How to Make Amp Sims Sound More Analog

This Simple Technique Can Make Amp Sims Sound Warmer and More Organic
by Craig Anderton

All amp sims that I've used exhibit, to one degree or another, what I call "the annoying frequency." For some reason this seems to be inherent in modeling, and adds a sort of "fizzy," whistling sound that I find objectionable. It may be the result of pickup characteristics, musical style, playing technique, etc. adding up in the wrong way and therefore emphasizing a resonance or it may be something else...but in any event, it detracts from the potential richness of the amp sound.

This article includes audio examples from Avids Eleven Rack and Native Instruments Guitar Rig 4, but Im not picking on them almost every amp sim program Ive used has at least one or two amps that exhibit this characteristic. It also seems like an unpredictable problem; one amp might have this fizz only when using a particular virtual mic or cabinet, but the same mic or cabinet on a different amp might sound fine.

Normally, if you found this sound, you'd probably just say "I don't like that" and try a different cabinet, amp, or mic (or change the amp settings). But, you don't have to if you know the secret of fizz removal. All you need is a stage or two of parametric (not quasi-parametric) EQ, a good set of ears, and a little patience.

BUT FIRST...

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How to Make Amp Sims Sound More Analog

Before getting into fizz removal, you might try a couple other techniques. Physical amps dont have a lot of energy above 5kHz because of the physics of cabinets and speakers, but amp sims dont have physical limitations. So eEven if the sim is designed to reduce highs, youll often find high-frequency artifacts, particularly if you run the sim at lower sample rates (e.g., 44.1kHz). One way to obtain a more pleasing distorted amp sim sound is simply to run the sim at an 88.2kHz or 96kHz sample rate.

Another option is removing unneeded high frequencies. Many EQs offer a lowpass filter response that attenuates levels above a certain frequency. Set this for around 5-10kHz, with as steep a rolloff as possible (specified in dB/octave; 12dB/octave is good, 24dB/octave is better). Vary the frequency until any highfrequency buzziness goes away.

Similarly, its a good idea to trim the very lowest bass frequencies. Physical cabinetsparticularly open-back cabinetshave a limited low frequency response; besides, recording engineers often roll off the bass a bit to give a tighter sound. A quality parametric EQ will probably have a highpass filter function. As a guitars lowest string is just below 100Hz, set the frequency for a sharp low-frequency rolloff around 70Hz or so to minimize any mud.

FIZZ/ANNOYING FREQUENCY REMOVAL

Although amp sims can do remarkably faithful amp emulations, with real amps the recording process often smoothes out undesirable resonances and fizz due to miking, mic position, the sound traveling through air, etc. When going direct, though, any annoying frequencies tend to be emphasized.

The following audio example is from Avids Eleven Rack; the combination of the Digidesign Custom Modern amp, 2x12 Black Duo Cab, and on-axis Dyn 421 mic creates a somewhat fizzy sound. Listen carefully, and you'll hear a high, sort of "whistling" quality that doesn't sound at all organic or warm, but "digital."

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How to Make Amp Sims Sound More Analog

FizzySound.mp3

The audio example is the original amp sim sound. Lets find that fizzy quality, and get rid of it.

1. Turn down your monitors because there may be some really loud levels as you search for the annoying frequency (or frequencies). 2. Enable a parametric equalizer stage. Set a sharp Q (resonance), and boost the gain to at least 12dB. 3. Sweep the parametric frequency as you play. There will likely be a frequency where the sound gets extremely loud and distortedmore so than any other frequencies. Zero in on this frequency.

FindFizzyFreq.mp3

In this audio example, I've created a sharp, narrow peak to localize where the whistle is. You'll hear the peak sweep across the spectrum, and while the sharp peak is sort of unpleasant in itself, toward the end you'll note that it's settled on that whistling sound we heard in the first example. In this case, after sweeping the parametric stage, the annoying whistle is centered around 7.9kHz.

4. Now use the parametric gain control to cut gain, thus reducing the annoying frequency check out the next audio example.

RemoveFizz.mp3

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How to Make Amp Sims Sound More Analog

You'll hear the whistle for the first couple seconds, then hear it disappear magically as the peak turns into a notch (check out the filter response in the following screen shot). Note how the amp now sounds richer, warmer, more organic, and just plain more freakin' wonderful A little past the halfway point through the clip, I switched the filter out of the circuit so the response was flat (no peak or dip). You'll definitely hear the whistle come back.

Here's what was used to remove the fizz (click to enlarge). This single parametric notch makes a huge difference in terms of improving the sound quality.

DUAL NOTCH TECHNIQUES AND EXAMPLES

Sometimes finding and removing a second fizz frequency can improve the sound even more; lets investigate.

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How to Make Amp Sims Sound More Analog

No notches.mp3

This audio example plays back the original sound from Guitar Rig 4s AC30 emulation. It sounds okay, but theres a certain harshness in the high end. Lets find the fizzy frequencies and remove them, using the same procedure we used with the Eleven Rack.

FindFreq9645Hz.mp3

After sweeping the parametric stage, I found an annoying whistle centered at 9,645Hz. Now listen to the next audio example.

Notch at 9645Hz.mp3

The notch takes out the whistle at 9,645Hz. Note how the high end sounds a lot smoother. But were not done yet; lets see if we can find any other annoying frequencies.

FindFreq5046Hz.mp3

This audio example shows that there's another peak frequency; this time it's centered at 5,046Hz.

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How to Make Amp Sims Sound More Analog

Removing this additional frequency doesnt make as dramatic a difference as removing the 9,645kHz range, but it still improves the overall sound...check out the next audio example.

Additional Notch at 5046Hz.mp3

This example plays back the original file with both notches added, followed by the original file without any notches (flat response). Note how the second part sounds much more digital, and lacks the warmth of the first half...and also note that it's not a subtle difference!

The above image (click to enlarge) shows the parametric EQ notches that were applied to the signal, using the Sonitus EQ in Cakewalk's Sonar DAW.

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How to Make Amp Sims Sound More Analog

MUCH BETTER!

Impressive, eh? This is the key to getting good amp sim sounds. Further refinements on this technique are:

Experiment with the notch bandwidth. You want the narrowest notch possible that nonetheless gets rid of the whistle, otherwise you'll diminish the highs...although that may be what you want. As I said, experiment! Some amp sims exhibit multiple annoying frequencies. On occasion, sometimes three notches is perfect. Generally, the more notches you need to use, the more narrow you need them to be.

When youre done, between the high/low frequency trims and the midrange notches, your amp sim should sound smoother, creamier, and more realistic. Enjoy your new tone!

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