonderful connectivity choices (all three are stereo as properly) and sound nice, however what’s it concerning the sound that units them other than the remainder of the amp modelers on the market? Nicely, 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 an awesome sounding amp or cab sim, however as a result of they’re primarily based on audio recordsdata, they are usually much less dynamic than the true deal. The UAFX pedals clear up significantly in the event you flip down the quantity in your guitar, or play very delicately. And so they creep into break up as you begin taking part in tougher.

Additionally they take impact pedals extremely properly, which isn’t one thing you may assume in my expertise, particularly relating to dust. My Fuck Overdrive and Part Garden fuzz pedals posed no problem, and truthfully the overdrive in all probability sounded higher although the UAFX modelers than it does by my Blues Jr.

That is the place we’ve got to cease lumping the three pedals collectively, although, as a result of all of them sound extremely completely different from one another. Nobody is best than the opposite, however your private choice will dictate which is the only option for you. Would you like crisp clear tones that you would be able to pair with iconic spring reverb and vibrato? The Dream ‘65 is the ticket. Want tremendous vivid chimy sounds that be pushed into basic blues-rock crunch? Then it’s the Ruby you’re searching for. And if you’d like 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 kinds 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 by the combo with out stealing the highlight.

Despite the fact that 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 regularly. The spring reverb right here is as near the true factor as you’re gonna get. It drips and rattles identical to the spring in my Blues Jr and I don’t suppose 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 suppose that the three completely different enhance channel choices and 6 completely different cab simulations provide the most tonal versatility of the three pedals. Pairing the inventory enhance with the GB25 cab delivers wonderful clear tones even at greater volumes. However flip to the lead mod and go together with the EV12 cab and you’ll rip a fairly searing solo.

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