TH2 - Music Tech - May 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
With so many software amp and effects simulators now available, standing out from the crowd can be a tough task. Some of the big names already provide a huge selection of amps and effects and incredible levels of realism in their modelling technology. To help give TH2 the edge Overloud has created dedicated models of amps by three boutique manufacturers – Randall, Brunetti and THD. Alongside these authorised models are the usual selection of thinly veiled emulations of classic amps, such as the Bassface ’59, Darkface ’65 and Top30. Only the authorised Randall, Brunetti and THD amps come with actual graphical representations of the amps (the others have a generic amp UI) but if the names of the others aren’t enough of a hint as to the amps they model Overloud provides an additional clue by giving the amp’s country of manufacture (US or UK) next to the name.
The signal chain is laid out across the centre of the TH2 window, with a translucent guitar on the let indicating the input and a similarly translucent mixer on the right for the interface or DAW outputs. Modules in the chain are cabled together and you can add new modules by clicking on a cable and selecting a new module from the menu. You can also move modules by clicking and dragging them around the chain.
The system bears a passing resemblance to POD Farm’s UI, but is a little more flexible as you can move the splitter and mixer modules to allow you to split and joint he signal at any stage in the signal chain (although you can’t insert additional splitters and mixers to create truly bizarre routings). The selection of amps and effects is impressive, with a good collection of models of each type, enabling you to select the effect with the voice you want instead of a generic effect for each type.
The boutique amps in TH2’s arsenal will certainly appeal to some, but what really makes TH2 stand out for us is the SLR (Seamless Live Remodelling) technology, which enables you to create hybrids based on the characteristics of two different amps using a single crossfader in real time. This technology morphs the characteristics of one amp into the next as you move the slider from one side to the other, enabling you to create your own custom amp models by combining two different ones.
Interestingly, because it does this in real time you can actually morph between two amps while playing. You can even assign the knob to a MIDI expression controller to morph the sound from your feet as you play. The only problem with the SLR technology is that you can’t use it with all of the amps (in fact, you can’t use it with any of the Randall, Brunetti or THD amps at all). There are still 12 amps to select from, but having the option to blend the others as well would have made TH2 even more appealing.
In addition to being able to morph between the 12 amp models in the generic Amplifier module, this module also includes a hidden VariFire parameter that appears when you hover the mouse over the amp UI. This parameter changes the character of any of the amps from the natural sound of the amp at o to a bigger, more in-your-face version of the amp when dialled all the way up to 12.
With such amp and effects modelling software offering a wide variety of sounds and tweakable parameters, it’s hard to imagine a guitarist not being able to find a good sound using any of them. But with so many to choose from, using the software can often become a test of your patience. To alleviate this issue TH2 has ‘Smart Connection’ – single controls that can be used to control a number of parameters simultaneously. Smart Connections can be used to switch between completely different sounds or to dial up a number of parameters together. The uses for this are obvious: for example, enabling you to quickly switch between a lead and rhythm guitar sound at the touch of a single button without having to switch presets. Instead you have all your pedals in the patch and turn some off or others on at the touch of a button.
There’s a lot in TH2 to love. The amp sounds are great and the options to tweak away to get the perfect tone are all there, plus it has one of the most advanced mic positioning emulations we’ve seen. But it’s the Smart controls that impress us most, separating the user from the minor details and letting them focus on the bigger picture.
Verdict: TH2 is a great amp sim with some unique features that should make it a popular choice.
Rating: 8/10
Click here for more information about TH2
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